When Alma1 declined kingship in Helam, one of the principles he mentioned was the equality of humankind: “It is not expedient that we should have a king; for thus saith the Lord: Ye shall not esteem one flesh above another, or one man shall not think himself above another; therefore I say unto you it is not expedient that ye should have a king” (Mosiah 23:7).
Mosiah makes this concept explicit in declaring the end to monarchy: “I desire that this inequality should be no more in this land, especially among this my people.” What is “this inequality”?
Grammatically, it apparently refers to people who suffer because of the king’s sins. That is clearly his primary meaning, but he likely has other meanings associated with this particular image. The social structure of kingdoms virtually requires the exaltation of one man above another, with the king at the top. Mosiah is probably attempting to remedy that inequality as well as the inequality caused when people are punished for the sins of the king.
Culture: It is very interesting that Mosiah denounced “this inequality… in this land, especially among this my people.” He appears to distinguish between “this land” and “my people.” It suggests that he is referring to this mode of kingship in other locations, wishing it were removed from other cities as well as from his own people.