The chief judge makes an appearance now after being tangentially mentioned in verse 29. The conflict has been between Alma and Korihor, and it is Alma who has responded to Korihor’s persistent requests by granting the sign asked for. The chief judge now intervenes to seal the justice of the situation. The chief judge writes his questions. This suggests that Korihor was stricken deaf as well as speechless. While verse 55 has Alma speaking to Korihor, it may be that this is simply a slip in Mormon’s transcriptions, and this greater detail for the chief judge might more accurately show the extent of Korihor’s sign.
Notice the content of the message from the chief judge. The result of the sign is noted, and while it is harsh, it is both noted as a sign, and the justice of the sign is also affirmed. The judge suggests “… In whom did ye desire that Alma should show forth his sign? Would ye that he should afflict others, to show unto thee a sign?” In his role as judge, the chief judge is suggesting that there is justice in the situation. He is a judge rendering his final verdict.