Culture: There is a direct correlation between Benjamin’s statement that he has “labored with mine own hands” and “that ye should not be laden with taxes.” The operation of government has correlated expenses, even in a nonmonetized economy like the Nephite/Zarahemlaite community. Benjamin was able both to rule and also to raise his own food, a clear suggestion of a political organization much simpler than that which prevailed within the generation of Mosiah’s reign.
Benjamin began his discourse by defining his reign, first in contrast to cultural expectations, and second, by the benefits to his people. Now he concludes this section by declaring that the congregation is witnesses of the truthfulness of what he has said.