KnoWhy #132 - What is the Symbolism of the Stained Swords of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies? (Alma 24:12)

The Anti-Nephi-Lehies buried their weapons deep into the earth as “a testimony to God, and also to men, that they never would use weapons again for the shedding of man’s blood.” By doing this, they assured themselves and God that they would never again commit an unlawful, intentional murder. In the Anti-Nephi-Lehi narrative, blood is described as something that can be shed, that stains, and that washes clean through atonement. This language, and the king’s rhetorical repetition of stains, swords, and blood, provides poignant atonement imagery. All who repent and come unto Christ may cherish the blessings of being washed clean by the blood of the Lamb.