Samuel compares the Nephites and the Lamanites, and the Lamanites clearly portray the more favored people. Even though the Nephites had been a chosen people (verse 3 of this chapter), they are no longer the more favored of the Lord, for they have not repented, but the Lamanites have. Ironically, the Lamanites became converted through Nephite preaching, but now are sending a prophet to call the Nephites to repentance, even as Nephi, the son of Helaman, had called them to repentance.
In verse 6, Samuel notes that “the more part of [the Lamanites] are [walking circumspectly before God], and they are striving with unwearied diligence that they may bring the remainder of their brethren to the knowledge of the truth; therefore there are many who do add to their numbers daily.” The Lamanites are repenting. The Nephites are so in need of repentance that they need a Lamanite prophet to call them to repentance.