1 NOW it came to pass that *Alma began to deliver the word of God unto the people, first in the land of Zarahemla, and from thence throughout all the land. 2 And these are the words which he spake to the people in the church which was established in the city of Zarahemla, according to his own record, saying: 4 And behold, I say unto you, they were delivered out of the hands of the people of king Noah, by the mercy and power of God. 8 And now I ask of you, my brethren, were they destroyed? Behold, I say unto you, Nay, they were not.