The Rest of Aaron's Story...A story of Determination and Courage

Artist: James H. Fullner

Our last adventure included the freeing of Aaron and his friends from prison at the hands of his brother, Ammon and King Lamoni.  The end of that story?  I think not!  Why did Aaron get put in prison in the first place?

My thoughts trail back to the beginning of the story of the sons of Mosiah. 




Image from: LDS Book of Mormon Student Seminary Manual

They wanted to go amongst the Lamanite people to teach the gospel that they dearly loved.   Remember their parting?  How difficult it must have been to leave each other especially as they were embarking on unfamiliar enemy territory.

Image from: mormonchannel.org

 

Remember that Ammon had chosen to go to the land of Ishmael where he had met King Lamoni.  Ammon, through divine inspiration converted the King and his wife plus many, many more in this land.

On the other hand, as these brethren parted ways, Aaron took his journey towards the land called by the Lamanites, Jerusalem, named after their forefather's original birthplace.  This city, Jerusalem was impressive.  It had been built by the hands of the Lamanites, Amalekites and the Amulonites.  The Lamanites themselves were a very hardened group, but the Amalekites and Amulonites were even harder!  These people were strong in wickedness and abominations.  Just Aaron's luck that he would find himself in this most wicked city among these most wicked people!? 

However, Aaron was filled with the Holy Ghost and armed with his precious testimony.  He began to preach in the Lamanite synagogues. 

Aaron entered into one of these synagogues to teach and preach. There rose up an Amalekite who began to argue with him asking him many questions.   Can you picture that this guy with loads of questions speaking to Aaron in a very prideful and huffy manner?  Remember that Aaron was just a young man too, which adds even more drama to the story.

The Amalekite questions:
"What is that thou hast testified? 
Hast thou seen an angel? 
Why do not angels appear unto us? 
Behold are not THIS people as good as THY people? 
Thou also sayest, except we repent we shall perish. 
How knowest thou the thought and intent of our hearts? 
How knowest thou that we have cause to repent? 
How knowest thou that we are not a righteous people? 
Behold, we have built sanctuaries and we do assemble ourselves together to worship God. 
We do believe that God will save all men.
Alma 21:5-6

Having the spirit wrapped around him, Aaron could have lost his cool, been afraid or been tongue-tied, but instead he asked a simple question of the Amalekite:  
"Believest thou that the Son of God shall come to redeem mankind from their sins?" Alma 21:7

The Amalekite replied: "We do not believe that thou knowest any such thing.  We do not believe in these foolish traditions.  We do not believe that thou knowest of things to come, neither do we believe that thy fathers and also that our fathers did know concerning the things which they spake, of that which is to come."  Alma 21:8

With complete composure, Aaron calmly opened the Scriptures and spoke concerning the coming of Christ, and spoke concerning the resurrection of the dead.  He testified that there could be no redemption for mankind except thru the death and sufferings of Jesus Christ and thru the atonement of his blood.  As Aaron spoke of these sacred teachings, the group began to be VERY angry with him.  They began to mock him and they would not listen to any of the words he spoke. 

Aaron realized that his preaching was falling on deaf ears.  He left their synagogue and went to a village called Ani-Anti.  There he found Muloki, his friend, along with Ammah and his brethren, preaching the word of God.  They were contending with many about the Word of God in that place, as well.

These guys realized they were getting nowhere fast and so they traveled into the land of Middoni.  There they did preach the word of God to many people, but few believed their words.  Can you imagine their discouragement?  Can you imagine their disappointment?

At this point, to make matters worse, Aaron and some of his companions were taken into prison.  The remainder fled out of Middoni into the lands round about.

Aaron and his companions suffered greatly in prison until they were delivered by the hand of his brother Ammon and King Lamoni.

