Riplakish was a Jaredite king noted for his unrighteous reign, marked by extravagance and oppression. He ascended the throne following the death of his father, Shez, who had lived to an old age and was remembered for his righteousness (Ether 10:4). By contrast, Riplakish did not follow in his father’s ways. His rule exploited the labor of his people and disregarded the commandments of the Lord, as Riplakish took many wives and concubines, laying heavy burdens upon the citizens (Ether 10:5).
The luxuries of his reign were financed by heavy taxation, causing suffering to those who could not afford to pay. Those unable to bear the tax burden were imprisoned, and this extensive system of incarceration was utilized for forced labor. The prisons became workshops where Riplakish’s opulent desires were fulfilled—fine workmanship and the refinement of gold were carried out by the captive labor force (Ether 10:6-7). The scriptures do not gloss over his iniquities but straightforwardly describe how he “afflicted the people with his whoredoms and abominations” (Ether 10:7).
Riplakish’s tyrannical reign would eventually fuel a rebellion among the people who suffered under his rule. After forty-two years as king, the uprising culminated in Riplakish being killed, and his descendants were driven out of the land (Ether 10:8). Despite the unrighteous legacy of Riplakish, his lineage would regain power when one of his descendants, Morianton, ascended to leadership, though Morianton’s reign, while just, was also not morally upright.