Now, Abinadi had turned into a forum, the proceedings brought against him by the iniquitous priests of King Noah. This provided the means by which Abinadi further proclaimed the wonderful message he was to deliver. With strong arguments he refuted the claims of the priests that they used righteous efforts in declaring God's holy word. Also, he propounded to them many questions that if answered would plainly show the wicked neglect of which they were guilty.
The words of Abinadi proved unwelcome testimony that, although the priests asserted they taught the Law of Moses, they utterly failed to impress upon the minds of their charges the necessity of obedience to its commandments. In effect he said, "You have not taught this people that they should observe all the statutes and requirements of the sacred Law, neither have you done them yourselves." The accusation made by Abinadi enraged Noah; Abinadi was deranged, "He is mad," Noah declared. "Away with him, and slay him," he said.