Samuel was a “courageous Lamanite prophet sent among the Nephites to preach repentance and the coming of the Lord shortly before Christ’s birth (6 B.C.). … Samuel is one of the most colorful figures in the Book of Mormon, and few readers can forget the image of this fearless servant of God announcing the dramatic signs of Christ’s birth and death, crying repentance from the walls of Zarahemla. The proud, wicked, and prejudiced Nephites were offended by the presence of a Lamanite reproving them for their sins (Hel. 14:10). Historically, that was a Nephite prerogative, but now the roles were reversed” (Largey, Book of Mormon Reference Companion, 697).