Christmas Break

For a scripture-based Christmas Quiz and some great Book of Mormon research, check out the website linked to the right, Book of Mormon Research. Search for Christmas Quiz or click here.

3 Nephi 21-23

3 Nephi 21-23 Study Guide: To be discussed January 8
Day 1: Read 3 Nephi 21:1-10; Isaiah 66:18-20
1. Read the chapter heading for 3 Nephi 21. Which verses in 3 Nephi 21:1-9 include the theme: “Israel shall be gathered when the Book of Mormon comes forth”? What is the “sign” mentioned in verses 1 and 7?



2. Read Isaiah 66:18-20. What “sign” of the last days is described by Isaiah?



3. According to the Savior, who will work a great and marvelous work in the latter days? What is that work?



BONUS: Read D&C 135:3. Who is the “servant” described in 3 Nephi 21:10? In what sense was he “marred” but not hurt?


Day 2: Read 3 Nephi 21:11-21; Bible Dictionary entry, “Grove”
4. List warnings to those who reject the Book of Mormon. Now list ways it is rejected.



5. Horses and chariots symbolize power, or military victory. Cities and strongholds symbolize safety. How do the warnings in 3 Nephi 21:14-19 illustrate the phrase “my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil”?



6. Look up “Grove” in the Bible Dictionary. What were “groves” and why would the Lord want to pluck them up?



Day 3: Read 3 Nephi 21:22-29; Isaiah 52:11-12
7. What does the Lord promise those who “repent and hearken” to his words?



8. What three groups of people will participate in building the New Jerusalem?



9. 3 Nephi 21 is a commentary on Isaiah 52. What do 3 Nephi 21:22-28 add to your understanding of Isaiah 52:11-12?



Day 4: Read 3 Nephi 22:1-8; Isaiah 54:1-8 with footnotes; Joel 2:26-27; Revelation 19:7-8
10. 3 Nephi 22 is a continuation of the Lord’s sermon, in which he quotes much of Isaiah 54. When is the “then” of 3 Nephi 22:1, when the once-barren Zion will sing and rejoice in her posterity?



11. List promises to Israel at that day. See also Joel 2:26-27, Revelation 19:7-8.
12. What is the great mercy and everlasting kindness of the Lord? (See also Genesis 49:26.)



Day 5: Read 3 Nephi 22:9-17; Isaiah 54:9-17 with footnotes; 2 Kings 56:15-16; 1 John 4:4; D&C 109:26
13. What visual context (object lesson?) did the Nephites have for the Lord’s promise in 3 Nephi 22:10? When nothing else is certain, on what may we depend?



BONUS: The phrase, “with fair colors” in 3 Nephi 22:11 is sometimes rendered “in hard mortar.” Read this verse with Revelation 21:19-22. What impresses you about this description of Zion?


14. According to 3 Nephi 22:14, what establishes our safety within Zion’s walls?



15. What is the heritage of the servants of the Lord? See also 2 Kings 6:15-16, 1 John 4:4, D&C 109:26.



Day 6: Read 3 Nephi 23:1-6; review 3 Nephi 20:10-15
16. According to 3 Nephi 23:2, how many subjects relating to the House of Israel did Isaiah teach about? To what other group did he speak?



17. What do you think Jesus meant when he commanded the people to “search the prophets”?



18. List similarities between 3 Nephi 23:1-5 and 3 Nephi 20:10-15 (the first and last passages in the Lord’s discourse).



Day 7: Read 3 Nephi 23:7-14
19. What fulfillment of Samuel’s prophecy had not been recorded? Why was it important to do so?



20. It is recorded that Jesus “expounded all the scriptures” to the people (vv. 6, 14). What do you think this means?



21. What was the Savior’s final commandment in 3 Nephi 23?



BONUS: Why should we study the words of Isaiah?

Promised Quote

Here is the quote we discussed in class:
Which covenants do you renew when you partake of the Sacrament?
According to our latter-day prophets and leaders, when you partake of the sacrament you renew
whatever covenants you have made with the Lord. For example, if you have been baptized only, that is
the covenant you renew. If you have received the Melchizedek Priesthood, you also renew that part of
the oath and covenant related to your having received that priesthood. If you have received your
endowment, you also renew the covenants associated with it. Further, if you have been sealed, you also
renew that covenant. In other words, when you partake of the sacrament, you renew all the covenants
you have made with the Lord. John E. MacKay, Ensign, Mar 1995, 66

3 Nephi 19-20

3 Nephi 19-20 Study Guide – to be discussed December 11
Day 1: Read 3 Nephi 19:1-12
1. Why do you think the multitude that had seen Jesus spent the night inviting others to come?


