Mosiah describes Benjamin as the prime example of the just king (v. 13) and proclaims that he has attempted to be the same kind of just king (vv. 14–15). As his father was great in pronouncing Yahweh’s commandments, so Mosiah has labored to teach them. Mosiah has also established laws and ruled according to them, not by whim (v. 15). This pattern is an important prelude to elevating the status of law above the throne. It is reinforces the hypothesis that Nephite society was familiar with and accepted the rule of law.
One argument that Alma1 used in refusing the kingship was doctrinal: one man should not be exalted above another (Mosiah 23:7). There is no obvious correlation to this sentiment in Mosiah’s declaration, but verse 14 may suggest it and verse 32 makes it explicit. Mosiah used Benjamin as the exemplar of a good king, and one reason for Benjamin’s covenant was to eliminate “contentions.” These “contentions” were economic, allowing the exaltation of one person over another. Perhaps Mosiah is alluding to this type of “contention,” which would provide yet another connection to Alma1’s refusal of the kingship.