Pahoran’s statement about submitting to bondage is likely a reaction to the king-men’s plan. They actually are seeking to submit to Lamanite bondage (v. 8). Pahoran does not reject that possibility out of hand but makes it clear that Yahweh has not commanded it in this instance. True Nephites depend on Yahweh and his laws; false Nephites depend on calculated sell-outs to the enemy. More and more, Pahoran paints them as “Lamanite.” By implication, they are in violation of both the laws of men and of Yahweh, since Yahweh has not commanded the surrender to the Lamanites.