2. List the commandments given by the Savior the previous day which were specifically carried out by the twelve, as described in 3 Nephi 19:6-12.



3. What did the twelve most desire?


Day 2: Read 3 Nephi 19:13-26; Bible Dictionary entry, “Fire”
4. After the twelve were baptized, how was their greatest desire realized?



BONUS: Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Fire.” List what the fire that filled and surrounded the twelve may have symbolized.



5. Why do you think Jesus asked the people to kneel and pray? To whom did they pray?



6. List elements of the Lord’s prayer to the Father.



Day 3: Read 3 Nephi 19:27-36
7. How many times did Jesus use the word “purified” in his prayer? How can we become purified?



8. How did the multitude understand the words of Jesus’ prayer?


BONUS: Read John 17:5-10. Compare the Great Intercessory Prayer in John’s gospel with Christ’s prayer for the remnant of Joseph in 3 Nephi. How are they the same? How are they different?



9. What principle of the gospel allowed the people on this continent to witness tremendous miracles?



Day 4: Read 3 Nephi 20:1-9; John 6:30-35, 53-57
10. How can we “cease to pray,” but “not cease to pray” in our hearts in preparation for taking the sacrament?


11. Review 3 Nephi 18:1-4. On the second day of Christ’s visit, he did not ask the people to wait while bread and wine were procured, but produced the sacramental emblems miraculously. How had the people been prepared this time? Were there more people or fewer to provide for?



12. Read John 6:30-35, 53-57. Why will the soul that partakes of Christ’s body and blood never hunger or thirst? With what were the people filled?



Day 5: Read 3 Nephi 20:10-22
13. Whose prophecies did Jesus quote in his “sacrament meeting” talk?


14. Why will the Lord gather his people?



15. List promised blessings from 3 Nephi 20:14-22.




Day 6. Read 3 Nephi 20:23-35
16. What part of God’s covenant with Abraham was fulfilled when Christ taught of the Holy Ghost and purified the people?



17. In 3 Nephi 20:32-34, each verse begins with “Then….” From 3 Nephi 20:29-30, when is “then”?



18. Why will waste places sing? Why would the Father “make bare his holy arm”?



Day 7: Read 3 Nephi 20:36-46; D&C 113:8-10; D&C 84:88; D&C 88:74-75 Ezekiel 36:25; Isaiah 52:1-12, using footnotes
19. Read D&C 113:8-10. What is the strength of Zion? What are the bands around her neck and how are they loosed?



20. Whose feet bring good tidings and publish peace? Read D&C 84:88 and 88:74-75. What makes these feet beautiful?




21. Using the JST footnote for Isaiah 52:15a and Ezekiel 36:25, give two possible meanings for the word “sprinkle” in 3 Nephi 20:45.

3 Nephi 17-18

3 Nephi 17-18 Study Guide – to be discussed December 4
Day 1: Read 3 Nephi 17:1-8; D&C 78:17-19
1. After quoting Isaiah, Jesus perceived that the people did not quite understand all he had been commanded to tell them. What instructions did he give to help them understand his teachings?



BONUS: Review 3 Nephi 11:1. Where were the people being taught? How could the instructions in 3 Nephi 17:3 apply to this setting?


EXTRA CREDIT: Read D&C 78:17-19. List promises to those who allow themselves to be led along and who receive all things with thankfulness.


2. Where was the Savior planning to go when he left the people at Bountiful?


3. Why did Christ tarry? What allowed Him to heal the people?



Day 2: Read 3 Nephi 17:9-17; D&C 76:1-10 and 114-118
4. What percentage of the sick and afflicted who were brought to Christ were healed? Who worshipped Him?


5. Why do you think Jesus asked for the children to be brought forward to encircle Him?



6. What was troubling the Savior as he prayed? For whom did He pray?


EXTRA CREDIT: Read D&C 76:1-10 and 114-118. What is the reward to those who respect and serve God in purity? By what power are we enlightened? Why couldn’t the people at Bountiful record the words of Christ’s powerful prayer?



