After King Zeniff died, his son Noah became king. Noah was a wicked king. He set his heart upon riches and didn’t keep God’s commandments, and his people became wicked also. Abinadi, a prophet, came to call the people to repentance. Abinadi warned King Noah and the people that they would suffer greatly if they didn’t repent. 

The priests of King Noah said they weren’t doing anything wrong. They were angry with Abinadi and took him prisoner. Even though Abinadi knew his life was in danger, he faithfully delivered the message the Lord asked him to deliver. Abinadi reminded King Noah and his priests of the Ten Commandments. He also taught them that salvation doesn’t come through the Law of Moses, but through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Abinadi prophesied of the coming of Jesus Christ. He taught of His mercy, His Resurrection, and the salvation that can come through Him if we repent. King Noah and his priests wouldn’t listen to Abinadi. They were angry with him and put him to death. One priest named Alma did believe, and King Noah was angry with him and cast him out. Alma escaped, and wrote Abinadi’s words.