Besides being a further witness for Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon is a handbook on God-given religious liberty and government by the voice of the people. During the tenure of Pahoran I as chief judge in the land, a division arises among the people in the year 67 BC concerning the laws of government then in force. A faction of people “of high birth” (Alma 51:8) want a monarchy to be instituted, rather than a free government established as a republic with elected judges. These “king-men” seek power and authority over the people and are opposed by those who wish to retain the status quo under Pahoran. The freemen have “sworn or covenanted to maintain their rights and the privileges of their religion by a free government” (Alma 51:6). In a popular vote, the voice of the people supports the freemen against the king-men—but the unrest continues. Wickedness is the seedbed of turmoil. Where there is internal division, the body politic cannot stand with enduring strength. Victory over the forces of evil requires unity of the faith and constant vigilance in keeping the commandments of God.
During this unfortunate state of affairs among the Nephites, the Lamanites launch their invasion and seize many cities on the eastern borders near the sea. However, they are repulsed by Teancum as they continue their march toward Bountiful. As the opposing armies are encamped one night, Teancum steals into the tent of Amalickiah in order to “put a javelin to his heart” (verse 34), thus ending the king’s nefarious career.