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Dictionary of the Book of Mormon, p.
130 - 131 HAGOTH A Nephite
ship-builder and promoter of emigration. He was a very ingenious mechanic, and
in the thirty-seventh year of the Judges (B. C. 55) he settled on the Pacific
side of the Isthmus of Panama, where the lands Desolation and Bountiful
ran parallel. There he built an exceedingly large ship, and launched it on the
Pacific Ocean. This ship he filled with men, women, and children, after which
it set sail northward; and having delivered its living freight, it returned the
next year, again to start northward loaded with passengers and provisions. He
also built other ships, which engaged in the same trade. Some of these never
reached their destination; they were either lost in the depths of the sea or
were carried by storms and adverse winds to some of the many groups of islands
that dot the Pacific Ocean. In this manner it is more than probable the Sandwich
Islands were peopled with the ancestors of the present inhabitants. The loss of
these vessels did not stop the out-flow by sea northward. The voyage obviated
the tedious land journey through the regions now known as Central America and
Mexico. At what point these emigrants disembarked is solely a matter of
conjecture, and it is highly probable that the configuration of the western
coast, northward from the Isthmus, was very different, previous to the immense
convulsions and upheavals that occurred at the death of Christ, to what it is
today. From this time the Nephites paid considerable attention to
ship-building, and the sea became the highway between the two continents. Dictionary of the Book of Mormon, p.
131 HAMATH The
principal city of Upper Syria (now Hamah). It is mentioned twice in the Book of
Mormon, in Nephi's quotations from the prophecies of Isaiah (II Nephi 20:9;
21:11). Dictionary of the Book of Mormon, p.
131 HEARTHOM A king of
the Jaredites; he was the son of Lib, whom he succeeded. When he had reigned
twenty-four years the kingdom was wrested from him, and he was held in
captivity by the successful party all the remainder of his life. Only one of
his sons is mentioned, whose name was Heth. Of Hearthom's private character the
record is silent. Dictionary of the Book of Mormon, p.
131 - 132 HEBREW This word
only appears in one verse of the Book of Mormon (Mormon 9:33), where it occurs
three times; always referring to a language and in connection with the
engravings on the Nephite records. The language to which this name was applied
in the days of Mormon and Moroni was greatly changed from the Hebrew spoken by
the Israelites at the time Lehi left Jerusalem, nearly a thousand years before. Dictionary of the Book of Mormon, p.
132 HELAM A Nephite
of the land of Lehi-Nephi, in the days of King Noah. He accepted the
teachings of Alma, the elder, and was the first man baptized by him in
the waters of Mormon. One thing remarkable about his baptism is that both he
and Alma were together buried in the water; and they arose and came forth out
of the water rejoicing, being filled with the Spirit of God. We have no further
mention of Helam; but from the fact that the land (eight days' journey from
Mormon) to which Alma and the saints soon fled, received the name of Helam from
them, it is highly probable that Helam was one of the leading officers of the
church established by Alma, and greatly respected by the people. Dictionary of the Book of Mormon, p.
132 HELAM, CITY OF The city
built by the people of Alma, the elder, in the land of Helam, eight
days' journey from the waters of Mormon, in the direction of Zarahemla, when
that people fled from the murderous persecutions of King Noah. After a few
years of peaceful occupancy it was discovered and taken possession of by the
Lamanites, and placed by the king under the rule of Amulon, one of the
former priests of Noah. By him and his associates the Christian people of Helam
were outrageously abused, until the Lord, in His mercy, opened up the way for their
escape. These events took place, as near as can be told, between the years B.
C. 147 and B. C. 122. Nothing is recorded of the history of this city after it
was deserted by the people of Helam. Dictionary of the Book of Mormon, p.
132 - 133 HELAM, LAND OF The
country immediately surrounding the city of Helam. It lay somewhere between the
cities of Lehi-Nephi and Zarahemla; eight days' journey, for emigrants, from
the former city, and fourteen from the latter. It is only mentioned in the Book
of Mormon in connection with its occupancy for a few years by the persecuted
people of Alma. After they left it fell into the hands of the Lamanites and
became a subdivision of the land of Nephi. Dictionary of the Book of Mormon, p.
