Mormon records that his people “began to repent.” As seen in subsequent verses, they were not penitent at all. Mormon supposed that their mourning, lamentations, and deep sorrow were evidence of a desire to turn from their evil doings and come in faith to the Lord, who could deliver them both spiritually and temporally. This preliminary observation caused Mormon to rejoice in hopes that the Nephites “would again become a righteous people.” This hope, however, was in vain.