Alma 47:8

Now it was not Amalickiah’s intention to give them battle, according to the commandments of the king; but behold, it was his intention to gain favor with the armies of the Lamanites, that he might place himself at their head, and dethrone the king, and take possession of the kingdom.

Amalickiah did not plan to fight them like the king told him to. He wanted to win over the Lamanite armies. Then he could become their leader, remove the king, and take over the kingdom.

Amalickiah had no intention of actually attacking them—despite the king’s orders. His real plan was to win over the Lamanite armies so he could take command, overthrow the king, and seize the kingdom for himself.