Mormon has already noted Sabbath observance as a feature of Alma’s church (v. 23). Was this “one day in every week that was set apart” the Sabbath or an additional day of worship? Obviously the day of rest from one’s labor would be the most convenient time for farmers to leave their fields and assemble. Given the relatively small group and the need for the new community to be self-sustaining, it seems likely that the community gathered on the labor-free Sabbath, which was probably the Israelite Sabbath. (See commentary accompanying Moroni 6:5.)
In addition to the decreed day of assembly/teaching, they were also “as often as it was in their power, to assemble themselves together.” Alma created social structures that emphasized both the community and the community’s religious foundation. In contrast to the social segregation of Noah’s reign, Alma fostered a sharing group, one without social hierarchies. The only social division is between teacher and student. He expressly forbids a distinction between economic-producer and consumer (v. 26).