Amulek’s accusation that the lawyers and hypocrites were laying “the foundations of the devil” (v. 17) brought about a further reaction that was influenced by the devil. The people became angry and sought to defend their laws and lawyers (v. 24). Nephi, son of Lehi, warned that those who do not respond to the cry of repentance have the devil raging in their hearts and are stirred “up to anger against that which is good” (2 Nephi 28:19–20).
Amulek was not daunted by the reaction of the people. He also recognized, as had Nephi, that it was Satan who had power over them and was the cause of their rejecting the truth (v. 25). He denied their accusation that he was speaking against the law and confirmed his initial warning that it is the law condemning them (v. 26). Mosiah had established their laws just ten years earlier and these laws had come from “the hand of the Lord” (Mosiah 29:25). Amulek reiterated his charge against their unrighteous lawyers and judges (v. 27). Like Abinadi and Alma, Amulek would not be silenced.