The words of Alma brought fear to Zeezrom (see Alma 11:46), and with the second witness of Alma, he trembled exceedingly (v. 7). He was beginning the “godly sorrow [that] worketh repentance” (2 Corinthians 7:10), not “the sorrow of the damned” that came upon the Nephites in about 331 A.D. because they could not “take happiness in sin” (Mormon 2:13). Zeezrom recognized the power of God revealing his thoughts to Alma and Amulek through the spirit of prophecy (Alma 12:7). The repentance process was beginning as he sought to “know more concerning the kingdom of God” (v. 8). His fears were probably personal since he wanted to know about the resurrection, and the just and the unjust being brought before God to be judged (v. 8). He was beginning to recognize his guilt, his uncleanness, and his nakedness (see 2 Nephi 9:14).
Before Alma answered Zeezrom’s questions, he established some ground rules for their conversation. Alma would only reveal what was allowed by God. What is revealed is determined by the heed and diligence of the learner (Alma 12:9). The mysteries of God are those things revealed by the power of the Holy Ghost, and they are given to help lead the hearer to salvation (see 1 Nephi 10:17–19). As an apparent warning, Alma told Zeezrom that those who harden their hearts will receive a lesser portion of the word. Furthermore, they may even lose that portion they have already received. At the same time, Alma encouraged Zeezrom by holding out the full potential of the knowledge of the mysteries to those who do not harden their hearts (Alma 12:10–11). Zeezrom was on the verge of damnation and destruction, or being bound by the chains of hell. Through repentance he could get on the path that would let him progress within the earthly kingdom of God towards eternal life.