Mormon’s commentary on the situation is telling, for he concludes that the enormous losses of the Nephites would not have occurred had it not been for their wickedness (see Helaman 4:11). Moronihah and his comrades, Nephi and Lehi, the sons of Helaman, preach repentance unto the people, and the people begin to respond. Moronihah strives in all diligence to regain the more part of the lands and possessions of the people, but in vain, for the situation has become advantageous to the Lamanites because of the decline in spirituality and faith among the Nephites (see verses 25–26). They have reached a crossroads of insight. They now knew that they have only one choice: repent or be annihilated.