Shiblon

According to the Book of Mormon, Shiblon (/ˈʃɪb.lʌn/^[1]) was a Nephite missionary and record-keeper. He was the second son of Alma the Younger, who was the first chief judge. In the 17th year of the reign of the judges, or 74 BC, Shiblon went with his younger brother Corianton and his father Alma, along with 5 others, on a mission to teach the word of God to the apostate Zoramites in the land of Antionum, while his older brother Helaman stayed behind. The other members of the group consisted of Amulek, Zeezrom, Ammon, Aaron, Omner, and Himni.^[2] The group witnessed the peculiar way that the Zoramites worshiped in their synagogues, including the prayers offered on the Rameumptom.

In a BYU speech entitled No Less Serviceable, Howard W. Hunter gave the following recognition to Shiblon: "Many make their contributions in unsung ways... We don't know much about Shiblon, the faithful son of Alma who is sandwiched between Helaman, the future leader, and Corianton, the transgressor; but it is significant that he is described as a 'just man, and he did walk uprightly before God'" (Alma 63:2).^[3]

Zoramite mission

At the commencement of the Zoramites mission, Alma offered a prayer for Shiblon and the rest of the group, for the Lord to sustain and guide them. At the end of the prayer, as Alma clapped his hands upon them, each one was filled with the Holy Spirit; after which, each went on their separate ways to begin their missionary labors.^[4] Through their faith and prayers, Shiblon and the others found success among the poorer class of the Zoramites, who had been "cast out of the synagogues because of the coarseness of their apparel."^[5]

Alma's counsel

In 73 BC, during Shiblon's mission to the Zoramites, Alma gave him counsel and advice.^[6] From these instructions, we learn that Shiblon was held in bonds and stoned for the Word's sake. According to Alma, Shiblon bore all things with patience because the Lord was with him. We also discover the following strengths and weaknesses that Shiblon may have possessed through the words of counsel that Alma gives:

Strengths

• His steadiness and faithfulness unto God from his youth
• Brought great joy to his prophet father
• Was diligent, patient, and long-suffering.

Counsel because of possible weaknesses

• Remember to put your trust in God to be delivered out of your trials and afflictions
• Continue to teach the word of God
• Be diligent and temperate in all things
• Do not be lifted up unto pride
• Be humble, and do not boast in your own wisdom, nor of your strength
• Use boldness, but not overbearance
• Bridle all your passions
• Refrain from idleness
• Be sober

Importance of continual encouragement

According to the record, while Shiblon appears to be obedient to his father's teachings, Alma demonstrates with his added advice that adult children are in need of continual direction and encouragement from their fathers regardless of the child's maturity and station in life.

Record-keeping in later years

When the 36th year of the judges (56 BC) came, Shiblon inherited the records and other sacred things from Helaman, his brother. He kept them for three years, and then realized he would soon die. And as he could not deliver them to Corianton, who had gone north in a ship, he gave them to Helaman II, the son of his brother Helaman. Shiblon died in the 39th year, or 53 BC.

Family tree

Origin of name

LDS scholar Hugh Nibley pointed out both names are probably related to the Arabic word shibl, "lion cub", and argued that Shiblon may have been a variant of Shiblom. His student Benjamin Urrutia went on to make the connection with the "Jaguar Cub" imagery of the Olmec people.^[7]

Other uses

Shiblon is also the name of a silver Nephite weight, equal to half a senine of gold, or senum of silver. It, therefore, bought half a measure of barley in the Nephite world. See Book of Mormon weights and measures.

See also

• Book of Mormon
• Alma the Younger

Notes