Aaron(1). One of the sons of Mosiah (Mosiah 27:34). He was with Alma the
Younger at the time Alma was called to repentance. Aaron was one of the
sons of Mosiah who spent fourteen years teaching the Lamanites (Alma 17:4).
Aaron taught the father of King Lamoni who was converted to the Lord along
with many of his people. Aaron taught the old king to pray after expounding
the scriptures to him. The king prayed with such sincerity that the Spirit
of the Lord overcame him and he collapsed. The queen assumed that he had
been murdered by the Nephites and ordered the king's servants to slay Aaron
and his companions. The servants had seen what had happened to the king and
feared that Aaron would strike them down. Seeing this, the queen also
feared and ordered the servants to call the people to kill the Nephites.
Knowing that many of the Lamanites would have hardened hearts and be happy
to fulfill the queen's request, Aaron took the king by the hand and raised
him from his unconcious state. The king calmed the queen and his people and
caused that Aaron and his brethren should "preach the word among them."
(Alma 22:26). Aaron also served a mission with Alma the Younger to the
Zoramites (Alma 31:6).
Aaron(2). A Lamanite king (Mormon 2:9) who fought Mormon(2)'s army with an
army of forty four thousand. He was defeated and fled.
Aaron(3). Son of Heth in the Jaredite genealogy (Ether 1:16, Ether 10:31).
His grandfather, Hearthom, was deposed and placed in captivity (see Endnote
1). Several generations of Hearthom's family were born and raised in
captivity, including Heth and Heth's son, Aaron. What is meant by captivity
is not clearly defined, but it was obviously more than just being locked in
a room. More than likely it meant something more on the order of being
confined to a certain community with guards living with the family to
ensure that their movements were not threatening to the current ruler.
Abinadi. A prophet called by the Lord from among the people of King Noah
(Mosiah 11:20). He called the people to repentance and then fled when they
angrily rejected his message. The Lord gave them two years to consider his
message (Mosiah 12:1) and then sent him among the people again. This time
he was taken before King Noah where he preached with such great power that
when King Noah commanded him to be slain the guards did not dare touch him
(Mosiah 13:5). After he delivered the message the Lord had sent him to
deliver, he was burned to death, a fate he predicted for Noah (Mosiah
17:15).
Abinadom. Son of Chemish (Omni 1:10). He was a soldier (Omni 1:10) and one
of the authors of the Book of Omni. He wrote only that he spent his days in
defense of the Nephite civilization. He also said that he didn't know of
any revelation or prophecy other than those that were already written. He
delivered the plates to his son Amaleki(1).
Abish. A Lamanite woman in King Lamoni's court; probably an attendant of
Lamoni's wife, the queen (see Alma 19:17). She had been converted to the
Lord by a remarkable vision her father had seen (Alma 19:16). When Ammon
preached with such power to King Lamoni that he fainted, Abish ran to
gather the people so that they might see the power of God manifested. The
people misunderstood what had happened and assumed that Ammon had brought
some great evil upon the king's household. Men who had been defeated by
Ammon at the waters of Sebus saw this as an opportunity to avenge their
defeat and attempted to incite the crowd to kill Ammon. One of the men,
whose brother had been killed by Ammon at Sebus, attempted to kill Ammon
and was struck dead by the Lord. Seeing the commotion she had caused,
Abish, in despair, took the queen by the hand to raise her up. The queen
arose and exclaimed her love of Jesus Christ, and then awakened her
husband, who further calmed the crowd.
Aha. One of the sons of Zoram(2) who helped defeat the armies of the
Lamanites at the river Sidon after Zoram sought inspiration from the Lord.
Ahah. Son of Seth in the Jaredite genealogy (Ether 1:10). He ruled as a
Jaredite king for a short time as a wicked and despotic ruler (Ether
11:10).
Akish. The son of Kimnor (Ether 8:10). He was a Jaredite that was enticed by
lust for the daughter of Jared, son of the Jaredite king Omer. Jared
offered Akish his daughter in marriage if Akish would kill the king. Akish
formed a secret combination with his family and plotted the king's death.
Omer was warned by the Lord in a dream about the plot and he fled with some
of his family. Jared was annointed king after his father fled. It was only
a short time later that Akish had Jared murdered and he was annointed king
in Jared's place. He was eventually deposed, and perhaps even killed (Ether
9:12) in a civil war with his sons.
Alma(1). A descendent of Nephi, and a priest of Noah's court. He repented
after hearing Abinidi's denouncement of Noah. Leading a group of fellow
believers he escaped from King Noah. After traveling for eight days "they
came to a land, yea, even a very beautiful and pleasant land, a land of
pure water" (Mosiah 23:3-4) where they began to establish a city. Not long
after establishing this city they were placed under Lamanite rule by a
Lamanite army lead by, of all people, Amulon, one of Alma's former
associates in the court of King Noah (Mosiah 23:31-32, 39). The Nephites
were abused by Amulon and the Lamanites left to guard the city (Mosiah
24:8-9), but their faith did not fail them, and the Lord made their burdens
light (Mosiah 24:14- 15). After some time of enduring this the Lord made a
deep sleep come upon the Lamanites and Alma and his people escaped (Mosiah
24:19-20). After travelling for twelve days in the wilderness they came to
the land of Zarahemla where they were welcomed by the people of King Mosiah
(Mosiah 24:25). Alma was given authority to establish churches in all the
land (Mosiah 25:19) by King Mosiah. He served as chief high priest for a
number of years, eventually conferring the office and calling upon his son,
Alma (Mosiah 29:42) before dying at the age of eighty two (Mosiah 49:45).
Alma(2). The son of Alma(1). He was rebellious in his youth, and expended a
great deal of effort in trying to destroy the church his father was working
so hard to establish. While travelling with four of the sons of King
Mosiah, his father's prayers were answered and he was visited by an angel
who called on him to stop his wickedness (see Mosiah 27:8-37). Alma spent
three days in a helpless state while his soul was racked with guilt over
his actions. Repenting, he became one of the greatest of the Nephite
prophets. When King Mosiah established the rule of the judges, Alma was
selected to be the first chief judge (Mosiah 29:42). After serving as chief
judge for eight years (Alma 4:20), Alma gave up the judgement seat to
devote his time solely to the ministry (Alma 4:17-19). Alma began his work
first in Zarahemla and then went on to other Nephite cities (Alma 5:1). He
eventually went to Ammonihah, where he was rejected. After leaving
Ammonihah, Alma was visited by the same angel who had called him to
repentance (Alma 8:15). This time the angel rejoice over his faithfulness
before calling on him to return to Ammonihah, which Alma did speedily (Alma
8:18). It was then that he met Amulek and they had the remarkable
experiences that comprise Alma 8-15. Alma had one more significant
missionary experience that was recorded in the Book of Mormon: his mission
to the Zoramites (Alma 31-35). After leaving his blessing upon his sons and
upon the church Alma left Zarahemla on his way to Melek, but he never
arrived "[a]nd it came to pass that he was never heard of more; as to his
death or burial we know not of. Behold, this we know, that he was a
righteous man; and the saying went abroad in the church that he was taken
up by the Spirit, or buried by the hand of the Lord, even as Moses. But
behold, the scriptures saith the Lord took Moses unto himself; and we
suppose that he has also received Alma in the spirit, unto himself;
therefore, for this cause we know nothing concerning his death and
burial."(Alma 45:15-19).
Amaleki(1). Son of Abinadom (Omni 1:12). Having no children (Omni 1:25) he
selected King Benjamin (son of Mosiah(1)) to receive the plates. Amaleki
appears to have been a righteous man and was concerned about the
stewardship he had regarding the Nephite records. His testimony probably
reveals more about him than anything else written in the Book of Omni.
Saying that he woulddeliver the plates to King Benjamin, he closes his
record by "...exhorting all men to come unto God, the Holy One of Israel,
and believe in prophesying, and in revelations, and in the ministering of
angels, and in the gift of speaking with tongues, and in the gift of
interpreting languages, and in all things which are good; for there is
nothing which is good save it comes from the Lord; and that which is evil
cometh from the devil. And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should
come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his
salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer
your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and
praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved."
(Omni 1:25-26)
Amaleki(2). One of the men accompanying Ammon(1) in his search for the group
led by Zeniff (Mosiah 7:6). Captured by the soldiers of Limhi in the land
of Shilom. He is not mentioned again.
Amaleki(1)'s brother. A member of Zeniff's small group of colonizers (Omni
1:30).
Amalickiah. The leader (Alma 46:3) of a rebellion against the established
government during the tenure of Nephihah and Nephihah's son, Pahoran (Alma
50:38), as Chief Judge. Helaman was the head of the church at this time. It
was this rebellion that caused Captain Moroni to make a banner from his
coat and write on it (see Moroni(1)). Amalickiah was extremely wicked and
caused a great deal of dissension and bloodshed among the Nephites. When he
was denied the kingship through persuasion among the Nephites, he fled to
the Lamanites. Through deception and intrigue he became king of the
Lamanites. He commenced a bitter war against the Nephites. This war lasted
for almost twenty years, although Amalickiah was killed by Teancum in a
daring night raid (Alma 51:34) about six years after he started the war.
Amaron. Son of Omni (Omni 1:4). He wrote a few passages in the Book of Omni
commenting on the wickedness of the Nephites. He may have been childless
because he delivered the plates to his brother Chemish (Omni 1:8).
Interestingly, he wrote what little that he did on the day that he
delivered the plates to Chemish (Omni 1:9)
Amgid. A Jaredite king (Ether 10:32). During the time that Hearthom, Heth,
Aaron, Coriantum, and Com lived in captivity there must have been a series
of Jaredite rulers (Ether 10:30), one of whom was Amgid. Amgid was deposed
by Com after a long civil ward (Ether 10:32).
Aminadab. A Nephite by birth (Helaman 5:35) who was living among the
Lamanites at the time that Nephi(3) and Lehi(3) came among them to preach
to them. A dissenter from the Nephites (Helaman 5:35), Aminadab was among a
group of some three hundred (Helaman 5:49) Lamanites that had come to the
prison to slay Nephi(3) and Lehi(3) (Helaman 5:22). When they arrived,
Nephi(3) and Lehi(3) were encircled by a pillar of fire, and when they
spoke the prison walls shook and the Lamanites became paralyzed and
partially blind. They were terrified and asked what was happening. Aminadab
replied that they were witnessing the power of that God that had been
preached to them by Alma, Amulek, and Zeezrom. He told them that they
needed to repent and have faith in Christ and their vision would be
restored. The Lamanites followed Aminadab's advice and not only was their
vision restored (Helaman 5:43), but angels came from heaven to minister to
them (Helaman 5:48).
Aminadi. When Amulek spoke to the people in the city of Ammonihah, be began
first by reciting his genealogy as a mean of establishing his credibility.
He identified himself by saying: "I am Amulek; I am the son of Giddonah,
who was the son of Ishmael, who was a descendant of Aminadi; and it was the
sameAminadi who interpreted the writing which was upon the wall of the
temple, which was written by the finger of God. And Aminadi was a
descendant of Nephi, who was the son of Lehi, who came out of the land of
Jerusalem, who was a descendant of Manasseh, who was the son of Joseph who
was sold into Egypt by the hands of his brethren." (Alma 10:2-3). This is
the only mention of both Aminadi and the incident in the temple.
Amlici. Shortly after Mosiah had established the rule of the judges (Alma
2:1), Amlici came on the scene. The Book of Mormon describes him as
cunning, wise as to the ways of the world, and a follower after the order
of Nehor. He established a following and became quite powerful. His stated
purpose was to restore the rule of kings over the people, with Amlici
becoming king (Alma 2:2), but Alma reveals a deeper purpose "for it was his
intent to destroy the church of God." (Alma 2:4). The matter came to a vote
and Amlici was defeated (Alma 7:7). This made Amlici angry, and he stirred
up an armed insurrection (Alma 2:8-10) against the Nephites (Alma 2:11).
His followers consecrated Amlici to be their king. The two groups met in
battle "upon the hill Amnihu, which was east of the river Sidon, which ran
by the land of Zarahemla" (Alma 2:15). The Nephites killed over twelve
thousand Amlicites in the battle, and the Amlicites fled in fear. Alma and
his army pursued them until dark. Spies who were sent to watch them through
the night returned with terrible news. The Amlicites had joined forces with
a large group of Nephites and were laying waste to the land of Minon (Alma
2:24). Alma headed his army back to Zarahemla and as they were crossing the
river Sidon they were attacked by the combined Amlicite-Lamanite forces
(Alma 2:27). Alma contended with Amlici in hand-to-hand combat and, calling
upon the Lord for strength, killed him. In spite of being outnumbered, Alma
and his army prevailed and the Amlicite-Lamanite army fled into the
wilderness.
Ammah. One of Ammon's companions on his mission to the Lamanites (Alma 20:2,
Alma 21:11).
Ammaron. Brother of Amos, and one of the keepers of the records after the
appearance of the Savior to the Nephites (4 Nephi 1:47). The people had
become wicked by the time he received theplates, and the Lord instructed
him to hide them. He hid the records in the hill Shim in the land Antum.
