Alma 16:9-10 - Destruction of Ammonihah

9 And thus ended the eleventh year of the judges, the Lamanites having been driven out of the land, and the people of Ammonihah were destroyed; yea, every living soul of the Ammonihahites was destroyed, and also their great city, which they said God could not destroy, because of its greatness.

10 But behold, in one day it was left desolate; and the carcasses were mangled by dogs and wild beasts of the wilderness.

This gruesome description of the destruction of the people of Ammonihah serves as a reminder to all the consequences of ignoring the Lord’s prophets and living in wickedness. Alma and Amulek preached to many cities converting thousands, however, upon arriving in Ammonihah, they were not as kindly received. The people there followed after the manner of Nehor, meaning that they thoroughly rejected the teachings of the prophets and lifted themselves in the pride of the world. In addition to outright rejecting the teachings of Alma and Amulek, they also imprisoned them, violently beating them. Alma prophesied to them that if they did not repent, their city would be utterly destroyed. They mocked him for this, proclaiming the greatness of their city. However, as seen through these verses, Alma’s prophecy was fulfilled and not only was the city and all its inhabitants destroyed, but the stench was so bad that everyone else called the land Desolation and never sought to settle it.

There are many lessons one can ascertain from this example. The primary point to understand focuses on prophetic counsel and one’s adherence to it. The Ammonihahites were given many chances and opportunities to change and repent, however, so great was their wickedness that they actively sought to tear down any righteous person. While entire cities are not being destroyed today, one still needs to be weary of those who seek to disobey the prophet. There is a myriad of ways people show this abhorrence for the Lord’s servants. Some protest, both in person and on social media. Others cultivate that attitude in their own homes, allowing their descent to dictate their thoughts and actions. Many of these doubts begin subtlety as people get caught up in little ideas that fester until the foundation of their testimony is crumbled. To prevent this, one must remember to not turn to the world for answers, but rather to the prophet and God Himself. Seldom hard questions resolve quickly without sacrifice and effort. This search for truth and commitment for obedience is worthwhile as the prize is exaltation in the presence of our Heavenly Father.