The Wickedness of the Jaredites

Church Educational System

Ether 10:5–7 describes the reign of Riplakish. Note how his wickedness was duplicated by wicked King Noah (see Mosiah 11). Note the following characteristics of both kings:

Riplakish (Ether 10)

Characteristics

Noah (Mosiah 11)

v. 5

Very immoral

v. 2

v. 5

Taxed the people heavily

v. 3

v. 6

Built spacious buildings

v. 8

v. 7

Glutted himself on the work of others

v. 6

v. 8

Killed by his own people

Mosiah 19:20

Is it any wonder that Isaiah warned his people, and us as well, “For the leaders of this people cause them to err”? (Isaiah 9:16, 2 Nephi 19:16). The righteous King Mosiah later commanded his people not to have kings because “the sins of many people have been caused by the iniquities of their kings” (Mosiah 29:31).

In Ether 14:2 we are told that a man defended his “wives.” It is not known if the Lord allowed the Jaredites plural wives, but at least in the case of Riplakish we know the practice was abused.

Book of Mormon Student Manual (1996 Edition)

References