Shiblon survives his brother by only three years. In about 55 B.C., Shiblon foresees his approaching death and needs to find a new guardian for the plates. His brother Corianton had been worthy to receive them but has gone north. This detail confirms that, after Corianton’s backsliding during the Zoramite mission, he had repented sincerely and permanently. (See commentary accompanying Alma 39–42.)
Shiblon therefore entrusts the plates to his nephew, Helaman2. While Shiblon may not have had a son to whom he could pass this responsibility, it is also possible that he saw himself as acting for his brother in caring for the plates. The “rights” to the plates would still pass through Helaman1 even though the plates themselves were temporarily in Shiblon’s care.
Chronology: The thirty-ninth year of the reign of the judges would be approximately 55 B.C.