Book of Mormon rulers

This article is a list of rulers in the Book of Mormon, including kings and chief judges among the Lamanites, Nephites, and Jaredites.[1]

Dates cited below generally accord with those found in the Latter-day Saint scripture index.[2]

## Nephites

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According to the Book of Mormon the Nephites had kings to begin with, then judges, then a brief period of anarchy, then self-governance, initially organized by Jesus's instructions.

### Nephite Kings in the Land of Nephi

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* Nephi1, prophet, founder and king of eponymous Nephite civilization, fourth son of Lehi1. Favored of God, kept own record, abridged father's record. Left Jerusalem, commanded to recover brass plates, smitten by brothers but protected by angel. After failed attempt to purchase plates, encountered drunken Laban, slew him, obtained plates, persuaded Zoram1 to join him, returned again for Ishmael2 and family. Saw father's dream and vision of future promised land and ministry of Christ. Forbidden to write some parts. When hunting bow broke, used Liahona to obtain food. Commanded to build ship, crossed ocean, quoted Isaiah1, contended with and separated from brothers, passed plates to brother Jacob2 before death (c. 600 BC).[3],[4]
* 2nd Nephi, 3rd Nephi, etc. (Names not given) (c. 540 - 279 BC)

### Nephite Kings in Zarahemla

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* Mosiah1, Nephite prophet and king of land of Zarahemla, who had gift of interpretation. Translated stone record of the Mulekites. Father of King Benjamin (c. 200 BC).[5]
* Benjamin, known as King Benjamin, righteous Nephite prophet and king, and father of Mosiah2, Helorum, and Helaman1. Reigned after father, Mosiah1. Drove warring Lamanites from Zarahemla using sword of Laban, received plates from Amaleki1, and established peace. After instructing sons to protect records and conferring kingdom on eldest, addressed people from tower, where he admonished service, industry, and charity to the poor. Taught of Christ (c. 120 BC).[6]
* Mosiah2, Nephite prophet and king, and also seer who could translate by means of interpreters. Eldest son of King Benjamin. He and brothers taught by their father to read writings in their original language. Near end of life, advocated for an end of monarchy and adoption of judges; he was therefore last of Nephite kings. Among accomplishments was establishment of a permanent system of measures. His once wayward sons (Aaron3, Ammon3, Himni, and Omner) converted and become influential missionaries (c. 154-91 BC).[7]

### Nephite Kings in the Land of Lehi-Nephi

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The kingdom was a Nephite enclave within Lamanite Territory.

* Zeniff, father of Noah3, grandfather of Limhi, and righteous leader of expedition of Nephites who left Zarahemla to land of Lehi-Nephi (c. 200 BC). Record comprises Mosiah 9 through 22. Sent to spy among Lamanites, covenanted with King Laman2 to possess land of Lehi-Nephi. Made king, betrayed by Laman2, and drove out Lamanite invaders before dying (c. 190 BC).[8]
* Noah3, an iniquitous Nephite king, son of Zeniff and father of Limhi. Heavily taxed his people, ordered Abinadi slain, and accused Alma1 of sedition. Life was later spared by Gideon, so fled into the wilderness and commanded followers to desert their wives and children. Burned to death (c. 160 BC).[9]
* Limhi, righteous son of Noah3, and third and final Nephite king in land of Lehi-Nephi. While in bondage to Lamanites — and after three unsuccessful rebellions — encountered Ammon1 and brethren, learned their good news from Zarahemla, and shared with them record of Zeniff. Invited them to preach to his people, then planned their joint escape on advice of Gideon. Taught and baptized by Alma1, and joined people of king Mosiah2, to whom he gave the 24 gold plates of Jaredite prophet Ether (c. 121 BC).[10]

