These three verses describe the destructions in the Americas at the time of the death and resurrection of Christ (compare to 3 Nephi 8-9). We see that the destruction of the proud and wicked Nephites are a type for the way the wicked will be destroyed at the Second Coming of Christ. From this we learn that the signs in the heavens and the destructions upon the land were not subtle but catastrophic. We should expect nothing less than this with the Second Coming. As Malachi prophesied, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch (Mal 4:1).