The prophets come to the people. Unlike the last stated appearance of the prophets in Ether 7:23 during the reign of Shule, Heth does not protect them. Indeed, Heth persecutes the prophets. Heth therefore becomes the symbol of the turning away from God, and because the people have turned away, the blessing of the land turns to a curse. In this case the curse is famine brought on by a great drought (verse 30).