Alma, having fled from King Noah, repents of his sins and begins to teach the words of Abinadi. He baptizes converts at the waters of Mormon and establishes a church of God. King Noah discovers the church and sends an army to destroy it, but Alma and his 450 converts flee into the wilderness for safety.

The Lamanites attack the Nephites and King Noah, along with his high priests, abandon their people and families and flee into the wilderness, where Noah suffers death by fire. The Nephites become subjects to the Lamanites and Noah's son Limhi reigns as the Nephite king, but now as a tributary monarch under the Lamanites.

Ammon arrives from Zarahemla, giving King Limhi hope knowing that the people of Zarahemla have not been destroyed. Together, Ammon and Limhi devise a plan to escape from the Lamanites, and along with their flocks and herds, they all flee into the wilderness. Ammon leads them through the wildersness until they find refuge in Zarahemla.

Meanwhile, Alma, having established a peaceful existense in the wilderness, are discovered by the Lamanite army searching for Limhi. Noah's wicked high priests are also discovered but give their allegience to the Lamanites, and become taskmasters over Alma and his people. The people suffer burdens, afflictions and persecutions but remain faithful and pray to God for deliverence. The Lord helps Alma and the saints escape their capture and make their way to freedom in Zarahemla.