In these verses we catch a glimpse of the anguish that Mormon must have felt as he observed the bloodshed and deaths among his people. He makes it clear to the latter-day reader that the decline and ultimate destruction of the Nephite society was “because of their wickedness and their abominations” (verse 27). As prophet-leader of the Nephite forces, Mormon exhorted and encouraged them as best he could. He was somewhat successful in rallying them to “stand boldly before the Lamanites and fight for their wives, and their children, and their houses, and their homes” (verse 23). His spiritual exhortations were not heeded, however, and his people were left without the Spirit of the Lord to strengthen and preserve them. One cannot fully comprehend the sorrow that pierced the loving heart of Mormon (see Mormon 3:12) as he hopelessly watched his brethren slaughtered, especially while they were steeped in sin.