This quotation from Zenock explicates a common Old Testament theme: God’s anger against a rebellious Israel. The important detail is, once again, the Son’s function as an intermediary. This more explicit teaching may have been unique to the northern kingdom prophets. The general distinction between Father and Son was not unique to the northern kingdom but may have been retained more clearly in its texts. (See 1 Nephi, Part 1: Context, Chapter 2, “The Historical Background of 1 Nephi,” and “Excursus: The Nephite Understanding of God,” following 1 Nephi 11.)
Application to Alma’s discourse: Zenock is the second brass-plates prophet to mention the Son and his importance. These prophets constitute two witnesses besides Alma. Alma is not telling them that Yahweh is angry with them; indeed, Yahweh would be quite pleased with their humility. But they likely interpreted this verse as anger at their unbelief in the Son and the reason Alma had come to teach them of the Atoning Messiah.