### Nephite Judges in the Land of Zarahemla

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* Alma2, son of Alma1, known as "Alma the Younger". Nephite prophet and first chief judge. After seeking to destroy Church with sons of Mosiah2, saw an angel who struck them dumb. Converted, he taught the people and was later appointed chief judge and high priest. During reign, sentenced Nehor, led Nephite army, slew Amlici, baptized many, mourned wickedness in the church, and resigned judgment seat to Nephihah. Preached in Gideon, Zarahemla, Melek, and Ammonihah, where he was reviled. Angelic visitation brought him to Amulek, with whom he went out to preach. Accused by Zeezrom and questioned by Antionah. The people, angered, sought his death and that of other believers. Imprisoned with Amulek, where their prayers broke prison walls. Healed Zeezrom, continued preaching, and encountered and confronted antichrist Korihor. Advised Moroni2 on military strategy. Father of Helaman2, Shiblon, and Corianton. Continued preaching and prophesying until end of his life (c. 100-73 BC).[11]
* Nephihah, second Nephite chief judge. Succeeded Alma2 the Younger when Alma2 had surrendered judgment seat to him to devote more time to missionary work. Son Pahoran1 inherited judgment seat after his death (c. 83-67 BC).[12]
* Pahoran1, steadfast third Nephite chief judge, son of Nephihah. Supported by freemen; opposed by high-born king-men. Democratic vote for liberty gave Moroni1 mandate to silence rebel king-men. Corresponded with Moroni1 over inability to defend forces of Helaman2 and news of insurrection that drove him and supporters from land. Joined defenders to put down rebellions and overcome Lamanite forces. Resumed judgment seat. Father of Pahoran2, Paanchi, Pacumeni, and others (c. 68 BC).[13]
* Pahoran2, fourth Nephite chief judge. Eldest of three sons of Pahoran1 that contended for judgment seat. Murdered by invading Gadianton robber Kishkumen (c. 52 BC).[14]
* Pacumeni, fifth Nephite chief judge, son of Pahoran1, brother of Pahoran2, and contender for judgment seat. After assassination of brother by Gadianton robber Kishkumen, acquired judgment seat briefly. Lamanite invader Coriantumr3 caught Pacumeni fleeing, killed him at city wall. Helaman3 succeeded as chief judge (c. 52 BC).[15]
* Helaman3, sixth Nephite chief judge and eldest son of Helaman2. Received records from Shiblon and was appointed a judge. The plot of Gadianton robber Kishkumen to murder him failed because of the intervention of a servant. Lived righteously and fathered Nephi2 and Lehi4 (c. 53 BC).[16]
* Nephi2, influential Nephite missionary, seventh Nephite chief judge, son of Helaman3 and brother of Lehi4. Resigned as judge to preach, converted 8,000 Lamanites. Imprisoned with brother, protected by angels, prison walls shaken, encircled with fire, converted larger number of Lamanites. Sorrowed over rise of Gadianton band, taught multitude from garden tower, revealed secret murderer of judge Seezoram, praised by voice from heaven, conveyed away from persecutors, invoked famine, baptized converts of Samuel2, continued working miracles, disappeared (c. 45 BC).[17]
* Cezoram, eighth Nephite chief judge, preceded by Nephi2, son of Helaman, and succeeded by his son, and eventually by Seezoram. (Cezoram and Seezoram are two different people and should not be confused with one another) (c. 30 BC).[18]
* Son of Cezoram (unnamed), ninth Nephite judge, murdered on judgment seat, as was his father (c. 26 BC).[19]
* Seezoram, brother of Seantum and member of Gadianton band, tenth known Nephite chief judge, eventually succeeded by Lachoneus1. How and when he began his reign as chief judge is not known; his first appearance in the Book of Mormon was when Nephi2, son of Helaman, prophesied his murder by hand of his brother, Seantum (c. 23 BC).[20],[21] (Not to be confused with Cezoram, another Nephite chief judge who was assassinated earlier.).
* various judges with no names given (c. 20-? BC)
* Lachoneus1, eleventh known Nephite chief judge, who received a threatening epistle from Giddianhi (the robber leader), then gathered his people and prepared fortifications. Prophesied and called his people to repentance. Appointed Gidgiddoni as commander of Nephites. After battles and ending of a siege, peace ensued (c. AD 1).[22]
* Gidgiddoni, Nephite commander, prophet, and judge appointed by Lachoneus1 to lead forces against followers of Gadianton robber Giddianhi. Gidgiddoni refused the people’s petition for offensive campaign, stockpiled weapons, and defeated the robbers when attacked. His campaign established a great peace (c. AD 16-18).[23]
* Lachoneus2, son of Lachoneus1, twelfth known (and last) Nephite chief judge whose people became proud and wicked (c. AD 29–30).[24]

## Lamanites

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According to the Book of Mormon the Lamanites appear to have had multiple regional kings ruling concurrently.