If it were me, I would have been re-thinking my plan to teach among the Lamanites.  Not a lot of success had come Aaron's way to this point.  But did he give up?  NO!  He went forth again declaring the word of God in EVERY synagogue of the Amalekites and in every assembly of the Lamanites were they could be admitted.  And guess what began to happen??

"And it came to pass that the Lord began to bless them, insomuch that they brought many to the knowledge of the truth; yea, they did convince many of their sins, and of the traditions of their fathers, which were not correct."  Alma 21:17 

This is a major principle alert!  These guys had not had much success to this point.  But they DID NOT give up.  Even after prison, they kept teaching and preaching and what happened?  Things began to change.  The Lord began to bless them and people started listening, learning and becoming teachable.  In our lives, when things may not be going well, we can't give up.  As we continue with our righteous endeavors, the Lord will bless us!

Let's talk about Ammon for a moment:
AMMON and King Lamoni went back to Ishmael.  King Lamoni caused that synagogues should be built in his land and he taught his people that they should assemble together often.  He taught them many righteous things.  He declared that they were a free people.  Free from the oppressions of his father, the King and from himself.  He also taught them that they could have freedom to worship the Lord their God according to their own desires, in whatever way they chose.  Ammon taught King Lamoni's people as well.  He taught them ALL things pertaining to righteousness.  He did preach to them every day with diligence, and the beautiful part was that they listened.  They were "zealous for keeping the commandments of God." Alma 21:23

While Ammon continued teaching King Lamoni's people, let's return to AARON.  Aaron was led by the Spirit to the land of Nephi, to a very important house.  To the house of the father of King Lamoni.  The BIG head honcho of all the land.  Remember this had been the King who had originally tried to kill Ammon! 

Don't you find it interesting that the spirit is leading Aaron right to him.  Aaron went into the King's palace and explained who he and his brethren were.  Aaron stated they they would be the King's servants.  The King told them that they didn't need to be his servants, but he did have one insistent request...  Oh, no what would that request be??

Would Aaron be thrown back in prison?  Would the King try to kill Aaron as he had previously tried to kill his brother?

PRINCIPLE POWER:

What principles did you discover in this section of the Book of Mormon? Here's a few of my personal thoughts:

1.  When life is difficult, do not give up.  Have faith.  Heavenly Father will bless our lives.  Sometimes we have to learn patience, long suffering and courage as part of the plan for our life. 

2.  We need to remember to ask for help from Heavenly Father!  When in doubt, PRAY! 

3. Don't be afraid to approach someone about the Gospel. Aaron approached the powerful King because the Spirit directed him to. When the Spirit directs me, do I hesitate, ignore or listen and act?

4.  Do not give up on dreams.  The sons of Mosiah had a big dream.  They could have lost their confidence and courage in the face of adversity, but they did not.  They were buoyed up by the strength of the Lord and GREAT and incredible things happened in the end.

Lamoni's Courage & Aaron's Patience

Our last glimpse of the story revealed King Lamoni's father, demanding that Lamoni kill his beloved friend Ammon.  What would Lamoni do?  Would he have the courage to stand up to his father?  Or would he buckle to the pressure and kill Ammon as his father demanded?
        
I love Lamoni's surprising response back to his Dad. "I will not slay Ammon, neither will I return to the land of Ishmael, but I go to the land of Middoni that I may release the brethren of Ammon, for I know that they are just men and hold prophets of the true God. Alma 20:15

That took some major guts to say those words! He was bearing his testimony to THE King of the Lamanites! The old King didn't say, "Ok great do whatever you want". He was of course very angry with his son. I'm sure he didn't want to be disrespected in this manner, having his son defy him, especially in front of a Nephite! In fact, he was so angry that "he drew his sword that he might smite him to the earth"Alma 20:16

