According to Todd Kerr, one of the most important roles of the Hebrew king was that of being a leader in war. That is to say, primarily it was his duty to defend his people from aggressive action on the part of their neighbors. Hebrew kingship initially developed because of pressing needs for military leadership in Israel's territorial scuffles with surrounding nations. . . . Enemy encroachment also contributed to the establishment of Nephite monarchy. At the time Nephi was appointed king (2 Nephi 5:18-19), Lamanite hatred toward the Nephites was strong (2 Nephi 5:14), and Nephi's subjects turned to him for protection (2 Nephi 5:24). [Todd R. Kerr, "Ancient Aspects of Nephite Kingship in the Book of Mormon," in Journal of Book of Mormon Studies, Fall 1992, F.A.R.M.S., p. 87]