Seminary
Alma 43, 48–50: Learning from the War Chapters

“Alma 43, 48–50: Learning from the War Chapters,” Book of Mormon Student Manual (2024)

“Alma 43, 48–50,” Book of Mormon Student Manual

Alma 43, 48–50

Learning from the War Chapters

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armored Nephites in a place of security

The last part of the book of Alma describes a time of contention and war. The strategies used by the Nephites in these wars can help us develop strategies we can use in our daily battles against Satan. This lesson can help you liken the scriptures to yourself to receive the Lord’s protection from the constant and increasing attacks of the adversary.

Recognizing the adversary

President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles warned:

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President Boyd K. Packer

You are growing up in enemy territory. … [The adversary] is in homes, entertainment, the media, language—everything around you. In most cases, his presence is undetected. (Boyd K. Packer, “How to Survive in Enemy Territory,” New Era, Apr. 2012, 2)

  • What thoughts or feelings do you have about this statement?

  • What examples can you think of that illustrate what President Packer was talking about?

Reflect for a moment on how President Packer’s statement applies to you. What are some of the ways you notice Satan’s temptations influencing you or people you love? What efforts are you making to protect yourself from his attacks?

The wars between the Nephites and the Lamanites

The end of the book of Alma describes some of the wars that took place between the Nephites and the Lamanites. As you study these accounts, you can learn valuable lessons that can help you in your battle against Satan. For example, the purposes and tactics of the Lamanites can be compared to Satan’s purposes and tactics toward us.

Read Alma 43:5–8; 46:3–5, 10, looking for what the Lamanites’ wicked leaders did that resembles Satan’s purposes and tactics.

  • How were the purposes and tactics of these leaders like those of Satan?

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Moroni with the title of liberty

The armies of the Nephites were led by a righteous man named Moroni.

Read Alma 48:11–13, 17, looking for Christlike attributes or characteristics of Moroni.

  • What did you find?

Likening the scriptures to yourself

The comparisons you have made so far in the scriptures can prepare you to liken, or relate, other details from these accounts to your own life.

The following process can help you liken the scriptures to your life. Record these steps in your study journal.

  1. Find important details.

  2. Make comparisons to your life.

  3. Discover valuable lessons.

  4. Determine personal application.

Practice the scripture study skill of likening by using this process as you learn about one of the battles between the Nephites and the Lamanites.

Step 1: Find important details

Read Alma 43:17–21, 37–39, 51–54, looking for important details. These details could include people, places, objects, or actions that are emphasized.

Some details you may have noticed include Moroni protecting his armies with armor and thick clothing, the Lamanites wearing no protective armor, and the Nephites defeating the Lamanites despite being greatly outnumbered.

Step 2: Make comparisons to your life

Think of how the details you identified in the previous step could be compared to something spiritual or to situations in your life.

You might have compared the armor of the Nephites to the armor of God. You also may have compared the Nephites’ victory to overcoming Satan and his temptations.

Step 3: Discover valuable lessons

Think about what you learn from this account that could apply to you. You can also think about what you learn about the Savior.

  • What are some lessons you learn from this battle between the Nephites and the Lamanites that could help you in your battles against Satan?

  • What does this account teach you about Jesus Christ?

One principle we can learn is that Jesus Christ offers us the protection we need in our fight against Satan.

Step 4: Determine personal application

Reflect on how you can apply the lessons you identified in the previous step.

  • What can you do to receive Jesus Christ’s protection against Satan?

Among the many ways to apply this truth, you might have thought of how the Savior’s protection is available through faithful actions such as prayer (see Doctrine and Covenants 10:5), scripture study (see 1 Nephi 15:24), or keeping the Lord’s commandments (see Mosiah 2:41).

Practice likening the scriptures again

Choose at least two of the following sets of verses, and, as you study, practice using the four-step process for likening the scriptures.

  1. Answer the following questions:

    • What important details did you identify from an account you studied?

    • What are some comparisons you made between those details and aspects of your life?

    • What is one or more lessons you learned from this account?

    • How can you apply these lessons to your life?