As modern readers, we see here the affirmation of priesthood power by the authority of God. While this is a true principle, it does not explain all that was happening in Alma’s community. In addition to priesthood authority from Yahweh, Alma organized his community to support righteousness rather than to foster the potential unrighteousness of a kingship. Alma is a just man and appoints other just men as teachers and priests.
Politically, these appointments imply that the designation of public offices flows from Alma’s personal authority, not from a democratic election. While Alma will be instrumental in the change from kinship to judges in Zarahemla, it is a mistake to assume that his political views were similar to the modern concept of a democracy. Probably Alma’s government included the “voice of the people” that operated in Nephite society; however, it is quite different from a modern voting democracy. (See “Excursus: The Voice of the People,” following Mosiah 29.)