According to Nephi, “all” of the survivors heard these pronouncements and understood that the speaker was the Atoning Messiah. Their grief gave way to silent wonder, contemplating what they had heard. The silence for “many hours” shows the profound effect of the Messiah’s first address to them. It was not possible that they could return to their mundane, pre-destruction lives. Nor could they return to mourning. It had been superseded by wonder and expectation.