As with other signs, there are those who believe who had not previously believed. Of course, there will also be those who see, but rationalize the sign away. In this case, it suits Mormon’s purpose to emphasize those who were converted by the sign. The depth of their conversion is indicated by the stylistic “fell to the earth and became as if they were dead.” This is the very common Book of Mormon indication of being overcome by the spirit. We saw this with Alma the Younger in his conversion (Mosiah 27:18, 23), in the conversion of Lamoni (Alma 19:42), and of Lamoni’s father (Alma 22:18).