The timing of these prophecies’ clear fulfillment emboldens the unbelievers. They make the case that the time period is over and intensify pressure on the believers.
For the believers’ part, they attempt to continue in faith; but given the real possibility that the prophecy has failed, they “began to be very sorrowful.” It was a genuine test of their faith. Five centuries later, Moroni, possibly thinking of similar situations, cautioned: “And it came to pass that Ether did prophesy great and marvelous things unto the people, which they did not believe, because they saw them not. And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith” (Ether 12:5–6). This trial of faith was severe.