Editing Book of Helaman (section)

== Summary ==
According to the narrative in the Book of Mormon, the Book of Helaman is set in 50–1 BC. Helaman is named for Alma's grandson, Helaman. The actions of the first three chapters center around him. Helaman's son Nephi is central to the rest of the record. The book of Helaman as a whole is edited and compiled by Mormon, who is the author of chapter 12.<ref>{{harvnb|Hardy|2023|pp=503–505}}; {{harvnb|Mackay|1992}}; {{Cite web|url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/title-page?lang=eng|title = Title Page}}</ref> Events are related episodically. The miraculous incidents in Helaman 5 describe a significant conversion of many Lamanites to Book of Mormon Christianity.<!--what to call the religion of the people in the BoM? Hardy says "the gospel"-->{{sfn|Hardy|2023|pp=503-505}}

In the first part of Helaman, a secret society, commonly called a secret combination, spurs political unrest among the Nephites. Pahoran's son, also named Pahoran, wins the election to be the new chief judge. Paanchi and his followers make an oath of secrecy and murder son Pahoran. A few months later, a Lamanite army captures the Nephite capital until the Nephites reclaim it. Helaman, son of Helaman is elected as the new chief judge. The same group who murdered Pahoran tries to murder Helaman, but a spy kills the assassin before he succeeds. The group retreats to the wilderness and they are referred to as a "band of robbers". (Chapters 1–2.)<ref>{{harvnb|Matheson|2020|pp=6; 14–16}}; {{lds|Helaman|hel|2|10}}</ref>

The second part of Helaman covers a period of Nephite technological growth, war with the Lamanites, and proselyting to the Lamanites. Helaman reigns over the Nephites, who develop shipping, expand northward, and become wealthy and prideful. Helaman dies and his son Nephi becomes chief judge. Disagreements in the land of the Nephites lead to war with the Lamanites, where Moronihah conquers half of their land. After stepping down as chief judge, Nephi goes with his brother Lehi to preach to the Nephites and the Lamanites. Lamanites in Nephites lands imprison them. Angels and a pillar of fire manifest and their presence sparks the conversion of onlookers, who in turn convert the Lamanites, who peaceably leave the Nephite lands they were occupying. The Gadianton robbers return and murder Cezoram, who filled in for Nephi in the judgement seat. Meanwhile, the Lamanites' righteousness increases. (Chapters 3–6.)<ref>{{harvnb|Hardy|2023|pp=503–505}};{{harvnb|Matheson|2020|pp=7; 32–36; 50}}; {{harvnb|Thomas|2016|p=123}}; {{lds|Helaman|hel|6|15-19}}</ref>

In the third part of Helaman, Nephi prophesies about the Nephites and their future. Nephi comes home after his six-year mission to find that the Nephites have become wicked in his absence. He says that the Nephites' destruction is nigh. He prophesies that the chief judge has been murdered by his brother, and this prophecy is confirmed. He prophesies that the brother will deny murdering the chief judge, but that the blood on the skirts of his cloak will give him away. The Nephites are divided. God grants Nephi the power to do "all things" "according to [his] word". Nephi sends a famine into the land for three years, when many people return to their faith and Nephi prays the rain back. The Gadianton robbers become more powerful. (Chapters 7–11.)<ref>{{harvnb|Matheson|2020|pp=58–62; 64}}; {{harvnb|Hardy|2023|pp=503–505}}; {{lds|Helaman|hel|10|5}}</ref>

In the last part of Helaman, [[Samuel the Lamanite]] prophesies that the Nephites will be destroyed in 400 years. He promises that their attempts to secure their future using money will fail. He says that unless the Nephites repent, their women and children will suffer and die. He foretells of the signs and wonders of Jesus' birth and death. The Nephites reject his prophecies. (Chapters 13–16)<ref>{{harvnb|Matheson|2020|pp=96; 99}}; {{harvnb|Hardy|2023|pp=503–505}}</ref>