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Book of Mormon Commentary
Helaman Chapter 1
CONTEN11ON OVER THE JUDGMENT SEAT, VER. 1-14
Hel 1:1 And now behold, it came to pass in the commencement of the fortieth year of the reign of the
Judges over the people of Nephi, there began to be a serious difficulty among the people of the Nephites.
Pahoran had several sons, but he did not designate one to be his successor upon his death. He
wished it to be left to the voice of the people according to their law (Mos. 13:34-36) and custom.
Three of his sons, Pahoran, Paanchi, and Pacwneni each ran for office. The vote of the Nephites
favored Pahoran. Pacwneni acceded, and gave his support to him. Paanchi "was exceeding wroth"
and was about to stir the people to rebellion by flattery (H. 1:7).
Hel 1:8 And it came to pass as he was about to do this, behold, he was taken, and was tried according to
the voice of the people, and condemned unto death; for he had raised up in rebellion, and sought to
destroy the liberty of the people.
His supporters were angry at this; and by secret conniving had Pahoran murdered ''as he sat upon
the judgment seat" (9). The murderer, Kishkumen, was very speedy and in disguise and, with the
help of his band, made his escape (10-12).
Pacumeni was appointed by the voice of the people to reign in the stead of Pahoran his brother,
"and it was according to his right" (13). The meaning of the last -clause is not certain. It might
refer to the previous election, and indicate that he received the second highest number of votes. Or
it may refer to his being next in age and lineage.
THE LAMANITES CAPTURE ZARAHEMLA, VER. 15-36
Hel 1:15 And it came to pass in the forty and first year of the reign of the Judges, that the Lamanites
had gathered together an innumerable army of men, and armed them with swords, and with cimeters,
and with bows, and with arrows, and with head-plates, and with breastplates, and with all manner of
shields of every kind; and they came down again, that they might pitch battle against the Nephites.
Their leader was Coriantumr, a descendant of Zarahemla, who "was a large and a mighty man”
(16). King Tubaloth, of the Lamanites, had great confidence in his chief captain because of his
strength and wisdom. Therefore he stirred his people to anger, and they marched against the
capital city of the Nephites, Zarahemla.
Because of the sudden and surprise attack, Coriantumr had no trouble in cutting down the guards
and taking the city, "and they did slay every one who did oppose them" (20, 21). Governor
Pacumeni fled, but Coriantumr pursued him and "did smite him against the wall, insomuch that he
died" (22, 23).
The Lamanites were made bold by the ease with which they had taken this important city and
immediately marched toward the city Bountiful. Moronihah had his main armies in the border
cities, thinking that if the Lamanites came they wou1d strike there. Likewise Coriantumr, thinking
that he had met and defeated the main strength of the Nephites in their capital city, failed to plan
his attack carefully and was headed off by Lehi's army before they reached Bountiful. The
Lamanites began a retreat and were met by Moronihah in "an exceeding bloody battle." Among
the many slain was Coriantumr (32, 33).