Alma 51:6 - 51:10

Alma 51: 6 And those who were desirous that Pahoran should remain chief judge over the land took upon them the name of freemen; and thus was the division among them, for the freemen had sworn or covenanted to maintain their rights and the privileges of their religion by a free government.

Those who voted to retain the present form of government were called freeman. They had sworn to keep this form of government in order to maintain their freedoms as citizens and maintain their rights to worship God as they pleased.

Alma 51: 7 And it came to pass that this matter of their contention was settled by the voice of the people. And it came to pass that the voice of the people came in favor of the freemen, and Pahoran retained the judgment-seat, which caused much rejoicing among the brethren of Pahoran and also many of the people of liberty, who also put the king-men to silence, that they durst not oppose but were obliged to maintain the cause of freedom.

With the vote coming in in favor of the existing form of the government, the contention over which form of government was settled. The opposition was put to silence as they were now required to maintain this form of government or if they activity apposed it by their actions they would suffer punishments prescribed by law.

Alma 51: 8 Now those who were in favor of kings were those of high birth, and they sought to be kings; and they were supported by those who sought power and authority over the people.

Those in favor of a king were those who wanted to either be the king or support someone who wanted to be the king. They were born in the more powerful families and thought that their station in life gave them the right to run things.

Again, it is always some power hungry person who wants to be in charge. I guess they think that they can boss people around which give them a charge and at the same time they can tax and have all kinds of goodies from the labor of someone else. They are full of pride because of their station in life and think that gives them special privileges. I often wonder if our politicians are just another form of the kingsmen.

Alma 51: 9 But behold, this was a critical time for such contentions to be among the people of Nephi; for behold, Amalickiah had again stirred up the hearts of the people of the Lamanites against the people of the Nephites, and he was gathering together soldiers from all parts of his land, and arming them, and preparing for war with all diligence; for he had sworn to drink the blood of Moroni.

This contest between the kingsmen and the freeman was really at a bad time for the Nephites. Amalickiah was getting the Lamanites riled up again to again to invade Nephite lands. He had sworn to drink Moroni’s blood and he was determined to carry it out.

Alma 51: 10 But behold, we shall see that his promise which he made was rash; nevertheless, he did prepare himself and his armies to come to battle against the Nephites.

This was a crazy promise to make but he was determined and had his armies all prepared to make the invasion.