Three of Pahoran’s sons wanted to be chief judge after his death. Their names were Pahoran, Paanchi, and Pacumeni. The people chose Pahoran, but Paanchi did not accept the result. An ally of his named Kishkumen assassinated Pahoran.
Meanwhile, a Lamanite army led by Coriantumr marched straight to the capital city of Zarahemla and captured it. Moronihah, the Nephite commander brought his armies from the border cities, beat the Lamanites, and allowed the survivors to leave in peace.
Chapter Outline
- Pahoran becomes chief judge and is assassinated by Kishkumen (v. 1-13)
- The Lamanite army, led by Coriantumr, takes the city of Zarahemla (v. 14-21)
- Moronihah beats the Lamanite army and sends them home (v. 22-34)
My Takeaways
- We can most effectively influence a group from a position of solidarity, not animosity.
- We need to accept the results of elections, even when we are disappointed.
- As we resist temptation, we need to balance “border defenses” with strengthening our heart.
Featured Blog Posts
❖ Kishkumen – Helaman 1:1-13
He Did Unite with the Voice of the People – Helaman 1:5-8
5 Nevertheless, it came to pass that Pahoran was appointed by the voice of the people to be chief judge and a governor over the people of Nephi. 6 And it came to pass that Pacumeni, when he saw that he could not obtain the judgment-seat, he did unite with the voice of the people.…
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach about Elections?
Shortly before his death, in about the year 91 B.C., King Mosiah announced to his people that he would have no successor. None of his sons wanted to be king, and he had been horrified to hear about the suffering caused by an unrighteous king named Noah. To prevent such a situation arising again, Mosiah…
❖ Coriantumr’s invasion – Helaman 1:14-21
They Had Not Kept Sufficient Guards – Helaman 1:18
18 And it came to pass that because of so much contention and so much difficulty in the government, that they had not kept sufficient guards in the land of Zarahemla; for they had supposed that the Lamanites durst not come into the heart of their lands to attack that great city Zarahemla. (Helaman 1:18)…
❖ Moronihah’s victory – Helaman 1:22-34
“This March…Gave Moronihah Great Advantage”
When Coriantumr easily took Zarahemla, he concluded that he had crushed the Nephite army. In fact, his army was now surrounded by a more powerful force. We should avoid irrational exuberance and be clear-eyed about the risks we face.
Old Testament Foundations
The Voice of the People
When the prophet Samuel was old, he tried to appoint his sons to succeed him as leaders over Israel. But the Israelites were not willing to follow his sons, and they requested that he appoint a king. Samuel was troubled. He didn’t think it wise to give one person that much power, and he thought…
All Posts Referencing Alma 63
- “An Exceedingly Curious Man” (8/25/2024)
- “No Less Serviceable” – Alma 48:19 (8/2/2020)
- They Took Their Course Northward – Alma 63:5-9 (3/1/2018)
- These Things Were to Be Kept Sacred – Alma 63:12-13 (4/2/2017)
- These Things Were to Be Kept Sacred, and Handed Down from One Generation to Another – Alma 63:12-13 (8/31/2015)