133 HELAMAN One of the
sons of the Nephite king, Benjamin. He is only mentioned once, and then in
connection with his brothers, Mosiah and Heloram. Nothing is said with regard
to his private character. Dictionary of the Book of Mormon, p.
133 HELAMAN, THE SON OF ALMA We have no
account of the date or place of birth of this prophet and general of the
Nephites; but as his father's permanent residence was in the city of Zarahemla,
it is not unreasonable to suppose that it was there that he first saw the light
of day. He is not introduced to the reader of the Book of Mormon until he had
arrived at the age of manhood (B. C. 75), when it is stated that Alma took his
two younger sons with him on his mission to the Zoramites, while Helaman
was left in Zarahemla, most probably to take charge of the interests of the
Church in that land during the absence of the presiding high priest, his
father. When Alma
returned home from this mission he called his three sons to him, and gave to
each his blessing and instructions. His admonitions to Helaman are recorded at
great lenth in the inspired pages. Alma therein reviews his own life and the
history of the Nephites, prophesying many things with regard to the future of
that people. He also exhorts Helaman to be diligent as a preacher of God's holy
word, and to lead an individual life of righteousness as an example to the
Church. At this time he likewise gave him a strict charge with regard to the
keeping of the records, to continue the annals of the nation thereon, to
preserve them sacred, and to prevent certain portions (containing the secret
oaths, covenants and other works of darkness of the Jaredites,) being published
to the world, lest others be ensnared by the same abominations. After
receiving their separate instructions, Helaman, as also his two brothers and
their father, went forth among the Nephites declaring the word according to the
spirit of prophecy and revelation; and they preached after the holy order of
God, by which they were called. In the
year following, the Lord took Alma, as He had previously taken Moses. The
prophet, being doubtless aware of his speedy departure from this dwelling-place
of humanity, took his son Helaman, and having received the later's confession
of faith in the coming of the Christ, he blessed him, and prophesied of things
that should occur even until the people of Nephi should become extinct. Having
done this, he blessed the Church and its faithful members, and departed out of
the land, never by mortal eyes to be seen again. His son Helaman and others
then went through the cities of the Nephites and regulated the affairs of the
Church; but owing to the pride of many who would not give heed to the
instructions given them, nor walk uprightly, dissension arose, which in after
years led to numerous evils, among the greatest of which was a long-continued
war, or series of wars, between the faithful Nephites on one side, and the
apostates, and afterwards the Lamanites, on the other. Still, for four years,
Helaman and his associate priesthood were enabled to maintain order in the
Church, and many died in full faith of the Gospel, and the joyous hope of its
never-ending rewards; indeed, during that period there was much peace and great
prosperity enjoyed by those who remained faithful. The leader
of those who apostatized from the true faith and commenced to wage war against
their former brethren, was named Amalickiah. Being defeated by Moroni, the
Nephite commander, and his army crushed (B. C. 73), he went over to the
Lamanites, and stirred them up to anger against the race to which he belonged.
For some time he was unsuccessful in this attempt, as the Lamanites had too
lately received severe defeats to be anxious again to try the fortunes of war.
