Helaman 2

Chapter Overview

What happens in Helaman 2

Gadianton rises to lead Kishkumen's band of assassins, and an attempt to murder the new chief judge Helaman is foiled by a courageous servant. Though Gadianton escapes into the wilderness, the seeds of a conspiracy are planted that will nearly destroy the Nephite nation.

Scripture

Helaman Appointed and Kishkumen's Plot

Study note

After Pacumeni's death, Helaman, son of Helaman, is appointed chief judge by the voice of the people. Meanwhile, Kishkumen and his band of murderers remain at large, now led by Gadianton, a man described as exceedingly expert in words and craft. Gadianton flatters the band members with promises of political power, directing Kishkumen to assassinate Helaman. This is the formal beginning of the Gadianton robbers, a secret combination that will plague Nephite society for generations.

1 And it came to pass in the forty and second year of the reign of the judges, after Moronihah had established again peace between the Nephites and the Lamanites, behold there was no one to fill the judgment-seat; therefore there began to be a contention again among the people concerning who should fill the judgment-seat.

2 And it came to pass that Helaman, who was the son of Helaman, was appointed to fill the judgment-seat, by the voice of the people.

3 But behold, Kishkumen, who had murdered Pahoran, did lay wait to destroy Helaman also; and he was upheld by his band, who had entered into a covenant that no one should know his wickedness.

4 For there was one Gadianton, who was exceedingly expert in many words, and also in his craft, to carry on the secret work of murder and of robbery; therefore he became the leader of the band of Kishkumen.

5 Therefore he did flatter them, and also Kishkumen, that if they would place him in the judgment-seat he would grant unto those who belonged to his band that they should be placed in power and authority among the people; therefore Kishkumen sought to destroy Helaman.

The Servant's Bravery and Kishkumen's Death

Study note

One of Helaman's servants infiltrates the band by disguise and learns their plans. When Kishkumen approaches, the servant meets him using the band's own secret signs, gains his confidence, and then strikes him to the heart before he can reach Helaman. This unnamed servant's courage saves the chief judge's life and demonstrates that one faithful person acting boldly can thwart great evil.

6 And it came to pass as he went forth towards the judgment-seat to destroy Helaman, behold one of the servants of Helaman, having been out by night, and having obtained, through disguise, a knowledge of those plans which had been laid by this band to destroy Helaman—

7 And it came to pass that he met Kishkumen, and he gave unto him a sign; therefore Kishkumen made known unto him the object of his desire, desiring that he would conduct him to the judgment-seat that he might murder Helaman.

8 And when the servant of Helaman had known all the heart of Kishkumen, and how 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) the servant of Helaman said unto Kishkumen: Let us go forth unto the judgment-seat.

9 Now this did please Kishkumen exceedingly, for he did suppose that he should accomplish his design; but behold, the servant of Helaman, as they were going forth unto the judgment-seat, did stab Kishkumen even to the heart, that he fell dead without a groan. And he ran and told Helaman all the things which he had seen, and heard, and done.

Gadianton's Escape and Mormon's Warning

Study note

When Gadianton realizes Kishkumen has not returned, he fears discovery and leads his entire band into the wilderness by a secret route. Mormon then interjects as narrator with a sobering editorial comment: this Gadianton will prove to be the near-total destruction of the Nephite people. This prophetic foreshadowing emphasizes that small beginnings of evil, if not rooted out, grow into catastrophic consequences.

10 And it came to pass that Helaman did send forth to take this band of robbers and secret murderers, that they might be executed according to the law.

11 But behold, when Gadianton had found that Kishkumen did not return he feared lest that he should be destroyed; therefore he caused that his band should follow him. And they took their flight out of the land, by a secret way, into the wilderness; and thus when Helaman sent forth to take them they could nowhere be found.

12 And more of this Gadianton shall be spoken hereafter. And thus ended the forty and second year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.

13 And behold, in the end of this book ye shall see that this Gadianton did prove the overthrow, yea, almost the entire destruction of the people of Nephi.

14 Behold I do not mean the end of the book of Helaman, but I mean the end of the book of Nephi, from which I have taken all the account which I have written.

Key Themes

Themes in Helaman 2

The rise of secret combinationsFlattery and manipulation as tools of evilCourage of unnamed righteous individualsSmall beginnings of great evilsThe importance of vigilance against corruption

Prophetic Connections

How this chapter points to Christ

Helaman 2:4-5 Matthew 4:8-9

Gadianton's promise of power and authority to his followers mirrors Satan's temptation of Christ, offering worldly dominion in exchange for allegiance to evil.

Apply This Today

Living Helaman 2

Evil often begins small, with a whisper of flattery or a seemingly minor compromise. Helaman 2 shows that one brave person, even an unnamed servant, can stand between a community and disaster. Do not underestimate the power of your own faithfulness. Confront wickedness early, before it grows roots too deep to pull. And remember that flattery that promises power is often the voice of destruction.

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