18 And he caused a great tower to be built on the hill north of the land Shilom, which had been a resort for the children of Nephi, at the time they fled out of the land;
19 And thus he did do with the riches which he obtained by the taxation of his people.
20 And it came to pass that he placed his heart upon his riches, and he spent his time in riotous living with his wives and his concubines; and so did also his priests spend their time with harlots.
21 And it came to pass that he planted vineyards round about in the land; and he built wine presses, and made wine in abundance; and therefore he became a winebibber, and also his people.
22 And it came to pass that the Lamanites began to come in upon his people, upon small numbers, and to slay them in their fields, and while they were tending their flocks.
23 And King Noah sent guards round about the land to keep them off; but he did not send a sufficient number, and the Lamanites came upon them and killed them, and drove many of their flocks out of the land;
24 Thus the Lamanites began to destroy them, and to exercise their hatred upon them.
25 And it came to pass that King Noah sent his armies against them, and they were driven back, or they drove them back for a time; therefore, they returned rejoicing in their spoil.
26 And now, because of this great victory, they were lifted up in the pride of their hearts; they did boast in their own strength, saying, that their fifty could stand against thousands of the Lamanites;
27 And thus they did boast, and did delight in blood, and the shedding of the blood of their brethren, and this because of the wickedness of their king and priests.
28 And it came to pass that there was a man among them, whose name was Abinadi; and he went forth among them, and began to prophesy, saying,
