Alma
57 versículos
Resumen
Helamán escribe a Moroni sobre cómo dirige a los 2,000 jóvenes guerreros, describiendo su valentía en batalla, una victoria clave sobre los lamanitas y la milagrosa preservación de todos sus jóvenes soldados.
Al comenzar el año treinta del gobierno de los jueces, en el segundo día del primer mes, Moroni recibió una carta de Helaman explicando la situación del pueblo en esa parte de la tierra.
And now it came to pass in the commencement of the thirtieth year of the reign of the judges, on the second day in the first month, Moroni received an epistle from Helaman, stating the affairs of the people in that quarter of the land.
Estas son las palabras que escribió: Mi muy amado hermano, Moroni, tanto en el Señor como en las pruebas de nuestra guerra, mi querido hermano, tengo algo que contarte sobre nuestras batallas en esta parte de la tierra.
And these are the words which he wrote, saying: My dearly beloved brother, Moroni, as well in the Lord as in the tribulations of our warfare; behold, my beloved brother, I have somewhat to tell you concerning our warfare in this part of the land.
Dos mil de los hijos de aquellos hombres que Ammón sacó de la tierra de Nefi—estos eran descendientes de Lamán, quien fue el hijo mayor de nuestro padre Lehi—
Behold, two thousand of the sons of those men whom Ammon brought down out of the land of Nephi—now ye have known that these were descendants of Laman, who was the eldest son of our father Lehi;
No necesito hablarte de sus tradiciones ni de su incredulidad, porque tú ya sabes todas estas cosas.
Now I need not rehearse unto you concerning their traditions or their unbelief, for thou knowest concerning all these things—
Así que solo te diré que dos mil de estos jóvenes han tomado sus armas de guerra y quieren que yo sea su líder, y hemos salido para defender nuestra patria.
Therefore it sufficeth me that I tell you that two thousand of these young men have taken their weapons of war, and would that I should be their leader; and we have come forth to defend our country.
Tú también sabes acerca del convenio que hicieron sus padres, de que no tomarían armas de guerra contra sus hermanos para derramar sangre.
And now ye also know concerning the covenant which their fathers made, that they would not take up their weapons of war against their brethren to shed blood.
Pero en el año veintiséis, cuando vieron nuestro sufrimiento y dificultades por causa de ellos, estuvieron a punto de romper el convenio que habían hecho y tomar sus armas de guerra para defendernos.
But in the twenty and sixth year, when they saw our afflictions and our tribulations for them, they were about to break the covenant which they had made and take up their weapons of war in our defence.
Pero no les permitiría quebrantar el convenio que habían hecho, confiando en que Dios nos fortalecería para que no sufriéramos más por guardar el juramento que habían tomado.
But I would not suffer them that they should break this covenant which they had made, supposing that God would strengthen us, insomuch that we should not suffer more because of the fulfilling the oath which they had taken.
Sin embargo, hay algo que nos da gran gozo. En el año veintiséis, yo, Helaman, marché al frente de estos dos mil jóvenes hacia la ciudad de Judea para ayudar a Antipus, a quien tú habías nombrado como líder sobre el pueblo en esa parte de la tierra.
But behold, here is one thing in which we may have great joy. For behold, in the twenty and sixth year, I, Helaman, did march at the head of these two thousand young men to the city of Judea, to assist Antipus, whom ye had appointed a leader over the people of that part of the land.
Uní a mis dos mil hijos (porque son dignos de ser llamados hijos) al ejército de Antipus, y Antipus se regocijó mucho por esta fuerza. Su ejército había sido reducido por los lamanitas, ya que sus fuerzas habían matado a muchos de nuestros hombres, y por eso tenemos que lamentarnos.
And I did join my two thousand sons, (for they are worthy to be called sons) to the army of Antipus, in which strength Antipus did rejoice exceedingly; for behold, his army had been reduced by the Lamanites because their forces had slain a vast number of our men, for which cause we have to mourn.
Aun así, podemos encontrar consuelo al saber que murieron por su país y por su Dios, y que están felices.
