Mormon Chapter 4--Wickedness sweeps the land

I never really understood why it is that the authors of The Book of Mormon decided to go into detail regarding the many battles which took place over the many centuries in which the book was written. Recently, however, I think it's starting to make sense. Early in Mormon 4, Mormon writes that the Lamanite armies over take the Nephites "while they were yet weary," resulting in Lamanite possession of the City of Desolation. Just as the Nephites were weakened in their weariness, so too are we weakened when we are weary. Often in life, we find ourselves burdened with multiple trials and difficulties at once, which compound and multiply to weaken our resolve and make us more susceptible to temptation. It's crucial that in times of crisis, we recognize our Heavenly Father's love for us, and we recognize the power of and take comfort in the Savior's Atonement. He is always there to help lift our burdens, and through him we can be strengthened and withstand the Adversaries attacks.

One other point that stood out to me in Chapter 4 can be found in verse 5, which reads,

"But behold, the judgements of God will overtake the wicked; and it is by the wicked that the wicked are punished; for it is the wicked that stir up the hearts of the children of men unto bloodshed."

What a fascinating point. God does not stir the hearts of man unto anger; He is love and peace and hope. While the unjust will not go unpunished, He does not manipulate the agency of others in order to enact consequences for them. Instead, wickedness will destroy wickedness. Those who behave in a destructive manner will find destruction as a result of their actions. It's like lifetime smokers; if you've smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for your entire life, you have a significantly higher chance of dying from lung cancer than a non-smoker. God isn't punishing you for disobeying the Word of Wisdom however, rather, you are punishing yourself. You are responsible for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and if you choose not to, then you will suffer the consequences.