By his craft, however, he removed every obstacle, until he was acknowledged the
king of the descendants of Laman. Towards the end of the year his armies
advanced into the land of Ammonihah, and from that time the war was carried on
with slight intermissions and with varying success, for about thirteen years
(to B. C. 60), when the Lamanites had been driven out of the possessions of the
Nephites and peace was restored. Owing to the utter prostration of the
Lamanites, hostilities were not resumed until the year B. C. 53, when they
again made an incursion into the Nephite territory, but were speedily driven
back to their own lands, suffering great loss. It was during this thirteen
years' war that Helaman appears most prominently in the record of his nation,
and in the annals of his life is contained one of the sublimest and sweetest episodes
in Nephite history. The war
(B. C. 66) had been working disastrously to the Nephites, when the people of
Ammon, feeling that they were a burden rather than a help to their benefactors,
though indeed they were not, desired to be released from their oath and
covenant "never again to take up deadly weapons against their
fellows." They desired in this hour of extreme peril to take up arms in
defense of the liberties of their adopted country. From this rash step Helaman
and his brethren dissuaded them, lest by so doing they should imperil their
eternal salvation. But they had sons that had grown far towards manhood, who
had not entered into this covenant, and consequently were not shut off from
participating in the dangers and glories of the war. So with their fathers' and
mothers' consent, faith, prayers and words of encouragement, two thousand of
these youths were mustered into the Nephite army. These striplings were all men
of truth, faith, soberness and integrity, and were conspicuous for their
courage, strength and activity. Being organized, they desired that Helaman, for
whom they had great love and respect, should be their leader. He consented, and
at their head marched to the relief of the forces of the republic that were
struggling against considerable odds on the southern borders of the Nephite
dominions, from the shores of the Pacific Ocean eastward. Helaman
found the Nephite forces, numbering about six thousand warriors, in a somewhat
deplorable condition. The Lamanites, in the strength of greatly superior
numbers, had captured the cities of Manti, Cumeni, Zeezrom and Antiparah,
and held possession of the country round about. These cities had not been taken
without much bloodshed on both sides. The Nephites had especially lost large
numbers in prisoners, who were generally put to death by their captors, except
the superior officers, who were sent to the land of Nephi. Antipus, the Nephite
commander, was locked up in the city of Judea, where, dispirited and weakened
by excessive toil and fighting, his troops were making a desperate and painful
effort to fortify the city. The arrival of Helaman and his corps brought hope
and joy again to their hearts, and renewed vigor to their endeavors. King
Ammoron, learning that reinforcements had reached the defenders of Judea,
ordered all active operations to be suspended for a season. The suspension was
most providential to the soldiers of Antipus, as it gave them time to finish
the work of fortifying the beleaguered city, and also to recruit their health
and energies. By the commencement of the following year the works of defense
were completed, and the Nephites became anxious for the onslaught they had so
greatly dreaded a few months previous. But they were disappointed. The
Lamanites did not feel sufficiently strong to renew aggressive movements. They
contented themselves with occupying the Nephite cities they had already
captured. In the second month of this year (B. C. 65), a convoy of two thousand
additional warriors arrived from the land of Zarahemla, with abundant
provisions. The Nephites in the city of Judea were now ten thousand strong, and
they were anxious for a forward movement in order, if possible, to retake some
of their cities which were in the hands of the enemy. Antipus
and Helaman resolved on a ruse to entice the Lamanites from behind their
fortifications. It was decided that Helaman and his command should march out of
Judea with the apparent intention of carrying supplies to one of the cities in
the hands of the Nephites, that was built near the sea shore. In executing this
maneuvre they purposely passed at no great distance from the city of Antiparah,
in which was stationed the most numerous of the Lamanite armies, in the hope
that the Lamanites would notice that their numbers were few, and thus be led to
attack them. The strategem proved successful. The garrison of Antiparah issued
forth in pursuit of Helaman, who, with all haste, retreated into the wilderness
northward, his intent being to draw his pursuers as far as possible from
Antiparah. When the Lamanites had started in pursuit of Helaman, Antipus, with
a considerable portion of his army, marched out of the city of Judea and fell
in the Lamanites' rear. The retreat soon became a race. The Lamanites crowded
forward with all possible expedition in the endeavor to reach Helaman before
Antipus caught them. Helaman, on the other hand, used his utmost energy to keep
out of their clutches. Neither of the three bodies turned to the right or to
the left, but kept straight on in the effort to outmarch their foes. Night came
