“I Should Be Their King”

Brant Gardner

Anthropological analysis: It is quite interesting that the suggestion would be made that Nephi be a king. This must have been an honorific title, as the population of the people was clearly insufficient to either require or support a king in the tradition from the Old World. However, knowing the honor of the *position* they likely desired that for Nephi, following their Old World model. Nephi intuitively understands that his people need a leader, but not a king. He has been the de facto leader, and continues to do "for them according to that which was in my power." He was the leader before, and continued to be after.

Multidimensional Commentary on the Book of Mormon

References