Nevertheless, we may console ourselves in this point, that they have died in the cause of their country and of their God, yea, and they are happy.
Los lamanitas también han mantenido a muchos prisioneros, todos ellos son capitanes principales, porque no han dejado a nadie más con vida. Creemos que en este momento están en la tierra de Nefi, a menos que hayan sido muertos.
And the Lamanites had also retained many prisoners, all of whom are chief captains, for none other have they spared alive. And we suppose that they are now at this time in the land of Nephi; it is so if they are not slain.
Estas son las ciudades que los lamanitas han tomado derramando la sangre de tantos de nuestros valientes hombres:
And now these are the cities of which the Lamanites have obtained possession by the shedding of the blood of so many of our valiant men:
La tierra de Manti, o la ciudad de Manti, y la ciudad de Zeezrom, y la ciudad de Cumeni, y la ciudad de Antiparah.
The land of Manti, or the city of Manti, and the city of Zeezrom, and the city of Cumeni, and the city of Antiparah.
Estas son las ciudades que controlaban cuando llegué a la ciudad de Judea, y encontré a Antipus y a sus hombres trabajando con todas sus fuerzas para fortificar la ciudad.
And these are the cities which they possessed when I arrived at the city of Judea; and I found Antipus and his men toiling with their might to fortify the city.
Estaban agotados tanto física como espiritualmente, porque habían luchado valientemente durante el día y trabajado arduamente durante la noche para defender sus ciudades; habían sufrido muchas clases de dificultades.
Yea, and they were depressed in body as well as in spirit, for they had fought valiantly by day and toiled by night to maintain their cities; and thus they had suffered great afflictions of every kind.
Ellos estaban decididos a vencer en este lugar o morir en el intento, así que puedes imaginar que este pequeño grupo que traje conmigo—mis hijos—les dio mucha esperanza y alegría.
And now they were determined to conquer in this place or die; therefore you may well suppose that this little force which I brought with me, yea, those sons of mine, gave them great hopes and much joy.
Cuando los lamanitas vieron que Antipus había recibido mayor fuerza en su ejército, Ammoron les ordenó que no atacaran la ciudad de Judea ni vinieran contra nosotros en batalla.
And now it came to pass that when the Lamanites saw that Antipus had received a greater strength to his army, they were compelled by the orders of Ammoron to not come against the city of Judea, or against us, to battle.
Fuimos favorecidos por el Señor, porque si nos hubieran atacado mientras estábamos débiles, podrían haber destruido nuestro pequeño ejército; pero fuimos preservados.
And thus were we favored of the Lord; for had they come upon us in this our weakness they might have perhaps destroyed our little army; but thus were we preserved.
Ammoron les ordenó que mantuvieran las ciudades que habían capturado. Así terminó el año veintiséis. Al comienzo del año veintisiete, ya habíamos preparado nuestra ciudad y a nosotros mismos para la defensa.
They were commanded by Ammoron to maintain those cities which they had taken. And thus ended the twenty and sixth year. And in the commencement of the twenty and seventh year we had prepared our city and ourselves for defence.
Queríamos que los lamanitas vinieran a atacarnos, porque no queríamos atacarlos en sus fortalezas.
Now we were desirous that the Lamanites should come upon us; for we were not desirous to make an attack upon them in their strongholds.
Mantuvimos espías por todos lados para vigilar los movimientos de los lamanitas, para que no pudieran pasar desapercibidos ni de noche ni de día y atacar nuestras otras ciudades al norte.
And it came to pass that we kept spies out round about, to watch the movements of the Lamanites, that they might not pass us by night nor by day to make an attack upon our other cities which were on the northward.
Sabíamos que la gente de esas ciudades no era lo suficientemente fuerte para enfrentarlos, así que esperábamos que, si el enemigo pasaba junto a nosotros, podríamos atacarlos por detrás mientras eran confrontados por el frente. Pensamos que podríamos vencerlos, pero nos desilusionamos en esa esperanza.
