Commenting on Alma 62:14-17, Reynolds and Sjodahl offered the following about the providence of God:
VERSES 14-17. Moroni and Pahoran with a large body of men took
their march towards the Land of Nephihah. Notwithstanding the sudden call for help from
Pahoran, to which Moroni was compelled to contribute. He continued to plan the
deliverance of Nephihah from the Lamanitish hands, which was the thing he
wanted most to do. But to his honor and perspicacity, he put that aside, and
brought peace once more to Zarahemla. To do so was to him a diversionary
movement, for it confronted his foes with a new problem, the manner of his
approach. That diversion proved the strength of his leadership, and now he took
up again the consideration of ways and means to liberate the City of Nephihah.
In furtherance of the plans Moroni made, together with Pahoran, he left a large
company of men to defend Zarahemla, and took with him another corps of troops
and marched towards Nephihah "being determined to overthrow the Lamanites
in that city."
Providence lent a helping hand in their
undertaking. As they followed a course that would lead them to the stricken
city, they came across a large company of Lamanitish warriors who, evidently,
were out looking for a likely place to plunder and from which they might steal.
The army of Moroni's immediately attacked them, slew many, and took their
provisions and weapons of war. To the number of 4000, the Nephites also took
prisoners; indoctrinated them according to Nephite beliefs, and at their own
request, sent them to join their brethren, the People of Ammon in the Land of
Jershon. This incident in Moroni's campaign was not an accident. It proves that
the Lord is willing to, and does help His people in their difficulties if they
keep His commandments. To the Nephite armies He provided new and much needed
supplies. We, ourselves, may be strengthened and aided, too, when we remember
that in all things, "The accidents of man are the inspirations of
God, and the incidents of this life are the leadings and the guidings of Him
Who made it." Here we are reminded of the words of the poet
concerning the purposes of the Lord; they are applicable in this case: "Out
of evil, still educing good." (George
Reynolds and Janne M. Sjodahl, Commentary on the Book of Mormon, 7 vols.
[Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1977], 5:173-74)
