Alma, seeing that his people, because of their humility, were made the victims of the haughty's oppression, and that because of their righteousness they were the object of the ungodly's hatred, resolved that, with the help of the Lord, their persecutions would not longer continue. In great sorrow he sought the Lord for guidance. He asked Him to lead the way, and "Surely," we imagine he said, "I will walk in Thy path." "The Spirit of the Lord did not fail him." Help from above was Alma's portion.
Finding that no one man could properly attend to the duties of his many offices, Alma determined to resign his Chief Judgeship and devote his entire time to his duties as the earthly head of the Church. Preparatory to his resignation, he selected one of its leading Elders, named Nephihah, to be his successor as Chief Judge. This choice was confirmed by the people, (83 B.C.) for, be it remembered, the Laws of Mosiah which were made the Constitution of the Republic, provided that all things must be done by the voice of a majority of the people. Alma gave Nephihah power to enforce the laws according to that voice, which was the court of last appeal.