Either the record of Jared echoed a similar hesitation for a king like unto what Nephi had, or we have a translation colored by Nephite history. Both are possible. The people desire a king, and the brother of Jared cautions against it.
Jared, who has a ruler over him, tells his brother: “Suffer them that they may have a king.” It was understood that the king would be declared from Jared’s lineage.