For we knew in those cities they were not sufficiently strong to meet them; therefore we were desirous, if they should pass by us, to fall upon them in their rear, and thus bring them up in the rear at the same time they were met in the front. We supposed that we could overpower them; but behold, we were disappointed in this our desire.
No se atrevieron a pasar junto a nosotros con todo su ejército, ni tampoco se atrevieron a intentarlo solo con una parte de sus fuerzas, porque temían no ser lo suficientemente fuertes y ser derrotados.
They durst not pass by us with their whole army, neither durst they with a part, lest they should not be sufficiently strong and they should fall.
No se atrevieron a marchar contra la ciudad de Zarahemla, ni se atrevieron a cruzar la cabecera del río Sidón hacia la ciudad de Nephihah.
Neither durst they march down against the city of Zarahemla; neither durst they cross the head of Sidon, over to the city of Nephihah.
Así que, con sus ejércitos, estaban decididos a mantener el control de las ciudades que habían conquistado.
And thus, with their forces, they were determined to maintain those cities which they had taken.
En el segundo mes de este año, muchos víveres nos fueron traídos por los padres de mis dos mil hijos.
And now it came to pass in the second month of this year, there was brought unto us many provisions from the fathers of those my two thousand sons.
También se nos enviaron dos mil hombres desde la tierra de Zarahemla. Así que estábamos preparados con diez mil hombres, junto con provisiones para ellos y para sus esposas e hijos.
And also there were sent two thousand men unto us from the land of Zarahemla. And thus we were prepared with ten thousand men, and provisions for them, and also for their wives and their children.
Cuando los lamanitas vieron que nuestras fuerzas crecían cada día y que llegaban provisiones para apoyarnos, tuvieron miedo y empezaron a atacarnos, esperando impedir que recibiéramos más suministros y refuerzos.
And the Lamanites, thus seeing our forces increase daily, and provisions arrive for our support, they began to be fearful, and began to sally forth, if it were possible to put an end to our receiving provisions and strength.
Cuando vimos que los lamanitas empezaban a inquietarse de esa manera, quisimos usar una estrategia contra ellos. Entonces Antipus me ordenó marchar con mis jóvenes hacia una ciudad cercana, fingiendo que llevábamos provisiones allí.
Now when we saw that the Lamanites began to grow uneasy on this wise, we were desirous to bring a stratagem into effect upon them; therefore Antipus ordered that I should march forth with my little sons to a neighboring city, as if we were carrying provisions to a neighboring city.
Marchamos cerca de la ciudad de Antiparah, fingiendo que íbamos hacia la ciudad que estaba más allá, por los límites junto a la orilla del mar.
And we were to march near the city of Antiparah, as if we were going to the city beyond, in the borders by the seashore.
Marchamos adelante con nuestros suministros, como si fuéramos a esa ciudad.
And it came to pass that we did march forth, as if with our provisions, to go to that city.
Antipus salió con parte de su ejército, dejando al resto para defender la ciudad. Pero no partió hasta que yo había avanzado con mi pequeño ejército y me había acercado a la ciudad de Antiparah.
And it came to pass that Antipus did march forth with a part of his army, leaving the remainder to maintain the city. But he did not march forth until I had gone forth with my little army, and came near the city Antiparah.
El ejército más fuerte y numeroso de los lamanitas estaba apostado en la ciudad de Antiparah.
And now, in the city Antiparah were stationed the strongest army of the Lamanites; yea, the most numerous.
Cuando sus espías les informaron, salieron con su ejército y marcharon contra nosotros.
And it came to pass that when they had been informed by their spies, they came forth with their army and marched against us.
Huímos hacia el norte de ellos, llevándonos al ejército más poderoso de los lamanitas.
And it came to pass that we did flee before them, northward. And thus we did lead away the most powerful army of the Lamanites;
Nos persiguieron por una larga distancia, y cuando vieron que el ejército de Antipus venía tras ellos con todas sus fuerzas, no se desviaron ni a la derecha ni a la izquierda, sino que siguieron viniendo directamente tras nosotros. Creemos que su plan era matarnos antes de que Antipus pudiera alcanzarlos, para que no quedaran atrapados por nuestro pueblo.
