And now, it came to pass that Alma, who had fled from the servants of king Noah, repented of his sins and iniquities, and went about privately among the people, and began to teach the words of Abinadi—

Yea, concerning that which was to come, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and the redemption of the people, which was to be brought to pass through the power, and sufferings, and death of Christ, and his resurrection and ascension into heaven.

And as many as would hear his word he did teach. And he taught them privately, that it might not come to the knowledge of the king. And many did believe his words.

And it came to pass that as many as did believe him did go forth to a place which was called Mormon, having received its name from the king, being in the borders of the land having been infested, by times or at seasons, by wild beasts.

Now, there was in Mormon a fountain of pure water, and Alma resorted thither, there being near the water a Thicket Of Small Trees, where he did hide himself in the daytime from the searches of the king.

And it came to pass that as many as believed him went thither to hear his words.

And it came to pass after many days there were a goodly number gathered together at the place of Mormon, to hear the words of Alma. Yea, all were gathered together that believed on his word, to hear him. And he did teach them, and did preach unto them repentance, and redemption, and faith on the Lord.

……

And now it came to pass that all this was done in Mormon, yea, by the waters of Mormon, in the forest that was near the waters of Mormon; yea, the place of Mormon, the waters of Mormon, the forest of Mormon, how beautiful are they to the eyes of them who there came to the knowledge of their Redeemer; yea, and how blessed are they, for they shall sing to his praise forever.

Mosiah 18:1-7, 30

Jesus is like a hidden and secluded oasis of water and a thicket of trees in the wilderness. Jesus is the tree of life next to a fountain of pure water in Lehi’s dream. Jesus as the Great Gardener is symbolized by peaceful trees. Jesus accepted his Father’s will to suffer for humanity among the trees in the Garden of Gethsemane. He is our sacred seclusion and our safety from destruction. Jesus is represented by a thicket of three crosses on the hill that are hidden from those who could not see Him for who he is. He is represented by the burning bush from which he talked with Moses on the mountain. He is the ram in the thicket that replaced Isaac as a sacrifice. Just like a fountain of pure water is symbolic of Jesus, a thicket of small humble trees is also a symbol of Jesus, his miraculous peace, and his saving grace. The people of Alma came to know and accept Jesus near a thicket of small trees that provided protection and seclusion. They were like sheep who the Shepherd gathered into a thicket enclosure at night to protect them from the wolves. It is thought that small thorny trees such as the Euphorbia Milii, may have been present in the Middle East during Jesus’ lifetime and may have been used to create Christ’s crown of thorns. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we have security and safety.