Editing Zeniff (section)

== Narrative ==
{{Figures in the Book of Mormon}}
Zeniff participates in two separate expeditions to reclaim the land of Lehi-Nephi, which the Nephites believed to be "the land of [their] inheritance,”<ref>{{lds|Omni|Omni|1|27}}</ref> as it was the homeland of the early Nephites. In the first attempt, recorded briefly in the [[Book of Omni]] and again in Zeniff's personal account, an army of Nephites journeys to the land of Lehi-Nephi to reclaim the land through force. Zeniff is among this group.{{sfn|Hardy|2023|p=250}} He is sent as a spy to gather information for the Nephite army to plan a military attack on the Lamanites who inhabit the land. However, Zeniff claims to see “good” among the Lamanites and decides they should not be destroyed. He suggests that the Nephites instead establish a treaty with the Lamanites for the land. His argument goes against the orders of their expedition's "blood-thirsty" leader, who sentences Zeniff to death. Fighting breaks out among the Nephites, ultimately saving Zeniff, which results in the death of a majority of the army. Fifty survivors of this internal battle return to [[Zarahemla]], while others disappear into the wilderness.{{sfn|Thomas|2016|p=67}}

In his personal record, Zeniff describes himself as "over-zealous to inherit the land of our fathers,"<ref>{{lds|Mosiah|Mosiah|9|3}}</ref> and in around 200 BCE,{{sfn|Hardy|2023|p=846|loc="Timeline of Nephite History"}} he gathers another group of Nephites and returns to the land of Lehi-Nephi. Zeniff appeals to Laman, the king of the Lamanites, and establishes a peace treaty that allows Zeniff’s cohort to settle in the land. King Laman grants Zeniff the lands of Lehi-Nephi and Shilom after commanding the Lamanites in those lands to depart. The Nephites settle in the lands, and Zeniff becomes king.{{sfn|Largey|2003|p=802}}

The people of Zeniff live peacefully for twelve years, but Zeniff begins to realize that King Laman had deceived him and did not intend for them to live in peace, but intended for the Lamanites to exploit the Nephites and take, by force, the goods they produced. At first the Lamanite aggressions are limited to small [[Looting|pillaging]] raids, but they eventually instigate a major battle. Zeniff equips his people with weapons and they enter the battle with Zeniff leading the front line. Zeniff and his people go into battle praying for “deliverance” from their enemies, and emerge victorious.{{sfn|Hardy|2023|p=252}} He attributes the Nephites' success in battle to their faith in God.{{sfn|Hardy|2010|p=128}}

Another ten years of watchful peace follow until the death of King Laman, when Laman's son and successor again tries to drive the Nephites out of their land. The land of Shilom is adjacent to the land of Nephi-Lehi, but its location leaves Shilom open to enemy attacks on both the north and south sides.{{sfn|Hardy|2023|p=253}} Despite this disadvantage, Zeniff prepares his people, sending the women and children into the wilderness and arming all of his men, young and old, for battle. They once again defeat the Lamanites.{{sfn|Largey|2003|p=802}} In his record, Zeniff explains the second war from the perspective of the Lamanites and claims they "have been deceived by the traditions of their fathers."{{sfn|Hardy|2010|p=129}} After a reign of about forty years, Zeniff grows old and confers the kingdom to his son, [[King Noah|Noah]].{{sfn|Thomas|2016|p=77}}