Yea, even to a considerable distance, insomuch that when they saw the army of Antipus pursuing them, with their might, they did not turn to the right nor to the left, but pursued their march in a straight course after us; and, as we suppose, it was their intent to slay us before Antipus should overtake them, and this that they might not be surrounded by our people.
Cuando Antipus vio el peligro en que estábamos, apresuró la marcha de su ejército. Pero como ya era de noche, no lograron alcanzarnos, y Antipus tampoco los alcanzó a ellos. Así que acampamos para pasar la noche.
And now Antipus, beholding our danger, did speed the march of his army. But behold, it was night; therefore they did not overtake us, neither did Antipus overtake them; therefore we did camp for the night.
Antes del amanecer, los lamanitas nos perseguían. No éramos lo suficientemente fuertes para luchar contra ellos, y no permitiría que mis hijos pequeños cayeran en sus manos. Así que seguimos marchando y nos adentramos en el desierto.
And it came to pass that before the dawn of the morning, behold, the Lamanites were pursuing us. Now we were not sufficiently strong to contend with them; yea, I would not suffer that my little sons should fall into their hands; therefore we did continue our march, and we took our march into the wilderness.
No se atrevieron a girar ni a la derecha ni a la izquierda porque podrían ser rodeados; yo tampoco me atrevía a girar a la derecha ni a la izquierda porque podrían alcanzarme, y no podríamos resistir contra ellos—nos matarían y ellos escaparían. Así que seguimos huyendo al desierto todo el día, hasta que oscureció.
Now they durst not turn to the right nor to the left lest they should be surrounded; neither would I turn to the right nor to the left lest they should overtake me, and we could not stand against them, but be slain, and they would make their escape; and thus we did flee all that day into the wilderness, even until it was dark.
Cuando llegó la mañana, vimos que los lamanitas se acercaban a nosotros, y huimos de ellos.
And it came to pass that again, when the light of the morning came we saw the Lamanites upon us, and we did flee before them.
No nos persiguieron por mucho tiempo antes de detenerse; y esto sucedió en la mañana del tercer día del séptimo mes.
But it came to pass that they did not pursue us far before they halted; and it was in the morning of the third day of the seventh month.
No sabíamos si Antipus los había alcanzado, pero les dije a mis hombres: "No lo sabemos; tal vez se han detenido a propósito para que los ataquemos y así puedan atraparnos."
And now, whether they were overtaken by Antipus we knew not, but I said unto my men: Behold, we know not but they have halted for the purpose that we should come against them, that they might catch us in their snare;
Entonces, ¿qué dicen, hijos míos? ¿Irán a pelear contra ellos en batalla?
Therefore what say ye, my sons, will ye go against them to battle?
Ahora te digo, mi querido hermano Moroni, nunca he visto un valor tan grande—ni siquiera entre todos los nefitas.
And now I say unto you, my beloved brother Moroni, that never had I seen so great courage, nay, not amongst all the Nephites.
Como siempre los había llamado mis hijos (porque todos eran muy jóvenes), me dijeron: "Padre, nuestro Dios está con nosotros y no permitirá que caigamos. Sigamos adelante; no mataríamos a nuestros hermanos si ellos nos dejaran en paz. Así que vayamos, o podrían vencer al ejército de Antipus."
For as I had ever called them my sons (for they were all of them very young) even so they said unto me: Father, behold our God is with us, and he will not suffer that we should fall; then let us go forth; we would not slay our brethren if they would let us alone; therefore let us go, lest they should overpower the army of Antipus.
Nunca habían peleado antes, pero no temían a la muerte. Les importaba más la libertad de sus padres que sus propias vidas. Sus madres les habían enseñado que si no dudaban, Dios los libraría.
Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.
Me repitieron lo que sus madres les habían enseñado, diciendo: "No dudamos que nuestras madres lo sabían."
And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it.
