Unlike other instances in the Book of Mormon and the Bible where prophets and other leaders call a people to repentance and they ignore it (at best) or kill the messenger (at worst), the Nephites respond with alacrity to King Benjamin’s message, realizing their own humble state before God and asking forgiveness of their sins. This is a powerful example of collective contrition and repentance through prayer, all brought about because of the people’s faith in the Savior who will come. In Mormonism, the first two principles of the gospel are faith in Jesus Christ, followed by repentance—two ideas that are amply illustrated in this passage.