The discussion of the state of king Benjamin’s people began with contention. It is probable that what we see in these ending verses is either a continuation of the same contention, or a new instance of a contention with similar causes in the divided community. After defeating an external enemy, king Benjamin had to deal with several internal contentions. Finally, with great effort, king Benjamin is able to quell the internal contention. This preface of external and internal conflict is the essential historical stage upon which king Benjamin will give his important discourse.