Image from: www.lds.org

Ammon stood forward and said "Behold, thou shalt not slay thy son; nevertheless, if were better that he should fall than thee, for behold, he has repented of his sins; but if thou shouldst fall at this time, in thine anger, thy soul could not be saved. And again, it is expedient that thou shouldst forbear; for if thou shouldst slay thy son, he being an innocent man, his blood would cry from the ground to the Lord his God, for vengeance to come upon thee; and perhaps thou wouldst lose thy soul." Alma 20:17-18

Lamoni's Dad admitted that if he killed his own son, he would be shedding innocent blood. He turned to Ammon and told him that it was he who had tried to destroy his son! Lamoni's Dad then tried to kill Ammon. "Ammon withstood the blows, and smote his [the King's] arm that he could not use it." Alma 20:20 (Remember once again, that awesome promise to Ammon's father, Mosiah, that his sons would be spared in the land of Lamanites! The promise continues!)



Image from: Book of Mormon Seminary Student Guide

When the King realized that Ammon could overpower him, he started pleading for his life. What Ammon did next was brilliant.   He raised up his sword and said to the old King that he would smite him unless he promised that his brothers would be let out of prison. The king was so relieved with this request that he said "If thou wilt spare me, I will grant unto thee whatsoever thou wilt ask, even to half of the kingdom"! Alma 20:23

Ammon had him right where he wanted! Ammon requested the following:
1. That the king would allow Ammon's brethren out of prison.
2. That Lamoni would be able to keep his kingdom.
3. That the King would not be angry with his son.
4. That the King would allow his son to do whatever he wanted.

If the King would agree to these terms, Ammon would spare his life, and if not, he'd be toast!

The old King rejoiced because his life was spared and he realized that Ammon didn't want to destroy him at all. He also saw the brotherly love that Ammon had for Lamoni. The King agreed to all of Ammon's conditions. The king was so overcome that he even requested that once the brethren were released from prison that Ammon and they might come to see him. He desired to learn more about what Ammon had been teaching!  He wanted to hear more about the Gospel of Jesus Christ!!  What a missionary moment for Ammon.  Can you imagine the joy he must have felt!?

After all that scary drama, Lamoni and Ammon were back on the road again heading toward Middoni to gain freedom for Aaron and his companions. Lamoni found favor with his friend, King Antiomno of Middoni and just like that, Aaron and his friends were released from prison.

Can you imagine the joyous reunion Ammon and Aaron enjoyed.  However, when Ammon laid eyes on his brother and their friends he was 'exceedingly sorrowful'. They were "naked, and their skins were worn exceedingly because of being bound with strong cords. And they also had suffered hunger, thirst, and all kinds of afflictions; nevertheless they were patient in all their sufferings."   

Major Principle Alert: These guys had been thrown in prison, bound, been deprived of food and drink and who knows what else...AND then after ALL that, they were still patient in their sufferings? 

As we each contemplate our own lives are we patient in our sufferings? I most definitely am not!  Are we patient in situations that do not seem fair in our lives? Are we patient in situations that are out of our control? Patience is something that is a difficult virtue to master, but one that I believe requires our constant attention.

"And as it happened, it was their lot to have fallen into the hands of a more hardened and a more stiff-necked people; therefore they would not hearken unto their words, and they had cast them out, and had smitten them, and had driven them from house to house, and from place to place, even until they had arrived in the land of Middoni; and there they were taken and cast into prison, and bound with strong cords, and kept in prison for many days..." Alma 20:30

I have often thought about these two sons of Mosiah, Ammon and Aaron. Why did Ammon end up in the land of Ishmael with King Lamoni who basically at the first meeting offered him his daughter to marry? And why did Aaron, his brother, end up naked and bound in prison in Middoni?  It doesn't seem fair does it? As we research a little more of Alma 20:30, the words stand out to me...It was their LOT to have fallen into the hands of.....

