Textual: Mormon’s original divisions in his work do not include a chapter break at this point. Indeed, the dramatic effect of the experience is somewhat diminished by the division into smaller sections. Following Nephi’s account, Mormon builds the tension of the time by noting the terrible destructions, and then the response of the people. The inserted lament at the end of chapter 8 not only describes the grief of the people, it describes them in a repentant state. That condition of repentance is an important precursor to the events that begin in this chapter. Humility and repentance precede the great blessing of the presence of the Lord.