The city of Lemuel was one of the seven cities of the Lamanites that underwent a significant spiritual transformation during the time period between 90 and 77 B.C. This transformation entailed the conversion of its inhabitants to the beliefs of the Nephites concerning the Lord. The people of Lemuel, alongside those from other cities like Shilom and Shemlon, were so moved by their newfound faith that they renounced their previous martial ways. In a symbolic act of devotion and peace, they laid down their weapons of war, choosing instead to adopt a new identity as the Anti-Nephi-Lehies. This collective decision marked a departure from their tradition of rebellion and conflict and signified a commitment to a life of peace and devotion to spiritual principles (Alma 23:12-13, 17).
While detailed descriptions of the city of Lemuel are sparse in the scriptural record, it is implied that the city could have been smaller in size, potentially functioning as a militarily strategic location or a more isolated community without expansive territorial control. Despite its size, Lemuel’s impact was felt through the profound conversion of its people, reflecting a pattern of smaller cities or garrisons altering the larger tapestry of Lamanite and Nephite interactions during this period. Notably, the conversions in Lemuel and similar cities contributed to the changing dynamics between the Nephite and Lamanite populations, influencing the religious and sociopolitical landscapes of the time.