and went, and on the morrow the double pursuit was still kept up. Another night
fell, but not one dared turn from his course. On the
third morning the race for life and victory was again renewed, but before long
the Lamanites, concluding they could not overtake Helaman, suddenly stopped,
and awaited the coming of Antipus and his weary soldiers, whom they
unexpectedly attacked with great fury, slew Antipus and several of his
captains, threw the Nephite troops into great confusion and forced them to
commence a retreat. In the meantime, Helaman discovered that he was no longer
pursued, and not knowing the reason, was in doubt what course to take. He
called a hasty council of war, at which it was determined to return at once,
and risk the chances of being caught in a trap by the crafty Lamanites. The
statement which Helaman makes regarding the conduct of his young soldiers at
this council is very interesting. After he had explained the situation to them,
he inquired: What say ye, my sons, will ye go against them in battle? Without
hesitancy they answered in the affirmative, saying: Father, behold our God is
with us, and He will not suffer that we shall fall; then let us go forth; we
would not slay our brethren if they would let us alone; therefore let us go
lest they should overpower the army of Antipus. Here Helaman remarks: Now they
never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more of the
liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught
by their mothers that, if they did not doubt, God would deliver them. And they
rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying, we do not doubt our
mothers knew it. Helaman
and his sons arrived none too soon on the field of battle. The soldiers of
Antipus were already fleeing before their more numerous foes, but the valor and
impetuosity of the youthful Ammonites were irresistible. They fell on the
Lamanite rear with a daring and miraculous strength possessed only by men who
put their whole trust in God. Thus attacked in the rear, the Lamanites
immediately halted, changed front, and threw their whole force against the
Ammonites. The surviving officers of Antipus' army, finding that Helaman had
come to their rescue, stopped their retreat, reorganized their scattered bands,
and renewed the attack. The Lamanites were compelled to succumb; they could not
resist the desperate courage of the Nephites that was driving them in at both
front and rear. Their legions all surrendered, and, by Helaman's orders, were
sent as prisoners of war to Zarahemla. And what
about the young warriors of Ammon? So great was their faith, so potent its
workings, that when, after the battle, Helaman called the roll of his youthful
heroes, not one was missing. The faith sown by their mothers' words had borne
fruit—they were all preserved. To their undaunted prowess, for they fought as
if with the strength of God, the Nephites unhesitatingly accorded the glory of
the day. Still the
hardly contested war continued. Six thousand men, with provisions, reached
Helaman from Zarahemla and the regions round about (B. C. 63), besides sixty
more young Ammonites, who had grown sufficiently vigorous to assume the
hardships of military life. The city of Cumeni shortly afterwards capitulated through
the want of provisions, its supplies having been continuously cut off by
Helaman's troops. This surrender threw so many prisoners on the hands of the
Nephites that they were unable to guard or feed them. An officer named Gid,
with a sufficient force, was detailed to convey them to Zarahemla, but on their
way, passing near an invading body of Lamanites, the prisoners made a desperate
attempt to escape. A few succeeded in getting away, but the greater number were
slain by their guards. Gid and the escort having no further occasion to go on
to Zarahemla, returned to Helaman. His
arrival was most opportune, for Ammoran, having received large reinforcements,
suddenly attacked the Nephites, and were driving all their corps from their
positions, except the youthful Ammonites, who stood firm as a rock, when the
arrival of Gid and his company turned the tide of battle. The young warriors
again received the warm praise of their father and general. They had remained
firm and undaunted through all the perils of the fight, obeying and performing
every command with the exactness and coolness of veterans. In the hottest of
the encounter they never forgot their mothers' words, nor their heavenly
Father's protecting blessing. Though in this fierce conflict, wherein they undauntedly
bore the brunt of the enemy's savage onslaughts, every one was wounded, even
that two hundred fainted for loss of blood, yet not one was slain, and their
preservation was marvelous in the eyes of their fellow-soldiers. After this
battle the Nephites retained the city of Cumeni, while the Lamanites retreated
eastward to Manti, which was situated on the upper waters of the Sidon. Nor was
it for several months that that city could be taken, as, owing to internal
dissensions at the Nephite capital, and the attempt on the part of some of the
people to overthrow the republic and establish a monarchy, Pahoran, the chief
judge, was unable to supply the necessary provisions and reinforcements. In this
strait, Helaman and his fellow-officers called on the Lord in fervent prayer,
which was not unanswered. They received assurances of deliverance and victory.
