In these verses we find a more specific detailing of the fulfillment of Abinadi’s prophecy relative to the bondage of the people of the city of Nephi (see Mosiah 12:2-8). Though their plight was now most pitiful, we would err to suppose that God had forgotten them. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten,” the Lord said, charging such to “be zealous therefore, and repent” (Revelation 3:19). To be chastened is to be subjected to pain, suffering, deprivation, or misfortune in order to correct, strengthen, and perfect behavior.