Textual: After the death of Helaman, Shiblon takes possession of the “sacred things.” These are all of the official records. Shiblon is Helaman’s brother, not his son (we first meet Shiblon in Alma 31:6-7). Even though this isn’t a father to son transfer, the plates remain in the hands of the lineage of the religious leader, not in the line of the political leader. This point will become important as we examine the close of the book of Alma and the opening of the book of Helaman.