Mormon concludes his discussion of the Savior’s appearance to the Nephite multitude and, later, to the disciples, by reiterating his understanding of the last days. He knows that the very text he is writing will be delivered to the Gentiles. He must have felt an incredible responsibility as he inscribed prophecies about his book’s future function. It is not surprising, therefore, that he closes the record of the Savior’s visit by testifying of the future importance of his record as an event preceding Christ’s second coming.
Redaction: Mormon began this discussion of end-times with information on the Three Nephites, returning here to the theme he had introduced before interrupting himself with fresh information about the three in 3 Nephi 28:37–40. He repeats a phrase from one of his original transitions from the Three Nephites into eschatological material: “And it shall come to pass, when the Lord seeth fit in his wisdom that they shall minister unto all the scattered tribes of Israel, and unto all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, and shall bring out of them unto Jesus many souls, that their desire may be fulfilled, and also because of the convincing power of God which is in them” (3 Ne. 28:29; emphasis mine).
Either the repetition is coincidental; or, more likely, Mormon reread the text just before his unscripted insertion and strengthens the transition with the repetition. This is a process known from Hebrew literature, called “repetitive resumption.” (See commentary accompanying Alma 17:16–17.)