According to Brant Gardner, it is interesting that even though Zarahemla's leadership is apparent over "the people of Zarahemla," and even though he "gave a genealogy of his fathers" (Omni 1:18), we note that Zarahemla is not called a king. This might imply some cultural conditions with respect to these people. [Brant Gardner, "Book of Mormon Commentary," [http://www.highfiber.com/~nahualli/LDStopics/Omni/] Omni1.htm, p. 39]