A Description

The geographical description from Mormon is quite detailed- given his military background (Alma 22).  I like this view, http://bom.byu.edu/:

I like his descriptive phrases:  regions round about, strip of wilderness, narrow strip, sea east, sea west, borders by the seashore, head of the river Sidon, land on the southward, small neck of land, land southward, land northward, and hemmed in. 

In verse 34, he demonstrates his military mind, “that they might have a country whither they might flee, according to their desires”.  We need to know are personal surroundings, all the details- like a spiritual map, a spiritual plan to navigate through life’s spiritual community, journey, and intense battles. And too (Alma 24:17) bury our personal weaknesses (weapons) “did bury them up deep in the earth”; better prepared.  David A. Bednar said: “it is not merely about temporal tactics but about facing spiritual battles. Learn the intent of the enemy. Study as a disciple of Christ with the focus of coming to battle against Lucifer and his legions”.