Book of Mormon Primary Lessons

“Lesson 25: Captain Moroni Defeats Zerahemnah,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon, 87

We are in a spiritual war between good and evil. Put on the armor of God as a protection against evil.

Read Alma 43, 44 and Ephesians 6:11, 13–18. Also read Doctrine and Covenants 27:15–18.

Girdle (belt) — Truth (Ephesians 6:14)
Breastplate — Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14)
Shoes — Preparation of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15)
Shield — Faith (Ephesians 6:16)
Helmet — Salvation (Ephesians 6:17)
Sword — God’s Spirit, or the word of God (Ephesians 6:17; D&C 6:2)

Zerahemnah, the Lamanite commander, appoint Amalekites and Zoramites as chief captains over the Lamanites "as the Amalekites were of a more wicked and murderous disposition than the Lamanites . . . that he might preserve their hatred towards the Nephites" (Alma 43:6–7). The Lamanites wanted to fight the Nephites to "usurp great power over them, and . . . bringing them into bondage" (Alma 43:8, 29).

The Nephites were ready to fight "for their homes and their liberties, their wives and their children, and their all, yea, for their rites of worship and their church" (Alma 43:45, 47). What do you value enough to fight for?

Captain Moroni prepared his army to meet the Lamanites at Jershon. "Moroni, had prepared his people with breastplates and with arm-shields, yea, and also shields to defend their heads, and also they were dressed with thick clothing" (Alma 43:18–19.) This preparation frightened the Lamanites because "they were naked, save it were a skin which was girded about their loins" (Alma 43:20–21). In what ways can you put on the spiritual armor of God and be prepared to stand for what is right?

Captain Moroni find out where he should send his armies by sending "men unto [Alma], desiring him that he should inquire of the Lord whither the armies of the Nephites should go to defend themselves against the Lamanites" (Alma 43:23–24). Prophets help us today to prepare ourselves against evil.

Captain Moroni’s army receive strength and courage to fight as "they cried with one voice unto the Lord their God, for their liberty and their freedom from bondage . . . and in that selfsame hour . . . the Lamanites began to flee before them" (Alma 43:49–50). Prayer can help you put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:18).

After Moroni had surrounded the Lamanites, he showed he was not a man of bloodshed, and offered a truce (Alma 43:54; 44:1–2, 6).

Zerahemnah would not make the oath of peace, but became angry. (Alma 44:12). The Lamanites who covenanted not to fight were allowed to leave without their weapons (Alma 44:15).

Satan uses many things today to try to wound or kill us spiritually. They include things as certain movies, television programs, videos, books, or magazines; temptations to break the Word of Wisdom; temptations to not go to church; and so on. What are you doing to strengthen their spiritual armor? Things that can help include having personal and family prayers, having personal and family scripture study, having family home evenings, attending church, and so on.

Labels: Alma, Amalekites, Armor, Book of Mormon, Captain Moroni, D and C, Ephesians, Lesson 25, War, Zerahemnah, Zoramites