Scripture Stories
Mothers of a Young Army


“Mothers of a Young Army,” Book of Mormon Stories (2023)

Alma 24; 53; 56–57

2:9

Mothers of a Young Army

Teaching children to trust God

teenage sons listen as a mother teaches them and a young girl plays nearby

The Anti-Nephi-Lehies loved the Lord and all people. The mothers taught their children that they could always trust in God. They taught them to keep His commandments.

Alma 26:31–34; 27:12, 27–30; 56:47–48; 57:21, 26

Helaman and other Nephites look at a burning city

The Nephites and the Lamanites were fighting each other in a big war. The Nephites were fighting to protect their own people and the Anti-Nephi-Lehies.

Alma 48–52; 53:10–13

the Anti-Nephi-Lehies talk to Helaman and another Nephite

Because of their past sins, the Anti-Nephi-Lehies had made a covenant, or special promise, with God to never fight anyone. But they loved the Nephites and wanted to help.

Alma 24:6–19; 53:10–13

the sons of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies talk to each other and watch their parents talk to Helaman and another Nephite

The Anti-Nephi-Lehies were going to fight in the war. But the prophet Helaman and other Church leaders convinced them that they should keep their promise not to fight. The Anti-Nephi-Lehies had to watch their friends go through a lot of pain and trouble, but they kept their covenant with God.

Alma 53:13–15

the sons raise their hands, and their parents and the Nephites listen to them

The sons of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies had not made the promise their parents made. Now they made their own promise that they would fight for freedom.

Alma 53:16–17

the sons get spears from a Nephite soldier, and their mothers and fathers pray and watch

They had great courage. They had learned from their mothers that if they did not doubt, God would protect them.

Alma 53:20; 56:47

the sons wear armor and speak with their mothers and fathers, and Helaman wears armor and stands nearby

The sons believed their mothers. The sons were faithful to God and kept His commandments. They trusted that God would keep them safe. The mothers knew that God would protect their sons.

Alma 53:20–21; 56:47–48; 57:20–21, 26