Regresé con mis dos mil contra los lamanitas que nos habían perseguido. Ahora los ejércitos de Antipus los habían alcanzado, y una batalla terrible había comenzado.
And it came to pass that I did return with my two thousand against these Lamanites who had pursued us. And now behold, the armies of Antipus had overtaken them, and a terrible battle had commenced.
El ejército de Antipus estaba agotado por su larga marcha en tan poco tiempo y estaba a punto de caer en manos de los lamanitas. Si yo no hubiera regresado con mis dos mil, los lamanitas habrían logrado su objetivo.
The army of Antipus being weary, because of their long march in so short a space of time, were about to fall into the hands of the Lamanites; and had I not returned with my two thousand they would have obtained their purpose.
Antipus había sido muerto a espada, junto con muchos de sus líderes, porque estaban exhaustos de marchar tan rápidamente. Los hombres de Antipus, confundidos por la pérdida de sus líderes, empezaron a retirarse ante los lamanitas.
For Antipus had fallen by the sword, and many of his leaders, because of their weariness, which was occasioned by the speed of their march—therefore the men of Antipus, being confused because of the fall of their leaders, began to give way before the Lamanites.
Los lamanitas cobraron valor y empezaron a perseguirlos. Mientras los lamanitas los seguían con gran energía, Helamán llegó por detrás con sus dos mil y comenzó a matarlos tan eficazmente que todo el ejército lamanita se detuvo y se volvió para enfrentarse a Helamán.
And it came to pass that the Lamanites took courage, and began to pursue them; and thus were the Lamanites pursuing them with great vigor when Helaman came upon their rear with his two thousand, and began to slay them exceedingly, insomuch that the whole army of the Lamanites halted and turned upon Helaman.
Cuando el pueblo de Antipus vio que los lamanitas se habían dado la vuelta, reunieron a sus hombres y atacaron de nuevo la retaguardia de los lamanitas.
Now when the people of Antipus saw that the Lamanites had turned them about, they gathered together their men and came again upon the rear of the Lamanites.
Nosotros, el pueblo de Nefi, el pueblo de Antipus y yo con mis dos mil rodeamos a los lamanitas y los matamos, hasta que se vieron obligados a entregar sus armas de guerra y rendirse como prisioneros de guerra.
And now it came to pass that we, the people of Nephi, the people of Antipus, and I with my two thousand, did surround the Lamanites, and did slay them; yea, insomuch that they were compelled to deliver up their weapons of war and also themselves as prisoners of war.
Después de que se rindieron ante nosotros, conté a los jóvenes que habían peleado conmigo, temiendo que muchos de ellos hubieran muerto.
And now it came to pass that when they had surrendered themselves up unto us, behold, I numbered those young men who had fought with me, fearing lest there were many of them slain.
Para mi gran alegría, ninguno de ellos había muerto; y habían peleado como si tuvieran la fuerza de Dios. Nunca se había visto a hombres luchar con una fuerza tan milagrosa. Con tan gran poder atacaron a los lamanitas que los asustaron, y por esto, los lamanitas se rindieron y se entregaron como prisioneros de guerra.
But behold, to my great joy, there had not one soul of them fallen to the earth; yea, and they had fought as if with the strength of God; yea, never were men known to have fought with such miraculous strength; and with such mighty power did they fall upon the Lamanites, that they did frighten them; and for this cause did the Lamanites deliver themselves up as prisoners of war.
Como no teníamos un lugar donde mantener a nuestros prisioneros a salvo de los ejércitos lamanitas, los enviamos a la tierra de Zarahemla, junto con algunos de los hombres del ejército de Antipus que habían sobrevivido. Yo tomé al resto y los uní con mis jóvenes soldados amonitas, y marchamos de regreso a la ciudad de Judea.
And as we had no place for our prisoners, that we could guard them to keep them from the armies of the Lamanites, therefore we sent them to the land of Zarahemla, and a part of those men who were not slain of Antipus, with them; and the remainder I took and joined them to my stripling Ammonites, and took our march back to the city of Judea.