The chief judge, who had been tangentially mentioned in verse 29, now intervenes to confirm the justice of Korihor’s punishment. The fact that the judge writes his questions suggests that Korihor became deaf as well as dumb. Such a detail is appropriate: Korihor had not been listening either.
Alma speaks to Korihor (v. 55), but that may be merely a slip in Mormon’s transcription while the more detailed description of the chief judge’s writing might more accurately show the extent of Korihor’s sign.
The chief judge confirms the effects of Alma’s pronouncement; though harsh, it is both the desired sign and also a just sign. The judge asks, “In whom did ye desire that Alma should show forth his sign? Would ye that he should afflict others, to show unto thee a sign?” In his role as judge, the chief judge is rendering his final verdict.
Culture:In the ancient world, it can be considered remarkable that the chief judge wrote his message to Korihor (v. 51) and that Korihor wrote his answer (v. 52). Fewer were literate in the ancient world. Paper was handmade and, therefore, not plentiful. Mesoamerican “paper” was made from fig-bark and was made into fan-fold books. The fact that paper was close at hand suggests that the judges either were scribes or employed them.