As Moroni continues to lead his people in preparing to defend themselves, a new threat emerges. A leader named Morianton becomes involved in a border dispute and attacks the neighboring land of Lehi. When it becomes clear that Moroni’s army will not stand for this internal contention, he tries to lead his people to the north. His plan is thwarted when he physically assaults one of his maidservants, and she escapes and reveals his plans to Moroni. They are stopped by an army led by Teancum.
Chapter Outline
- Moroni continues to fortify Nephite cities (v. 1-16)
- The Nephites prosper, fulfilling God’s promise to Lehi (v. 17-24)
- Morianton creates contention. He is defeated by Moroni’s army (v. 25-37)
- Nephihah’s son Pahoran succeeds him as chief judge (v. 38-40)
My Takeaways
- Live providently: Be aware of the risks you face, and take prudent action to mitigate those risks.
- Happiness is not dependent on your circumstances.
- Self-discipline is essential for success. Do not let yourself be ruled by passion.
Featured Blog Posts
❖ Cities fortified – Alma 50:1-16
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Provident Living?
Shortly after the death of Lehi, the first prophet in the Book of Mormon, the animosity between his children became more severe. One of the sons, Nephi, was warned by the Lord to take his family and anyone who wanted to go with him and depart into the wilderness because his life was in danger…
Heaps of Earth, Timbers, and Frames of Pickets – Alma 50:1-6
1 And now it came to pass that Moroni did not stop making preparations for war, or to defend his people against the Lamanites; for he caused that his armies should commence in the commencement of the twentieth year of the reign of the judges, that they should commence in digging up heaps of earth…
Never Stop Preparing
One key to Moroni’s success was preparation. He prepared his troops with armor. He turned cities into fortresses. After successful battles, he “did not stop making preparations.” We can follow his example by continuously preparing for future challenges.
❖ The Nephites prosper – Alma 50:17-24
How Merciful and Just Are All the Dealings of the Lord – Alma 50:19-23
19 And thus we see how merciful and just are all the dealings of the Lord, to the fulfilling of all his words unto the children of men; yea, we can behold that his words are verified, even at this time, which he spake unto Lehi, saying:20 Blessed art thou and thy children; and they…
“There Never Was a Happier Time…” – Alma 50:23
After successfully fending off an attempted invasion by the Lamanites, Moroni and his people immediately got busy fortifying their cities further and preparing for the next attack. During this time of uncertainty and hard work, Mormon tells us that their emotional state was unexpectedly positive: But behold there never was a happier time among the…
What Is the Significance of God’s Promise to Nephi?
Like the prophet Abraham, Nephi received a conditional promise from the Lord with an intergenerational impact. After the Lord commanded his father, Lehi, to abandon their home in Jerusalem and “depart into the wilderness” with his family, Nephi’s brothers were angry. Nephi must have also been unhappy about the sudden change, but he prayed, and…
❖ Morianton creates contention and is defeated – Alma 50:25-37
“Being a Man of Much Passion” – Alma 50:29-31
29 Therefore, Morianton put it into their hearts that they should flee to the land which was northward, which was covered with large bodies of water, and take possession of the land which was northward. 30 And behold, they would have carried this plan into effect, (which would have been a cause to have been…
Old Testament Foundations
Strongholds
The Hebrew word mauz (מָעוֹז) means a place of safety or protection. In the King James Version of the Bible, it is usually translated “strength,” sometimes “rock,” “fortress” or “fort,” and once, in the book of Nahum, it is translated “strong hold:” The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them…
Building a Wall
Walls are useful. I spend most days in a room surrounded by four walls and a ceiling, which shields me from adverse weather while eliminating (I think) a lot of distractions. Walls and fences can delineate land that is intended for a specific use. Walls can also serve a decorative function, allowing us to hang…
All Posts Referencing Alma 50
- Multiply and Replenish (12/18/2025)
- “An Exceedingly Curious Man” (8/25/2024)
- Never Stop Preparing (8/16/2024)
- Strongholds (12/2/2022)
- Building a Wall (7/23/2022)
- King-Men and Freedom of Speech (1/14/2021)
- “Prepare Ye, Prepare Ye” (12/29/2020)
- “There Never Was a Happier Time…” – Alma 50:23 (8/9/2020)
- What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Provident Living? (9/1/2019)
- What Is the Significance of God’s Promise to Nephi? (7/19/2019)
- What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Self-Reliance? (7/18/2019)
- “Being a Man of Much Passion” – Alma 50:29-31 (4/11/2018)
- How Merciful and Just Are All the Dealings of the Lord – Alma 50:19-23 (3/25/2017)
- Moroni Did Not Stop Making Preparations – Alma 50:1 (3/25/2017)
- There Never Was a Happier Time – Alma 50:23 (9/14/2016)
- Being a Man of Much Passion – Alma 50:28-31 (8/16/2015)
- Heaps of Earth, Timbers, and Frames of Pickets – Alma 50:1-6 (8/15/2015)