Comments on Alma 18 v2 "is not this the Great Spirit", obviously, Lamoni cannot be referring to a spirit in the sense of a disembodied spirit as Ammon is quite corporeal. Lamoni's comments here and in v. 5 plainly indicate that their concept of spirits is that they can become incarnate and it is even possible for this Great Spirit to become fleshed. Those unfavorably disposed to the doctrines of the LDS Church occasionally use the contents of v. 26-28 and 22:9-11 to say the BofM contradicts the LDS doctrine that God the Father is an exalted person with a resurrected body because here it allegedly says that God is a Great Spirit. It is clear from Lamoni's comments here that their strict definition of a spirit without flesh and bone does not fit their concept of what the Great Spirit is. Even aside from this, according to LDS doctrine it was the Son who performed the Creation with the Father's authority and the son was a spirit without flesh and bone at that point, so their argument has no merit as there is no contradiction. v5 "Lamoni began to fear exceedingly", Ammon killed the scatterers of the sheep for their making sport of bringing about the execution of the king's servants. Now, Lamoni fears he is next in line for punishment. He himself fears he will be killed by Ammon, hence his unusual silence at the subsequent confrontation in v. 12-17. v12-17 Verse 18 informs us "he marveled again...but notwithstanding this, king Lamoni did open his mouth", If he is here "marvel[ing] again" then v. 12-17 he must be marveling for the first time but the first time he remains silent. To marvel means to wonder over or be astonished at something. And, we are informed in v. 5 that he is fearful as well. So, Lamoni is overpowered by his fear and awe at the apparent invulnerability of Ammon and his apparent mission of vindication. v26-28 See the comments on v. 2 above. v36 "he began at the creation", Aaron does likewise in teaching Lamoni's father, cf. 22:12. Copyright © 2001 by S. Kurt Neumiller . All rights reserved. No part of this text may be reproduced in any form or by any means for commercial gain without the express written consent of the author. Digital or printed copies may be freely made and distributed for personal and public non-commercial use.