What did Mormon want us to learn from the account given in 3 Nephi 10:14–15? Up to the moment when the terrible destruction began, the unbelievers were sure that the prophets had been wrong. They must have thought the prophets were negative, gloomy, and out of touch with reality. Then suddenly, in one great disastrous moment, it became clear just how much in touch with reality the prophets had been. Unfortunately for tens of thousands of those who had previously scoffed, there was no time to reevaluate their skepticism.
Is it much different in our day? We have been amply warned of an impending judgment that will be every bit as terrible and devastating as that which occurred in A.D. 34 (see D&C 29:14–21, 43:19–25, 45:39–42, 88:87–91, 133:41–49). Yet the world at large either ignores such warnings or condescendingly views the prophets as religious fanatics who are out of touch with the real world.
In the preface to the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord warned:
“And the day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, shall be cut off from among the people”.
(D&C 1:14; emphasis added).
Note also Mormon’s solemn words after the account of the earlier destruction: “And now, whoso readeth, let him understand” (3 Nephi 10:14).