Ammaron went to Mormon(2) when Mormon(2) was ten years old and told him
about the records. Ammaron essentially ordained Mormon(2) to receive the
records when he was twenty four (Mormon 1:2-4).
Ammon(1). A descendent of Zarahemla. He was sent by Mosiah(2) to discover
the fate of Zeniff's colony.
Ammon(2). One of the sons of King Mosiah (Mosiah 27:34). Ammon was one of
Alma the Younger's companions in wickedness (Mosiah 27:35) when they were
visited by an angel (Mosiah 27:10- 11, Alma 17:2). The firstborn of King
Mosiah (as near as we can tell), Ammon was a man worthy to be king in his
father's stead. He was intelligent, articulate, decisive, and humble; a
true leader in every respect. However, he declined the kingship (Mosiah
29:6-7), prompting his father to establish the rule of judges (Mosiah
29:6-11). He chose instead to devote his life to repairing the damage he
had done to the church and to proclaiming the gospel to everyone who would
listen. He was inspired (Mosiah 28:4) to go on a mission to the Lamanites
to "impart the word of God to their brethren, the Lamanites," to bring them
to the knowledge of the Lord their God, and convince them of the iniquity
of their fathers; and ... perhaps ... cure them of their hatred towards the
Nephites, that ... there should be no more contentions in all the land
which the Lord their God had given them" (Mosiah 28:1-2). Having seen the
ugliness of sin, he "could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea,
even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did
cause [him] to quake and tremble" (Mosiah 28:3). His mission is a perfect
example of the counsel given by the Lord to Joseph Smith "Therefore, verily
I say unto you, lift up your voices unto this people; speak the thoughts
that I shall put into your hearts, and you shall not be confounded before
men; For it shall be given you in the very hour, yea, in the very moment,
what ye shall say. But a commandment I give unto you, that ye shall declare
whatsoever thing ye declare in my name, in solemnity of heart, in the
spirit of meekness, in all things. And I give unto you this promise, that
inasmuch as ye do this the Holy Ghost shall be shed forth in bearing record
unto all things whatsoever ye shall say." (D&C 100:5-8) Promised that if he
would live righteously, he would be guarded, Ammon was fearless in his
ministry. His defense of King Lamoni's flocks at the waters of Sebus (Alma
17:27) is a favorite Primary story, and his defense of King Lamoni in the
confrontation with his father (Alma 20:16-20) is a wonderful example of
selfless devotion to a true friend. The best window into the soul of Ammon
is his hymn of joy in Alma 26 in which he says (in part): "Therefore, let
us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy
is full; yea, we will praise our God forever. Behold, who can glory too
much in the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his
mercy, and of his long-suffering towards the children of men? Behold, I say
unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel." (Alma 26:16)
Ammoron. The brother of Amalickiah (Alma 52:3). He was appointed king over
the Lamanites after his brother was killed by Teancum (Alma 51:34), one of
Captain Moroni's commanders. Ammoron worked to keep in Lamanite possession
the Nephite cities his brother had captured and he continued to harass the
Nephites in an attempt to gain further territory (Alma 52:13). The Nephite
armies regained some of their cities (Alma 62:25,32) in a major camaign to
destroy the Lamanite threat. The armies of Moroni, Teancum, and Lehi
engaged Ammoron's army in a running battle (Alma 62:32) that ended in the
land of Moroni near the seashore. Teancum, acting on his own, stole into
the Lamanite camp after dark with the intention of killing Ammoron like he
had killed Amalickiah. He succeeded in killing Ammoron, but this time he
was detected and before he could escape Lamanite soldiers killed him (Alma
62:35-36).
Amnigaddah. In the Jaredite genealogy he was the father of Coriantum and the
son of Aaron (Ether 1:14-15). He was born into captivity, lived all his
days in captivity, and died in the same condition (Ether 10:31).
Amnor. One of the soldiers Alma sent out to watch the camp of the Amlicites
after their battle with them on the hill east of the river Sidon (Alma
2:22).
Amoron. A correspondant of Mormon(2). Our only knowledge of him comes in
this brief mention "And now I write somewhat concerning the sufferings of
this people. For according to the knowledge which I have received from
Amoron, behold, the Lamanites have many prisoners, which they took from the
tower of Sherrizah; and there were men, women, and children." (Moroni 9:7)
Amos(1). The son of Nephi(5) (4 Nephi 1:19) and one of the custodians of the
Nephite records.
Amos(2). The son of Amos(1) (4 Nephi 1:21) and one of the custodians of the
Nephite records.
Amulek. Amulek was Alma's companion on Alma's mission to the people of
Ammonihah. To me, Amulek is one of the great heroes of the Book of Mormon.
Alma had been trying to get the people of Ammonihah to repent with no
success. The people rejected his message "and reviled him, and spit upon
him, and caused that he should be cast out of their city." (Alma 8:13).
Weighed down in sorrow he headed for the city of Aaron. An angel visited
him, and ministering to him, encouraged him to return to Ammonihah and warn
them to repent or be destroyed. After receiving the angel's message "he
returned speedily to the land of Ammonihah." (Alma 8:18) Upon entering the
city he met a man who he asked "Will ye give to an humble servant of God
something to eat?" (Alma 8:19). The man was Amulek, who had been visited by
an angel (the same angel who visited Alma just a short time before?
Probably.) The angel told him to go find Alma and receive him into his
home. This is quite a stretch for someone who had been 'inactive' all his
life (see Alma 10:5-6). The remainder of the story is familiar to students
of the Book of Mormon. Alma and Amulek preached to the people of the city
of Ammonihah, withstood the deception of Zeezrom, and in agony watched as
believers in Christ were murdered by fire before their eyes as they stood
bound. It was probably on my tenth reading of this story that I noticed
something that made me love and admire Amulek even more. When Amulek first
told of his meeting with Alma he said "... he hath blessed mine house, he
hath blessed me, and my women, and my children, and my father and my
kinsfolk; yea, even all my kindred hath he blessed, and the blessing of the
Lord hath rested upon us according to the words which he spake." (Alma
10:11) Later, after their harrowing experiences in Ammonihah, and the
conversion of Zeezrom in the city of Sidom, we read: " And it came to pass
that Alma and Amulek, Amulek having forsaken all his gold, and silver, and
his precious things, which were in the land of Ammonihah, for the word of
God, he being rejected by those who were once his friends and also by his
father and his kindred; Now as I said, Alma having seen all these things,
therefore he took Amulek and came over to the land of Zarahemla, and took
him to his own house, and did administer unto him in his tribulations, and
strengthened him in the Lord." (Alma 15:16,18). It would appear from what
is written here that Amulek lost some of his family by being rejected by
them, but I think that some of them must have been among those cast into
the fire by the mob in Ammonihah. I picture Amulek, newly active in the
church, and just coming to understand the mercy and goodness of God,
standing helpless as members of his own family are murdered in front of
him, and yet HE REMAINED FAITHFUL! We read about him preaching to the
people of Zarahemla (Alma 16:13) and serving a later mission with Alma to
the Zoramites (Alma 31:6). Some of the most profound teachings of the Book
of Mormon regarding repentance, Jesus as the Father and the Son, the
resurrection, and the power of Satan to deceive came during Alma and
Amulek's missions.
Amulon. The leader of the wicked priests of King Noah (Mosiah 23:32). After
fleeing from the Lamanites when Gideon and Noah fought, they were ashamed
to return to their families (Mosiah 20:3). Hiding on the wilderness they
came upon a number of young Lamanite women dancing. Waiting until there
were few people around, the priests kidnapped twenty four of the young
women (Mosiah 20:4-5). Later the priests established an alliance with the
Lamanites whose daughters they had kidnapped, and ruled harshly over Alma
and his community in the land of Helam (Mosiah 23:35-39). He was so harsh
that he put to death any Nephite he found praying. His children were later
so ashamed of his actions that they called themselves the children of Nephi
so "they would no longer be called by the names of their fathers" (Mosiah
25:12). Amulon's fate is never revealed.
Anti-Nephi-Lehi. Brother of King Lamoni (Alma 24:5) and king of all the
Lamanites that accepted the gospel from Ammon and his brethren. He was not
born with the name Anti-Nephi-Lehi, but received it when he was annointed
king by his father (Alma 24:3).
Antiomno. The king of the land of Middoni, and a friend to King Lamoni (Alma
20:4).
Antionah. One of the chief rulers of Ammonihah (Alma 12:20). He was one that
led the verbal assault against Alma and Amulek. He may also have been
involved in the murder of the believers (see Alma 14:2-4).
Antipus. A commander in the Nephite army at the time of Captain Moroni (Alma
56:9). It was to his assistance that Moroni marched with the two thousand
young warriors. He was slain in battle shortly after the arrival of Moroni
(Alma 56:51).
Archeantus. Mentioned by Mormon(2) in a letter to his son Moroni (Mormon
9:2). It would appear that he was a commander in Mormon(2)'s army.
Benjamin. Son of Mosiah(1). He was selected by Amaleki to become custodian
of the Nephite records. It appears that at the time of Jacob, Nephi's
brother, the job of keeping the plates was separated from that of being
leader of the Nephites (implied in Jacob 1:11-15). It wasn't until the time
of Benjamin that these two tasks came back together. Benjamin was a
righteous leader who labored hard to mantain his kingdom against Lamanite
aggression and internal dissensions (Words of Mormon 1:12-18). Benjamin's
greatness came in part because he realized that being king did not make him
special. In fact, it placed an even greater burden upon him: that he serve
his fellow citizens as their king and yet provide for his own maintainance
so that he would not be a hardship to them (Mosiah 2:11, 14). Compare that
with King Noah's extravagence "And he laid a tax of one fifth part of all
they possessed,... And all this did he take to support himself, and his
wives and his concubines; and also his priests, and their wives and their
concubines; ... Yea, and thus they were supported in their laziness, ... by
the taxes which king Noah had put upon his people; thus did the people
labor exceedingly to support iniquity. And it came to pass that king Noah
built many elegant and spacious buildings; and he ornamented them with fine
work of wood, and of all manner of precious things, of gold, and of silver,
and of iron, and of brass, and of ziff, and of copper; ... And he also
built him a spacious palace, and a throne in the midst thereof" (Mosiah
11:3-9) Benjamin is best remembered for the sermon that he gave at the end
of his ministry when his son Mosiah was annointed leader of the Nephites.
Stephen D. Ricks in his essay "King, Coronation, and Covenant in Mosiah
1-6" suggests that Mosiah's coronation ceremony bears strong resemblance to
the Near East coronation ceremonies. He also outlines six elements of
covenant renewal that the Israelites practiced and shows where each of
those elements are found in Mosiah 1-6. (Ricks, Stephen D. "King,
Coronation, and Covenant in Mosiah 1-6" Rediscovering the Book of Mormon.
Ed. John L. Sorenson and Melvin J. Thorne. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book,
1991. 213-218.) Benjamin died three years after the begin of Mosiah's reign
(Mosiah 6:5).
Cezoram. When Nephi(3) gave up the judgement seat to begin a full-time
ministry it was to Cezoram (Helaman 5:1). Cezoram was murdered as he sat in
judgement by unknown assassins. His son, who was appointed chief judge
after his father's death was also murdered (Helaman 6:15).
Chemish. Brother of Amaron, and one of the authors of the Book of Omni. He
makes an interesting comment about what his brother had written: "for
behold, I saw the last which he wrote, that he wrote it with his own hand;
and he wrote it in the day that he delivered them unto me. And after this
manner we keep the records" (Omni 1:9). It would seem that for several
generations the record keepers fulfilled the letter of the law but not the
spirit of it. Keeping the records was a matter of duty imposed by
tradition, but the spirit of bearing testimony and recording "preaching
which was sacred, or revelation which was great, or prophesying" (Jacob
1:4) had largely been lost.
Cohor(1). Brother of Noah(2) and son of Corihor (Ether 7:14-15). Cohor
participated with Noah in a rebellion against Shule (Ether 7:16).
Cohor(2). Son of Noah(2) (Ether 7:20). He reigned in the kingdom of Cohor
(Ether 7:21) after his father led a rebellion against Shule (Ether 7:16).
He was killed in a battle with Shule (Ether 7:21).
Com(1). In the Jaredite genealogy the son of Coriantum(1) (Ether 1:13) and
father of Shiblon (Ether 1:14). Com was born to his father when his father
was at least one hundred and two years old (Ether 9:24-25). Com was king
for forty nine years (Ether 9:25) before he was murdered by his son,
Heth(1), who embraced "the secret plans again of old" to gain power (Ether
9:26).
Com(2). In the Jaredite genealogy the son of Coriantum(2) (Ether 1:27) and
father of Heth(2) (Ether 1:26). Com was born in captivity (Ether 10:31),
but rebelled against the king and drew away half the kingdom (Ether 10:32).
