“Coriantumr Wrote Again an Epistle Unto Shiz”

Brant Gardner

Redaction: Once again Coriantumr offers to surrender in exchange for his people’s lives. Once again, Shiz refuses. Given the circumstances, it seems improbable that Ether could have learned first-hand about this letter.

Verse 19 gives an ambiguous reference to “the people.” In verse 18, “his people” refers to Coriantumr’s people. This might suggest that “the people” in verse 19 are Shiz’s. However, the final statement is that all went to war again. I read this instance of “the people” as inclusive of those of Coriantumr and Shiz. I see Coriantumr requesting a respite for his people that they did not necessarily want.

Second Witness: Analytical & Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 6

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