The third problem of the Nephites was an old one—war. The Lamanites had learned from the Nephites and copied their armor and weapons (v. 14). They were again led by a dissenter from the Nephites (v. 15). The king of the Lamanites used the age-old tactic of Satan, stir up the people to anger (v. 17; see also 2 Nephi 28:20). The contention in the government had weakened the Nephite government, as it always has and always will (Helaman 1:18). The hawks and the doves of the Congress still defer victory and peace when the United States are involved in war.
It was a quick victory for the Lamanites (v. 20). The second chief judge was killed, one in the fortieth, and the second in the forty-first year of the judges. Each were apparently in office less than a year. The conquest of the center of the land came after the death of Pacumeni. The results of contention over government is summarized by Dr. Daniel H. Ludlow.
“The reign of judges began in the year 92 B.C. of the Christian calendar, and from then until 52 B.C. only three chief judges had served: Alma the younger, Nephihah, and Pahoran. However, in the year 52 B.C. Pahoran died and within the next two years three additional chief judges were selected: (1) Pahoran the second was selected to succeed his father, but he was murdered by Kishkumen (Helaman 1:9): (2) Pacumeni succeeded Pahoran the second, but he was killed by Coriantumr in war (Helaman 1:21); (3) Helaman the second (the son of Helaman who was the son of Alma the younger) then became the new chief judge (Helaman 2:1–2).”