The advantages and disadvantages of a kingship form of government will be discussed more fully in chapter 15 of this work. However, Alma lays the foundation for that discussion. The Lord either revealed to Alma (or he had read in the scriptures) the Lord’s admonition not to esteem one flesh above another or for one man not to think himself above another (v. 7), as is typical of a monarchy. Noah was the prime example of that kind of king (v. 9). Nevertheless, if you could always have a just man for your king it would be well (v. 8). Nephi, King Benjamin, and the Mosiah kings, although not mentioned by Alma, are examples of just men being king.
Alma was the victim of King Noah’s wicked reign although he does not enumerate what he did. He does acknowledge the sore repentance he went through before leading his people to the truth (v. 10). His great humility is apparent (v. 11). Alma’s people were also victims of this tyrant (v. 12). Acknowledging the Lord’s hand in their deliverance from bondage to freedom, Alma admonishes them to stand fast in their liberty and not to trust any man to lead them either politically or spiritually, except he be a man of God (vv. 13–14). These people had just experienced what Jesus taught, “Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Having come to know their Redeemer, he taught them the second great commandment, to love their neighbor (v. 15).