After forty two years of ruling over half the kingdom he went to battle
with Amgid and defeated him. Secret combinations were established during
his reign. Com tried to destroy these secret combinations but with little
success (Ether 10:34). His people rejected prophets that were sent to call
the to repentance. The prophets appealed to Com for protection, which he
granted to them. He must have been righteous because "[the prophets]
prophesied unto Com many things; and he was blessed in all the remainder of
his days. And he lived to a good old age" (Ether 11:3-4).
Corianton. Son of Alma the Younger (Alma 31:7). He accompanied Alma on the
mission to the Zoramites, but was not faithful on his mission (Alma 39:3)
and committed grievous sin with the harlot, Isabel. Alma we justifiably
grieved at his son's actions and went to great effort to convince his son
of the magnitude of the sin he had committed. President Spencer W. Kimball
said "Perhaps the greatest scriptural exposition on the respective roles of
mercy and justice, and God's position in it all, is that of Alma to his son
Corianton. It is important for all of us to understand this concept."
(Spencer W. Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness, Pg.359) Corianton believed
what his father taught him and repented because he continued to minister to
the Nephites (Alma 49:30). Corianton is last heard of taking a ship of
provisions to the people who had settled in the northern colonies (Alma
63:10).
Coriantor. In the Jaredite genealogy the son of Moron (Ether 1:7) and an
ancestor of Ether (Ether 1:6)<2>. Coriantor was born in captivity (Ether
11:19) and lived there all his life.
Coriantum(1). Father of Com and son of Amnigaddah (Ether 1:13-14).
Coriantum(2). Father of Com and son of Emer (Ether 1:27-28). Corianton
inherited a prosperous and peaceful kingdon from his father (one of the few
instances of this in the Book of Ether). Coriantum followed in the steps of
his righteous father and continued the peaceful development of his kingdom
(Ether 9:23). At the age of one hundred and two (having been without
children to this point), he "took to wife ... a young maid, and begat sons
and daughters" and "lived until he was an hundred and forty and two years
old." (Ether 9:24)
Coriantumr(1). A Nephite dissenter (Helaman 1:5) who lead a Lamanite army on
an invasion of the land of Zarahemla just prior to the birth of Christ. He
is described as "a large and a mighty man." (Helaman 1:15) and a descendent
of Zarahemla. Moving with trememdous speed, his army made a beeline for
Zarahemla. The Nephites were unable to assemble and army in time, and
Coriantumr was able to take over the city of Zarahemla without any
difficulty (Helaman 1:20). Pacumeni, who was the chief judge, fled before
Coriantumr, and almost made it out of the city before Coriantum killed him
(Helaman 1:21). Having taken Zarahemla so easily, Coriantumr determined to
conquer the entire land. Unfortunately for the Lamanites who followed him,
Coriantumr was the type of leader who thought about the battle without
planning the whole war. Imagine being angry at the leader of a motorcycle
gang. You drive to within a block of his hangout, get out of the car, sneak
to the door of the building, and then burst into the room. You run right to
where he's sitting and hit him over the head with a baseball bat. To this
point you have had little opposition, but now you look around the room at
all the chains, black leather jackets, and angry faces, and suddenly your
victory seems less significant than it did a moment before. That was the
position Coriantumr found himself in when he attempted to leave Zarahemla
to press his campaign. He had pushed himself into the heart of Nephite
territory without establishing any path of retreat or any means for
obtaining additional help. The Nephites had established large armies at the
borders of their lands, and they quickly moved those armies towards
Coriantumr's army in Zarahemla. Suddenly, Coriantumr found himself in
combat with the army of Lehi (Helaman 1:29). When he began to retreat back
toward Zarahemla he found himself battling Moronihah's army (Helalaman
1:30). The slaughter was terrific and Coriantumr was killed. The remainder
of his army surrendered and were sent back to their own lands (Helaman
1:33).
Coriantumr(2). The last of the Jaredites as a distinct race. It is quite
likely that a number of Jaredites remained after the final battles, but had
gone into hiding. Commenting on the four year process of preparing for
their final battle (Ether 13:31, 14:7), Hugh Nibley wrote: "The combing of
the land for recruits did not include the entire continent, for it
completely overlooked the Nephites, Lamanites, and Mulekites living on it,
and who is to say that given thousands of years to wander in, plus a great
tradition of hunting and nomadism, no Jaredites could have gone to the
outermost limits of the continent? Ether is writing the history of one
nation only, and Moroni presenting less than one percent of that history
(Ether 15:33)--a few renegades are no concern of theirs. Those who drop out
of the main picture simply cease to exist for Ether's or any other
history." (Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, Vol.5, Part.2, Ch.6, Pg.248)
Corihor. Son of the Jaredite king Kib (Ether 7:3). At the age of thirty two
he rebelled against his father and left to live in the land of Nehor. He
eventually built a strong following and eventually conquered his father and
took him captive (Ether 7:5). Kib lived in captivity and eventually had a
son, Shule, who restored his father to power (See Shule). Corihor repented
of the evil he had done to his father and was granted power in the kingdom
(Ether 7:13).
Corom. In the Jaredite genealogy he was the son of Levi and the father of
Kish (Ether 1:19-20). Corom was one of the few Jaredite kings to receive
the kingdom from a righteous father, rule in peace and righteousness for a
long time, and annoint his son to be king (Ether 10:16-17).
Cumenihah. A Nephite general who served under Mormon(2) (Mormon 6:13).
Emer. In the Jaredite genealogy the son of Omer and father of Coriantum
(Ether 1:28-29). Emer was one of the few Jaredite kings that came to power
peacefully, reigned righteously through the course of a normal life, and
annointed one of his sons to reign in his stead (see Ether 9:14-21) He
lived four years after giving up the throne and died in peace (Ether 9:22).
So righteous was he that he "even saw the Son of Righteousness, and did
rejoice and glory in his day;" (Ether 9:22).
Emron. Mentioned by Mormon(2) in a letter to his son Moroni (Mormon 9:2). It
would appear that he was a commander in Mormon(2)'s army.
Enos. Son of Jacob (Jacob 7:27) and grandson of Lehi. The relationship
between Jacob and Enos is often cited as an example of how children develop
their testimonies. Enos stated that he had been taught "in the nurture and
admonition of the Lord" by his father whom he knew to be a "just man." One
day while hunting, the "words which [he] had often heard [his] father speak
concerning eternal life, and the joy of the saints, sunk deep into [his]
heart ... And [his] soul hungered; and [he] kneeled down before my Maker,
and ... cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for [his] own
soul; and all the day long did [he] cry unto him; yea, and when the night
came [he] did still raise [his] voice high that it reached the heavens."
(Enos 1:1-4) His prayer was answered and he had a remarkable conversation
with the Lord regarding faith in Jesus Christ, the restoration of
theknowledge of the gospel to the Lamanites, and the records with which he
had been entrusted. He lived faithfully all his life, striving to keep the
commandments of the Lord (Enos 1:26-27).
Esrom. Son of Omer (Ether 8:4). From reading the first part of Ether 8 it
would appear that he helped lead a rebellion against his older brother
Jared to help reclaim the kingdom for his father.
Ethem. The father of Moron and the son of Ahah (Ether 1:8-9). One of the
Jaredite kings who spent his entire life in wickedness (Ether 11:14).
Ether. A descendent (See Endnote 2) of Coriantor (Ether 1:6). He was the
author of the plates found by the people of Limhi (Mosiah 8:9, Ether 1:2).
Ether was born to Coriantor in the days of Coriantor's captivity (Ether
11:23). We don't know anything about Ether's childhood or youth, but as an
adult he "was a prophet of the Lord ...and ... he did cry from the morning,
even until the going down of the sun, exhorting the people to believe in
God unto repentance lest they should be destroyed, saying unto them that by
faith all things are fulfilled--Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might
with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of
God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men,
which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works,
being led to glorify God." (Ether 12:3-4) The people would not receive his
testimony (Ether 13:2), but Moroni was impressed with Ether's discourse on
faith to the extent that he inserted his own discussion on faith into the
middle of Ether's record (Ether 12:6). Ether was privileged to see the days
of Christ (Ether 13:4) and the events and the events surrounding the second
coming of the Savior. His record of the events preceeding the second coming
were so complete that Moroni was forbidden to write all of them. Moroni
must have felt a great spiritual connection between himself and Ether.
Moroni wrote of Ether: "great and marvelous were the prophecies of Ether;
but they esteemed him as naught, and cast him out; and he hid himself in
the cavity of a rock by day, and by night he went forth viewing the things
which should come upon the people. And as he dwelt in the cavity of a rock
he made the remainder of his record, viewing the destructions which came
upon the people, by night." (Ether 13:12-13) Ether viewed the destruction
of his entire people over the next four or five years. Moroni, who himself
was the lone prophet among a wicked people, hiding for his life, and
writing the record of the destruction of his people, had a great deal in
common with this earlier prophet of the Lord. Ether closed his record with
these words: "Whether the Lord will that I be translated, or that I suffer
the will of the Lord in the flesh, it mattereth not, if it so be that I am
saved in the kingdom of God. Amen." (Ether 15:34)
Gadianton. Gadianton has established a legacy of evil that will live to the
millenium. He was a wicked man who conspired with the band of Kishkumen to
become chief judge by murdering Helaman (Helaman 2:4-5). Although not the
first to use secret combinations to accomplish his means (see Helaman 6:27)
Gadianton's band has become the epitome of secret combinations. Mormon(2)
states of Gadianton "that it was his object to murder, and also that it was
the object of all those who belonged to his band to murder, and to rob, and
to gain power, (and this was their secret plan, and their combination)"
(Helaman 2:8). Gadianton's plan was discovered and stopped, but Gadianton
escaped. Mormon(2) wrote that Gadianton (as he was led by Satan (Helaman
6:26- 30)) was the cause of the destruction of the Nephite nation prior to
the coming of the Savior and that the pattern of secret combinations that
Gadianton perpetuated plagued the Nephites after the Savior's appearance to
them (Helaman 2:13; 4 Nephi 1:42,46; Mormon 1:18) Gadianton's eventual fate
is not revealed. The only solution to the secret combinations is righteous
living (see Helaman 6:37, 11:10).
Gid. A commander in the Nephite army at the time of Captain Moroni (Alma
57:29). He was assigned to take a group of Lamanite POW's to the land of
Zarahemla (Alma 57:16). Shortly after leaving for Zarahemla the Lamanites
learned of a nearby Lamanite army and attempted to escape. Many of them
were killed and the remainder fled into the wilderness (Alma 57:32-33). Gid
and his men marched to the Cumeni, which was under attack by that Lamanite
army and arrived in time to help save the city (Alma 57:17-18, 57:34). Gid
and Teomner later helped Helaman free the city of Manti. Gid and Teomner
hid their armies on either side of the way out of the city. Helaman
remained near the gates of the city with a small army as if to stop any
provisions from being sent to the Lamanite army inside (Alma 58:15) The
plan proceeded like this: "The Lamanites came out in full force and took
after Helaman, who of course retreated at top speed, leading the pursuers
unawares right between the forces of Gid and Teomner, who lay quietly until
they had passed and then ?ran to the city and fell upon the guards,' for in
their haste and confidence the Lamanites had left only a few to guard the
town, and they were easily destroyed (Moroni not being there to prevent it)
(Alma 58:16-22). The Lamanites had to give up the chase when they found
that the quarry was heading straight for Zarahemla, leading them to suspect
another of those Nephite ambushes. But what they did not suspect was that
their fleeing victims would double on their tracks, march around them in
the nighttime while they were sleeping, and beat them back to Manti--the
last place in the world they would expect to find them. So the Nephites
took Manti ?without the shedding of blood' (Alma 58:24-28). (Collected
Works of Hugh Nibley, Vol.7, Ch.11, Pg.321 - Pg.322)
Giddianhi. The ruler of Gadianton's band of robbers (3 Nephi 3:9) after the
disappearance (at least as far as the Book of Mormon is concerned) of
Gadianton. Quoting Hugh Nibley: "In a high-minded letter addressed to the
Nephite chief of state, Giddianhi, the ?governor of the society of
Gadianton,' testified to its lofty ideals and the high moral character of
its leaders, its sense of fair play (3 Nephi 3:2-3), its magnanimity (3
Nephi 3:5), the indomitable courage of its members (3 Nephi 3:4), and the
grievous wrongs they had suffered, ending up with the characteristically
paranoid charge that all the present trouble was because of your wickedness
in retaining from them their rights of government' (3 Nephi 3:10).
(Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, Vol.7, Ch.12, Pg.365 - Pg.366)
Giddonah(1). The father of Amulek (Alma 10:2) and the son of Ishmael(2).
Giddonah(2). The high priest and chief judge in the Land of Gideon (Alma
30:21). When Korihor came into the land of Gideon and began preaching his
priestcrafts he was bound and taken before Giddonah.
