Alma reinforces his argument with a brief description of his conversion. He asserts that his behavior required repentance. Simply hearing Abinadi did not transform him from nonbeliever to believer without undergoing “sore repentance” (v. 9). It fills in his autobiography immediately after he escaped from the palace during Abinadi’s trial. We now know that he underwent a trial of his own, recognized that his behavior violated God’s will, understood the gravity of his actions, and desired change. This is the process of repentance. (See “Excursus: The Principle of Repentance,” following 3 Nephi 18.) We do not know what exactly that “sore” repentance required of him, although it included “much tribulation,” but the effect on his soul was tremendous. Once repentant and converted, Alma experienced the exquisite pleasure of being accepted by Yahweh and becoming his instrument for teaching these who also hearkened to the message of Abinadi (through Alma).
In addition to the interest of the information itself, it is interesting that this description of repentance comes as part of his argument against kingship. The repentance was from Yahweh, but the need for repentance came from the excesses of kingship. While Alma’s first argument against kingship was the risk of social stratification, he now attacks the personal effect of a king who has departed from Yahweh’s ways.
Ancient kingship was both religious and political. As religious leader, Noah was responsible to lead his people to Yahweh. Instead he led them away. Alma is not just adding a personal reflection, but making another argument about the dangers—this time spiritual ones—of kingship.