It goes back to the age old questions, why do bad things happen to good people? Why did Ammon seem to get a much easier path than Aaron, when both are righteous boys trying to do what is right? I think that we each have certain trials, problems, obstacles and temptations to discover and overcome in each of our own lives. Some may seem to have an easier 'lot' while others don't.  We really truly never know another's 'lot' in life though, do we?   All we can do is focus on our own.  As I look over my own life, I see that my greatest trials have in fact, become the things that have made me grow, develop and strengthen the very most.

Ammon and Aaron, both righteous people who each had a different LOT or path in life to fulfill.  Each becoming stronger because of their own trials, problems, obstacles and temptations.

At this point, was the Lamanite mission over for Ammon and his brethren?  Could they finally now return to their home, having accomplished everything they set out to do?  Would Lamoni's Father end up accepting  the gospel?  What would happen to all the new Lamanite converts to the gospel?  SO many questions....and thankfully so many answers are yet to come!

 

PRINCIPLE POWER:

What principles did you discover in this section of the Book of Mormon?  Here's a few of my personal thoughts:

1.  Am I willing to stand up for righteousness, even when I feel pressure to do otherwise, like Lamoni did when he stood up to his father?  Do I 'go with the crowd' and just keep quiet?  Do I continue to watch the TV show or listen to the song on the radio or look at something on the Internet, when I know the content is not appropriate for me?

2.  Do I have courage like Ammon did when he stood up to the old King?  Do I have righteous courage to stand in holy places to stand up for what I believe and share my beliefs with others and not be afraid?

3. Do I unwisely compare my problems with other people's problems? Or do I consider that my personal problems can be viewed as a refining fire and a learning experience for me rather than a stumbling block?

4.  Do I complain at the slightest inconveniences in my own life?  Do I have patience and draw nearer to my Heavenly Father and Savior during the most difficult times or do I pull away from them because I am so angry with my own set of personal trials, tribulations, temptations or circumstances?  

5.  I can be patient in ALL my sufferings!

 

The Lamanite Kings, Father & Son

Our Scripture journey has led us to Ammon having had major success in converting King Lamoni's people to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.   A church had been established there.

With all the drama behind them, King Lamoni asked Ammon to go with him to the land of Nephi, to meet his father, who was King over all of Lamanite land. 

The Lord's voice came to Ammon and said "Thou shalt not go up to the land of Nephi, for behold, the king will seek thy life; but thou shalt go to the land of Middoni; for behold, thy brother Aaron, and also Muloki and Ammah are in prison." Alma 19:2

When these things were revealed to Ammon he said to Lamoni, "Behold, my brother and brethren are in prison at Middoni, and I go that I may deliver them." Alma 19:3  

I LOVE what King Lamoni said next to Ammon,  "I know, in the strength of the Lord thou canst do all things." Alma 20:4   Lamoni recognized that with the Lord's strength and help Ammon could do anything, but he wanted to help his friend as well.  The King of Middoni, Antiomno was a friend to Lamoni.  Lamoni felt that he could flatter Antiomno and that surely he would let Ammon's people out of prison.  Can't you just feel that King Lamoni's kindness and testimony were growing by leaps and bounds!

Lamoni's next question to Ammon is fantastic.  He just realized something important!  "Who told thee that thy brethren were in prison?  Alma 19:4  

Image from: www.lds.org

Of course, Ammon told him that no one had told him except God.  When Lamoni heard this he really stepped up their travel plans.   Isn't it interesting how quickly things changed!?  King Lamoni was the one who would have killed Nephites previously without even giving it a second thought!  Now he was going to rescue them!


King Lamoni's Father
Image from: Book of Mormon Seminary Student Study Guide

As Ammon and Lamoni were traveling to Middoni, they met Lamoni's Father along the way.  Lamoni's Dad was the head honcho of all the Lamanites in the area.  The old King had two questions for his son: 

First, "Why didn't you come to the feast that I prepared for all my sons and for my people?" 
Second, "Where are you going with this Nephite, who is the child of a liar?"  

Lamoni explained to his Dad where he was going and why he had not been able to attend the feast.  There had been a LOT going on in Lamoni's Kingdom lately....