Gideon. A great hero among the Nephites. We first hear about him after Alma
flees from King Noah's soldiers with those that had been with him at the
waters of Mormon. Gideon was outraged at the wicked acts of the king
(Mosiah 19:4). He attacked King Noah with his sword and almost killed Noah
before they sighted an approaching Lamanite army (Mosiah 19:6). Gideon, who
always had the welfare of the people at heart, ceased fighting with the
king so that they might warn the people of the approaching army. Gideon
plays a key role in defending this small colony of Nephites after King Noah
was destroyed (see Mosiah 19:18, Mosiah 20:17) and was instrumental in
helping them escape their Lamanite guards (Alma 1:8). He was later slain
when Nehor lost his temper at Gideon's denunciation of his priestcrafts.
Gideon was so beloved of the Nephite people that a major community was
named after him (Alma 2:20, Alma 6:7)
Gidgiddonah. A Nephite commander who served under Mormon(2) (Mormon 6:13).
Gidgiddoni. A Nephite commander who served under Mormon(2) (Mormon 6:13).
Gilead. The brother of Shared (Ether 14:3,8) and one of the men who tried to
wrest the kingdom from Coriantumr (Ether 14:3). He was defeated and trapped
in the wilderness by Coriantumr's army. He escaped with his army when some
of Coriantumr's army became drunk (Ether 14:5) and couldn't prevent his
escape. He returned to the land of Moron and placed himself on Coriantumr's
throne. He ruled for two years while both his and Coriantumr's army gained
strength (Ether 14:7-8). Gilead was murdered by his high priest as he sat
upon the throne (Ether 14:9).
Gilgah. One of the sons of Jared (Ether 6:14).
Gilgal. A Nephite commander who served under Mormon(2) (Mormon 6:14).
Hagoth. A shipbuilder during the time of Helaman (Alma 63:5). He was "an
exceedingly curious man" (Alma 63:5) who built a large ship and took a
number of Nephites to colonize "the land northward" (Alma 63:7). He
returned the next year, built more ships, and took another group northward.
This group was never heard from again "[a]nd we suppose that they were
drowned in the depths of the sea." (Alma 63:8)
Hearthom. In the Jaredite genealogy the father of Heth and son of Lib (Ether
1:16-17). He received the kingdom from his father and reigned for twenty
four years before the kingdom was taken from him (Ether 10:30). Hearthom
lived the remainder of his days in captivity.
Helam. The first of the Nephites to be baptized at the waters of Mormon
(Mosiah 18:12).
Helaman(1). Youngest son of King Benjamin (Mosiah 1:2).
Helaman(2). Oldest son of Alma the Younger (Alma 31:7). He remained behind
in Zarahemla when his father went on a mission to the Zoramites. Helaman
was a remarkable man and a credit to his father in every respect. He had a
notable career as a military leader, and also spent his life ministering to
the Nephites and the Lamanites who became the people of Ammon. He was
entrusted with the records (Alma 37:1) while still a youth (Alma 36:3) and
it was during this same blessing that his father recounted his rebellious
youth and visit by and angel as well as many other great and marvelous
things. In a later blessing he prophesied to Helaman that Christ would soon
come, but that not longer after his visit the Nephites would become wicked
and eventually be destroyed as a nation (Alma 45:10-14). Even though
Helaman is never spoken of as the chief priest, it would appear that he
served in that capacity (see Alma 45:22-23; 46:1,6; 46:38; 48:19 where
Helaman is always mentioned as leading his brethren, or the high priests,
etc.) Helaman was instrumental in persuading the people of Ammon not to
break the oath they had taken regarding fighting (Alma 53:14). Instead, he
became the leader of two thousand of their young men who had never taken
the oath (Alma 53:18-19). Under Helaman's leadership this small army served
valiantly and was instrumental in winning several battles that would
otherwise have been won by the Lamanites (Alma 57:22). Helaman loved these
young men whom he referred to as his sons "for they are worthy to be called
sons" (Alma 56:10), because of their faith (Alma 56:47; 57:26-27), their
obedience (Alma 57:21), and their great courage (Alma 57:20). After a
distinguished military career (from approximately 64 B.C. to approximately
48 B.C.) he returned to Zarahemla to re-establish the church, which had
suffered during the decade of fighting that had just ended (Alma 62:44).
Before he died, he conferred the "sacred things" upon his brother Shiblon
(Alma 63:1) perhaps because his own son Helaman was either not available or
not yet old enough to receive the plates. Helaman "died ... in the thirty
and fifth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi," (Alma
62:52) which was approximately 57 B.C.
Helaman(3). Son of Helaman(2) (Alma 63:11). Helaman witnessed the
disintegration of the Nephite society prior to the Savior's visit. He saw a
civil insurrection caused by dissension among the sons of Pahoran (Helaman
1:1-14), and was eventually appointed chief judge after the sons of Pahoran
were all killed (Helaman 2:2). Kishkumen, at Gadianton's direction (Helaman
2:4-5), attempted to murder Helaman, but was thwarted when his plans were
overheard by a servant faithful to Helaman. The servant killed Kishkumen
instead and revealed the plot to Helaman. Helaman attempted to capture the
leaders of this plot, but they had fled into the wilderness when Kishkumen
didn't return in time (Helaman 2:11). Helaman lived righteously all of his
life and ruled with "justice and equity" (Helaman 3:20). He had at two sons
whom he named Lehi(3) and Nephi(3) (Helaman 3:21). Helaman died after
serving as chief judge for eleven years (see Helaman 2:1 and Helaman 3:37).
Helem. One of the men accompanying Ammon in his search for the group led by
Zeniff (Mosiah 7:6). They were captured by the soldiers of Limhi in the
land of Shilom and held in prison for two days before they were
interrogated by the king, who had mistaken them for priest of King Noah.
Helorum. Son of King Benjamin (Mosiah 1:2).
Hem. One of the men accompanying Ammon in his search for the group led by
Zeniff.(Mosiah 7:6). They were captured by the soldiers of Limhi in the
land of Shilom and held in prison for two days before they were
interrogated by the king, who had mistaken them for priest of King Noah.
Heth(1). In the Jaredite genealogy he was the son of Hearthom (Ether 1:16).
Heth(2). In the Jaredite genealogy he was the son of Com and the father of
Shez (Ether 1:25-26). Heth embraced the secret combinations of Satan and in
a conspiracy with others murdered his father, Com (Ether 9:26-27). After
this, prophets came into the land to warn the people, but were rejected and
cast out. Some were killed at the command of Heth (Ether 9:29). Heth later
perished in a famine brought on them by their wickedness (Ether 9:30,
10:1).
Himni. One of the sons of King Mosiah (Mosiah 27:34) who served a mission to
the Lamanites. He was later left in to help minister to the church in
Zarahemla (Alma 31:6; see Helaman(2)) when Alma left on a mission to
reclaim the Zoramites.
Isabel. The harlot that Corianton forsook his ministry to see (Alma 39:3).
Alma's instruction to his son Corianton is very profound. One sentence of
this discourse on repentance ought to sound familiar to any parent who has
ever struggled with children who give in to peer pressure: "Yea, she did
steal away the hearts of many; but this was no excuse for thee, my son."
(Alma 39:4) Hugh Nibley conjectures that Isabel may also have been involved
in idolatry and worship of the Great Mother (see Collected Works of Hugh
Nibley, Vol.8, Ch.23, Pg.542)
Ishmael(1). Little is known about Ismael. Lehi sent his sons back to
Jerusalem to gain favor with Ishmael and to ask his family to flee with
them to the new world. His family had been selected by the Lord (1 Nephi
7:2) to marry with Lehi's family. He had five daughters and at least two
sons (1 Nephi 7:6). It would appear that Laman, Lemuel, Sam, Nephi, and
Zoram each married one of Ishmael's daughters (1 Nephi 16:7). Ishmael died
during their travels in the wilderness and was buried in a place called
Nahom (1 Nephi 16:34 see footnote in BOM about possible meaning of Nahom).
Ishmael(2). The father of Giddonah and grandfather of Amulek (Alma 10:2).
Ishmael's daughters. Laman, Lemuel, Nephi, and Zoram each married one of
Ishmael's daughters (1 Nephi 16:7).
Ishmael's wife. Mentioned only in 1 Nephi 7:6,19. There is no mention of her
after Ishmael died.
Jacob. The fifth son of Lehi(1), and one of two that were born in the
wilderness after Lehi and Sariah fled from Jerusalem (2 Nephi 2:1-2). He
was faithful and obedient to his father, and was concecrated a priest and
teacher by his older brother, Nephi(1) (2 Nephi 5:26; Jacob 1:18).
Jacom. One of the sons of Jared (Ether 6:14).
Jared(1). The father of the Jaredites (see Title Page of the Book of Mormon,
The Testimony of the Three Witnesses, Ether 1:33). Jared lived in the days
of the early patriarchs "at the time the Lord confounded the language of
the people, and swore in his wrath that they should be scattered upon all
the face of the earth" (Ether 1:33). Jared, fearing that he and his people
would also have their language confounded and be scattered, asked his
brother<3> to call upon the Lord for mercy. The Lord was merciful and Jared
and his family were led to "[a] land of promise" (Ether 2:8). At the time
when Jared and his brother began to be old, they called the people together
"that we may number them, that we may know of them what they will desire of
us before we go down to our graves" (Ether 6:19). The people desired a
king, which displeased both Jared and his brother (Ether 6:23). However,
Jared convinced his brother that they should accept the will of the people
(Ether 6:24), and so that Orihah, youngest son of Jared, was named king
after all his older brothers refused to be king (Ether 6:25-27). After
Orihah was annointed king we only have this final reference to Jared "And
it came to pass that Jared died, and his brother also." (Ether 6:29) (See
Moriancumer for a more complete discussion of the events preceeding the
Jaredites arrival in the new world.)
Jared(2). Son of Omer (Ether 8:1) and brother to Esrom and Coriantumr (Ether
8:4). Jared rebelled against his father, first drawing away half the
kingdom (Ether 8:2) and eventually capturing the kingdom from his father
(Ether 8:3). His brothers eventually defeated him in battle and restored
their father to his throne (Ether 8:6), but Jared continued to lust after
power and glory (Ether 8:7). He devised a scheme with the help of his
daughter to lure Akish into assassinating Omer (Ether 8:10-12). Omer fled
before he could be murdered, and Jared once again reigned as king (Ether
9:4). He should have suspected that if Akish had been willing to murder one
king (Omer) he would be willing to murder another, because that's exactly
what happened. Akish and Jared's daugther (now husband and wife) had Jared
murdered "as he sat upon his throne, giving audience to his people" (Ether
9:5).
Jared, brother of. See Moriancumr.
Jarom. Son of Enos and one of the authors of the Book of Mormon (Jarom 1:1).
Jarom was a righteous man and a prophet to the Nephites (Jarom 1:4). He
didn't feel that his revelations deserved a place beside those of Lehi,
Nephi, and Jacob (Jarom 1:2).
Jeneum. A Nephite commander who served under Mormon(2) (Mormon 6:14).
Jeremiah. Another of the twelve disciples chosen by the Savior to lead the
Nephites (3 Nephi 19:4).
Jonas(1). Son of Timothy and nephew of Nephi(4) (3 Nephi 19:4). He was
called by the Savior to be one of the twelve disciples to lead the
Nephites.
Jonas(2). Another of the twelve disciples chosen by the Savior to lead the
Nephites (3 Nephi 19:4).
Joseph. The sixth and last son of Lehi, and one of two that were born in the
wilderness after Lehi and Sariah fled from Jerusalem. He was faithful and
obedient to his father, and was concecrated a priest and teacher by his
older brother, Nephi(1) (Jacob 1:18). He is last mentioned in conjunction
with his brother, Jacob, as they renounced the wickedness that had crept in
among the Nephites.
Josh. A Nephite commander who served under Mormon(2) (Mormon 6:14).
Kib. In the Jaredite genealogy the son of Orihah and the father of Shule
(Ether 1:31-32) and Corihor (Ether 7:3). When Corihor was thirty two he
rebelled against his father and established his own kingdom in the land of
Nehor (Ether 7:4). After building up a large army, Corihor invaded his
father's kingdom and took him captive. Kib lived in captivity for some time
before Shule was born. Shule battled his brother and regained the kingdom
for his father (see Shule)(Ether 7:8-10).
Kim. In the Jaredite genealogy the son of Morianton and the father of Levi
(Ether 1:21:22). Kim received the kingdom from his father and reigned for
eight years before his father died. Kim was not a righteous king "wherefore
he was not favored of the Lord." (Ether 10:13) He was taken captive when
his brother rebelled against him and lived in captivity the remainder of
his days (Ether 10:14).
Kimnor. A Jaredite who had a son named Akish (Ether 8:10; see Akish).
Kish. In the Jaredite genealogy the son of Corom and Father of Lib (Ether
1:18-19). Kish inherited a peaceful kingdom from his father, reigned during
a time of peace, and passed the kingdom on to his son (Ether 10:17-18).
