King Benjamin called this conference of all the Saints dwelling in his domain just three years before he died. The record does not say when he was born, nor where. We presume it was in the Land of Lehi-Nephi where his father, Mosiah, at the command of the Lord, gathered the righteous into one large group, and led them to Zarahemla where they found the People of Mulek. He passed away in that city 122 B.C., greatly mourned and much loved by his subjects. Benjamin lived for many years, and ruled his people in the fear of the Lord.
No people, ever, were ruled by a king more gracious than was Benjamin. He labored constantly for their well-being, and for their spiritual happiness; he continued nearly all the days of his life to be their untiring servant.
But, now his old and worn frame could no longer support his desire to carry on. He trembled as one having the palsy; his enfeebled body refused to stand alone. King Benjamin, dwelling in that poor, dilapidated, and decrepit, old house, the body of Benjamin the High Priest, solemnly bowed before "The Majesty on High" and before his devoted people he acknowledged the Lord's watchful care over him. At the same time Benjamin declared, "I can no longer be your teacher, or your king." He also said, in a manner appropriate to his exalted calling, "The Lord hath commanded me that I should declare unto you this day, that my son Mosiah is a king and a ruler over you."