Noah is shaken by Abinadi’s words and the power of the Spirit. The condemnation frightens him to the point that he is on the verge of withdrawing his own decree. But the priests do not allow it. As the focus of Abinadi’s accusations was that they had taught false doctrine, they had the greatest hatred for Abinadi. They push Noah by reminding him that Abinadi has spoken against the king. The belief in the king’s divinity, common throughout most of the ancient world, made Abinadi’s words tantamount to blasphemy. By appealing to Noah’s pride (and perhaps subtly reminding him that his own status was challenged), they assured Abinadi’s execution.