 

 Lamoni's father was VERY angry.   He said the following:"Lamoni, thou art going to deliver these Nephites, who are sons of a liar.  Behold, he robbed our fathers; and now his children are also come amongst us that they may, by their cunning and their lyings, deceive us, that they again may rob us of our property" Alma 20:13

(Side note: The hatred that the Lamanites had for the Nephites dated back to the days of Lehi, Nephi, Laman & Lemuel in the early pages of the Book of Mormon.   Laman & Lemuel felt that Nephi had robbed them of the brass plates.   In addition, they did not like that Nephi had assumed a 'leadership' role over them.  They were the 'older' brothers and felt that they should have been the leaders, not their kid brother. This anger and feud lasted for hundreds of years and was passed down from generation to generation.)

Lamoni's father had intense hatred toward the Nephite people because of the traditions of his fathers.  He COMMANDED his son to kill Ammon with the sword.  He also commanded him that he should not go to the land of Middoni but should return to his own kingdom. 


Just think how devastating this must have been to Lamoni.  He had grown to love Ammon and yet he was still under the governing rule of his father who had now told him he had to kill his new friend. 

What would Lamoni say to his Father? 

Would he buckle under the pressure? 
 
Would he actually kill Ammon?

Would he be able to speak up for what he knew was right?

****************************

PRINCIPLE POWER



What principles can you pull from these verses?  The beauty of the Scriptures is that as we listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we each will be drawn to different verses or passages that we can liken to our own individual lives.  My principles may be different than the ones you come up with....and that's just how it should be!

 

1.  Do I listen to the spirit as carefully as Ammon did when the Spirit whispered to him not to go to the Land of Nephi?  Or do I dismiss those whisperings as coincidence?  Am I so 'busy' that sometimes I don't even hear the Spirit's whisperings at all?

 

2.  What can I do to magnify and clarify the voice of the Spirit in my life? 

 

3.  When I hear the promptings of the Spirit, do I act upon them or disregard?

 

3.   Lamoni was quick to say he would go to help Ammon get his brethren out of prison.  Am I as quick when asked to serve others in any capacity, whether large or small?  Am I willing to help my fellow man even when I'm not asked to?

 

4.   The hatred, prejudice and anger that the Lamanites had for the Nephites lasted for hundreds of years.  Do I hold feelings of hatred, prejudice or anger toward my fellow man?  If I do feel prejudice, do I desire to make a change and rid myself of it, or do I perpetuate it and carry on the prejudice to the next generation?  Do I stand up for the right if others speak prejudice?

 

5.  My favorite principle in this section:  With the strength of the Lord, I can do ALL things!

 

 



Ammon, Part III, In the Right Place at the Right Time

Our last encounter with Ammon left him tending the flocks and feeding the horses of the King after his amazing first three days in Lamanite land.

When the King found out that Ammon was back caring for the animals after such an eventful day he could not believe it.  The King was astonished because of the faithfulness of this new stranger in town.  "Surely there has not been any servant among all my servants that has been so faithful as this man; for even he doth remember all my commandments to execute them.  Now I surely know that this is the Great Spirit, and I would desire him that he come in unto me, but I durst not." Alma 18:10-11

Image: www.lds.org

Lamoni wanted to speak with Ammon but he was fearful of the power that Ammon possessed.  I'm sure that this is a situation that Lamoni had rarely found himself in.  He's the one who was usually all powerful!  After Ammon finished his chores with the animals, he came in unto the King. 

One of the King's servants called Ammon "Rabbanah" which means powerful or great king.

