“Effective military leadership by the king … was vital to the society’s well-being. … Ancient kings fulfilled their duty as guardian of the nation by personally commanding military forces in time of war … .
“One of the most important roles of the Hebrew king ‘was that of being a leader in war. … Primarily it was his duty to defend his people from aggressive action on the part of their neighbors.’ …
“King Benjamin’s military generalship, as well as his personal combat skills on the battlefield, gave the Nephites serious advantage over the Lamanites [see also Words of Mormon 1:13]” (Kerr, “Ancient Aspects of Nephite Kingship,” 87–90).