Ammon and King Lamoni
by M.M. Lewis, October 2003

Muse, make this story a glorious tale of the honor of Ammon—
He who did labor with faith in the Lord while he preached to his brethren,
Lamanite “heathen” who would not believe in the truth of the gospel.
Always obeying the promptings from heaven, he gave up his claim to
Reign and to rule in the land of the Nephites and journeyed instead as was
Led by the Spirit.
                                       The king of the land which was called after Ishmael
Captured our hero, and bound him with cords. But Ammon said only,
“I will be thy servant, do all that thou wish. Command, I will listen.”
Taken aback, the king ordered his servant to care for his livestock.
Ammon obeyed and he went with the others to water the king’s sheep,
Ignorant that there were Lamanites plotting to scatter the sheep. With
Fear in their hearts, King Lamoni’s serfs murmured that they’d surely be slain.

Faithful, undaunting, strong Ammon called to them to rally together;
Gather the sheep that the Lamanites scattered, then stand as a group to
Fight for the king. Once again the aggressors came forth, but they met with
Force from the servants. And Ammon himself filled his sling and cast forth stones,
Slaying a number who dared to contend with him. Angered at Ammon’s
Violent acts towards their brethren, the others rushed forward to kill him,
Knowing not that he was in God’s protection and could not be slain by
Arrows and swords. As they drew near, their clubs raised to bludgeon this servant,
Ammon’s own sword flashed in warning. They heeded it not, but drew closer,
Still wanting vengeance for kin he had slain. But he smote off the arms of
Every foe who again dared contend. He was strengthened by faith in
Holy protection, a promise once give to his father, Mosiah—
Harm would not come to him if he stayed true.
                                                                                                   When he finished his fighting,
Quickly the Lamanite robbers fled. Ammon returned to his duties,
Following orders to feed the king’s horses. The others who witnessed
All that had happened ran straight to Lamoni to tell him the story,
Carrying with them the arms he had cut off. The king was astonished,
Fearful lest Ammon was mighty to judge him for previous slayings,
Punishing servants who lost his flocks. Questioning where this great servant
Was, the king learned that he labored still faithfully as was commanded.
Summons were given to bring Ammon forth so Lamoni could know why
No one could slay him. Was he the Great Spirit who punished the people—
Murderers, liars, and robbers? Or had he come rather to save them?
Ammon perceived what was in the king’s heart, and he told him that he was
Mortal, like all of his servants. He then began asking Lamoni
Questions of faith and belief. He determined Lamoni was willing,
Ready to listen and learn of the gospel. Beginning with Adam,
Scriptures expounded from Eden to Lehi, the words of the prophets.
All of them testified Christ is the Savior, Creator, Redeemer.
Look unto Him, find salvations.
                                                                   Lamoni believed all these teachings.
“O Lord, have mercy,” he cried as he fell to the earth as if dead. Two
Days and two nights the king lay in his chamber while family mourned him.

Ammon was summoned to speak with the queen, who said, “Thou art a prophet,
And thou hast power to do mighty works in his name: therefore,
Go in and see the king; though he seems dead I do not wish him buried.”
Joyed at the queen’s request, Ammon went in to the king, for he knew the
Power of God had come over Lamoni and was casting off unbelief,
Filling his soul with a marvelous light. Ammon knew he would soon rise.
As he had prophesied, on the next morning Lamoni arose.
Overcome, he and his wife and their servants all fell to the earth with the
Spirit of God.
                              But a Lamanite woman of faith told the village.
All gathered ‘round to observe what had happened. A Lamanite man said,
“Ammon has caused this, because he’s a Nephite.” He went forth to kill him;
God still protected his servant. Miraculous wonder—the queen woke,
Cried to her Savior and Lord. Then she took King Lamoni, who praised God.
Both of them testified, taught all their subjects the glorious gospel.

Ammon obeyed God’s command to go forth to the Lamanites, preaching.
Numberless Lamanites turned to the Lord, all because Ammon obeyed.