### Lamanite Kings in the Land of Lehi-Nephi

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* Laman1, rebellious eldest son of Lehi1 and brother to Lemuel, Sam, Nephi1, Jacob2, and Joseph2. Travelled into the wilderness with his family, murmured against his father and his younger brother Nephi1, failed to obtain brass plates from Laban, smote brothers, stirred up Lemuel and sons of Ishmael2 to kill Nephi1, chastised by an angel, and brought generational curse upon own family and followers, who were named Lamanites after him (c. 600 BC).[25]
* Series of unnamed Lamanite kings.
* Laman2, father of Laman3. Deceived Zeniff and stirred up his people against him (c. 200 B.C.).[26]
* Laman3, son of Laman2, who appointed Amulon to power, then subjugated him (c. 178 BC).[27]
* Amalickiah, Nephite traitor, elder brother of Ammoron, who lead revolt against Helaman2, threatened to drink blood of Moroni1. After poisoning Lehonti and killing king of the Lamanites3, obtained throne and warred with Nephites. Killed by Teancum (c. 70 BC).[28]
* Ammoron, Nephite traitor, brother of Amalickiah and descendant of Zoram, who engaged in angry correspondence with Moroni1. King of the Lamanites after Amalickiah's death, then killed by Teancum (c. 66-61 BC).[29]
* Tubaloth, son of Ammoron. Appointed Coriantumr3, a mighty man and Nephite dissenter, to lead his armies (c. 51 BC).[30]
* Aaron4, king who attacked Mormon2 with a larger army, but lost (c. AD 330).[31]

## Significant Jaredite kings

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* Jared2, founder and righteous first leader of Jaredites. Came from Tower of Babel with brother and friends. Father to Jacom, Gilgah, Mahah, Orihah, and eight daughters. Asked brother to pray that their language not be confounded. After landing in new world, argued against a monarchy, but relented in the face of people's resistance. Record was explicated by Moroni2.[32]
* Complex series of named and unnamed kings, captive or free
* Coriantumr2, last Jaredite king and last Jaredite survivor. Fought Shared and warred against Gilead, Lib2, and Shiz. Lived 9 months with people of Zarahemla (c. 130 BC).[33]

## See also

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* Jaredite kings
* List of Book of Mormon people