Day 3: Read 3 Nephi 17:18-25
7. Why do you think Jesus wept?



8. What was the multitude commanded to DO in 3 Nephi 17:23? Why?


9. In what way(s) did blessing the children also bless the parents and grandparents? How had the parents already blessed the children?



EXTRA CREDIT: List the steps in 3 Nephi 17 that led to overwhelming joy.
Day 4: Read 3 Nephi 18:1-9
10. Why do you think Jesus asked his disciples to bring bread and wine instead of bringing them himself or causing them to appear miraculously? What did the multitude do as they waited?



11. Why do you think the Lord gave the sacrament to the disciples first, then commanded them to give to the multitude?



12. List the reasons Jesus gave for the commandment to observe His sacrament.



BONUS: According to 3 Nephi 20:9, with what were the people filled when they partook of the sacrament?


Day 5: Read 3 Nephi 18:10-16
13. To whom was Jesus speaking in 3 Nephi 18:10-16?

14. List promised blessings to those who worthily administer and partake of the sacrament.



15. How were the disciples commanded to pray in 3 Nephi 18:16? What example had Christ set in 3 Nephi 17:15-17?



Day 6: Read 3 Nephi 18:17-25
16. How does sincere prayer help us renew the covenant to “always remember Him”?



17. What two places are mentioned specifically as places where we should pray together?


18. How can we “hold up” the teachings of Christ as a light to the world and invite others to “feel and see”?



Day 7: Read 3 Nephi 18:26-39; BD entry: “Cloud”
19. What specific instructions did Jesus give the twelve regarding the administration of the sacrament?



20. What did the Savior say we must do in order for him to heal us? How can we help others receive this healing?



21. Why did the Savior need to go unto the Father? Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Cloud.” Why do you think the Lord often uses a cloud to veil His presence, or in this case, His ascension?

3 Nephi 14-16

3 Nephi 14-16 Study Guide – to be discussed November 20
Day 1: Read 3 Nephi 14:1-12; footnote to Matthew 7:1a; Moroni 7:15-16; Alma 41:14-15
1. Read the footnote to Matthew 7:1a, Moroni 7:15-16 and Alma 41:14-15. What kind of judgment must we exercise? What help do we have in discerning good and evil?



2. What two reasons are given in 3 Nephi 14:6 for why we should “give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast… pearls before swine….”?



3. What is the difference between asking, seeking and knocking?



Day 2: Read 3 Nephi 14:13-27; 2 Nephi 31:17-21
4. What is the “strait gate”? (See also 2 Nephi 31:17-20.) What makes it strait?



5. Why will the Lord, in the last days, deny knowing many who have professed they are his servants?



6. What is the “rock” upon which we should build? The rock will not keep us warm or dry – the house we build will. What might the house represent? The rain?




Day 3: Read 3 Nephi 15:1-10
7. By what authority did Jesus say he had fulfilled the law?



8. The brass plates of Laban contained three parts: (1) The Law, similar to the first five books in our Old Testament; (2) The Writings, historical books like Joshua or Kings and poetic writings like Psalms and Proverbs; and (3) The Prophets, which included writings by Isaiah, Zenock, etc. With this in mind, why do you think Jesus said he had fulfilled the law, but would no destroy the prophets?





9. List commands and promised blessings from 3 Nephi 15:9-10.






Day 4: Read 3 Nephi 15:11-24; JST Genesis 50:24-25
10. Read JST Genesis 50:24-25 (p. 799 of Bible Appendix). How did the Nephites and Lamanites in America fulfill prophecy?



11. Why didn’t Jesus give his disciples in Judea details about Lehi’s people?



12. Of whom did the people in Jerusalem believe Christ was speaking when he told them he had “other sheep”?



Day 5: Read 3 Nephi 16: 1-7; D&C 50:44-46
13. Read D&C 50:44-46. Might we be included in the Savior’s declaration that he has “other sheep”? Why or why not?



14. Why were the people commanded to record Jesus’ words?



15. How and why have gentile nations been blessed in the latter days?



Day 6: Read 3 Nephi 16:8-12
16. List two branches of Israel in history that have been smitten, afflicted and slaughtered.



