Culture: An obvious question to ask about this terrible scene is why Alma and Amulek were not punished along with their converts. After all, it was they who had caused this religious problem, had been brought before the chief judge, accused by the people, and apparently found culpable.
Both Alma and Amulek occupy positions of some import. Alma is a Zarahemlaite and the immediate past chief judge. Perhaps the Ammonihahite judge feared retaliation from Zarahemla if he ordered his execution. Amulek had some protection as Alma’s companion and also had significant social standing and probably a large kindred. His execution might also bring about retaliation. And finally, in later Mesoamerican documents, well-known captives were kept alive and “on display” for several years before execution. Thus, Alma and Amulek may have been important enough to warrant ceremonial detainment rather than a more immediate death.
The description of the scene also tells us that the burnings occurred in a public place, one to which Alma and Amulek had to be escorted. Likely all Ammonihah would have, at least theoretically, watched these martyrdoms, also consistent with the Mesoamerican practice of human sacrifice.