These blessed assurances inspired fresh faith and infused renewed courage in
the war-weary hearts of those not given over to the love of carnage. Fired with
the determination, by God's grace, to conquer, they entered on a campaign
against the city of Manti, which by strategy they captured before the end of
the year (B. C. 63). The moral effect of this victory was so great that the
Lamanites retreated into the wilderness, evacuating the whole of the Nephite
territory on the west, but unfortunately taking with them, as prisoners, many
women and children. Such was the condition of affairs when Helaman wrote to
Moroni, the Nephite commander-in-chief, who was directing the campaign on the
eastern side of the continent, and it is from this letter that the above
details of the war on the Pacific slope are condensed. For more
than a year Moroni could not send the needed help to Helaman. The rebels in
Zarahemla had driven the chief judge out of the city, and he had taken refuge
in Gideon. From there he wrote to Moroni to come to his assistance, which that
officer did at the earliest possible moment, leaving the armies in the
northeast under the command of Lehi and Teancum. As he advanced he rallied the
people on his line of march to the defense of the liberties of the republic,
and was so successful that, after having joined the chief judge, Pahoran, he
succeeded in overthrowing the "king men," killing their leader,
Pachus, and completely crushing the rebellion. This being accomplished, he sent
6,000 men with the necessary provisions to reinforce Helaman (B. C. 61.) The
campaign during this year, along the Atlantic coast, was a decisive one. The
Lamanites, in many stubborn battles, were driven from city to city, until they
were forced out of every one that they had captured, during the progress of the
war, from the Nephites. On the west coast they do not appear to have renewed
hostilities. The consequence was that in the next year peace was established in
all the land, not a Lamanite warrior remaining on Nephite soil. Then Pahoran
returned to his judgment seat, and Helaman recommenced his labors in the
ministry (B. C. 60). The long
continued and savage war just closed had brought various evils to the Church,
in many parts of the land it may be said to have been disorganized. The
occupancy of so many of the Nephite cities by the unbelieving Lamanites had
produced numerous demoralizing effects; murders, contentions, dissensions, and
all manner of iniquity had become rife and the hearts of the people became
hardened, yet not altogether so, for there were some who acknowledged the hand
of the Lord in all their afflictions, and these humbled themselves in the
depths of humility; and because of the prayers of these righteous ones, the
people were spared. Such was
the state of affairs when Helaman went forth to call the people to repentance
and set the Church in order. In this blessed work he had much success, and with
the help of his brethren he again established the Church of God throughout all
the land. These labors he continued until the time of his death, and his joy
therein was greatly increased by the continued faithfulness of the people, who,
notwithstanding their abundant prosperity, which, as ever, followed their
repentance, they remained humble, fervent in prayer and diligent in works of
righteousness. Such was the happy condition of the people of Nephi when Helaman
died (B. C. 57), he having survived his illustrious father sixteen years. And
Shiblon, his brother, "took possession of the sacred things that had been
delivered unto Helaman by Alma." Dictionary of the Book of Mormon, p.
