Mormon underscores the fact that the Nephite armies are fighting, and dying, protecting the whole of the Nephite nation. That devotion to the cause of the nation is contrasted to what appears to be “this exceedingly great neglect.” Pahoran hasn’t responded to the pleas to do what a good governor should do. He should support the men in the field who are protecting them.
Mormon’s condemnation is extremely harsh in verse 8, where Mormon clearly states that while Pahoran had been enjoying the protection supplied by the armies, he has neglected his duty to support those very armies. Mormon is accusing Pahoran of the unnecessary deaths of “thousands of [his] brethren” through neglect.