For just a moment, let's get a little perspective on this situation.  Remember a few days prior, Ammon was this young Nephite with a dream to preach the gospel to the wicked Lamanites.  There is NO way these circumstances could have ever turned around this completely without the Lord's intervention!  The Lamanites were calling this young Nephite, powerful and great!  I am thankful for the power and greatness of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Ammon inquired of the King what he desired of him.  The King was speechless and didn't say anything.  Ammon, being filled with the Spirit of God, knew the thoughts of the King.  Ammon asked the King if he was speechless because he had defended the servants and the flocks, killed 7 of the robbers with a sling and sword and cut off the arms of others.

I love the next part.  Ammon could really have been on a power trip at this point.  He could have had anything in Lamoni's kingdom that he wanted.  But what he says next is classic righteousness!  "Behold, I am a man, and am thy servant; therefore, whatsoever thou desirest which is right, that will I do." Alma 18:17.  Bravo, Ammon!

The King continued his speechlessness.  He realized that Ammon could read his thoughts.  When he was finally able to muster some words he said what I believe any one of us would be wondering, "Who art thou? "  Lamoni then asked the question he had been thinking for a while now. "Are thou that Great Spirit, who knows all things?"Alma 18:18  

I love Ammon's complete honesty here.  He answered "I am not."

The King was full of questions.  He wanted to know how Ammon knew the deep thoughts of his heart.  He wondered what power Ammon used to smite the arms of the Lamanites who scattered the flocks. 

The King decided to make a big promise.  If Ammon would tell how him how he did all these things, Lamoni would give him whatever he desired!   I'm sure Ammon had been waiting for  just this right moment to introduce the teachings of the gospel!  Can you imagine his joy?

 "Now Ammon being wise, yet harmless, he said unto Lamoni; Wilt thou hearken unto my words, if I tell thee by what power I do these things?" Alma 18:22 

Of course the King agreed.

Ammon was in the right place at the right time with the right people.  He would now be able to share and teach the gospel to not just some Lamanites in a field somewhere, but to the mighty King of Ishmael!  The spirit is one incredible teacher when we get out of the way and allow it to do it's work through a faithful servant!

Ammon began to teach the gospel to Lamoni basically from start to finish.  We must remember that the Lamanites had not had the privilege of having the plates in their possession with all the genealogy of their forefathers.  They didn't know anything that the Nephites had been privy too.  Ammon started at the beginning and taught of God.  He taught of heaven, a place being where God and his angels dwell.  Lamoni didn't even know where heaven was when he asked the simple question, "Is heaven above the earth?" 

I picture Ammon, such a patient and kind missionary, teaching line upon line, precept upon precept.  Ammon's response to the question about heaven is beautiful.  "He [God] looketh down upon all the children of men; and he knows all the thoughts and intents of the heart; for by his hand were they all created from the beginning. Alma 18:32

Ammon continued his missionary lessons.  He taught that we are created in the image of our Heavenly Father. He spoke of the Holy Spirit and the gifts it brings.  He spoke of the creation of Adam and the fall.   He spoke of the holy scriptures which had been taught by the prophets down to the time of their common father, Lehi.  Ammon rehearsed to the King and the servants some genealogy stories.  He spoke of the journeys that their fathers had in the wilderness, their sufferings and travail.    He spoke of the rebellions of Laman and Lemuel and the sons of Ishmael, he taught of the records and scriptures from that time long ago to their present day.    He spoke of the plan of redemption, of the future coming of Jesus Christ and all of the works that the Lord had made known to him.

Don't you think this would have been hard for the King to swallow?  He had been steeped in the traditions of his Lamanite fathers.  They believed that they had been 'robbed' in the wilderness by their brother Nephi. They believed that they had been wronged and had carried this hatred and revenge of their fathers through the generations.  I think for Lamoni to have believed all these words of a Nephite was rather incredible, if not unprecedented.

In this scriptural college course that Ammon was teaching to Lamoni, the miracle was that Lamoni believed ALL of Ammon's words.  He believed and was filled with the spirit so much that he began to cry to the Lord for mercy.  He said "O Lord, have mercy; according to thy abundant mercy which thou hast had upon the people of Nephi, have upon me, and my people."  Alma 18:41

After these last words, "he fell to the earth, as is he were dead."  Alma 18:42    

Uh, oh....

