True to the very end, Abinadi expands on the prophesies he had uttered earlier (Mosiah 12:3–7, 13:10). Before, only the king was told he would die by fire or the same type of death as Abinadi. Now he adds that the seed of the priests’ would administer death the same way to the people of God (Mosiah 17:15). What will come upon the priests seed because of these deaths are then enumerated (vv. 16–18). A continued study of the Book of Mormon will reveal the fulfillment of Abinadi’s prophesy to every detail he gave. His final plea was for God to receive his soul (v. 19). That plea must have been answered because he fulfilled his mission before the Lord allowed him to be destroyed. Again, there is a parallel to the Prophet Joseph. Joseph said: “I shall not be sacrificed until my time comes; then I shall be sacrificed freely” ( TPJS, 274).
Mormon ends the account of Abinadi by saying: “Yea, having been put to death because he would not deny the commandments of God, having sealed the truth of his words by his death” (v. 20). After the death of Joseph Smith, the Lord revealed to his successor Brigham Young similar words:
34 Thy brethren have rejected you and your testimony, even the nation that has driven you out;
35 And now cometh the day of their calamity, even the days of sorrow, like a woman that is taken in travail; and their sorrow shall be great unless they speedily repent, yea, very speedily.
36 For they killed the prophets, and them that were sent unto them; and they have shed innocent blood, which crieth from the ground against them.
37 Therefore, marvel not at these things, for ye are not yet pure; ye can not yet bear my glory; but ye shall behold it if ye are faithful in keeping all my words that I have given you, from the days of Adam to Abraham, from Abraham to Moses, from Moses to Jesus and his apostles, and from Jesus and his apostles to Joseph Smith, whom I did call upon by mine angels, my ministering servants, and by mine own voice out of the heavens, to bring forth my work;
38 Which foundation he did lay, and was faithful; and I took him to myself.
39 Many have marveled because of his death; but it was needful that he should seal his testimony with his blood, that he might be honored and the wicked might be condemned.
40 Have I not delivered you from your enemies, only in that I have left a witness of my name?
41 Now, therefore, hearken, O ye people of my church; and ye elders listen together; you have received my kingdom.
42 Be diligent in keeping all my commandments, lest judgments come upon you, and your faith fail you, and your enemies triumph over you. So no more at present. Amen and Amen. [D&C 136:34–42]
In a somewhat different situation, the Lord turns to his newly called servant Alma.