Alma Ch49

The Lamanites start their invasion but are unable to breach the fortification made in Ammonihah and Noah. Then Amalickiah  swears to drink Moroni's blood (yeah I know, gross right?) to gain his strength, of course, spoiler, this never happens but the church is continually strengthened by the leaders.

In November of year 19, the Lamanites move to attack Ammoniah but are unsuccessful because because of the fortifications that Moroni caused to be built knowing that the Lamanites would consider it an easy target (v1-3). The Lamanites were surprised at the genius changes to protect the cities from attacks even now that they had prepared with breast plates and armor which they had lacked last time (v4-7). The Nephites have again made a new means of war that has never been seen in the Americas which is why the chief captains didn't attack the city but preserved their armies and retreated away towards another city,Noah, that they thought might be an easy target (v8-12).

Again they had no idea that Moroni had fortified all the cities and made weak cities stronger and more prepared because he knew where the Lamanites would think to attack (v13-15). The captains of the Lamanites were forced to attack anyway because they chickened out at Ammoniah and had to fight against Captain Lehi, who they remember and from that river fight (v16-17). No matter how hard the Lamanites fought, they couldn't get past the forts security because of the bank and ditch that was around the city with the army inside ready to attack all who tried to climb their way in (v18-20).

The Lamanites were driven back and slaughtered especially when they started to try and dig the banks down to get on equal ground, but that just made it worse because in the end, thousands died and no Nephites died at all (v21-23).Sure there were some 50 that had wounds, but they were just as strong as a whole as when the attack started and the Lamanites are now chief-less, so they head back to Amalickiah who just gets upset at them for not succeeding (v24-26). He wanted to control his old people, so he cursed God
(who he knows exists) and swears to drink Moroni's blood in vengeance (v27). While he is spitting evil, the Nephites are thanking their Lord for delivering them with the guidance of their church leaders, so that is the end of year 19 and still there is peace among them with many baptisms and repentance (v28-30).
I just want to add my personal testimony about spiritual defenses we need to build around us to protect ourselves from temptation and sin. I was raised in the church and at the time, didn't understand why my young women's leader wanted me to promise to keep chaste when I was so young and innocent. At that time I wasn't even interested in guys like that and guys certainly weren't interested in me like that, so I didn't take it very seriously. Of course, time passed and you could say I blossomed into something desirable and because I didn't take those lessons about protecting myself seriously I fell into some nasty habits that were self destructive. I know now what I need to guard myself against and I hope I can share what I have learned with others.