Image: Book of Mormon Seminary Student Study Guide

The servants carried their King to his wife, the queen.  Lamoni laid there not just for a few moments, but for two days and two nights!  His wife, his sons and daughters mourned over him, greatly lamenting and grieving for their father and husband.....

I would imagine that many eyes turned to Ammon, not in kindness but in anger...

What had this Nephite done to their King?

Ammon, Part II, A Story of Tender Mercies

Image by: Josh Cotton (www.wikimedia.org)

Last we saw the four sons of King Mosiah; Ammon, Aaron, Omner and Himni had given up their father's kingdom for a chance to preach the gospel to their mortal enemies, the Lamanites.  They had packed up their bags filled with the spirit of God and began their missions for parts unknown. 

Ammon being the oldest of them, "...did administer unto them.....after having blessed them according to their several stations, having imparted the word of God unto them, or administered unto them before his departure; and thus they took their several journeys throughout the land."  Alma 17:18

Image: www.lds.org

I wonder what that brotherly goodbye was like.  After Priesthood blessings, words of wisdom and admonition, I picture hugs, smiles and probably many tears.  These boys had already been through so much together.  Now they were embarking on the greatest adventure of their lives, each alone with only God by their sides.

Ammon went to the land of Ishmael.  As he entered the borders of the land, the Lamanites took him and bound him.   This was the Lamanite custom as the scripture points out, "...to bind all the Nephites who fell into their hands and carry them before the king..." Alma 17:20   Great custom, huh?

At this point, the Nephite intruder would be taken before the King who would have four options.  The King could:

1.  kill them

2.  keep them held captive

3.  cast them into prison

4.  throw them out of his land. 

All of these things being done "according to his [the King's] will and pleasure."  Alma 17:21  

The King over the land of Ishmael at this time was a Lamanite named Lamoni.   The first thing King Lamoni asked of Ammon was "...If it were his desire to dwell in the land among the Lamanites, or among his people." Alma 17:22.   

TENDER MERCY ALERT:  Don't you find it strange yet totally awesome that with all the frightful options that the King had at his disposal, he would simply ask Ammon if he would like to stay in his Kingdom?   I testify that the Lord blesses all those who are willing to serve Him!  

Ammon's response was "Yea, I desire to dwell among this people for a time; yea, and perhaps until the day I die. Alma 17:23    Of course the King was very pleased with this reply.  But remember as King he still had those 4 options!  Instead, he loosed the bands that tied Ammon. 

Here comes another TENDER MERCY ALERT:  The King asks Ammon if he would want to marry one of his daughters!!!!  What?  Of all his options, marrying the Nephite intruder off to one of his daughters, was not in the normal play book, I'm sure!

Ammon responds in all humility that he could not take a daughter to wife, but that he would be a servant to the King.   Lamoni agrees and so Ammon sets off with the rest of the servants to guard and care for the King's flocks. 

After only 3 days of service, Ammon just going about his business, takes the flocks to a place where they could drink water.  This place was called Sebus and was where all Lamanites would have taken their flocks to do the same thing.  I can picture in my mind the busy hubbub of comings and goings there.

While the animals were receiving water, another group of Lamanites who had been at the same place watering their own flocks decides to scatter the flocks that Ammon and the others were tending to.  The flocks went in every direction.

I always like to picture myself in these situations.  Can you imagine you have been on the job 3 days among these people who really are your adversary, you are trying to impress the King and some group of hooligans come along and make all the animals you are in charge of, run away! 

