The accusation against Abinadi was the same as brought against the prophet Joseph Smith. They both had taught the truth about God— Jesus Christ. Abinadi apparently could have escaped, but was willing to seal his testimony with his blood (v. 9, 10). This was the situation with Joseph Smith:” When Joseph went to Carthage to deliver himself up to the pretended requirements of the law, two or three days previous to his assassination, he said: ‘I am going like a lamb to the slaughter; but I am calm as a summr’s morning; I have a conscience void of offense towards God, and towards all men. I SHALL DIE INNOCENT, AND IT SHALL YET BE SAID OF ME—HE WAS MURDERED IN COLD BLOOD.’— (D&C 135:4)
King Noah’s yielding to the pressure of the priests reminds us of Jesus before Pilate. “And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha” (John 19:12–13). Both King Noah and Pilate “should not have feared man more than God” (D&C 3:7). Both will be accountable at the last day for the testimonies borne to them (Mosiah 17:10).