If the intent really was the word shock then Nephi’s “stretching forth his hand” may have been more forceful than it appears.
Ironically, considering Nephi’s scriptural narrative, the brothers exactly mirror the children of Israel. They repent after being confronted with a dramatic manifestation of divine power. Also, like the Israelites, they worship power, even when they ascribe it to an incorrect source. Thus, they turn instantly to idolatry. Nephi rejects their attempt, reminding them to worship God and honor Lehi, not him.
Variant:The word shock of verse 53 appears only this one time in the Book of Mormon. Skousen notes that the language of verses 53 and 54 are very nearly parallel, but in verse 54 the verb is shake. He suggests that shock might be the result of Oliver mishearing the word shake which is well attested in other locations in the Book of Mormon. There is no textual support for this change, but the logic of the parallels and the uniqueness of the word shock suggest that this emendation is probable.
Text: There is no chapter break at this point in the 1830 edition.