Mormon does not explain Helaman’s position in the Nephite religious system, but he apparently inherited his father’s position as chief high priest. Using the voice of the people did not preclude lineage positions in Nephite society, so it would not be unusual to have Helaman step into this position by right of inheritance. (See “Excursus: The Voice of the People,” following Mosiah 29.) In the Old Testament, priesthood was a matter of inherited tribal rights. While the New World priesthood itself does not show signs of tribal affiliation (at least as far as we can tell), leadership positions to which priesthood was undoubtedly attached generally descend from father to son.