Nephi had served as chief judge for nine years or more depending on the time of the fifty-third year that he was appointed (Helaman 3:37), and the time of the year that Cezoram was appointed (Helaman 5:1). These had been tumultuous years for Nephi. In spite of his “ justice and equity” in the judgment-seat, and his personal righteousness in keeping “the commandments of God” (Helaman 3:37), the majority of his people were not willing to follow his example (vv. Helaman 5:2–3). Nephi was not giving up but taking another approach.