The other servants who were with Ammon began to be afraid and said, "Now the king will slay us, as he has our brethren because their flocks were scattered by the wickedness of these men.  And they began to weep exceedingly." Alma 17:28

I can picture sheep everywhere, servants crying in fear of their lives and Ammon composed and full of the spirit as ever he could be.  As a matter of fact, the scriptures say that Ammon was "swollen within him with joy, for said he, I will show forth my power unto these my fellow-servants, or the power, which is in me, in restoring these flocks unto the king, that I may win the hearts of these my fellow-servants, that I may lead them to believe my words." Alma 17:29

Ammon was not puffed up within himself because of pride, so that he could be the big man and save the day.  He was swollen with joy because he could see this situation would win over the hearts of the people and then if he won over their hearts HE COULD TEACH THEM THE GOSPEL!  Which was his only priority in the first place!

Ammon so full of positivity says, "My brethren, be of good cheer and let us go in search of the flocks, and we will gather them together and bring them back unto the place of water; and thus we will preserve the flocks unto the king and he will not slay us." Alma 17:31 

And that is exactly what they did.  The servants followed Ammon and they rushed forth "with much swiftness" Alma 17:32  and gathered all the flocks together again at the place of water. 

Another TENDER MERCY ALERT:  Only with the hand of the Lord and the total faith of Ammon, could these flocks have been gathered all back together so quickly or at all.  Another miracle!

Just as the flocks were again together, the hooligans that scattered them in the first place came back.  Annoying and ridiculous!  Ammon gave swift direction to his fellow servants, "Encircle the flocks round about that they flee not, and I go and contend with these men who do scatter our flocks."  Alma 17:33.  Of course the servants jumped on Ammon's words and did exactly as he commanded. 

Ammon went up against this terrible group and the scriptures state "...they were in number not a few." Alma 17:34  and "they delighted in the destruction of their brethren." Alma 17:35.  What a wicked bunch!

Of course these guys did not fear Ammon, just one lone guy.  What they did NOT know however, was anything about the Lord or the faithfulness of this young Nephite!

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Ammon stood up.  At first he cast stones at them with his sling (aka David & Goliath).  The scriptures say that Ammon had "mighty power".  He actually killed a few of them.  After he did this, the group "began to be astonished at his power; nevertheless they were angry because of the slain of their brethren, and they were determined that he should fall; therefore seeing that they could not hit him with their stones, they came forth with clubs to slay him."  Alma 17:36

As every single Lamanite lifted up his club to hit him, Ammon would cut off their arms with his sword.  "He did withstand their blows by smiting their arms with the edge of his sword, insomuch that they began to be astonished, and began to flee before him, yea, and they were not few in number, and he caused them to flee by the strength of his arm.  Now six of them had fallen by the sling, but he slew non, save it were their leader with his sword; and he smote off as many of their arms as were lifted against him, and they were not a few."  Alma 17:37 

Another TENDER MERCY ALERT:  Of course Ammon was strong, but could any mortal have been that strong in and of himself? Of course not!  The Lord was there, helping him, strengthening him and fulfilling the promise he had made to Ammon's father that he would be safe in the land of the Lamanites. 

After the group was driven away, Ammon simply returned to watering the flocks and returned them to the King's pasture.  The arms were then carried into the king for a testimony and proof of the things which had happened that day.

King Lamoni listened to the stories of his servants as they recounted everything that had happened.  He learned of the faithfulness of Ammon and also the great strength and power that Ammon had displayed against the enemies.  King Lamoni was "astonished exceedingly." Alma 18:2

King Lamoni hearing all of this, knew that Ammon indeed must be the Great Spirit of whom their Lamanite forefathers had spoken.   Lamoni's conscience must have begun to prick him because he began to fear greatly because of his previous sins.

In the space of three short days, tender mercy after tender mercy had occurred:  Ammon found favor with the King of the Lamanites, brought the King's flocks back to safety, endeared himself to the King's servants, calmed their fears and nerves, and withstood a whole group of Lamanite killers.

Ammon now has this people right where he wants them.....

What tender mercies have you received from the Lord today?