All the righteous Nephite leaders understood that there was great danger in establishing a monarchial form of government. Alma’s people should have known this better than anybody because of their experience with king Noah. Yet, we see this pattern repeat itself throughout the Book of Mormon. The first instance is when the Jaredites set up king. At this time, the brother of Jared warned, Surely this thing leadeth into captivity (Ether 6:23). Note some of the passages which followed:
This great history of conflict among the Jaredites culminated in the destruction of the entire nation.
Nephi was faced with a people who looked up to them as their leader, And it came to pass that they would that I should be their king. But I, Nephi, was desirous that they should have no king; nevertheless, I did for them according to that which was in my power (2 Nephi 5:18). In the Old Testament, we read that when the Israelites asked the prophet Samuel for a king so that they could be like all the other nations in the land, the Lord replied, Hearken unto the voice of the people…for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them (1 Sam 8:7). The Israelites would have benefited most if they had the KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS (Rev 19:16) as their king. Therefore, Alma counsels the people to set up a government based on the principle that one man shall not think himself above another, but the Lord God is their king, for I, the Lord, the king of heaven, will be their king, and I will be a light unto them forever, that hear my words (2 Nephi 10:14).
Erastus Snow
“In all ages when the people of God listened to the voice and counsel of apostles and prophets, they enjoyed the blessings growing out of human freedom, and the tyranny and oppression of kings and rulers was impossible. There never was a kingly power placed over ancient Israel except against the remonstrance of the prophets.” (Journal of Discourses, vol 23, Feb. 26, 1882, p. 233)