Literature: Mormon intended verses 1 and 2 to be read together as a contrasting parallel. Verse 1 shows the positive effect of the preaching, verse 2 the negative. Stating the results as parallels highlights the iniquity and hard-heartedness of those who chose not to repent in contrast to those who repented and searched the scriptures. Thus, the narrative confirms that those who were capable of understanding Alma’s inspired message received it and took action on it.
A larger number of people rejected the message but did so of their own volition. Because Amulek and Alma were effective in converting some, the others must have hardened their hearts until, like Laman and Lemuel, they were past feeling (1 Ne. 17:45). Because they consciously rejected the powerful testimony of the Spirit who had touched their fellow townspeople, they reacted, not with indifference, but with anger and a desire to lash out against the testimony raised against them. Apparently, the greater the distance from the Spirit, the greater their anger against its testimony.