Kishkumen. An assassin hired by followers of Paanchi after Paanchi's failed
rebellion (see Helaman 1:1-9). Kishkumen murdered Pahoran(2) and escaped
before being captured (Helaman 1:9-10). He swore his fellow conspirators to
silence (Helaman 1:11), following the pattern that Satan had used since
Cain murdered Abel. He then went into hiding, biding his time for another
opportunity to gain power in the kingdom (Helaman 1:12). Eventually Helaman
was appointed chief judge and Kishkumen began devising another assination
scheme (Helaman 2:1-3). His plan was to murder Helaman and replace him with
Gadianton, after which Gadianton would repay him and his gang by placing
them in positions of authority in the government (Helaman 2:5). Kishkumen
conspired with one of Helaman's servents to gain access to Helaman, not
knowing that this servent was actually Helaman's spy (Helaman 2:6). On the
night of the assassination, Helaman's servent led Kishkumen as if to take
him to Helaman, but stabbed and killed him before actual getting to Helaman
(Helaman 2:9).
Korihor. Mormon(2) selected several distinct "bad guys" to include in his
summary because the philosophies of these men epitomize the various
teachings Satan uses to deceive men. Korihor was the embodiment of the
natural man (Mosiah 3:19) and in our day would be called an atheist
(although before Alma he sounded more like an agnostic). He said that
belief in God was the result of the "foolish traditions of [their] fathers"
(Alma 30:14) which brought about "the effect of a frenzied mind" (Alma
30:16). He taught that "every man prospered according to his genius, and
that every man conquered according to his strength; and whatsoever a man
did was no crime." (Alma 30:17) His followers committed great wickedness
because he had convinced them "that when a man was dead, that was the end
thereof." (Alma 30:18) He took his teachings to the people of Ammon, who
were wise enough to recognize his teachings for what they were and kick him
out of their land (Alma 30:20-21). He went to the land of Gideon and again
began teaching his atheistic philosophy. He didn't have much success their,
either, and was taken before the chief judge, Giddonah. In great defiance,
he accused Giddonah of using religion to keep his people in bondage (Alma
30:23-28). Giddonah, seeing the hardness of his heart, had him taken to
Zarahemla to be judged by Alma and the chief judge (Alma 30:29). He reviled
against Alma and the priests and teachers of the church, but Alma accused
Korihor of knowing the truth, but lying to deceive the people he taught
(Alma 30:42). Korihor demanded a sign that what Alma said was true. Alma's
response was "Thou hast had signs enough; will ye tempt your God? Will ye
say, Show unto me a sign, when ye have the testimony of all these thy
brethren, and also all the holy prophets? The scriptures are laid before
thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and
all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also
all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a
Supreme Creator." (Alma 30:44) Korihor insisted on a sign, and Alma,
knowing the great wickedness of this man, finally granted unto him a sign
that would also put an end to his wickedness: he caused him to become
speechless as a sign of God's power (Alma 30:49-50). Korihor, now reduced
to writing his words, conceded that there must be a God because "nothing
save it were the power of God could bring this upon me." He also confessed
"I always knew that there was a God." (Alma 30:52). He said that Satan had
appeared to him in the form of an angel and sent him forth to "reclaim this
people" (Alma 30:53). He asked Alma to restore his speech, but Alma told
him that if his speech was restored he would go right back to his old
pattern of lying (Alma 30:55). Korihor spent the short time remaining
begging for food (Alma 30: 56) and was eventually trampled to death by the
Zoramites (Alma 30:59) who had no charity in their hearts for the poor and
the needy (Alma 30:2-3).
Kumen. Another of the twelve disciples chosen by the Savior to lead the
Nephites (3 Nephi 19:4).
Kumenonhi. Another of the twelve disciples chosen by the Savior to lead the
Nephites (3 Nephi 19:4).
Laban. One of the prominent elders (implied by 1 Nephi 4:22) of Jerusalem at
the time Lehi fled with his family. He had custody of the brass plates that
Lehi's sons were to retrieve. He was killed by Nephi(1) at the command of
the Lord (1 Nephi 4:10) when Nephi(1) found him in a drunken stupor on the
streets of Jerusalem. Ironically, his sword became a symbol of leadership
and was wielded in defense of freedom by a number of Nephite leaders.
Lachoneus(1). Chief judge of the Nephites when the sign of the birth of
Christ was given (3 Nephi 1:1,15). Lachoneus was a righteous man (3 Nephi
3:12) who ruled during a time of great wickedness (3 Nephi 2:3,10). Bands
of Gadianton became so numerous and so bold that they threatened the
existence of the Nephite and Lamanite societies (3 Nephi 2:12-13).
Giddianhi, a leader of the Gadiantons, wrote a letter to Lachoneus offering
a brazen solution to the problem Lachoneus faced: "And I write this epistle
unto you, Lachoneus, and I hope that ye will deliver up your lands and your
possessions, without the shedding of blood, that this my people may recover
their rights and government, who have dissented away from you because of
your wickedness in retaining from them their rights of government, and
except ye do this, I will avenge their wrongs. I am Giddianhi." (3 Nephi
3:10) The people wanted to attack the Gadiantons in their mountain and
wilderness hideouts, but Lachoneus knew that would not work. He knew that
it would take a change of heart and a return to righteousness to defeat the
Gadiantons. He suggested a different and very radical approach: "therefore
we will prepare ourselves in the center of our lands, and we will gather
all our armies together, and we will not go against them, but we will wait
till they shall come against us; therefore as the Lord liveth, if we do
this he will deliver them into our hands." (3 Nephi 3:21). This plan was
successful and after a time the power of the Gadiantons was destroyed.
Lachoneus(2). Son of Lachoneus(1) and chief judge after his father. In spite
of the efforts of his father and their miraculous deliverance from the
Gadiantons, the people quickly returned to their wicked ways, willfully
sinning against God until "they were in a state of awful wickedness" (3
Nephi 6:17-18). Although he is not explicitly named, it appears that
Lachoneus was the chief judge murdered by men conspiring to establish a
king over the Nephites (see 3 Nephi 6:17-19,30; 7:1)
Lamah. One of the Nephite commanders under Mormon(2) (Mormon 6:14).
Laman(1). Lehi's oldest son. He was a faithless person who had an occasional
desire to live righteously.
Laman(2). King of Lamanites during the time of Zeniff's expedition.
Laman(3). A Lamanite member of Captain Moroni's army(Alma 55:4). He
volunteered to take wine to the Lamanites guarding captured Nephites in the
city of Gid (Alma 55:7). After drinking the wine they fell asleep, allowing
Moroni's men to arm the captives inside the city and thus recapture the
city from the Lamanites.
Lamoni. Lamanite king over the land of Ishmael when Ammon, Aaron, Omner, and
Himni went on their mission to the Lamanites. Lamoni was impressed with
Ammon on their first meeting and would have taken Ammon in as a son-in-law
(Alma 17:24). After hearing about Ammon's valiant stand at the waters of
Sebus, and seeing his diligence in heeding every request made of him,
Lamoni became convinced that Ammon was more than a mortal man (Alma
18:2,10). Desiring to know more about Ammon and his purpose, he summoned
Ammon and after perceiving that Ammon could know his thoughts asked "Who
art thou? Art thou that Great Spirit, who knows all things?" (Alma 18:18)
From this question Alma taught him the plan of salvation, which Lamoni
believed. So great was his desire to believe Ammon's teachings that he and
his wife were overcome and fell to the ground as if dead. Abish (see Abish)
ran to assemble the people, thinking that this would convince them of the
power of the Nephite God. The crowd was stirred to anger by men who had
been defeated by Ammon at the waters of Sebus, and fearing for his safety,
Ammon took King Lamoni by the hand and woke him. King Lamoni calmed the
people and allowed Ammon to establish a church among his people (Alma
20:1). Later, King Lamoni accompanied Ammon to the land of Middoni to gain
the release of Aaron, Muloki, and Ammah from King Antiomno.
Lamoni's. father King of all the Lamanites at the time Ammon, Aaron, Omner,
and Himni went on their mission to the Lamanites. When Lamoni failed to
attend a feast given by the king for his sons, he traveled to the land of
Ishmael to see what had happened to Lamoni (Alma 20:9). He encountered
Ammon and Lamoni traveling from the land of Ishmael to the land of Middoni
(Alma 20:7-8). After an angry exchange of words, he attempted to kill his
son, Lamoni. Ammon defended Lamoni, and defeated the king. As a condition
of sparing the king's life, he insisted that Lamoni be allowed to continue
as king. Lamoni's father was astonished at Ammon's devotion to his son and
granted Ammon's desires. Later, Aaron taught the king and so great was his
faith that he had an experience similar to that of his son. His question to
Aaron is one that we should all consider: "What shall I do that I may have
this eternal life of which thou hast spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I
may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and
receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast
off at the last day?" (Alma 22:15). His acceptance of the gospel was so
complete that he, and all those of his people that accepted the gospel,
selected a new name whereby they would be distinguished from the other
Lamanites, Amalekites and Amulonites who had rejected the gospel. The name
they selected was Anti-Nephi-Lehi. Prior to the king's death he conferred
the kingdom upon his son and called him by the name of Anti-Nephi-Lehi
(Alma 24:3-4).
Lehi(1). Father of Laman, Lemuel, Sam, Nephi, Jacob, Joseph. Married to
Sariah. He was a wealthy man, possibly a merchant. Lehi lived during the
time of king Zedekiah and the prophet Jeremiah. He saw the destruction of
Jerusalem in a vision, and was commanded to flee with his family to a place
the Lord had prepared for them. His vision of the Tree of Life is a
remarkable depiction of the plan of salvation. In spite of a single
incident where his faith faltered (the broken bow), he lead his family with
faith and great patience. He died in the new world after a difficult
journey across the ocean.
Lehi(2). One of the sons of Zoram(2), and a commander in the Nephite armies
at the time of Alma the Younger (see Zoram(2)). This is the same Lehi (Alma
49:16) who later served as a commander under Moroni(1). He was instrumental
in helping Moroni in several key battles (Alma 53;2) and was appointed
commander over the army guarding the city of Noah and later the city of
Lehi. The Lamanites feared Lehi (Alma 49:17), who was a righteous and
faithful servant of the Lord (Alma 53:2). He was a beloved friend of
Moroni(1) and also held in high esteem by the people of Lehi. It may have
been his valiant service that inspiried Helaman to name one of his sons
Lehi.
Lehi(3). The youngest son of Helaman(Helaman 3:21). Along with his brother
Nephi(3), he preached with such power and authority that many Nephites and
Lamanites repented of their wicked ways (Helaman 5:17-19).
Lehi's Daughters. Mentioned only in 2 Nephi 5:6, they may have married
Ishmael's sons, although that may not have been the case since they
followed Nephi(1) (2 Nephi 5:6), and Ishmael's sons didn't appear to have
that same confidence in Nephi(1) (see 1 Nephi 7:6, 1 Nephi 16:20, 35-39).
Lehonti. Lehonti was a Lamanite general who learned the hard way that there
is no honor among thieves. After Amalickiah fled from the Nephites he
established himself with the Lamanites and stirred up trouble against the
Nephites so much so that the king of the Lamanites commanded that all his
men should gather in preparation for another war against the Nephite.
Amalickiah (having stirred up the whole thing in the beginning) then was
placed in charge of the army of those that were obedient to the king. He
then took this army to the hill Antipus where the disobedient Lamanites had
taken refuge (Lamanite draft dodgers ?). In a secret meeting with Lehonti,
the commander of this group of renegades, Amilickiah arranged to allow his
army to be captured if Lehonti would make him second in command. Lehonti
agreed to this and the next day Amalickiah's men woke to find themselves
surrounded by the rebel army. They surrendered, and Amalickiah was made
second in command as promised. As soon as he had the position, he had a
servent poison Lehonti in small doses until Lehonti finally died (Alma
47:1-19).
Lemuel. The second son of Lehi. He was a follower, and allowed his older
brother Laman to drag him into rebellion. Almost always mentioned in
conjunction with Laman(1).
Levi. Son of Kim in the Jaredite genealogy (Ether 1:21), and father of
Corom.
Lib. In the Jaredite genealogy the son of Kish and the father of Hearthom
(Ether 1:17-18). Lib received the kingdom from his father and ruled
righteously for a time. During the reign of Heth the people were so wicked
that the Lord sent a drought, which caused a great famine (Ether 9:28-30)
in the land. Poisonous serpents also infested part of the land to the
extent that it was not safe to live there (Ether 9:31-33). During the time
of Lib these serpents were destroyed and the people could safely travel to
the lands southward to hunt (Ether 10:19). Because of their righteousness
this was also a time of great economic prosperity for the Jaredites (Ether
10:22). They developed mines and mined gold, silver, iron, and copper,
which they made into works of great intricacy (Ether 10:22). They made fine
fabrics (Ether 10:23), tools (Ether 10:25-26), and weapons of war (Ether
10:27). Lib lived a long life and then bestowed the kingdom on his son
Hearthom (Ether 10:29-30).
Limhah. One of the Nephite commanders under Mormon(2) (Mormon 6:14).
Limher. One of the soldiers Alma sent out to watch the camp of the Amlicites
after their battle with them on the east of the river Sidon.
