It is instructive that the passengers on this journey reflect the qualities of both the hard-heartedness and softheartedness so pervasive throughout the Book of Mormon account. Laman and Lemuel—having lapsed, like the sons of Ishmael and their wives, into an attitude of rudeness, light-mindedness, and overweening pride—bind and torment Nephi for four days; “nevertheless, the Lord did suffer it that he might show forth his power, unto the fulfilling of his word which he had spoken concerning the wicked.”