Helaman2 Becomes the Chief Judge

John W. Welch

Again, we have the judgment seat empty, and again it was filled by “the voice of the people” (Helaman 2:2). Helaman2, son of the previous high priest, and grandson of Alma the younger was selected for this role. His father, Helaman1 had not been the chief judge, but rather had been the high priest. Helaman2 would have become the High Priest when his father left, because it is more likely that that office was inherited, as prescribed by the Law of Moses. Now, he also became the chief judge. In the forty-second year of the judges, Helaman2 courageously took responsibility. Being both the chief judge and the high priest only heightened the risks of the situation. His brave decision was one of the great moments in Helaman2’s life. At about age twenty-four, he was the only one to whom the people could turn for leadership. Throughout the next few chapters, we will see the wise character of this new chief judge.

John W. Welch Notes

References