VIDEO: Why Does Helaman 7–8 Feel Like a Funeral Speech? (Book of Mormon Central Knowhy #575)
Ancient Israelite Prophets would sometimes use dramatic actions to grab the attention of their audience and drive home of their point. It seems Nephi the son of Helaman employed this method as he lamented and mourned from his tower, since his actions caution the attention of a crowd and caused them to marvel. Based on careful analysis of Helaman 7-8, it seems that he was conducting a mock funeral for the death of the once righteous Nephite society.