By Gideon, Servant of the Lord and Deliverer of the People
Some deliverance comes by the sword. But not all.
There are moments when the Lord grants power to the arm of the warrior, and there are moments when He whispers to the mind of a weary man with only his wits left to wield. This is the story of one such moment.
We had lived too long under Lamanite bondage. Though King Limhi ruled with humility and a penitent heart, his crown was shackled by tribute and threat. The Lamanites taxed us, beat us, mocked our God, and threatened our women. We tried to fight them—thrice we rose up in arms. And thrice we were beaten down. Too many good men fell with swords still in their hands and faith still in their hearts.
It was then that Ammon and his brethren came—messengers from Zarahemla, sent by the hand of Providence. With them came hope, and with that hope, a question burned within me: Could we not escape?
I pondered long. I walked alone under the stars, my heart pleading with the Lord to show a way. And one night, as I looked out toward the walls where the Lamanite guards stood watch, I felt it—not a voice, but a thought, clear and cunning:
They are strong when sober. Make them drunk.
And the plan unfolded in my mind like the turning of a scroll.
We knew the guards. We had brought them wine before, though always in measure. They were men of appetite, not discipline. We knew their weakness. So I counseled with King Limhi and Ammon, and we moved with quiet purpose.
We prepared wine—strong and plentiful. We offered it as a gesture of good faith, of peace. And the Lamanites, foolish and greedy, drank. And drank. Until their heads swam and their swords fell idle.
Then we moved. Quietly. Swiftly. With all our people—men, women, children—we passed through the shadows of the night. Not a trumpet sounded. Not a child cried out. With Ammon at the head, God led us as one leads a trembling flock, hearts pounding, eyes wide with the fire of faith.
We crossed into freedom not with blood, but with boldness. Not with violence, but with vigilance.
Some would call it a trick. I call it deliverance. For had we risen again to fight, we would have fallen again. But the Lord had another way.
He is not bound to a single method. His hand is mighty whether wielding a sword or tipping a wineskin.
And I, Gideon—once a captain of battle—have learned that true strength is found not only in arms, but in wisdom, obedience, and the quiet courage to act when the Lord whispers, Now is the time.
Mosiah 22:3-9, 25:16
