Repentance, Pride and Humility

Just prior to Abinadi's entry, the kingdom passed to wicked Noah who corrupted the church as well as the government. Idolatry, prostitution, alcohol, unauthorized polygamy and riotous living were promoted among the people, but especially among the ruling class. Despite this, the army was kept in readiness and had just won a decisive battle. Due to that victory there was an abundance of confidence and pride in the land.

It was in this setting that Abinadi began prophesying their bondage if they did not repent. Noah and his officers were concerned that he would negatively affect the morale of the soldiers, which could make the difference between defeat and success on the battle field.

Beyond that, however, Noah and the "priests" were offended by his preaching of the need for repentance and intended to hold a sham hearing in order to slay him.

I believe I may have referred to this before, but it is applicable in this instance, so I will refer to it again. Elder Rex D. Pinegar once explained the meaning of "enmity" in the context of Moses 4:21 where God placed enmity between the children of men and Satan. Enmity is hatred and because it is between us and Satan, it is mutual hatred. The further we keep ourselves from the influences of Satan, the more we hate his ways. The closer we get, the more tolerant we become. When we cross the line, we then begin to hate righteousness and become offended by someone who points out to us the need to repent.

So it is with king Noah and especially with his hand-picked priests. Noah is touched by Abinidai's warnings and fears the consequences. The priests, however, stiffen Noah's courage and urge Abinadi's death claiming he committed treason by prophesying the destruction of Noah's kingdom.

Alma, like the other priests, came to the recognition of his guilt. Like the others, he was faced with a choice; be offended and justify his corrupt behavior, or repent and accept forgiveness through the mediation of Christ who was to come; redemption through the atonement. Taking the first step, he attempted to plead for Abinadi's release, but the king and the priests dismissed him. Knowing the nature of those who are offended by the Word of God, he fled for his life. Later, we find that it is one of these wicked priests who, given a position of authority over Alma's people, has as his primary mission to make life as miserable as possible for Alma and his followers.

It is interesting to me, as an aside, that both Abinadi and Alma (the younger) when calling wicked priesthood men to repentance do not just stick with the basics, but instead preach deeper doctrine such as how Christ is Father and Son or the intricacies of the resurrection. As readers of the Book of Mormon, we receive a depth of understanding, as Mormon intended; to the recipient at the time the Spirit bears witness and gives them a choice - repent or be offended.