Alma begins his discourse to Corianton with both a similarity and a difference from the last two. Missing in this introduction is the personalization of the Nephite national promise; that he would prosper through righteousness. Immediately we notice its absence, as it was the introduction of his address to both Helaman and Shiblon. It would appear that it was a promise emphasized to those who appeared destined to fulfill it. For those it was a promise of personal preservation if they continued to hold to the way of the Lord. As we shall see, Corianton was not as faithful in this regard, and it appears that Alma withheld the specific promise as Corianton was not in as much of a position to fulfill it as were his siblings.
What is similar to the other discourses is that he carries some theme from one to the other. Alma makes reference to Helaman’s blessing when he addresses Shiblon (Alma 38:1), and here he makes reference to Shiblon (and by implication to his blessing). Alma is making a linkage among the brothers. He is asserting their physical bonds as brothers and attempting to make those physical bonds into spiritual bonds. Specifically, we see that Shiblon (not Helaman) is being held up as an example to Corianton.
Alma would understand instinctually that the blessings to the firstborn (as we must assume Helaman to be) would be different from and exceed the blessings of the subsequent brothers. Thus Alma does not hold up Helaman as an example, for to do so would be to present what could be considered an impossible example. How could a younger son approach the merits of the firstborn? In an ancient patriarchal society, the rights of the firstborn are paramount, and it is the violation of those rights through the will of the Lord that lends emphasis to the stories of Joseph from the Old Testament and Nephi in the Book of Mormon.
Shiblon, however, was not privileged by birth, but only by personal merit. It this he is the perfect example for Corianton of one who obeys for the sake of righteousness, and not for position or responsibility.