You can read the entire chapter here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/23?lang=eng
The father of King Lamoni has just taught his family the gospel, helping to convert them, and pacifying the multitudes in his kingdom. Now he (who is king over the whole realm of the Lamanites, aside from the independent realm Lamoni has) issues a proclamation to ensure that that the Nephite missionaries, including Aaron, will not face persecution or hindrance in their efforts to share the true gospel of Christ among his people (verses 1-3).
The significance of this action is staggering. It basically is allowing for truth to go forth unimpeded. With the state’s restrictions lifted, and its active protection for the missionaries, now it will be down to each individual and family to determine whether to accept the truth. It becomes a matter of personal openness and willingness to inquire.
For our day, perhaps we can take the following message. When we live in a country that permits freedom of conscience and worship, do we take full advantage of that? Or are we so distracted by the world, its momentary pleasures, and its cares, that we indefinitely put off proactive inquiry about the questions of whether we have a God who can connect with us, what that may mean for how to manage the ups and downs of this life, and how to prepare for the afterlife?
The teaching of truth moves like a wave through the land. Aaron and his companions move from city to city, changing the hearts of thousands of Lamanites, and consecrating priests and teachers so that these new Lamanite converts can watch over each other, and are not simply dependent on Nephites for their enlightenment (verses 4-5).
Our narrator (Mormon, as ever) tells us that these converted Lamanites were so committed to their new faith, that they completely swore off their old rebellious ways. I love the way Mormon explains it: “they did not fight against God any more, neither against any of their brethren.” Once they accept God’s will for them, they are not inclined to fight with anyone. More on that to come in future chapters (verses 6-7).
As miraculous as the effect is throughout the land, not everyone responds positively to Aaron’s teachings. The people descended from King Noah’s wicked priests appear to be a factor in discouraging others who hail from their areas from accepting the good news about Jesus Christ (verse 14). A recurring theme in the account of these people is that their family’s turn away from the truth has hardened them, making it more difficult for them to accept the light of the gospel than most others.
Those who have changed their lives completely in response to the truth Aaron and his companions have brought want to change the entire name of their society. They reject the label of Lamanites, and instead become known as Anti-Nephi-Lehies (verses 16-17). The word “Anti” in the language of these people is probably not the same as what we’re used to in English (derived from Greek), where it means “against.” One website (see here) provides a linguistic explanation making a plausible case for “Anti” meaning “that which is of” in this context, which would make more sense because the people here are choosing a closer association with the teachings of their forebears Nephi and Lehi.
We learn that the former Lamanites, now the Anti-Nephi-Lehies, become industrious (no longer looking to profit off others’ labor), and that they open a dialogue with the Nephites (verse 18). It is pretty clear that the changes taking place inside them are driving external changes as well. It’s something for all of us to ponder—how our embrace of something new for ourselves goes beyond the realm of thought to concrete changes in how we interact with and help others. And how we value our relationship with our God.
