The people of Ammon:   faithful, humble, zealous (in the good way) for God, conflicted

These people, who were once very wicked Lamanites, were converted to the Lord, and buried their weapons of war, covenanting never to use them again, in order to prove to God that they had completely changed from their bloodthirsty ways. 
Other Lamanites came against them and slaughtered many, because they met no resistance.
The Nephites promised to take in the people of Ammon and protect them so they could keep their covenant without all being massacred.

Years later, the Nephites are still at war with the Lamanites, and  the people of Ammon are feeling terrible about the situation.  They know that they are a burden on the Nephites, and want to help the situation, so they consider again taking up their weapons to aid in the fight.  They are reminded by loving leaders that they must not break their covenants with God.  Alas, they are "compelled to behold their brethren wade through their afflictions."

What a frustrating situation!  Many would think to say, "get off your rear and do something!"  But their brethren love them so much, that they refuse to let them break their covenants in order to help.  I think a lot of us feel, at times, that we are in "helpless" situations.  We are "compelled" to let others serve us and we must wait for the opportunity to pay it forward.  This takes a lot of humility and faith!  And gratitude!!

There are so many things that we simply cannot do for ourselves.  Are we humble enough to accept help and say thank you?  Are we willing to wait out the trials, graciously accepting sacrifices made for us?  Our Savior made it possible for us to do all of this.  He made the ultimate sacrifice for us!  Do we appreciate his gift?  Do we take advantage of the opportunity to receive that essential and life-saving help?  Do we say thank you?  Do we pay it forward, helping others when we can?

We can learn so much from the people in our history!!  Lets become better because of them!

The situation got better, by the way!  These Ammonites had many sons, who realized that they were not under the covenant their fathers had made.  So, these 2,000 young men faithfully and courageously enlisted to aid in the defense of their people.  These "stripling warriors"  had faith that God would honor their service and sacrifice.  It is recorded of them:  "they were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this is not all -- they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted.  Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him."
These young men were prepared for their role!