17. What is the Lord’s warning to the Gentiles who reject the gospel in the latter days?



18. What covenants has the Lord made with the house of Israel? (See also Genesis 17:1-8.)



Day 7: Read 3 Nephi 16:13-20 Micah 5:7-8
19. What great promise did the Lord make to Gentiles who return to him?



20. What is the warning to Gentiles who will not hearken?



21. Read Micah 5:7-8. What two things are the remnant of Jacob compared to in these verses, and why?

3 Nephi 10-13

3 Nephi 10-13 Study Guide – to be discussed November 13
Day 1: Read 3 Nephi 10
1. Why do you think the people stopped lamenting when they heard the voice of God?



BONUS: Note the three different tenses used in 3 Nephi 10:4-6 as the Lord expressed his desire to gather and nurture Israel. What warning follows in 3 Nephi 10:7?


2. How many days of darkness were there? At what part of the day did the darkness disperse and the earth heal?



3. Since the calamities endured by the Nephites and Lamanites at the time of Christ’s death are types of the calamities to precede Christ’s second coming, how can we gain hope from this chapter?



Day 2: Read 3 Nephi 11:1-17; 1 Kings 19:11-12; 3 Nephi 17:25; John 20:27-28
4. List phrases that describe the voice of God. From 3 Nephi 17:25, how many people were gathered at the temple? What did they have to do in order to understand?



5. Even though the people heard Christ introduced by the Father as his Beloved Son, who did they think he was at first? How did he introduce himself?


6. Read John 20:27-28. Why do you think the Savior wanted each person, one by one, to feel his wounds?



Day 3: Read 3 Nephi 11:18-41; Ezekiel 1:28-2:2
7. Read Ezekiel 1:28-2:2. How do you think Nephi felt as he “bowed himself before the Lord”? How was he prepared to greet the risen Savior?



8. What was the first power and doctrinal instruction the Lord gave his disciples? Why was he so specific?



9. What is the doctrine of Christ? What are the promises to those who accept and build on this doctrine? What is the warning to those who build their lives on the philosophies of men?




Day 4: Read 3 Nephi 12:1-16
10. To whom had the Savior addressed his counsel in 3 Nephi 11:22-41? To whom did he then turn at the beginning of chapter 12? From 3 Nephi 12:1-2, to whom were the first statements of “blessedness” offered?
11. Read through 3 Nephi 12:3-12 and restate the Beatitudes, or statements of blessedness, in your own words. Use footnotes for Matthew 5:1-12; also D&C 56:17-18, Mormon 2:11-13, , Numbers 12:3, 2 Nephi 32:3, Proverbs 14:21, 2 Peter 1:3-10, 1 John 3:1-3, James 3:17-18, D&C 122:1-9.




12. How does accepting Christ’s call to be “salt” and “light” today assist in gathering Israel? What is the common reward to those who exhibit these qualities?



Day 5: Read 3 Nephi 12:17-48
13. How did Christ fulfill the Law? What was the purpose of the Law of Moses? (See also Galatians 3:21-24.)



14. Read Proverbs 25:21-22. Was “love your enemies” a new concept? Why is it important to forgive others before we come unto Christ?



15. In 3 Nephi 12:29, the Lord counseled that we not allow sinful things to enter our HEARTS. Why do you think his warning was about the “heart” instead of the “mind”?



Day 6: Read 3 Nephi 13:1-21
16. What is the reward of the hypocrites?



17. What are vain repetitions and why should we avoid them?



18. Are fasting and forgiveness related? Why or why not?



Day 7: Read 3 Nephi 13:22-34; D&C 4:5
19. Read D&C 4:5. To what should our eyes be single if we are to receive light?



20. Why can’t we serve two masters?



21. To whom did Jesus direct his address in 3 Nephi 13:25-34? How does this understanding help clarify the Savior’s directions?

3 Nephi 7-9

3 Nephi 7-9 Study Guide – to be discussed Nov. 6
Day 1: Read 3 Nephi 7:1-14; 2 Peter 2:9-10, 21-22
1. List the results of disunity in the 30th year.


2. Compare 3 Nephi 7:1-3 with 2 Peter 2:9-10, 21-22. List three ways in which the Nephites fit the pattern described by Peter.



3. What united the various tribes of people? What divided them? What was the name of the “king of the dissenters?



BONUS: What was wrong with the “peace” that existed?


