Rhetoric: The stories of Limhi and Alma1 are both examples of miraculous salvation after tribulation. Noah’s wickedness was so great that they could all have been destroyed or at least kept in bondage “were it not for the interposition of their all-wise Creator.” Even without a king, Yahweh is still in charge of the universe. In spite of a king, Yahweh can still save his people.
Mosiah’s argument here is subtle, but important. He has proclaimed that the ancient connection between Yahweh and king is good. What happens when half of that conduit is severed? Mosiah describes that very event in the story of Noah. Despite Noah’s wickedness, Yahweh was able to raise up righteous men to care for his people. Thus, by proclaiming Yahweh’s victory, Mosiah affirms Yahweh’s continuing importance and, in parallel fashion, the limited effectiveness even of a wicked king.
However, Yahweh could intervene only because of the people’s humility (v. 20), a reminder that reestablishing a righteous king (Limhi) did not automatically restore his conduit to Yahweh. It was not the king, but Yahweh, who caused their deliverance. Thus, Yahweh may continue to guide (and save) his people even in the absence of a king.