Mormon contrasts the peace that followed the signs with the depredations of the Gadianton robbers, his narrative foil and Nephite nemesis. Despite the great signs, the wicked Gadiantons resist conversion, continuing their “many murders” against the Nephites. They are joined by Nephite dissidents, many of whom must have been among those who were pleased when, only twenty-seven years earlier, Gadiantons had control of the entire Nephite government.
Mormon records these defections because they demonstrate his editorial connection between the destruction of the Nephites and their apostasy. In Mormon’s world, the Gadiantons are always the instrument of Nephite destruction, and the Gadiantons always include apostate Nephites. Thus, the Nephites will always bring destruction upon themselves through their own worldly choices and abandonment of the faith.
Chronology: The ninety-third year was 3 B.C. and the ninety-second, 2 B.C.