In verse 13, Mormon indicates that they were being “driven to and fro.” Mormon intentionally echoes language from Abinadi’s curse that was recorded in Mosiah 17:17. Mormon continues to emphasize the awful fulfillment of prophecy upon this people. Modern readers must understand that many ancient cultures understood sin to be assessed communally as much, and perhaps more, than individually. Thus, although not every individual was guilty of desiring Abinadi’s death, as a people they were culpable. Therefore, the curse was applied to the community.
However, even though that dire curse was relentlessly and terribly applied, it was not permanent. In verse 14 Mormon begins the process of showing the people’s repentance. Under the pressure of their trials, they humbled themselves. They had no other option. They finally turn to Jehovah for deliverance.
What is interesting is that Mormon says that the Lord “was slow to hear their cry.” That should be seen as a literary reference with the meaning that God did not immediately grant their request. It would not be actually true that God did not hear, but rather that God’s purposes perhaps worked with human time and circumstances. There was a process that began to answer their prayer, rather than a transcendent miracle for which they were doubtless hoping.