This passage recalls specific commandments from the Decalogue. Particularly interesting is Jacob’s injunction against murder, which is a more precise interpretation than the somewhat general “thou shalt not kill (Ex. 20:3), for which “thou shalt not murder” would be a better translation. (See commentary accompanying 1 Nephi 4:14–18 for analysis of this verse and the application to Nephi’s slaying Laban.)
Meaning for Jacob’s Audience: In the Mesoamerican setting, Jacob’s injunction against idolatry would have immediate application in warning the Nephites against the religions of surrounding cultures. The new political Nephites, recently converted from their former religions, would inevitably need to consciously rethink their previous ideas about idols. Jacob seems to be directing these “wo” statements at both parts of his audience.
This context may also influence the prohibition against murder. The Nephites have already had skirmishes with the Lamanites; they would need to distinguish murder motivated by hate and killing to defend their homes.