The Lamanites may have recognized that the Nephites were weakening because they again attempted to bring the Nephites into bondage. Although the Nephites were able to drive them back for a time (v. 18), their victories merely deepened their weakened condition. They became more and more like the Lamanites. They were lifted up in pride, boasted in their own strength rather than in the strength of the Lord, and delighted in shedding the blood of their Lamanite brethren. All of these conditions were brought about because of the wickedness of the king and his priests (v. 19). So much for the recurring argument that the immorality of leaders has no affect on the moral fiber of a nation.