Day 2: Read 3 Nephi 7:15-26
4. List three things of which Nephi was a special witness.



5. What miracles did the people witness? What was the general reaction? What was happening in Judea at the same time these events took place on the Western Hemisphere?



6. In what way(s) was Nephi’s mission successful? Why could the people NOT disbelieve Nephi’s words?



Day 3: Read 3 Nephi 8:1-11; Helaman 14:20-27; Alma 50:13
7. How do we know Nephi was “a just man” – cleansed from iniquity?



8. Compare 3 Nephi 8:5-10 with Helaman 14:20-27. List the fulfillments of Samuel’s prophecies. How much time had the Nephites had to repent and prepare for the storm?



9. According to Alma 50:13, where was the city of Moroni? What happened to this city?


Day 4: Read 3 Nephi 8:12-25; D&C 88:4-13
10. Was the most damage incurred in the north or the south? Were any cities listed as untouched?



11. How dark was it? For how long?


BONUS: Read D&C 88:4-13. What is the source of all light? How does light create hope?



12. Why did the people howl and weep?




Day 5: Read 3 Nephi 9:1-8; 1 Nephi 19:11-12
13. Was it still dark when the people heard the voice of Christ? What was the first counsel given by the Lord? Do you think the people were ready to listen?



14. List the cities named by the Lord and how they were destroyed. What reasons did the Lord give for their destruction?




15. Was the destruction random or at all haphazard? Why or why not?



Day 6: Read 3 Nephi 9:9-14
16. Were those who were spared perfect? In not, why were they spared? (See also 3 Nephi 10:12.)



17. How does the Lord heal us?



18. Identify one command and the associated promise(s) in 3 Nephi 9:14.



Day 7: Read 3 Nephi 9:15-22; D&C 21:9; D&C 97:8
19. List names of Christ in 3 Nephi 9:15-28.



20. What sacrifice did the Lord require instead of blood sacrifices and burnt offerings? Read also D&C 21:9, 97:8. How are we to accomplish this sacrifice?




21. From 3 Nephi 9:21-22, what was the Savior’s reason for putting on mortality? Compare these verses with 3 Nephi 9:15-18. Who was this Jesus of Nazareth? Who is he to you?

3 Nephi 4-6

3 Nephi 4-6 Study Guide: To be discussed November 6??
Day 1: Read 3 Nephi 4:1-10; 1 John 4:15-18
1. Why couldn’t the robbers exist except in the wilderness?



2. What was the Nephite strategy and why was it so effective?



3. Read 1 John 4:15-18. Why weren’t the Nephites afraid of Giddianhi and his terrible army?



Day 2: Read 3 Nephi 4:11-23; Alma 16:9-11; Alma 28:10-11
4. Read Alma 16:9-11 and Alma 28:10-11 with 3 Nephi 4:11. By comparison, how terrible was the slaughter in the 19th year after the signs of Christ’s birth?



5. Review 3 Nephi 3:21. Why didn’t Gidgiddoni attack first? Do you think the Nephites would have been victorious had they not waited for the robbers to attack?



6. List 3 reasons why the siege by the robbers was unsuccessful.



Day 3: Read 3 Nephi 4:24-33; Deuteronomy 21:22-23; Matthew 27:3-5; 1 Nephi 11:35-36
7. Does it sound like Gidgiddoni had spies among the robbers? What was his strategy? Did he show mercy?



8. Read Deuteronomy 21:22-23; Matthew 27:3-5 and 1 Nephi 11:35-36. What symbolism can be found in the manner of Zemnariah’s death?



9. Look up the word “Hosanna” in the Bible Dictionary and tell what it means. Why did the Nephites use the word “hosanna” in their rejoicing?



Day 4: Read 3 Nephi 5:1-13
10. How many times is the word “knew” used in 3 Nephi 5:1-2? What did the Nephites KNOW? What did that knowledge cause them to DO?



11. Describe the two-pronged rehabilitation process used by the Nephites.

12. From 3 Nephi 5:10-13, what did Mormon KNOW and bear witness of?



Day 5: Read 3Nephi 5:14-26; Mormon 9:30-33
13. From 3 Nephi 5:14, list two reasons why Mormon compiled his record. Upon what two sources did he rely?