Limhi. Son of Noah, and king of Zeniff's people at the time they were
discovered by Ammon(1) (Mosiah 7:9). He was a righteous man who
acknowledged with wickedness of his father (Mosiah 19:7). After living
under Lamanite control for some time, he (with the help of Gideon (Alma
1:8)) lead his people to Zarahemla where they were united with the Nephites
and became subject to King Mosiah (Mosiah 22:13).
Luram. Mentioned by Mormon(2) in a letter to his son Moroni (Mormon 9:2). It
would appear that he was a commander in Mormon(2)'s army.
Mahah. One of the sons of Jared (Ether 6:14).
Manti. One of the soldiers Alma sent out to watch the camp of the Amlicites
after their battle with them on the east of the river Sidon.
Mathoni. Another of the twelve disciples chosen by the Savior to lead the
Nephites (3 Nephi 19:4), and brother to Mathonihah.
Mathonihah. Another of the twelve disciples chosen by the Savior to lead the
Nephites (3 Nephi 19:4), and brother to Mathoni.
Moriancumer. The brother of Jared(1) and one of the founders of the Jaredite
colony. He is referred to as the brother of Jared exclusively in the Book
of Mormon (see Endnote 3 for a discussion regarding our knowledge of his
name). Jared, his brother, and their families lived at the time of the
Tower of Babel (Ether 1:33). When Jared saw what was happening because of
the wickedness of the world, he appealed to his brother to petition the
Lord to spare him, his family, and their friends (Ether 1:34-37). The Lord
commanded the brother of Jared to "gather together thy flocks, both male
and female, of every kind; and also of the seed of the earth of every kind;
and thy families; and also Jared thy brother and his family; and also thy
friends and their families, and the friends of Jared and their families.
And when thou hast done this thou shalt go at the head of them down into
the valley which is northward. And there will I meet thee, and I will go
before thee into a land which is choice above all the lands of the earth."
(Ether 1:41-42) They were obedient and they went "down into the valley
which was northward ... with their flocks which they had gathered together,
male and female, of every kind. And they did also lay snares and catch
fowls of the air; and they did also prepare a vessel, in which they did
carry with them the fish of the waters. And they did also carry with them
deseret, which, by interpretation, is a honey bee; and thus they did carry
with them swarms of bees, and all manner of that which was upon the face of
the land, seeds of every kind." The Lord went before these people as they
traveled across a wilderness and over many waters until they arrived at a
place called Moriancumr, which was on the shore of the sea (Ether 2:5,13).
Apparently, the brother of Jared became lax in his prayers, because after
dwelling at Moriancumr for four years, the Lord came before the brother of
Jared and talked with him and chastened him "for the space of three hours"
(Ether 2:14). The brother of Jared repented and following the instructions
of the Lord, built eight barges (Ether 3:1) to take them across the ocean.
Once the barges were complete he faced another problem: how to get light in
them. The brother of Jared used a unique blend of ingenuity and faith to
solve the problem. He " and did molten out of a rock sixteen small stones;
and they were white and clear, even as transparent glass". Carrying them to
the top of a mountain he cried unto the Lord to "touch these stones, O
Lord, with thy finger, and prepare them that they may shine forth in
darkness; and they shall shine forth unto us in the vessels which we have
prepared, that we may have light while we shall cross the sea." (Ether
3:1,4) The Lord did put forth his finger, and so great was the faith of the
brother of Jared that he saw the finger of the Lord. Following this, he was
privileged to see in vision a great panoramic view of the inhabitants and
events of the world (Ether 3:25). So great were the things that he saw that
Moroni was commanded to seal them after he had written them in his record
(Ether 4:5). After an eleven and a half month voyage (Ether 6:11) across
the ocean they arrived at the land the Lord had promised them where they
began to build a colony (Ether 6:13). When the brother of Jared was old,
the people wanted him to name a king that would rule over them (Ether
6:22). He did not want to do this, knowing that an unrighteous king was a
grievous burden, but after consultation with Jared they agreed. None of the
sons of the brother of Jared would agree to become king (Ether 6:25-26).
Morianton. Leader of a group of Nephites who got in a border dispute with
the people of the land of Lehi (Alma 50:25-26). Morianton's people invaded
Lehi, causing the people of Lehi to appeal to Moroni(1) for help (Alma
50:26-27). Morianton and his people fled northward, fearful that Moroni
would kill them for their aggression. Morianton might have succeeded with
his plans if he had not lost his temper. He became angry at one of his
female servant and beat her severely (Alma 50:30). She fled from
Morianton's camp and went to Moroni where she informed him of Morianton's
plans. Fearing another Nephite-Lamanite alliance like that formed by
Amalickiah, Moroni moved quickly. Teancum was sent with an army that met
Morianton's group "by the narrow pass which led by the sea into the land
northward" where a battle ensued (Alma 50:34). Teancum killed Morianton and
defeated his army (Alma 50:35).
Mormon(1). The father of Mormon(2) (Mormon 1:5).
Mormon(2). Mormon was one of the two abridgers of the numerous records that
went into making up the Book of Mormon, the other being his son, Moroni.
His is the voice that narrates the story of the Book of Mormon. It is
almost impossible to read more than a page without encountering Mormon. In
one of his editorial interludes he introduced himself by saying: "And
behold, I am called Mormon, being called after the land of Mormon, the land
in which Alma did establish the church among the people, yea, the first
church which was established among them after their transgression. Behold,
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him
to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life
... I am Mormon, and a pure descendant of Lehi. I have reason to bless my
God and my Savior Jesus Christ, that he brought our fathers out of the land
of Jerusalem, (and no one knew it save it were himself and those whom he
brought out of that land) and that he hath given me and my people so much
knowledge unto the salvation of our souls." (3 Nephi 5:12, 20) Mormon had
all the makings of a bigger-than-life hero. He was given a charge at the
age of ten that was he was twenty four he was to assume custody of the
Nephite records (Mormon 1:2-3). The people of Mormon's time were very
wicked (Mormon 1:13), but Mormon was very righteous and was visited by the
Lord at the age of fifteen (Mormon 1:15). The people were so wicked that
Mormon was forbidden to preach to the. Because of his size, and because he
was a natural leader, Mormon was appointed to lead the Nephite armies when
he was about sixteen years old (Mormon 2:1-2). He spent the next sixty
years (see Mormon 2:1, 6:5) trying to save his people from total
destruction. Finally all but twenty four Nephites were destroyed or
scattered by the Lamanites (Mormon 6:11). We don't know how long after this
great battle Mormon lived because Moroni wrote about his death without
telling when it happened (Mormon 8:2).
Moron. In the Jaredite genealogy the son of Ethem and the father of
Coriantor (Ether 1:7-8). Like his father before him, Moron "Moron did that
which was wicked before the Lord." (Ether 11:14) Moron lost half his
kingdom in a rebellion, and after many years won it back again (Ether
11:15-16). Then "there arose another mighty man; and he was a descendant of
the brother of Jared. And it came to pass that he did overthrow Moron and
obtain the kingdom" (Ether 11:17- 18). Moron lived in captivity the
remainder of his days.
Moroni(1). A Nephite military leader during the time of Alma and Helaman.
Moroni was appointed as commander of all the Nephite armies when he was
twenty five years old (Alma 43:16-17). He was a military genius at a time
when the Nephites needed such a leader. Almost immediately he began
clothing his armies in protective clothing (the word armor brings the
connotation of medieval knights in full-body armor, which is not what the
Nephites wore) (Alma 43:18-19), and he began fortifying the Nephite cities
that were nearest the Lamanite borders (Alma 49:2- 3). He was also willing
to use strategem when that would accomplish what he wanted (Alma 43:30).
What made Moroni such a remarkable leader was that his military genius was
balanced with compassion (Alma 43:54), humility (Alma 60:36), thankfulness
(Alma 48:12), faith (Alma 44:1-3; 48:13), and honesty (Alma 44:11). The
exchange of letters between Moroni and Pahorah show the greatness of both
men (see Alma 60-62) as they put aside personal considerations to deal with
significant problems they both faced. During his military career, Moroni
dealt with Zarahemna, Amalickiah, Morianton (sending Teancum to stop their
flight), Jacob, Pachus and the king-men, and Ammoron, and the various
armies they led. He was wounded in the battle with Jacob (Alma 52:35), and
appeared to have been on the move constantly, checking fortifications,
inspiring his men, and trying to anticipate the next move the Lamanites
would make. After seventeen years of this life he turned over control of
the armies to his son Moronihah, "and he retired to his own house that he
might spend the remainder of his days in peace." (Alma 62:43). His rest,
which began in the thirty fifth year of the reign of the judges (Alma
62:52) didn't last long because "... it came to pass that Moroni died also.
And thus ended the thirty and sixth year of the reign of the judges." (Alma
63:3). Moroni would have been about forty three years old when he died.
Mormon, who must have admired Moroni a great deal (it's likely he named his
son after this Moroni) wrote this epitath for Moroni: "Yea, verily, verily
I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto
Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever;
yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of
men." (Alma 48:17)
Moroni(2). A city
Moronihah.
And Moroni yielded up the command of his armies into the hands of his
son, whose name was Moronihah
Moronihah took possession of the city of Zarahemla again, and caused that the Lamanites which had been taken prisoners, should depart out of the land in peace.
Mosiah(1). Father of Benjamin and king of the Nephite people at the time
they encountered the people of Zarahemla.
Mosiah(2). Son of King Benjamin.
Mulek.
Now the land south was called Lehi, and the land north was called
Mulek, which was after the sons of Zedekiah; for the Lord did bring Mulek
into the land north, and Lehi into the land south.
And now will ye dispute that Jerusalem was destroyed? Will ye say that
the sons of Zedekiah were not slain, all except it were Mulek?
Muloki. One of Ammon's companions on his mission to the Lamanites (Alma
20:2, Alma 21:11).
Nahom. And it came to pass that Ishmael died, and was buried in the place
which was called Nahom
Naphtali.
the land of Naphtali,
Nehor.
man who killed Gideon
...there was a man brought before him to be judged; a man which
was large, and was noted for his much strength;
and he had gone about among the people, preaching to them that which he
termed to be the word of God, bearing down against the church; declaring
unto the people that every priest and teacher had ought to become popular;
and they ought not to labor with their own hands, but they had ought to be
supported by the people;
....his name was Nehor; and they carried him upon the top of the hill Manti, and there he was caused, or rather did acknowledge, between the heavens and the earth, that what we
had taught to the people was contrary to the word of God; and there he suffered an ignominious death.
Nephi(1). The son of Lehi and Sariah, he began his narrative with: "I,
Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat
in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the
course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in
all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the
mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days."
(1 Nephi 1:1) Such is the beginning of the Book of Mormon. Nephi was born
in or near Jerusalem at approximately 615-600 B.C. He had three older
brothers: Laman, Lemuel, and Sam. It would appear that his father Lehi was
a wealthy man (see 1 Nephi 2:4, 3:22). Nephi was obedient to his father's
wishes, and had great respect for his father (see 1 Nephi 3:6-7; 11:2-5;
16:18-23; 17:49). He was instrumental in getting his father's family
through the desert and to the new world. Nephi had great faith in Heavenly
Father (see 1 Nephi 3:7; 7:12) and didn't hesitate to ask for help when he
needed it (see 1 Nephi 7:17; 11:1; 18:21). Nephi married one of the
daughters of Ishmael (1 Nephi 16:7), and had several children prior to
sailing to the new world (1 Nephi 18:19). He is the first author
encountered in the Book of Mormon, and hewrote both the Large Plates of
Nephi (a political and historical record of his people), and the Small
Plates of Nephi (a religious record). Once in the new world he was a
dedicated and righteous leader. Jacob described his service with these
words: "The people ... loved Nephi exceedingly, he having been a great
protector for them, having wielded the sword of Laban in their defence, and
having labored in all his days for their welfare" (Jacob 1:10).
Nephi(2). The ruler of the Nephites after the death of Nephi(1) (Jacob 1:9).
We don't know what his name was prior to become leader of the Nephites
because he took upon himself the name of Nephi when he was appointed their
leader.(Jacob 1:11).
Nephi(3). The oldest son of Helaman(3) (Helaman 3:21). He became the chief
judge over the church after his father died (Helaman 3:37). He preached
with such power and authority that many Nephites and Lamanites repented of
their wicked ways (Helaman 5:17-19).
Nephi(4). Son of Nephi(3) and grandson of Helaman(3)(3 Nephi 1:2, Preface to
3 Nephi). He was made custodian of the records before his father
disappeared (3 Nephi 1:2, 3 Nephi 2:9). Shortly after he became chief high
priest the people began to disbelieve the words of Samuel the Lamanite.
