Here is Mormon’s confirmation that we need to see the “falling to the earth” move as representative of a spiritual experience, not one specifically related to the chief judge. The imagery of falling to the earth is a culturally accepted response to the spirit, and becomes evidence of the spirit in the action. There are many gestures that we use that convey a spiritual meaning. We may indicate that someone “folded their arms and bowed their head.” Knowing only that gesture, we immediately know that the person is praying. The gesture itself does not require prayer. We may fold our arms for many reasons. We may decline our head – and perhaps even bow it under weight. Nevertheless, this particular combination signifies prayer. This is how we should read Mormon’s description of the falling down gesture. It is to be understood that it is related to being overcome by the Spirit.
As Mormon tells this story, he expands on his underlying message at the same time. Of course the five are amazed that Nephi was right. It is important to the continuation of Mormon’s theme, however, that they also recognize that having been right in this thing, Nephi would also be right in his other prophetic statements. In the end, it is the other prophetic statements that Mormon is truly concerned with, so he takes this opportunity to highlight their veracity at this time.