Here, we get a better glimpse into the cowardice of Noah’s soul. Unlike Alma, he was unable of doing what was right because he was concerned about what the people and priests thought. The similarity between him and Pilate is striking:
’Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him…
The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.
When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid…
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.’ (Jn 19:4-12)
’When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.’ (Matt 27:24)
One could argue that Pilate made a greater effort than did Noah at releasing his righteous prisoner. Both, however, failed under the peer pressure of their political position.