Alma now sets up the more direct comparison between this people and the priesthood. He again appeals to ancient authority, using the name of Melchizedek. He does not tell the people to become as Melchizedek, but as “the people” in Melchizedek’s day. Alma understands that not all will become priests, but he wants to establish a current relationship between people and priesthood modeled on the ancient one between Melchizedek and his people. Of course, that model would position the people of Ammonihah in relation to Alma as the Melchizedek figure. The Ammonihahite relation between people and priests assumes a hierarchy, probably based on the lineal right of rule that separated elite lineages from those of “the people.” In contrast, the Melchizedek-style priest’s standing was based on righteousness rather than lineage. Alma here implies that the correct relationship of the people to their ruler was egalitarian (Nephite) rather than hierarchical (Nehorite).