On yet another occasion, the chief judge over the land of Ammonihah entered the prison to continue the persecution of Alma and Amulek. This time he asks, “If ye have the power of God deliver yourselves from these bands, and then we will believe.” It was probably the wrong thing to say.
After accepting the abuse for an indeterminate time, Alma and Amulek finally respond. They rise to their feet because “the power of God was upon Alma and Amulek.”
Mormon neatly sets up the final condemnation of Ammonihah. They will get their sign. They will not repent. Their destruction is sure. It will not be seen until Alma Chapter 16, but it is surely coming.