142 HELAMAN, THE SON OF HELAMAN The life
of this patriarch is not given with the same details in the inspired record, as
are those of his father, and his illustrious son Nephi. In the year B. C. 53,
he was entrusted with the care of the sacred plates by his uncle Shiblon, and
three years later (B. C. 50) he was elected by the Nephite people to be their
chief judge, in which office he administered the law with justice and equity
until the year B. C. 39, when he died. He had two sons, whom he named after the
first fathers of his people—Nephi and Lehi. It was his eldest son, the
righteous and faithful Nephi, who succeeded him on the judgment seat, and who
also took charge of the sacred plates and the other holy things that
accompanied them. The few
years that preceded the elevation of Helaman to the judgment seat, were among
the most important in Nephite history, for at that time arose that terrible and
devilish organization, the Gadianton robbers, who for so long cursed the
inhabitants of ancient America. Helaman
being a God-fearing, just man, his election was very distasteful to the Gadianton
band and its sympathizers. They resolved to slay him, as they had before slain
the younger Pahoran, and place Gadianton on the judgment seat in his stead. To
accomplish this, the same vile instrument was chosen—Kishkumen. But the
protecting hand of the great Jehovah was over and round about Helaman, and He
preserved him from the assassin's knife. A servant of Helaman (possibly a
detective commissioned in such times of peril to watch the movements of the
dangerous classes,) by disguise became acquainted with the doings of the robber
band, and of their intentions towards his master. As Kishkumen was on his way
to fulfil his bloody work this servant, whose name is not recorded, met him and
gave him one of their secret signs. This admitted him into the confidence of
the assassin, who explained his errand, and asked to be conducted privately
into the judgment hall where Helaman was then sitting in the performance of his
duties. This was agreed upon; the two proceeded to where the murderer expected
to find his victim. The strategy of the servant had disarmed
suspicion—Kishkumen was off his guard. At the opportune moment the servant
stabbed him, and so adroitly did he perform his work that the robber fell dead
without a groan. The servant immediately ran to the judgment hall, and informed
Helaman all that he had heard, seen and done. Without delay orders were issued
for the arrest of the band, but its members, finding that Kishkumen did not
return, and fearing that he had miscarried in his unholy work, under the guidance
of their leader, fled precipitately into the wilderness by a secret way, and,
in the depths of its luxuriant vegetation, hid in a place where they could not
be found. The
succeeding years were of peculiar prosperity, though not of great righteousness,
among the Nephite people. They spread out and colonized in every direction.
Many thousands emigrated to the northern continent, among them great numbers of
the Ammonites, who were originally Lamanites. Numerous new cities were built,
and the old ones repaired; ship-building was largely carried on, and the arts
and manufactures encouraged. Temples, tabernacles and sanctuaries were erected
in great numbers; in fact, the people spread out and covered both continents,
north and south, east and west. The sacred historian states that he has not
recorded one-hundredth part of the doings of the people—their wickedness and
righteousness, their wars and contentions, their peace and prosperity; but many
records were kept upon which the history of these things were engraved, all of
which that are necessary for the world's good will be brought to light in
heaven's own time. The annals
of the remainder of Helaman's rule are very short. In the years B. C. 45 and
44, there were many contentions in the land, but in the latter portion of the
succeeding year they measurably ceased, and tens of thousands were baptized
unto repentance. So great was the prosperity of the Church at this time, that
even the prieshood were surprised hereat, and at the multiplicity of the blessings
that were poured out upon the people. This happy state of affairs continued
until the death of Helaman, though somewhat marred by the increasing pride and
vanity that long-continued prosperity had begotten in the hearts of many of the
Christians. Dictionary of the Book of Mormon, p.
144 - 145 HELEM A brother
of Ammon, the leader of the party that went from Zarahemla to Lehi-Nephi
to discover the people of Zeniff (B. C. 122). Helam accompanied his brethren on
this expedition, and was one of the four cast into prison by King Limhi,
under the supposition that they were some of the priests of his father, Noah,
who had carried off the daughters of the Lamanites. Helem is only mentioned by
name in connection with this incident; but it is evident that if he was a
brother of Ammon, according to the flesh, he was a descendant of Zarahemla, and
doubtless was born in the land of that name and returned to it with the rest of
the party when they led the people of Limhi out of the land of Lehi-Nephi. Dictionary of the Book of Mormon, p.
145 HELORUM A Nephite
prince, one of the sons of King Benjamin. He was instructed by his father in
all the learning of his people, both sacred and secular, and in the history of
the Nephites, with especial reference to God's dealings with, and preserving
care over them. His name is only mentioned once, and then in connection with
his two brothers. Dictionary of the Book of Mormon, p.
145 HEM A brother
of Ammon, who accompanied him on his expedition to Lehi-Nephi. What is said of Helem
can be said of Hem, and no more. Dictionary of the Book of Mormon, p.
145 HERMOUNTS A
wilderness, north and west of Zarahemla, which was infested with wild and
ravenous beasts. Into this wilderness the victorious Nephites drove the
remnants of the Lamanites and Amlicites (B. C. 87), where great numbers
were devoured by wild beasts and vultures. Dictionary of the Book of Mormon, p.