## References

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1. ^ Peterson, Christopher J. (2019-07-01). "Our Leaders Were Mighty": Identifying Modern Leadership Philosophies in the Book of Mormon (MA thesis). Brigham Young University. hdl:1877/etd10921.
2. ^ Intellectual Reserve, Inc. (24 March 2015). "Index to the Triple Combination".
3. ^ 1 Ne. 1:1-3, 16-17; 1 Ne. 2:4-7, 16-24; 1 Ne. 3-4; 1 Ne. 5:1, 7, 20-22; 1 Ne. 6-7, 9; 1 Ne. 10:1, 17; 1 Ne. 11-19, 22; 2 Ne. 1:10, 24; 2 Ne. 4:13-35; 2 Ne. 5, 11-33; Jacob 1:1-12, 18; Jacob 3:14; Mosiah 10:13-16; Hel. 8:22; D&C 98:32
4. ^ Kerr, Todd R. (1992). "Ancient Aspects of Nephite Kingship in the Book of Mormon". Journal of Book of Mormon Studies. 1 (1): 85–118\. ISSN 1065-9366. JSTOR 44758623.
5. ^ Omni 1:12-23; Mosiah 2:32
6. ^ Omni 1:23-25; W of M 1:3, 10-18; Mosiah 1–5; Mosiah 6:1-5; Mosiah 8:3; Mosiah 26:1; Mosiah 29:13; Hel. 5:9
7. ^ Mosiah 1:10, 18; Mosiah 2:30; Mosiah 6:3–7; Mosiah 7:1–2; Mosiah 21:28; Mosiah 22:14, 25; Mosiah 25:1–7, 18–19; Mosiah 26:12; Mosiah 27:1–3; Mosiah 28:11–20; Mosiah 29:11-47; Alma 1:1; Alma 10:19; Alma 11:4
8. ^ Omni 1:29-30; Mosiah 7:9, 13, 21; Mosiah 8:2; Mosiah 9:1–22; Mosiah 10:18–20; Mosiah 11:1
9. ^ Mosiah 7:9; Mosiah 11:1–27; Mosiah 12:9-18; Mosiah 13:1-12; Mosiah 17:1; Mosiah 18:1-4, 31-33; Mosiah 19:1-20; Mosiah 23:9–20; Alma 5:4
10. ^ Mosiah 7:7–33; Mosiah 8; Mosiah 19:16-17, 26-29; Mosiah 20:6–16, 23–26; Mosiah 21, 22; Mosiah 25:16-18; Mosiah 28:11
11. ^ Mosiah 27:8-37; Mosiah 28:20; Mosiah 29:42-44; Book of Alma, Hel. 4:21, et seq.
12. ^ Alma 50:37-39
13. ^ Alma 50:39-40; Alma 51:2-8, 15-16; Alma 59:3; Alma 60-61; Alma 62:1-26, 44; Hel. 1:2
14. ^ Hel. 1:3-11
15. ^ Hel. 1:2-6, 13, 18-21
16. ^ Alma 63: 11-13; Helaman 2:3-12; Helaman 3:20, 37; Helaman 5:5-13
17. ^ Hel. 3:21, 37; Hel. 4:14; Hel. 5; Hel. 6:6; Hel. 7-10; Hel. 11:3–23; Hel. 16:1–5; 3 Ne. 1:2-3; 3 Ne. 2:9
18. ^ Helaman 5:1; Helaman 6:15
19. ^ Hel. 6:15
20. ^ Helaman 8:27-28
21. ^ See also Helaman 9:20-37
22. ^ 3 Ne. 1:1; 3 Ne. 3:1-17, 22-25; 3 Ne. 6:6, 19
23. ^ 3 Nephi 3:17-26; 3 Nephi 4:4, 7-18, 21-27; 3 Nephi 6:6
24. ^ 3 Ne. 6:19
25. ^ 1 Ne. 2:5, 9, 11–14, 16, 18, 21-24; 1 Ne. 3:2-5, 9–14, 21-31; 1 Ne. 4:4-5, 28-30; 1 Ne. 5:7; 1 Ne. 7:1-7, 16-22; 1 Ne. 8:35–36; 1 Ne. 15:2-9, 20-26, 31; 1 Ne. 16:1-5, 7, 18-22, 32, 36–39; 1 Ne. 17:17–22, 48-55; 1 Ne. 18:1, 4-21; 1 Ne. 22:1; 2 Ne. 1:24–29; 2 Ne. 4:13; 2 Ne. 5:1-3, 21; Alma 3:7; Alma 18:38
26. ^ Mosiah 7:21-22; Mosiah 9:5-7, 10-13; Mosiah 10:6, 18
27. ^ Mosiah 10:6; Mosiah 23:39; Mosiah 24:1-4, 9
28. ^ Alma 46:3-11, 28-33; Alma 47-49; Alma 51; Alma 52:3
29. ^ Alma 52:3-12; Alma 54-57; Alma 59; Alma 62, et seq.
30. ^ Hel. 1:16-17
31. ^ Mormon 2:9; Moroni 9:17
32. ^ Ether 1:32–43; Ether 2:1, 13; Ether 6:4–14, 19–21, 24, 29
33. ^ Omni 1:21-22; Ether 12:1-2; Ether 13:15-31; Ether 14-15