How rapidly the threats to the unity of Zarahemla begin. In the very first year of the reign of the judges, some of the principles upon which the larger community rested were called into question. This begins the incident of Nehor, a name that will last longer than this particular incident. Certainly this incident was important for Mormon because Nehor created a challenge to the church, and Mormon’s clear purpose is to demonstrate the continuity of the principles of God throughout all attempts against them by man.
In the more historical sense, however, we need to ask ourselves why Nehor was brought to be judged. The fact that he was brought for judgment suggests that some, if not many, thought that Nehor violated some type of community law. Our question will be what type of law he might be violating, and what the nature of his crime was. While the most likely cause for having him brought before the judge was the death of Gideon (Alma 1:9-10), what is most fascinating is the amount of time spent on his other crimes.
One of the first things that is perhaps important in the case of Nehor is Mormon’s description of him. Nehor is “large, and was noted for his much strength.” Since Mormon certainly could not have known Nehor personally, this is very obviously information contained on the plates that Mormon used as a source. Amidst all of the other things said about Nehor, why did the ancient writer include the information that he was large and noted for strength?
While we cannot be certain what the reasons were, it is probable that this description was intended to help us understand why Nehor was successful. Even today we note the taller people faster than those of more normal height. Even today we note the more athletic much faster than those who are of lesser build.
For a man to be noted for size and strength in an ancient world where much work was manual labor suggests that he was stood out over and above the average working man, not simply over the pampered nobleman. Apparently Nehor had a physical presence that was notable, and probably admired. For the ancients as well as our modern world, there are values we attach to physical good looks, and Nehor apparently had a physical charisma that apparently matched by his personal charisma (as will be seen).
In verse 3 we get the very first indication of the nature of the “problem” of Nehor. While his most egregious crime will be noted in verses 9 and 10, the beginning of the case against him starts with Nehor’s attack on the nature of Nephite priesthood (as an organization, not a power). Rather than the egalitarian priests of Benjamin and Mosiah, Nehor was preaching a professional priesthood. We will hear that he also had some doctrinal differences, but Mormon’s very first concern (likely taken from the original plates) was for the conflict between the lay and professional priesthood. As we work our way through his case, note how often it is this type of problem and not the murder of Gideon that is described.