Alma 53:19

And now behold, as they never had hitherto been a disadvantage to the Nephites, they became now at this period of time also a great support; for they took their weapons of war, and they would that Helaman should be their leader.

They had never caused problems for the Nephites before. Now they became a great help. They took their weapons of war. They wanted Helaman to be their leader.

They’d never been a burden to the Nephites before, and now they became a tremendous source of strength. They took up their weapons and asked Helaman to be their leader.