The first mention of Helaman, the eldest son of Alma the younger, is in Alma 31:7. Alma took his two younger sons with him on his mission to the Zoramites, while "the eldest of his sons he took not with him, and his name was Helaman."
Alma, in the 19th year of the reign of the judges (73 B.C.), "was taken up by the Spirit, or buried by the hand of the Lord, even as Moses." (Alma 45:18-19.) Before he was translated, Alma blessed Helaman because of his belief in Christ and for his obedience, and instructed him pertaining to the keeping of the records.Helaman "went forth among the people to declare the word unto them . . .," and he and his brethren went forth to establish the church again in all the land. . . ." (Alma 45:20-22.)
For a few years, Helaman and others maintained order in the church. However, dissension arose, leading to a series of wars between the faithful Nephites on one side and the apostates and, later, Lamanites on the other side. Helaman emerged as a military leader when he took command of the sons of Ammon, who requested that Helaman be their leader. (Alma 53:18-19.)
In Commentary on the Book of Mormon, George Reynolds and Janne M. Sjdohal wrote: "With their fathers' and mothers' consent, faith, prayers and words of encouragement, two thousand of these youths were mustered into the Nephite army. These striplings were all men of truth, faith, soberness and integrity and were conspicuous for their courage, strength and activity. Being organized, they desired that Helaman, for whom they had great love and respect, should be their leader. He consented and at their head marched to the relief of the forces of the Republic that were struggling against considerable odds on the southern borders of the Nephites' dominions. . . ."
Helaman and the sons of Ammon were successful in their battles. After the Lamanites had been forced out of the land, Helaman resumed his labors in setting in order the affairs of the church.
