A Letter of Rebuke
Moroni wrote again to Pahoran, the governor of the land in Zarahemla—who served as chief judge and governor—and to all those chosen by the people to lead and manage this war.
“I have some hard things to say to you. You know you were appointed to gather troops, arm them with swords and scimitars and every kind of weapon, and send them out against the Lamanites wherever they invaded our land. My men and I—along with Helaman and his army—have endured terrible suffering: hunger, thirst, exhaustion, and every kind of hardship. If that’s all we’d suffered, we wouldn’t complain. But the slaughter among our people has been horrific. Thousands have fallen by the sword when it didn’t have to be that way—if only you’d sent our armies the strength and support they needed. Your neglect has been enormous. We want to know why. Why this staggering neglect? Why are you so careless?
The Cost of Neglect
Do you really think you can sit on your thrones in a mindless daze while your enemies spread death all around you? While they’re murdering thousands of your own people? These are people who looked to you for protection. They put you in power so you could help them. You could have sent armies to reinforce them. You could have saved thousands from dying by the sword. And that’s not all. You’ve withheld supplies from them. Many have fought and bled out their lives because they cared so deeply about this nation—and they did it while starving to death, because of your outrageous neglect. You should be our beloved leaders. You should have thrown yourselves into the work of defending the freedom of this people. But instead you’ve abandoned them, and the blood of thousands will be on your heads. God heard every one of their cries. He knows all their suffering.
Did you think you could just sit on your thrones and do nothing—and because God is so good, he would rescue you anyway? If that’s what you thought, you thought wrong. Do you think so many died because they were wicked? If that’s what you think, you’re dead wrong. Many have fallen by the sword—and it’s your fault. The Lord allows the righteous to be killed so his justice can fall on the wicked. Don’t assume the righteous are lost just because they’re slain. They enter into the rest of the Lord their God. I’m terrified that God’s judgment will fall on this nation because of its laziness—the laziness of our government and its catastrophic neglect of those who’ve been killed.
The Threat from Within
If it weren’t for the corruption that started at the top, we could have held off our enemies. They never would have gained power over us. If it hadn’t been for the civil war among ourselves—for those king-men who spilled so much of our own blood—if we’d stayed united like we used to, we would have been fine. If those king-men hadn’t lusted for power and authority, if they’d been loyal to freedom and fought with us against our enemies instead of turning their swords on us and causing so much bloodshed—if we’d gone out against the enemy in the strength of the Lord, we would have scattered them. It would have happened just as God promised. But now the Lamanites are invading, murdering our people with the sword—our women and children. They’re seizing our land and carrying people off as captives, forcing them to endure every kind of suffering. And all because of the wickedness of those who hunger for power—those king-men.
But why go on about this? For all we know, you’re chasing power for yourselves. For all we know, you’re traitors too. Or have you neglected us because you’re safe in the heartland, surrounded by security, so you don’t bother sending food or reinforcements to us?
Have you forgotten the commands of the Lord your God? Have you forgotten when our ancestors were in captivity? Have you forgotten the many times he delivered us from our enemies? Do you think the Lord will keep delivering us while we sit around and refuse to use the means he’s provided? Will you just sit there doing nothing—you and thousands, even tens of thousands of others sitting idle—while thousands more along the borders are falling by the sword, wounded and bleeding?
Clean the Cup from Within
Do you think God will let you off the hook while you sit back and watch all this happen? I’m telling you: no. Remember what God said: ‘The inside of the cup must be cleaned first. Then the outside will be clean too.’ So unless you repent of what you’ve done and start taking action—sending food and troops to us and to Helaman so he can hold the territory he’s kept and we can recover what we’ve lost—it’s pointless to keep fighting the Lamanites until we’ve cleansed ourselves from within. Starting with the head of our government. Unless you listen to this letter and show me you truly care about freedom—unless you work to strengthen and supply our armies with the food they need—I’ll leave part of my army here to hold this ground. I’ll leave them with the strength and blessing of God so no other power can touch them. And they’ll hold it because of their extraordinary faith and patience through suffering.
Then I’ll come to you. And if there’s anyone among you who still wants freedom—even a spark of it left—I’ll start a rebellion. I’ll keep it going until everyone who’s trying to seize power is gone. I don’t fear your power or your authority. I fear my God. It’s by his command that I take up the sword to defend my country. And it’s because of your corruption that we’ve suffered so much loss.
Ultimatum
The time has come. Right now. Unless you throw yourselves into defending your country and your children, the sword of justice hangs over your head—and it will fall and destroy you completely. I’m waiting for help from you. But if you don’t send relief, I’ll come to you in Zarahemla and strike you with the sword so you can’t keep blocking the progress of this people in the cause of freedom. The Lord won’t let you grow strong in your corruption while you destroy his righteous people.
Do you think the Lord will spare you and judge the Lamanites instead? Their hatred comes from the traditions their ancestors passed down—traditions made worse by people who deserted us. But your corruption? It comes from your love of glory and the shallow things of this world. You know you’re breaking God’s laws. You know you’re trampling them underfoot. The Lord told me: ‘If those you’ve appointed as governors don’t repent of their sins, you must go to war against them.’
I, Moroni, am bound by my covenant to keep God’s commands. So I’m asking you: hold to the word of God. Send supplies and troops to me and to Helaman—now. If you refuse, I’ll come quickly. God won’t let us starve to death. He’ll give us your food—even if we have to take it by the sword. Make sure you do what God has said.
I am Moroni, your chief captain. I don’t seek power—I’m trying to tear it down. I don’t seek the honors of this world, but the glory of my God and the freedom and welfare of my country. This is the end of my letter.“