Alma 20: Ammon Meets Lamoni's Father

Book of Mormon Student Study Guide, (2000), 112–113

Not all of the sons of Mosiah had the same kind of missionary success that Ammon did. In Alma 20 you will read how Ammon’s brother, Aaron, and his companions ended up in prison. You will also read how Ammon won their release in a sword fight with Lamoni’s father! What began as a very dangerous situation ended as another great missionary opportunity.

Understanding the Scriptures

Alma 20

Rehearsed (vv. 11, 13)Explained
Cunning (v. 13)Sly
Expedient that thou shouldst forbear (v. 18)Necessary that you stop
Vengeance (v. 18)Punishment
Wrought upon (v. 24)Affected

Studying the Scriptures

Do one of the following activities (A–C) as you study Alma 20.

Activity A iconInterview a Missionary

  1. 1.

    Review Alma 20:1–5 and explain how Ammon knew that his brethren were in prison.

  2. 2.

    Interview someone in your stake or mission district who has served or is currently serving a mission and ask him or her to share with you an experience when they were guided by the Spirit. Summarize that experience in your notebook.

Activity B iconFinish the Sentences

Ammon and King Lamoni's father

Ammon spoke boldly to King Lamoni’s angry father. Below are phrases that summarize what he said and how King Lamoni’s father responded. Write the phrases in your notebook and finish them with your own words, using what you learned from Alma 20:17–27. After each completed phrase, indicate who the speaker was.

  1. 1.

    Don’t kill your son. But if you do, it is better that …

  2. 2.

    If you die, then …

  3. 3.

    I know that if I killed my son …

  4. 4.

    Let my brothers out of prison …

  5. 5.

    If you will spare my life …

  6. 6.

    Because you love my son …

Activity C iconA Change of Heart

Use direct quotations from Alma 20 to answer questions 1 and 2. Answer question 3 in your own words.

  1. 1.

    How did King Lamoni’s father feel about Ammon when they first met?

  2. 2.

    Why did he change his mind?

  3. 3.

    What lesson does this teach us about dealing with those who oppose the truth?