Armor of God - Clothed for Battle

In the Book of Alma, chapter 44, we step into the middle of war. Zarahemnah is at the mercy of Moroni. He has been captured, yet Moroni does not kill him. That has always intrigued me.

For all their wickedness, the Lamanites were at least honest enough to admit they would not keep a covenant of peace. They knew themselves. They did not pretend integrity they did not possess. I sometimes wonder if leaders today would do the same — or if many would say whatever was necessary to save themselves and then do as they please. Sadly, I suspect too often it is the latter.

The Nephites, meanwhile, were protected. They wore breastplates, arm-shields, head-shields, thick clothing. They were prepared. I have often wondered where Moroni got the idea. I have no doubt he asked the Lord: How do I protect my people from the blows that bring death?

I have experienced something similar in my own life. When faced with a task I could not mentally picture — especially in the messy world of alternative medical care — I prayed and asked Heavenly Father to show me what to do. I sat still. As I prayed, the solution formed clearly in my mind. I could see it. It was brilliant in its simplicity, and it worked perfectly. That experience taught me that heaven will instruct us in very practical ways when we ask.

In Alma 44:18, the Lamanites’ “naked skins and their bare heads were exposed to the sharp swords of the Nephites.” They were uncovered. Vulnerable. They saw their danger — yet spiritually, they still did not fully grasp it.

Our leaders frequently remind us of Paul’s counsel to “put on the whole armour of God.” In Epistle to the Ephesians6:13–17, he describes it:

• Loins girt about with truth
• Breastplate of righteousness
• Feet shod with the gospel of peace
• Shield of faith
• Helmet of salvation
• Sword of the Spirit — the word of God
• And praying always

The Nephites’ physical armor preserved their lives. Spiritual armor preserves our souls. Truth, righteousness, faith, the word of God — these are not poetic phrases. They are protection against very real blows.

Then Alma 45 ends quietly and powerfully. Alma departs into the land of Melek, and no one sees him again. It is said he may have been taken by the Lord, as Moses was. I love that this is included.

Alma was once a “little stinker” — a fierce opponent of the Church, actively hindering its growth. And yet look at the end of his story.

Complete forgiveness.
Complete transformation.
Complete trust from the Lord.

That gives me hope. It should give all of us hope.

Thank you, Mormon, for preserving this. And thank you, Moroni, for protecting it so we could read it today.