Mormon inserts this commentary as a preamble to the events that follow. At the very time the people are beginning to prosper and multiply, the Lord deems it appropriate to test their faith and bless them with the insight that He will liberate those who trust in Him. In a sense He reminds them that life is a test, that faith and patience are tried through chastening, that we are here on earth to prove ourselves worthy (see Abraham 3:25). But because He is a loving Father, He also reinforces the doctrine that by exercising faith and trusting in the strength of the Lord, we will be lifted up and blessed (see 2 Nephi 26:13; 2 Nephi 4:34; Moroni 7:33; Alma 26:12; Alma 61:13; Ether 12:27).