They reconned that the prophesied time of the Savior's birth had passed,
and they set a date upon which all believers in Christ would be put to
death (3 Nephi 1:9). Nephi was dismayed and saddened by the wickedness of
the people, and went to the Lord in prayer for comfort and inspiration on
behalf of those that still believed (3 Nephi 1:10-11). After praying many
hours (3 Nephi 1:12) he heard a voice say "Lift up your head and be of good
cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be
given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that
I will fulfill all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my
holy prophets. Behold, I come unto my own, to fulfill all things which I
have made known unto the children of men from the foundation of the world,
and to do the will, both of the Father and of the Son--of the Father
because of me, and of the Son because of my flesh. And behold, the time is
at hand, and this night shall the sign be given." (3 Nephi 1:13-14). That
night the sun went down, but there was no darkness. The people (especially
the wicked) were so astonished that many of them fainted and fell to the
ground as if dead (3 Nephi 1:16). Many repented and were baptized (3 Nephi
1:23). Peace prevailed for a time, but Satan had great hold over the people
and wickedness soon prevailed again as people began to forget the sign
given at the Savior's birth (3 Nephi 2:1-3). Gangs of Gadianton robbers
became prevelant, and eventually threatened the destruction of the entire
Nephite civilization (See 3 Nephi 3, 4). After a series of bitter wars with
the robbers, peace was once again established in the land, but it was peace
based on strict laws, and not because of righteous living (3 Nephi 7:14).
Nephi preached with great power among the people,and many of them rejected
his message (3 Nephi 7:17-18). He did have a measure of success and there
were some who repented and received the ordinances of salvation (3 Nephi 7:
25-26). Nephi was the first of the twelve disciples chosen by the Savior
when he appeared in the new world (3 Nephi 11:21-22, 19:4). He was also
first to be baptized as a member of the church the Savior established among
the Nephites (3 Nephi 19:11), and he was also the one who had to be remined
by the Savior that Samuel the Lamanite's words had not been recorded in the
records (3 Nephi 23:8-13). Nephi wrote many great and marvelous things that
the Savior spoke, but Mormon(2) was forbidden to write all of them (3 Nephi
26:6,11-12). Nephi was not one of the Three Nephites because his death is
recorded by his son, Amos (4 Nephi 1:19)
Nephi(5). The son of Nephi and great-grandson of Helaman (see Title of 4th
Nephi). He received the plates from his father, and turned them over to his
son, Amos (4 Nephi 1:19).
Nephi(1)'s wife. One of Ismael's daughters(1 Nephi 16:7).
Nephihah. The man who was appointed chief judge when Alma(2) gave up the
judgement seat to devote his time solely to the ministry (Alma 4:16-18).
Nephihah was the second man to serve as chief judge(Alma 50:37), Alma(2)
having been the first selected when King Mosiah established the rule of the
judges (Mosiah 29:42).
Neum. An Israelite prophet of Old Testament times who is not mentioned in
the Old Testament. According to Nephi, Neum testified of Christ's
crucifixion (1 Nephi 19:10).
Nimrah. The son of Akish (Ether 9:7-8). He was angry at the treatment his
brother received at the hands of Akish (Ether 9:8). He fled with a small
group of men and went to live with Omer. Although not mentioned again
specifically, we can reasonably surmise that he was one of the sons of
Akish that waged a terrible war against his father (Ether 9:11-12).
Nimrod. The son of Cohor (Ether 7:22). After the death of his father in a
battle with Shule, Cohor relinquished control of the kingdom to Shule, and
was then placed in a position of power in Shule's kingdom (Ether 7:20-22).
Noah(1). The son of Zeniff (Mosiah 7:9). He was a very wicked and despotic
ruler over his people, seeking only the gratification of his own desires
(Mosiah 11:2). He levied heavy taxes on his people to support his lifestyle
(Mosiah 11:3,6), and he did little to ensure their safety from Lamanite
raids (Mosiah 11:16-17). Noah, knowing that he was sinning, replaced the
priests consecrated by his father, with men who would take part in his
wickedness (Mosiah 11:5). When Abinadi came among them, preaching of their
wickedness they were offended and attempted to destroy him (Mosiah
11:27-28). Two years later, when Abinadi returned a second time, he was
taken before Noah when the people became angry at his teachings (Mosiah
12:29). Noah listened to the words of Abinadi, and almost faltered in his
decision to have him put to death because he feared the judgements that
Abinadi had pronounced on him (Mosiah 17:11). His priests convinced him
otherwise, and he had Abinadi burned alive, which fate Abinadi promised to
Noah (Mosiah 17:5). Noah fled during a Lamanite invasion after nearly
losing his life in a fight with Gideon (see Gideon). In the battle that
ensued as he fled, Noah convinced some of his followers to desert their
families to follow him (Mosiah 19:11-12). Later, regretting their decision
to leave their families, they attempted to return. When Noah forbade them
to leave, they burned him alive, thus fulfilling Abinadi's prophecy (Mosiah
19:19-20).
Noah(2). The son of Corihor (Ether 7:14). He rebelled against his uncle,
Shule, the king, and led away a number of his family to establish a
separate kingdom (Ether 7:15,20). He captured Shule in a battle and on the
night he was going to kill Shule, the sons of Shule broke into Noah's house
and freed him.
Omer. In the Jaredite genealogy the son of Shule and the father of Emer
(Ether 1:29-30). Omer was annointed king by his father and ruled for a time
before his son, Jared overthrew him and took him into captivity. He lived
in captivity "the half of his days" before being restored to power by
children that he had reared in captivity (Ether 8:4-6). Even though he had
lost his kingdom, Jared did not lose his lust for power and glory (Ether
8:7) and he plotted quietly to have his father murdered. The Lord warned
Omer of the plot, and he fled before he could be murdered (Ether 9:3).
Later, when Akish and his sons had reduced their kingdom to a mere handful
of people, Omer was restored to his former kingdom (Ether 9:12-13). Omer
annointed his son, Emer, to be the king two years prior to his death (Ether
9:15). In spite of being a righteous man, Omer saw many days of darkness
and despair because of the wickedness of the people and especially some of
his family.
Omner One of the sons of King Mosiah (Mosiah 27:34) and one of them that
accompanied Ammon on his mission to the Lamanites. Omner is only mentioned
in connection with the other members of the group (see Alma 22:35; 23:1;
25:17; 27:19). He also went with Alma to preach to the Zoramites (Alma
31:6). He is only mentioned one more time, and that's in the prayer that
Alma offers at the beginning of their mission after he had seen how wicked
the Zoramites had become (Alma 31:32).
Omni Son of Jarom (Omni 1:1). He is the only wicked person (by his own
admission (Omni 1:2)) who was a keeper of the records at the time that he
was wicked. He was a soldier by profession (Omni 1:2).
Onidah.
Now as Alma was teaching and speaking unto the people upon the hill
Onidah
Onihah.
a city
Ophir.
I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the
golden wedge of Ophir
Oreb.
And the Lord of hosts shall stir up a scourge for him according to
the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb
Orihah.
a Jaredite king
...and Kib was the son of Orihah, which was the son of Jared;
...and Orihah, he was anointed to be king over the people.
And he began to reign, and the people began to prosper; and they
became exceeding rich.
Paanchi.
Now these are there names which did contend for the judgment seat,
which did also cause the people to contend; Pahoran, Paanchi, and Pacumeni
...Paanchi, and that part of the people that were desirous
that he should be their governor, was exceeding wroth; therefore he was
about to flatter away those people to rise up in rebellion against their
brethren.
Pachus.
Moroni had gathered together whatsoever men he could in
all his march, he came to the land of Gideon; and uniting his forces with
that of Pahoran, they became exceeding strong, even stronger than the men
of Pachus, which was the king of those dissenters which had driven out the
freemen out of the land of Zarahemla, and had taken possession of the land.
And behold, Pachus was slain, and his men were taken prisoners; and
Pahoran was restored to his judgment seat.
Pacumeni.
Now these are there names which did contend for the judgment seat,
which did also cause the people to contend; Pahoran, Paanchi, and Pacumeni
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
And now behold, Pacumeni was appointed, according to the voice of the
people, to be a Chief Judge and a govereor over the people, to reign in the
stead of his brother Pahoran; and it was according to his right. And all
this was done, in the fortieth year of the reign of the Judges; and it had
an end.
Pagag.
And it came to pass that they chose even the first born of the brother
of Jared; and his name was Pagag. And it came to pass that he refused and
would not be their king. And the people would that his father should
constrain him; but his father would not; and he commanded them that they
should constrain no man to be their king.
Pahoran(1).
Now behold, his name was Pahoran. And Pahoran did fill the seat of
his father, and did commence his reign in the end of the twenty and fourth
year, over the people of Nephi.
...the voice of the people came in the 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; which also put the king-men to silence
Pahoran(2).
...which were the sons of Pahoran. Now these are there names which did contend for the judgment seat, which did also cause the people to contend; Pahoran, Paanchi, and Pacumeni
Palestina.
Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote
thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a
cockatrice, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent.
Pathros.
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his
hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which
shall be left from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros
Pekah.
And it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of
Uzziah, king of Judah, and Rezin, king of Syria, and Pekah the son of
Remaliah, king of Israel, went up towards Jerusalem to war against it, but
could not prevail against it.
Pharaoh.
let us be strong like unto Moses: For he truly
spake unto the waters of the Red Sea, and they divided hither and thither,
and our fathers came through out of captivity on dry ground, and the armies
of Pharaoh did follow and were drowned in the waters of the Red Sea.
Rabbanah.
and one of the king's servants said unto him, Rabbanah, which is,
being interpreted, powerful, or great king, considering their kings to be
powerful; and thus he said unto him, Rabbanah, the king desireth thee to
stay;
Raca.
But I say unto you, that whosoever is angry with his brother, shall
be in danger of his judgment. And whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca,
shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall say, Thou fool,
shall be in danger of hell fire;
Rahab.
Awake, awake! Put on strength O arm of the Lord: awake as in the
ancient days. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon?
Ramah.
Hill Cummorah
Remaliah.
And it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of
Uzziah, king of Judah, and Rezin, king of Syria, and Pekah the son of
Remaliah, king of Israel, went up towards Jerusalem to war against it, but
could not prevail against it.
Rezin.
Therefore the Lord shall set up the adversaries of Rezin against him,
and join his enemies together;
Riplah.
And it came to pass that as the Lamanites had passed the hill Riplah,
and came into the valley, and began to cross the river Sidon
Riplakish.
Jaredite
and Morianton was a descendant of Riplakish;
And Shez did live to an exceeding old age; and he begat
Riplakish, and he died. And Riplakish reigned in his stead.
And it came to pass that Riplakish did not do that which was right in
the sight of the Lord, for he did have many wives and concubines, and did
lay that upon men's shoulders which was grievous to be borne;
Ripliancum.
And it came to pass that he came to the waters of Ripliancum, which,
by interpretation, is large, or to exceed all;
Samuel.
Lamanite prophet
And it came to pass that in this year, there was one Samuel, a
Lamanite, came into the land of Zarahemla, and began to preach unto the
people. And it came to pass that he did preach many-day repentance unto the
people, and they did cast him out, and he was about to return to his own
land.
But as many as there were which did not believe in the words of
Samuel, were angry with him; and they cast stones at him upon the wall, and
also many shot arrows at him, as he stood upon the wall; but the spirit of
the Lord was with him, insomuch that they could not hit him with their
stones, neither with their arrows.
Sam. The third son of Lehi(1). He appears to have been a quiet and obedient
son. He looked to his younger brother, Nephi(1), for spiritual leadership,
and believed his brother's teachings(1 Nephi 2:17). Lehi(1) rejoiced to see
(in his vision) Sam join Nephi(1) at theTree of Life.
Sariah. Wife of Lehi(1) and mother of Laman, Lemuel, Sam, Nephi(1), Jacob,
Joseph. Little is said of her in the Book of Mormon. She is often
remembered for questioning her husband's wisdom in sending her sons back to
Jerusalem to obtain the brass plates, but this was only after it appeared
that her sons had been killed or lost in the desert of the middle east. In
spite of this incident Sariah was a woman of great faith, as witnessed by
her willingness to leave her comfortable surroundings to follow her husband
to a new land. She must also have had no small ability as a nurse and
mid-wife since her daughter-in-laws bore children in the wilderness. She
must have also had a remarkable constitution, since she also had two
children (Jacob and Joseph) during her travels in the wilderness at a time
when she would likely have been in her thirtys or fortys. She also died in
the new world.
Seantum. The brother of Seezoram. Seantum murdered his brother in secret,
but his crime was revealed by Nephi(4) who had the murdered revealed to him
by the power of God (Helaman 9:36).
Seezoram. The chief judge that was murdered in the days of Nephi(4) by his
brother Seantum (Helaman 9:26-35).
Seth. In the Jaredite genealogy the son of Shiblon and the father of Ahah
(Ether 1:10-11). Seth was taken captive when his father was killed, and
lived the remainder of his life in captivity (Ether 11:9).
Shared. One of the final leaders of the Jaredites. He and his army fought
Coriantumr in the valley of Gilgal for several days before being defeated
(Ether 13:28). In the next battle he defeated Coriantumr (Ether 13:29). He
was killed in the next battle with Coriantumr (Ether 13:30), but not before
inflicting a serious wound on Coriantumr (Ether 13:31). His brother,
Gilead, later carried on the battle against Coriantumr (Ether 14:3-8).
