Internal consistency of Alma and Amulek in Ammonihah (and a general note on previews in the Book of Mormon)

Here is an example of internal consistency. Alma 8:31 talks about Alma and Amulek

And they had power given unto them, insomuch that they could not be confined in dungeons; neither was it possible that any man could slay them; nevertheless they did not exercise their power until they were bound in bands and cast into prison. Now, this was done that the Lord might show forth his power in them.

This has not happened yet but Mormon gets ahead of himself. The next 6 chapters are dealing with Alma and Amulek in Ammonihah. It is not until the end of this story in Alma 14 that we see these things happening

10 And when Amulek saw the pains of the women and children who were consuming in the fire, he also was pained; and he said unto Alma: How can we witness this awful scene? Therefore let us stretch forth our hands, and exercise the power of God which is in us, and save them from the flames.

11 But Alma said unto him: The Spirit constraineth me that I must not stretch forth mine hand; ...

17 And it came to pass that Alma and Amulek answered him nothing; and he smote them again, and delivered them to the officers to be cast into prison...

25 And it came to pass that they all went forth and smote them, saying the same words, even until the last; and when the last had spoken unto them the power of God was upon Alma and Amulek, and they rose and stood upon their feet.

26 And Alma cried, saying: How long shall we suffer these great afflictions, O Lord? O Lord, give us strength according to our faith which is in Christ, even unto deliverance. And they broke the cords with which they were bound; and when the people saw this, they began to flee, for the fear of destruction had come upon them.

27 And it came to pass that so great was their fear that they fell to the earth, and did not obtain the outer door of the prison; and the earth shook mightily, and the walls of the prison were rent in twain, so that they fell to the earth; and the chief judge, and the lawyers, and priests, and teachers, who smote upon Alma and Amulek, were slain by the fall thereof.

28 And Alma and Amulek came forth out of the prison, and they were not hurt; for the Lord had granted unto them power, according to their faith which was in Christ.

This is not the first time that the Book of Mormon gives a preview of something happening later. In fact, there are many such examples, several of them posted on this blog

• Mormon's preview in 3 Nephi 26 of what happens in 3 Nephi 27-28 and 4 Nephi
• Mormon's description of the 3 Nephites in 3 Nephi 28 before the events occur in 4 Nephi
• Mosiah 7 mentions several details about the people of Limhi before the Book of Mormon jumps back in time to relate the events. There are many examples and some are mentioned here. It clearly demonstrates that the author of Mosiah 7 knew what would happen in Mosiah 9-21
• Prophecies in the Book of Mormon work the same way because their fulfillment are often described in detail
• Colophons in the Book of Mormon have not been mentioned on this blog, I think, but are yet another example
• Mormon's editorial promises
• Etc.

There are many posts about internal consistency on this blog. Often they show examples of the Book of Mormon referring to something that happened earlier, meaning the author had to remember/know what had been written before. But these examples above demonstrate that the story also was known before it was told, even at a very detailed level sometimes. Believing that the Book of Mormon is what Joseph Smith claimed it to be, this is all very natural to me. But it is tempting to ask those who think Joseph Smith made it up, why they think he made it so difficult for himself. There is pretty strong evidence that he didn't have use any notes as he dictated the text. Giving these previews he would always run the risk of contradicting himself later because he would have to remember giving the preview and then relate the story in a manner consistent with that preview. The message of the Book of Mormon would not be impeded by a lack of such previews. In fact, some of them are so subtle that they largely go unnoticed. This one I just shared in Alma 8 is something I noticed now after having read the Book of Mormon my whole life. 

My point is, this fits far better with the idea that Mormon was a real person who abridged records that he had in front of him and that he had already read and knew, rather than Joseph Smith having an incredible memory and taking such risks just because he could, always pulling it off and not mention it to anyone.