# Alma 61

*Paraphrase*

### Pahoran’s Reply

Soon after Moroni sent his letter to the chief governor, he received a reply from Pahoran. Here’s what it said:

### The Rebellion at Home

“I, Pahoran, chief governor of this land, send these words to Moroni, commander of our army. I want you to know that your troubles don’t bring me any satisfaction. They break my heart. But there are people who do celebrate your suffering. They’ve risen up in rebellion against me and against those who believe in freedom. Their numbers are growing fast. These people want to take my position from me, and they’re the ones behind all this trouble. They’ve used smooth talk to win over a lot of people, which is going to cause us serious pain. They’ve cut off our supplies and intimidated our soldiers so they can’t reach you.”

“They forced me out and I had to flee to Gideon with as many men as I could gather.”

“I’ve sent word throughout this region, and people are joining us every day. They’re taking up arms to defend their country and their freedom, and to make things right. So many have joined us that the rebels are now afraid. They’re scared to face us in battle.”

“They’ve seized the city of Zarahemla and crowned a king. This king has made a deal with the Lamanite king. He promised to hand over Zarahemla, thinking this will help the Lamanites conquer the rest of our land—and then he expects to rule over us once we’re all under Lamanite control.”

### Fighting for Freedom

“In your letter, you criticized me. But it doesn’t bother me—I’m not angry. In fact, your passion inspires me. I’m not after power for its own sake. All I want is to keep my position so I can protect the rights and liberty of our people. My soul is firmly rooted in the freedom God has given us.”

“We will stand against evil, even if it means bloodshed. We wouldn’t fight the Lamanites if they’d just stay in their own territory. We wouldn’t fight our own people if they hadn’t turned against us and taken up arms. We’d accept slavery if God required it of us or commanded us to. But he doesn’t tell us to surrender to our enemies. He tells us to trust him, and he will deliver us.”

“So my dear brother Moroni, let’s resist evil. When words aren’t enough—when we’re facing rebellion and betrayal—let’s use our swords to keep our freedom. Let’s fight for our church, for our Redeemer, and for our God.”

### A Call to Action

“Come to me quickly with a few of your men. Leave the rest under Lehi and Teancum’s command. Give them authority to lead the war in their region as the Spirit of God directs them—that same Spirit of freedom that lives in them.”

“I’ve sent them some supplies so they won’t starve before you get here.”

“Gather whatever troops you can on your way, and we’ll move quickly against these traitors. We’ll fight with the strength God gives us, trusting in him. We’ll recapture Zarahemla so we can send more food to Lehi and Teancum. With the Lord’s strength, we’ll march against them and put an end to this terrible wickedness.”

“Moroni, I was so glad to get your letter. I’d been wrestling with whether it would be right for us to fight our own people.”

“But you said the Lord commanded you to go against them unless they repent.”

“Encourage Lehi and Teancum in the Lord. Tell them not to be afraid, because God will deliver them—and everyone else who stands firm in the freedom he has given us. Now I close my letter to you, my dear brother Moroni.”

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*Source: [The Book of Mormon](https://bookofmormon.com/paraphrase/alma/61)*
