Alma’s family had apparently been living in “his own house” during his fourteen-year absence (v. 20). Nephihah had been appointed chief judge by Alma when he left to preach the word of God (see Alma 4:17–19). We assume Nephihah was still the chief judge, although the text does not say who the judge was (Alma 27:20). The land was still governed by the voice of the people as King Mosiah had established (vv. 21–23; Mosiah 29:25–26). The people of Zarahemla not only gave up their land, but they were willing to protect the new converts from the attacking Lamanites by selecting the land and placing their armies there (Alma 27:23–24). A portion of their substance was asked for on a cost basis for their services (v. 24), not as a profit venture.