Could the anger of Laman and Lemuel have been related to the loss of their wealth? (see 1 Nephi 2:11). Also, on several occasions divine intervention became necessary to preserve Nephi from his brothers’ hatred, but even direct evidence of God’s power was not enough to change the hardness of their hearts. Imagine seeing an angel and then immediately after his departure proceeding to complain again!
This evidence provides support of the Savior’s parable wherein he said: “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead” (Luke 16:31). How does this principle relate to people who say things like, “Well, if I could only see the golden plates then I would know the Book of Mormon is true” ?