14. Read Mormon 9:30-33. Why did Mormon write in reformed Egyptian? How did he feel about his record?



15. List promises made to the “remnant of the seed of Jacob. Who is meant by the remnant of Jacob’s seed?





Day 6: Read 3 Nephi 6:1-16; Review 3 Nephi 3:22
16. Compare 3 Nephi 6:1 with 3 Nephi 3:22. How many years did the Nephites spend garrisoned in the Zarahemla area before returning to their own lands? How did they establish peace and order?



17. List the steps that led to disunity – the destruction of peace and order.




18. What did inequality among members do to the church?



Day 7: Read 3 Nephi 6:17-30; Mosiah 3:11-12; 1 Samuel 8:1-7
19. How many years had passed between the time when there was “not a living soul among all the people of the Nephites who did doubt in the least the words of all the holy prophets who had spoken” (3 Nephi 5:1) and the “state of awful wickedness” described in 3 Nephi 6:17?



BONUS: Read Mosiah 3:11-12. How is willful rebellion worse than ignorance?



20. Of what did the prophets testify in teaching the fallen Nephites? Why were the chief judges, high priests and lawyers angry?



21. Read 1 Samuel 8:1-7. Who are people rejecting when they ask for a king? Why?

3 Nephi 1-3

3 Nephi 1-3 Study Guide: To be discussed October 16
Day 1: Read 3 Nephi 1:1-9, with headnote; Alma 45:18-19; D&C 63:7-10
1. Who wrote the book of Third Nephi? Who was his grandfather? His grandfather’s grandfather?



BONUS: According to Alma 45:18-19, how was Nephi’s departure similar to that of his great-grandfather?



2. How do you think the unbelievers could disregard the “greater signs and greater miracles” (v.4)? Read D&C 63:7-10. Which comes first, signs or faith?



3. Why were the believers sorrowful? Did they lack faith?



Day 2: Read 3 Nephi 1:10-19; Zechariah 14:6-9; 1 Nephi 1:5-12; Mosiah 26:12-17
4. Why was Nephi so sorrowful? List specific words and phrases from 3 Nephi 1:10-12 describing the intensity of Nephi’s prayer.



5. What answers did Nephi receive after his heart-felt prayer?



BONUS: Compare Nephi’s prayer and answer with Lehi’s prayer in 1 Nephi 1:5-12 and Alma’s prayer in Mosiah 26:12-17. How were these prayers similar?



6. In what year did the signs take place? Read Zechariah 14:6-9. When will a similar sign again occur?



Day 3: Read 3 Nephi 1:20-30; Review Helaman 14:3; Matt. 2:2; Moses 5:12-13
7. Why was a new star in the heavens a good way to signal the birth of the Savior?



8. Read Moses 5:12-13. Why did Satan ramp up the lies at this point in history? Was he successful? Why or why not?



9. Do you think the Gadianton robbers saw and understood the signs of Christ’s birth? What caused some of the youth of the church to be led away?



Day 4: Read 3 Nephi 2:1-9
10. How long did it take before the people began to “forget” the signs and wonders?


11. Why did the people begin to be “hard in their hearts and blind in their minds”?



12. What new system of recording years was initiated in the 100th year of the reign of the judges?



Day 5: Read 3 Nephi 2:10-19; 2 Nephi 5:20-24
13. What united the Nephites and Lamanites?



14. Read 3 Nephi 2:14-16 with 2 Nephi 5:20-24. What curse was removed from the righteous Lamanites?



15. According to 3 Nephi 2:18-19, why were the Nephites so sorely afflicted?



Day 6: Read 3 Nephi 3:1-10
16. What does Giddianhi’s letter tell you about his personality?



17. List the terms of Giddianhi’s truce.



18. Do you think Giddianhi would have honored his promises had the Nephites surrendered? Why or why not?



Day 7: Read 3 Nephi 3:11-26; D&C 98:33
19. From 3 Nephi 3:11-17, what can you tell about the character of Lachoneus? Can you apply his reaction to sin to how we can prepare ourselves against the adversary today?




20. What eternal principle did Gidgiddoni teach the people regarding defensive and offensive warfare? (See also D&C 98:33.)



21. From 3 Nephi 3:25, list three ways Lachoneus’ people “did fortify themselves against their enemies.”