Alma 33:1-5

Questions

Where do these words come from? In most ancient societies, historical speeches were not recorded at the time, and later historians often put words in the mouths of historic figures as they deemed appropriate. Are these the actual words of Alma, or something written down later, perhaps by Mormon or another Nephite chronicler? Does it matter?
How is Christ the answer? After Alma concludes his sermon in the previous chapter, the Zoramites ask how to obtain the fruit, how to plant the seed/word, and "in what manner they should begin to exercise their faith." Alma responds by talking recounting Zenos' prayer which seems to culminate in verse 12 with Zenos affirming God's mercy "because of thy Son." Immediately after this phrase, ceases quoting Zenos and transitions to quoting Zenock, and then Alma cites several other prophets who also spoke "concerning the Son of God" (v. 18). In verse 22 Alma admonishes his listeners, after referencing Moses' healing staff in the wilderness, to "cast about [their] eyes and begin to believe in the Son of God." How does Alma's discussion in this chapter answer the Zoramites' questions? Why does Christ figure so prominently in this chapter when he is not mentioned at all in the previous chapter? How does the recent episode of Korihor (Alma 30) and Amulek's comment in Alma 34:5 help answer this question?

Why don't the Zoramites understand? Why do the Zoramites ask these follow-up questions about exercising faith and obtaining the fruit? Does this show that they were ready to begin the process Alma was describing, or that they were still lacking belief (and therefore understanding of Alma's words, cf. 32:28)?
Sent forth. Why does it say that the Zoramites "sent forth unto him"? Weren't they just standing right there listening to him? What is going on here?
One God. Why do the Zoramites wonder about believing in "one God"? What alternatives were they considering? How does this relate to the prayers of the Zoramites to God in their synagogues and the knowledge that they were also worshiping idols?

Alma tells the poor Zoramites that they should "search the scriptures". Since poor people in most ancient societies were illiterate, how were they supposed to search the scriptures? What is Alma asking them to do?

Where did this Psalm of Zenos come from? Why is it not found in our Old Testament? How does Alma use this psalm to normativize prayer outside of the synagogue?