Salem was the land over which Melchizedek reigned as king, identified in both ancient and modern interpretation with Jerusalem. Its people had gone deep into iniquity: in Alma’s account they “had all gone astray; they were full of all manner of wickedness” (Alma 13:17). Melchizedek, holding the office of the high priesthood, preached repentance, and the people repented; he established peace in the land in his days and was called the prince of peace and the king of Salem, reigning under his father (Alma 13:18). Alma’s account thus connects the two titles directly: Melchizedek was called the prince of peace “for he was the king of Salem” (Alma 13:18).