Nearly all the events prophesied by Samuel, as terrible and heartrending as they were, found fulfillment before the inspired historians of the Book of Mormon sealed up the record. The fact that such a great length of time would pass before all these judgments came upon them attests to God’s great patience and long suffering.
“The Sword of Justice Falleth Upon This People”
Alma, in speaking to his oldest son, Helaman, said: “I have somewhat to prophesy unto thee; but what I prophesy unto thee ye shall not make known; yea, what I prophesy unto thee shall not be made known, even until the prophecy is fulfilled; therefore write the words which I shall say. And these are the words: Behold, I perceive that this very people, the Nephites, according to the spirit of revelation which is in me, in four hundred years from the time that Jesus Christ shall manifest himself unto them, shall dwindle in unbelief. Yea, and then shall they see wars and pestilences, yea, famines and bloodshed, even until the people of Nephi shall become extinct.” (Alma 45:9-11.)