Book of Mormon Commentary CofC - Odessa, Missouri Community ...

Book of Mormon Commentary
Ether Chapter 3
brother replied, "Surely, this thing leadeth into captivity" (25-27). But Jared favored the idea, or
perhaps consented to it, and asked them to select "even whom ye will" (28). Their choice was
Pagag, the firstborn of the brother of Jared. However, Pagag refused the office, and the people
wanted his father to constrain him; but "he commanded them that they should constrain no man to
be their king" (30, 31). Then the people chose each of his brothers in turn; but they refused, as also
did Jared's sons, except Orihah, and he was anointed king (33). During his reign the people
"became exceeding rich" (31). Then Jared and his brother both died (35).
Ether 3:36 And it came to pass that Orihah did walk humbly before the Lord, and did
remember how great things the Lord had done for his father, and also taught his people how
great things the Lord had done for their fathers.
He "did execute judgment upon the land in righteousness all his days" (37). He had twenty-four
sons and eight daughters (38, 39).
He was followed on the throne by his son, Kib. His grandson, Corihor, rebelled against his father
and "went over and dwelt in the land of Nehor." His children "became exceeding fair; wherefore
Corihor drew away many people after him" (41). When he had gathered an army, he went to the
land of Moron and captured the king, thus fulfilling the prophecy of the brother of Jared (42, 27).
Thus Kib was a prisoner until he "became exceeding old" (44). In his old age he begat Shule, who
was angry with his brother Corihor, the king. When Shule had grown to be a strong man, and "also
mighty in judgment" (45), he found ore in the hill Ephraim, "and made swords out of steel" (see I
N. 5:22 comments). He armed his followers, returned to Nehor, and restored his father, Kib, to the
throne (46). Then Shule was given the kingdom and "did execute judgment in righteousness." His
kingdom was expanded, and the people became "exceeding numerous" (48).
Ether 3:50 And Corihor repented of the many evils which he had done; wherefore Shule gave him power
in his kingdom.
Noah, one of Corihor's sons, rebelled against Shule and Corihor. All his brothers and many people
followed him. He gave battle to Shule, and won part of the land. In a second battle he captured
Shule and carried him away to the land of Moron. As Noah was about to put Shule to death, "the
sons of Shule crept into the house of Noah by night and slew him, and broke down the door of the
prison, and brought out their father, and placed him upon his throne" (56). Thus the kingdom was
divided between Shule and Cohor, the son of Noah. Soon Cohor gave battle to Shule "in which
Shule did beat them, and did slay Cohor" (59). Then Nimrod, a son of Cohor surrendered the
kingdom to Shule and gained favor with him.
Ether 3:61 And also in the reign of Shule there came prophets among the people, who were sent from
the Lord, prophesying that the wickedness and idolatry of the people was bringing a curse upon the land,
and they should be destroyed, if they did not repent.
"The people did revile against the prophets, and did mock them" (62). King Shule brought the
revilers to judgment, and gave the prophets authority "that they should go whithersoever they
would" (63).