The signs were the signs of the coming of the Atoning Messiah. The Nephites who had adopted the Nehorite religion and philosophy did not believe in the need for an Atoning Messiah, therefore these signs could not predict someone who did not exist. In this case, they attempt to use reason and philosophy to bolster their position. They are the humanists of the day, indicating that “it is not reasonable” that the Messiah should come. Their assumed cultural superiority shows in their question as to why this great Messiah should come to Jerusalem, but not to them, with the unstated conclusion “since we are more important than Jerusalem.”