145 HESHLON, PLAINS OF After the
defeat of Shared by Coriantumr, in the valley of Gilgal,
the first named fled to the plains of Heshlon (Ether 13:28), thither Coriantumr
pursued him, and another battle was fought, in which Shared was victorious, and
Coriantumr again retreated to the valley of Gilgal. It is only in connection
with this war that these plains are mentioned, and there is nothing in the
record of the inspired historian to point out their locality. Dictionary of the Book of Mormon, p.
145 - 147 HETH A cruel
and vicious king of the Jaredites. He was the son of Com. His
grandfather, Coriantum, was a righteous ruler, and the people prospered greatly
during his reign; but in the days of Com the increase of wealth and prosperity
was accompanied by an increase of wickedness, and the old secret plans and
associations were revived. Heth became a leader in these things and rose in
rebellion against his father, slew him with his own sword, and became king in
his stead. The Lord then sent many prophets, who called upon the people to
repent, declaring that if they did not a terrible famine should come upon the
land. The people, led and inspired by Heth, rejected the words of the prophets
and cruelly persecuted them; some they cast out, some they threw into pits and
left them to perish. Before long the rains from heaven ceased, and there was a
great dearth over all the land; and poisonous serpents made their appearance
and killed many people. These serpents also attacked the flocks of the
Jaredites and drove them in vast bodies towards the southern continent. Many
perished by the way, but some reached the land known to the Nephites as
Zarahemla. Restrained by the power of God, the serpents stopped at the Isthmus
of Panama, where they formed a cordon, preventing the Jaredites from further
following their scattered flocks. The carcasses of the beasts which fell by the
way were ravenously eaten by the famished people, until they had devoured them
all. We can scarcely imagine the horrors that must have attended this famine,
when the people consumed the poisoned flesh of the creatures thus killed.
Disease in its most terrible form must have followed famine. Before long even
this loathsome food was all consumed and the people rapidly perished. Then
those who remained began to repent of their sins and call on the Lord; and when
they had humbled themselves sufficiently, the Lord sent the long-needed rain
and the remnants of the race began to revive. Soon there began to be fruit in
the north country and the regions around about, and Shiz, the only survivor of
the royal house, reigned over the few that were left; for Heth and all his household,
except Shiz, had perished in the famine. Dictionary of the Book of Mormon, p.
147 HETH A Jaredite
prince, who was, by the usurping dynasty, held in captivity all his days. He
was the son of King Hearthom, who was deposed and kept a prisoner all his
life. Heth's son, Aaron, was also held captive from the day of his birth to his
death. Dictionary of the Book of Mormon, p.
147 HETH, LAND OF A land of
the Jaredites, apparently not far from Moron, the land they first
occupied. When Jared, the son of King Omer, rebelled against his father, it is
said that he came and dwelt in the land of Heth. This is the only time that
this country is mentioned. (Ether 8:2.) Dictionary of the Book of Mormon, p.
147 HIMNI One of the
four sons of King Mosiah, and apparently the youngest, who went up to
the land of Lehi-Nephi to minister among the Lamanites (B. C. 91). With the
rest of his brothers he was faithful in the performance of the labors of this
great mission, and with them he returned at its close to his home in Zarahemla.
Of his individual labors, or in what particular lands he ministered, we have no
account. After his return he still continued a zealous and devoted servant of
the Lord; and in B. C. 75, when Alma, the high priest, took his brothers to the
land of Antionum to preach to the Zoramites, we are told he left Himni with the
church in Zarahemla. This is the last notice we have in the Book of Mormon of
this God-fearing and virtuous prince. Dictionary of the Book of Mormon, p.
147 HOREB This name
is only used once in the Book of Mormon (III Nephi 25:4) in our Savior's
quotation from the prophecies of Malachi. It is generally understood to be
another name for Mount Sinai, which idea this quotation confirms. (Dictionary of the Book of Mormon, p. 147) |
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