Jaredite Era

Colonization of the Promised Land

Ether 6:13–18

The Jaredites begin to till the ground, multiply, and establish themselves—Jared has sons, one of whom is Orihah.

And it came to pass that they went forth upon the face of the land, and began to till the earth. And Jared had four sons; and they were called Jacom, and Gilgah, and Mahah, and Orihah. And the brother of Jared also begat sons and daughters. And the friends of Jared and his brother were in number about twenty and two souls; and they also begat sons and daughters before they came to the promised land; and therefore they began to be many. And they were taught to walk humbly before the Lord; and they were also taught from on high. And it came to pass that they began to spread upon the face of the land, and to multiply and to till the earth; and they did wax strong in the land.

Ether 6:19

In time, Jared’s brother ages, and suggest to Jared that the people be gathered together to hear their wishes.

And the brother of Jared began to be old, and saw that he must soon go down to the grave; wherefore he said unto Jared:

“Let us gather together our people that we may number them, that we may know of them what they will desire of us before we go down to our graves.”

Ether 6:20–22

A census is taken, and the people express their wish to have king appointed.

And accordingly the people were gathered together. Now the number of the sons and the daughters of the brother of Jared were twenty and two souls; and the number of sons and daughters of Jared were twelve, he having four sons. And it came to pass that they did number their people; and after that they had numbered them, they did desire of them the things which they would that they should do before they went down to their graves. And it came to pass that the people desired of them that they should anoint one of their sons to be a king over them.

Ether 6:23

The brother of Jared is concerned, as he thinks this will lead the people into captivity.

And now behold, this was grievous unto them. And the brother of Jared said unto them:

“Surely this thing leadeth into captivity.”

Ether 6:24

Jared says that the people should have their way, and tells them to choose a king.

But Jared said unto his brother:

“Suffer them that they may have a king.”

And therefore he said unto them:

“Choose ye out from among our sons a king, even whom ye will.”

Ether 6:25–27

The people choose the brother of Jared’s son, Pagag, but Pagag refuses; Pagag’s brothers and cousins all refuse as well, except for Jared’s son Orihah, who agrees, and becomes king.

And it came to pass that they chose even the firstborn of the brother of Jared; and his name was Pagag. And it came to pass that he refused and would not be their king. And the people would that his father should constrain him, but his father would not; and he commanded them that they should constrain no man to be their king. And it came to pass that they chose all the brothers of Pagag, and they would not. And it came to pass that neither would the sons of Jared, even all save it were one; and Orihah was anointed to be king over the people.