“Those Who Were in Favor of Kings Were Those of High Birth”

Brant Gardner

Culture: It is no surprise that the king-men are those “of high birth,” meaning that they likely belong to older clans or to ruling lineages in other cities than Zarahemla. They already have considerable standing in the community and are anxious to have more. The group who supported Amalickiah in his bid to become a king only six years earlier were primarily “the lower judges of the land” (Alma 46:4). They already had some power and position, but wanted more. The king-men are similar. They already have recognized status but want to increase it. They want the hierarchical structures associated with kingship that will lend more associative value to their wealth.

Second Witness: Analytical & Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 4

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