Helaman 1: War in Zarahelma

Book of Mormon Student Study Guide, (2000), 144–145

When the great Nephite judge Pahoran died, there was a struggle over who would replace him. This led to dissension and bloodshed. During that time the Nephites faced two enemies: Kishkumen and Coriantumr. Who were those men and what were their objectives? While they fought against the Nephites in different ways, they were alike in their desire to destroy the Nephite society.
Pahoran I
Pahoran II
Pacumeni
Moronihah

Pahoran I
• •
the great Nephite chief judge

Pahoran II
• •
appointed as the new chief judge; murdered by Kishkumen

Pacumeni
• •
brother of Pahoran II; appointed as chief judge after his brother’s murder

Moronihah
• •
leader of the Nephite armies; son of Caption Moroni

Paanchi Kishkumen Coriantumr Tubaloth

Paanchi
• •
brother of Pahoran II; led a rebellion against his brother

Kishkumen
• •
killed Pahoran II and then organized a secret society

Coriantumr
• •
a Nephite dissenter; led the Lamanite army

Tubaloth
• •
son of the Lamanite king, Ammoron

Note: For help in pronouncing these names, see the pronunciation guide at the end of the Book of Mormon (pp. 532–35).

Understanding the Scriptures

Helaman 1

Innumerable (v. 14)Very large, countless
Cut down the watch (v. 20)Kill the guards
Hold (v. 22)Fort, fortress
Tarry (v. 23)Stay
Capital city (v. 27)Official center of government
Head them (v. 30)Cut them off
Plunged (v. 32)Placed suddenly
Midst (v. 32)Middle

Studying the Scriptures

Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study Helaman 1.

Activity A iconWho Did What?

  1. 1.

    Write one sentence about the actions of each of the following people in Helaman 1: Pahoran (the son), Paanchi, Pacumeni, Kishkumen, Coriantumr, Tubaloth, Moronihah.

  2. 2.

    Consider what Helaman 1:13–17 reveals about Coriantumr and Tubaloth. Use the information in those verses and their footnotes to determine what these two wicked men had in common. You may be surprised.

Activity B iconThe Moral of the Story

  1. 1.

    What lessons do you think the Nephites should have learned from the events in Helaman 1? Give specific examples from the chapter.

  2. 2.

    What lessons do you think people in our day might learn from Helaman 1? Give specific examples from the chapter.

Activity C iconDraw a Picture

In Helaman 1:18–34 is a description of Coriantumr’s fatal military move, which resulted in his defeat. After reading the account, draw a picture illustrating what happened to the Lamanite armies and why Moronihah was able to defeat them.