Shem. One of the Nephite commanders under Mormon(2) (Mormon 6:14).
Shemnon. Another of the twelve disciples chosen by the Savior to lead the
Nephites (3 Nephi 19:4).
Sherem. The first Nephite dissident named specifically. Sherem was very
articulate and intelligent, and passionate in his declarations (Jacob 7:4).
He denied the existence of Christ and challenged Jacob to prove the
existence of Christ. Demanding a sign, he was struck down by the Lord
(Jacob 7:13-15). He was left powerless and had to be nourished by the
Nephites. Finally, sensing his iminent death, he asked for an audience with
the Nephites. Claiming to have been decieved by the devil, he renounced his
former teachings and bore testimony of Christ. Immediately after this
confession he died (Jacob 7:18-21).
Shez(1). In the Jaredite genealogy son of Heth and father of Shez(2) and
Riplakish (Ether 1:24-25, 10:3). Shez inherited a broken kingdom that had
been devastated by a famine brought on by wickedness (Ether 10:1, 9:28-34).
He was righteous and sought to do good in the eyes of the Lord. He lived
"to an exceedingly old age" before annointing Riplakish as king (Ether
10:4).
Shez(2). Son of Shez(1). He rebelled against his father (we don't know what
form this rebellion took), but "was smitten by the hand of a robber,
because of his exceeding riches, which brought peace again unto his
father." (Ether 10:3).
Shiblom(1). A Nephite commander who served under Mormon(2) (Mormon 6:14).
Shiblom(2). The son of Com, a Jaredite king. Shiblom became king after his
father (Ether 11:4), but was overthrown by his wicked brother. He was
eventually slain (presumably by his brother) (Ether 11:9).
Shiblon(1). Son of Alma the Younger. He served with great patience and
faithfulness with his father on their mission to the Zoramites (Alma
38:3-4, Alma 63:2). He received the plates from his father in the thirty
sixth year of the reign of the judges (Alma 63:1) and died three years
later (Alma 63:10).
Shiblon(2). In the Jaredite genealogy he was the son of Com and the father
of Seth (Ether 1:11-12).
Shiz. The brother of Lib (Ether 14:17) and one of the final leaders of the
Jaredites. He was a vicious commander who pursued and campaign of terror
and destruction (Ether 14:17-18) in his effort to defeat the army of
Coriantumr. Their battles were so terrible that finally only a handful of
people were left in either army (Alma 15:25). Shiz was finally beheaded by
Coriantumr (Ether 15:31) in a fight that lasted several days and was
inturupted only when they fainted from loss of blood (Ether 15:29) and
general weariness.
Shule. In the Jaredite genealogy the son of Kib and the father of Omer
(Ether 1:30-31). Shule was born in captivity to his aged father Corihor
(Ether 7:7). Shule's older brother, Corihor had rebelled against their
father and had take control of the kingdom. The Book of Mormon states that
"Shule waxed strong, and became mighty as to the strength of a man; and he
was also mighty in judgment (Ether 7:8)." He became angry at Corihor's
treatment of their father and wrested control of the kingdom out of
Korihor's hands. Kib was grateful for Shule's faithfulness and as a reward
he made him ruler (Ether 7:10). Shule was such a great man that when
Corihor repented Shule gave him power in the kingdom (Ether 7:13). Later,
Corihor's son, Noah, rebelled and took control of the land of Moron
(perhaps the part of the kingdom over which his father had been granted
power?) In a later battle he captured Shule. On the night before Noah was
to execute Shule, Shule's sons crept into the house and freed him. Cohor
(Noah's son) became king after Noah's death (the record doesn't say how he
died). He continued the civil war started by his father, but was killed by
Shule in battle. Cohor's son, Nimrod, restored his father's part of the
kingdom to Shule and found great favor in Shule's eyes (Ether 7:22). Shule
appears to have been a righteous man all of his life (Ether 7:27), and in
later years he punished those that cast out prophets from the Lord (Ether
7:24).
Teancum. A Nephite commander under Captain Moroni during the battles with
Amakickiah, Ammoron, and various Lamanite leaders. Teancum is first
dispatched to intercept the people of Morianton after they had a dispute
with the people of Lehi (Alma 50:25-26) and fled toward the land of
Bountiful. Teancum defeated Morianton and took the remainder of his people
captive and brought them back to Moroni for judgement (Alma 50:35). Later,
after Moroni had put down the rebellion of the king-men, Amalickiah, who
escaped into Lamanite territory, returned with an army of Lamanites and
started capturing Nephite cities (Alma 51:22-27). Teancum and his army
encountered Amalickiah and his army as they neared the land of Bountiful.
Teancum's army stopped the Lamanite invasion and harrased Amalickiah's army
until dark. Teancum, who was a great warrior (Alma 51:31), stole into
Amalickiah's camp in the dark and killed Amalickiah in his sleep (Alma
51:33-34). When the Lamanites awoke the next morning to find their leader
dead, they fled to the city of Mulek, which they had captured earlier (Alma
51:26). Later, Teancum's army was used as a decoy to draw the Lamanite army
out of Mulek (Alma 52:22-24). After this, Teancum was given charge of
fortifying the land of Bountiful using Lamanite prisoners of war to do the
actual work (Alma 53:3). We next hear about him when he and Lehi are left
in charge of the armies fighting the Lamanites while Moroni returned to
Zarahemla to help Pahoran regain control of the Nephite government (Alma
61:15). Later, Teancum's army became engaged in a running battle with
Ammoron's army. Teancum, acting on his own, stole into the Lamanite camp
after dark with the intention of killing Ammoron like he had killed
Amalickiah. He succeeded in killing Ammoron, but this time he was detected
and before he could escape Lamanite soldiers killed him (Alma 62:35-36).
Mormon(2), himself a great military leader, captured the essence of
Teancum's life in this short verse: "[F]or behold, he had been a man who
had fought valiantly for his country, yea, a true friend to liberty; and he
had suffered very many exceedingly sore afflictions. But behold, he was
dead, and had gone the way of all the earth." (Alma 62:37).
Teomner. A Nephite commander under Captain Moroni (Alma 58:16). He helped
with the recapture of the city of Manti (Alma 58:13). He commanded a small
group of men that hid outside the city of Manti. When the Lamanites came
out to battle Moroni's army, the group led by Teomner and a group led by
Gid entered the city (Alma 58:18-23).
Timothy. Brother of Nephi(4) and one of the twelve disciples selected by the
Savior (3 Nephi 19:4).
Tubaloth. A Lamanite king, and son of Ammoron (Helaman 1:16). He seemed to
have the same hatred for the Nephites that his father, Ammoron, and his
uncle Amalickiah, felt. Tubaloth appointed Coriantumr(1) to be commander of
his army.
Zarahemla. King of the Mulekites at the time they were discovered by
Mosiah(1) (Omni 1:14)
Zedekiah. King of the kingdom of Judah at the time of the Babylonian
captivity (1 Nephi 1:4), and father of Mulek (Helaman 6:10).
Zeezrom. Zeezrom is one of the greatest conversion stories of the Book of
Mormon and provides hope to every missionary. He is living proof that any
person, touched by the Spirit of God, can change their life if they have
the desire to change. The only other comparable story in the Book of Mormon
is that of Alma the Younger. Zeezrom was a lawyer (Alma 10:30-31), and one
of the foremost of the city of Ammonihah. Thinking to play a game of words
with Alma and Amulek, he began questioning them. They surprised him by
responding to the thoughts of his mind, and not to the words he had spoken
to them (Alma 12:3). He realized that he had been caught trying to deceive
them (Alma 12:1). It may have been that Zeezrom, who lived by deceipt,
feared having his thoughts exposed more than anything else (Alma 14:6). He
attempted to placate the mob by proclaiming his guilt and Alma and Amulek's
innocence, but he had been too crafty in manipulating the mob. They turned
on him with ferocity and cast him out of the city. Knowing the violence
that the mob had used against him, he went to Sidom, with the mistaken
assumption that his actions had led to Alma and Amulek's death (Alma 15:3).
Overcome with guilt at his wickedness, he became physically sick with a
burning fever. It was with incredible relief that he heard that Alma and
Amulek had escaped from Ammonihah and were in Sidom (Alma 15:4). He called
for them to come and heal him because he knew there was no other way to
relieve the agony he felt (Alma 15:5). Alma questioned him to determine if
he had the faith to be healed: "Believest thou in the power of Christ unto
salvation?" (Alma 15:6) and Zeezrom answered with complete faith in Christ:
"Yea, I believe all the words that thou hast taught." (Alma 15:7). Alma
invoked the blessings of God upon Zeezrom and he was immediately healed.
Alma baptized Zeezrom and from that time on he was a devoted follower of
Jesus (Alma 15:12). We hear about Zeezrom one more time, as a companion to
Alma in his mission to the Zoramites.
Zemnarihah. The leader of a band of Gadianton's. The Gadiantons had become
so strong by this time that Lachoneus, the Nephite leader, gathered his
people with all their provisions into one large community in the land of
Zarahemla (3 Nephi 3:22-23). The Gadiantons were reduced to stealing food
because "the robbers could not exist save it were in the wilderness, for
the want of food; for the Nephites had left their lands desolate, and had
gathered their flocks and their herds and all their substance, and they
were in one body." (3 Nephi 4:3). Zemnarihah tried to lay seige to the
Lamanites (hard to do when all the food is inside the beseiged city!). He
was captured by Gidgiddoni and hung from a tree to serve as an example.
After he was dead the tree was cut down as a sign of what the Lord would to
the wicked (3 Nephi 4:28-29).
Zenephi. The leader of an army at the time of Mormon(2) and Moroni. It
almost appears as if he might have been a rebel Nephite commander (Mormon
9:16).
Zeniff. Leader of a small group of Nephites who left at the time of King
Mosiah(1) (Mosiah 7:9).
Zenock. "Zenock was a preexilic Israelite prophet whose words were found on
the plates of brass, a record carried from Jerusalem to the new Promised
Land in the Western Hemisphere by the Book of Mormon prophet Lehi c. 600
B.C. Zenock is not known from the Hebrew Bible or other sources and is
noted in only five passages in the Book of Mormon. It is possible that he
was of the lineage of Joseph of Egypt and an ancestor of the Nephites (3
Ne. 10:16)." (Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol.4, ZENOCK)
Zenos. "Zenos is one of four Israelite prophets of Old Testament times cited
in the Book of Mormon whose writings appeared on the plates of brass but
who are not mentioned in the Old Testament." (Encyclopedia of Mormonism,
Vol.4, ZENOS)
Zerahemnah. A leader of the Lamanite (Alma 43:5) army during the long
campaign waged by Captain Moroni after the rebellion of Amalickia. Knowing
that the Amalekites and Zoramites had an extreme hatred for the Nephites,
he named Amalekites and Zoramites to be the chief captains in his army
(Alma 43:6). It was during the battles with Zerahemnah that Moroni equipped
his men with some form of armor that protected their heads, arms, body
(Alma 43:19-20). After suffering some defeats at the hand of Moroni,
Zerahemnah was offered a chance to surrender without any penalty. In a
face-to-face meeting with Moroni he defiantly rejected Moroni's offer. Upon
having his sword returned to him prior to returning to his army,. Zerahemna
rushed at Moroni and was struck down by one of Moroni's men. Zarahemnah's
sword was broken and a piece of his scalp was severed. The soldier
retrieved the scalp and used it to taunt the Lamanites and Zarahemnah. They
began another fierce battle until finally Zerahemnah cried for mercy.
Moroni stopped the battle and both sides agreed to the former terms that
Moroni had offered them.
Zarahemla. Leader of the Mulekites at the time they were discovered by
Mosiah(1) (Omni 1:14).
Zeram. One of the Nephites that Alma(2) sent to watch the army of the
Amlicites after they had battled near the river Sidon (see Zoram(2)) (Alma
2:22).
Zoram(1). Laban's servant. He took Nephi(1) to Laban's treasury to obtain
the brass plates, thinking that Nephi(1) was his master, Laban. Upon
discovering the deception, he attempted to flee, but was stopped by
Nephi(1). Swearing an oath to be faithful to Nephi(1) he remained that way
for the remainder of his life (implied by 2 Nephi 1:30 and 2 Nephi 5:6).
His willing departure from Jerusalem was later redefined by Lamanite
tradition to have been a kidnapping (Alma 54:23). He married the eldest
daughter of Ishmael (1 Nephi 16:7).
Zoram(2). Chief commander of the Nephite armies (Alma 16:5) during the
ministry of Alma the Younger. He had two sons (Lehi and Aha) who helped him
in his military duties. When Lamanite armies destroyed Ammonihah and
carried off a number of captives, Zoram asked Alma to inquire of the Lord
about what he should do to save the captives. Based on the revelation given
to Alma, he and his sons possitioned their armies on the east side of the
river Sidon in the south wilderness where they scattered the Lamanite
armies and reclaimed the Nephite captives.