Redaction: Moroni has been speaking to various audiences in future generations. Although he continues to focus on the future, he now addresses everyone. “Who can stand against the works of the Lord?” and the following questions are rhetorical. This verse resembles the Savior’s quotation from Malachi during his Bountiful visit: “But who may abide the day of his coming, and who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap” (3 Ne. 24:2).
Moroni is not quoting Malachi but uses the same form. Both prophets, looking toward the last day, ask how human beings can resist Yahweh’s work. Moroni is reprising his argument that unbelievers will be forced, by the Triumphant Messiah’s presence, to acknowledge his reality (Morm. 9:2). He is again testifying of the time when Yahweh’s hidden works will be revealed and undeniable.