Nephihah is the second chief judge in Zarahemla, succeeding Alma the Younger around 83 b.c. Alma is increasingly concerned about the declining spirituality of the people and feels moved by the Spirit to shift his emphasis away from political involvements toward the ministry. Nephihah serves in his public leadership capacity until his death, around 67 b.c., “having filled the judgment-seat with perfect uprightness before God” (Alma 50:37). Among the noteworthy events during his tenure are the destruction of the city of Ammonihah by Lamanite invaders, the establishment of the protectorate at Jershon for the Lamanite converts (from the missionary labors of the sons of Mosiah), the dissention of the Zoramites, and the insurrection of Amalickiah and his involvement in Lamanite invasions. Nephihah’s years of service also include considerable commercial progress and increased prosperity for the people. He declines Alma’s invitation to take over the management of the sacred records of the people; thus Alma commissions his son Helaman to this stewardship (see Alma 50:38). Pahoran, son of Nephihah, succeeds his father as chief judge and governor of the land.