Mosiah Ch29

Here we see the rising generation growing up! Mosiah sets up judges instead of a new king, and Alma jr becomes both the chief judge and high priest over the church when Mosiah and Alma die.

Because of the lack of enthusiasm Mosiah's sons had to be king, he asked the people what they thought (v1-4). He informed the people that because the rightful hare to the thrown wouldn't take it, there might be contentions if someone else were to become king (v5-7). Being king may 'destroy' the spiritual growth and end up in another King Noah situation, so instead make the good choice to appoint judges (v8-11). Not just anyone though, judges should be wise and judge righteously like King Benjamin had done (v12-13).

Mosiah had labored hard to keep peace and be just to those who committed crimes according to these (v14-15). Not all men are just, again I refer to Noah, and one unjust leader can cause a great destruction (v16-19). Only when they repented after getting rid of their wicked leaders through much contention, were they delivered (v20-21). It was difficult to dethrone Noah because he had built up his wickedness with friends and laws to support him (v22-23).

Having that disaster again would not be fun, so instead, the people would choose who their judges would be (v24-25). As long as the majority of the people were righteous, the judges would be also, but...if they choose iniquity...God will be their judge in the end (v26-27). The judge system that was set up had higher and smaller judges to keep each other in check and all are elected by the people so if they choose iniquity they are accountable (v28-30). In the past, the iniquity of the kings that caused sins were only upon the king, but with judges, the people are responsible so they have freedom (v31-32). 

Mosiah wrote more about the troubles and trials of his righteous reign that will all be the peoples responsibility now (v33-34). Mosiah sent forth all these writings of warnings about an unrighteousness king unto the people, who then agreed and voted for equality (v35-38). They had an election, appointed judges, and because of the decision of granting liberty to the people, they loved Mosiah for his righteous dominion (v39-41).

Alma jr had been given the charge of the affairs of the church and his calling was as the high priest of the church. He was also elected as the first chief judge by the people (obviously they were righteous so far) and this was his job (v42). He continued to keep the commandments and judge righteously, joining church and state to rule and prosper (v43). Alma, founder of the church, dies at age 82 and Mosiah dies at age 63 after 33 years of being king. They will start recording their time passing by saying in the _____ year of the reign of the judges. It's important because they are now officially not marking time by when Lehi's family led Jerusalem which was 509 years ago (v44-47).