The truth of Alma’s words regarding priestcraft is shown by “all manner of wickedness” that came upon “those who did not belong to their church” (Alma 1:32). Although they were not destroyed as a people, as Alma warned, they would have been had it not been for the law being enforced among them” (v. 33).
Nehor being condemned to die was according to the law of God, as well as, the law given by King Mosiah (vv. 13–14). Mosiah’s laws “were given them by the hand of the Lord” (Mosiah 29:25). The book of Alma also teaches the doctrine of death penalty for murder in two other places (see Alma 34:11–12; 42:19 discussed later). The Lord “establishes his word by two or three witnesses” (Deuteronomy 19:15; Matthew 16:18). Nehor’s acknowledgment of his teaching contrary to the word of God (Alma 1:15), confirms his guilt of priestcraft. He knowingly set himself up as a light to the world, and he did seek the gain and praise of the world. An ignominious death is a shameful death.