Rhetoric: These words must have pierced the Nephites’ hearts. Samuel overturns centuries of supposed Nephite superiority over the Lamanites; Yahweh will favor them over the Nephites. This must have been the ultimate insult—and this reaction in itself reveals the arrogance and pride of the Nephites. If they had been able to be humble and recognize the truth of Samuel’s statement, they would have had the capability to do as Samuel entreats: repent.