In Helaman 1:11-12 we find evidence of ancient wicked secret covenants:
And he went unto those that sent him, and they all entered into a covenant, yea, swearing by their everlasting Maker, that they would tell no man that Kishkumen had murdered Pahoran.
Therefore, Kishkumen was not known among the people of Nephi, for he was in disguise at the time that he murdered Pahoran. And Kishkumen and his band, who had covenanted with him, did mingle themselves among the people, in a manner that they all could not be found; but as many as were found were condemned unto death.
Victor Ludlow notes that of the 154 references to “covenant” in the Book of Mormon, 113 of them explain some promises made between God and his children on the earth. Most of the remaining references describe honorable promises made between leaders and individuals, usually to end periods of conflict. But a third and smallest category of passages contains 17 references to evil, secret covenants made between men and the devil. Fifteen of these secret covenant references are found in 12 verses in the book of Helaman and the first chapters of 3 Nephi: Helaman 1:11-12; Helaman 2:3; Helaman 6:21-22; Helaman 6:25-26; Helaman 6:30; 3 Nephi 6:28; 3 Nephi 6:29-30; 3 Nephi 7:11.
The oldest record we have of covenant making which continues into later dispensations is found in the book of Deuteronomy. This covenant making process can be divided into five steps:
1. Historical background = Introducing the covenant parties and recounting past relationships and promises.
2. Stipulations = Listing the general and specific expectations of either party.
3. Blessings and Curses = Announcing the possible consequences (blessings/rewards and curses/punishments).
4. Witnesses = Verifying the contract through earthly and heavenly observers.
5. Remembrance = Recording a review, revision, and renewal process.
These are the same steps that a sovereign ruler would use to establish a covenant or treaty relationship with his vassals in the ancient Near East. These same five steps also exemplify the covenant process between the Heavenly Sovereign of this earth and his children, particularly as demonstrated through baptism and the temple ordinances. We will see that all five of these steps are found among the imitation secret covenants of wicked men as recorded in Helaman and 3 Nephi. Analyzing these specific verses will tell us much about secret, evil vows… . The key elements and covenant steps are highlighted in charts (see illustrations). [Victor L. Ludlow, “Secret Covenant Teachings of Men and the Devil,” in The Book of Mormon: Helaman through 3 Nephi 8, According to Thy Word, pp. 265-279] [See the commentary and charts for Helaman 6:21-22, 3 Nephi 6:28-30]
Helaman 1:11 They all entered into a covenant (Secret Covenants of Men and the Devil) [[Illustration] Secret Covenant Verses 1 & 2 = Helaman 1:11-12. [Victor L. Ludlow, “Secret Covenant Teachings of Men and the Devil,” in The Book of Mormon: Helaman through 3 Nephi 8, According to Thy Word, pp. 271-272]