The curse that came upon the land in the fifth and sixth years with their property disappearing (vv. 1–2) is another characteristic of animalistic behavior. Possession is nine-tenths of the law among animals. It is also a pattern that the Nephites followed a few years prior to Christ’s birth. Tools and swords were taken from them in a similar way (see Helaman 13:34). As the Second Coming approaches during this writer’s lifetime, he has witnessed a great change in the respect for other people’s property. The home of my parents was never locked, and neighbors were concerned and watched over the property of others. Today things must be locked or secured, particularly in the urban areas.
In the seventh year, the slaughter and inequity continued (Ether 14:3–6). The next two years, the armies are being strengthened, as the secret combinations are involved again (vv. 8–10). They probably were involved in the previous years, but they were not mentioned. The murder of Gilead and his high priest also have a sequel among the Nephites prior to the birth of Christ. The chief judge and his brother were murdered (see Helaman 6:15), and four years later another chief judge was murdered (see Helaman 9:3).