The Lord would deliver them from oppression in His own due time—but for now they pay the price of their iniquities. Their burdens become lighter because the Lord softens the hearts of their enemies. Ultimate deliverance, however, is still in the future. We can apply this to our own circumstances. Let us learn to exercise our faith, even though we are not perfect, in order to receive answers to our prayers (see Mosiah 27:14). We sometimes take no thought save to ask (see D&C 9:7) and wonder why our prayers are not answered. Our prayers are answered according to our faith and our commitment to do right and honor our covenants (see Mormon 9:37).