KnoWhy #123 - Why was the City of Ammonihah Destroyed and Left Desolate? (Alma 16:9-11)

Ancient Israelite law had a specific statute for the case of apostate cities. In the book of Alma, the destruction wrought upon Ammonihah was thorough and complete. In this account, Mormon details the proper and complete adherence to the legal procedures outlined in Deuteronomy. Recognizing the way this tragic story conforms to the law of apostate cities is evidence that both Alma and Mormon were familiar with these legal standards in the law of Moses. Yet the Lord’s mercy is also present in the narrative. The Lord had long spared the people due to the prayers of the few righteous among them—an indication of the Lord’s mercy and patience with this wicked and apostate city.