Helaman’s servant, whose name is not recorded in the text, played a critical role in the protection of the Nephite chief judge. His actions are documented during a tumultuous period of Nephite history when a band of secret conspirators sought to undermine the government and society by assassinating its leaders. Serving directly under Helaman, the chief judge during the end of the 1st century BC, the servant demonstrated both loyalty and cunning.
In a display of astute deception and intelligence gathering, Helaman’s servant infiltrated the ranks of the Gadianton robbers—a secret band of conspirators—and gained the trust of Kishkumen, one of the band’s leaders who was plotting to murder Helaman (Helaman 2:6). Helaman’s servant assisted Kishkumen by pretending to lead him to the judgment-seat for the purpose of carrying out the assassination (Helaman 2:7-8). However, this was a ruse designed to thwart the imminent threat.
As they approached the judgment-seat, Helaman’s servant took decisive action by stabbing Kishkumen to the heart, ensuring that the plot against Helaman was foiled and that Kishkumen would not rise to power through such treachery (Helaman 2:9). After the deed was done, he did not hesitate to report the incident, promptly returning to Helaman to recount the thwarted plot and the steps he had taken to protect his master and the Nephite government (Helaman 2:10).
Helaman’s servant’s actions reflect the serious nature of the political and social struggles during his time—and underscore the vigilance required to maintain order and justice in the face of subterfuge. His story, though brief, represents a decisive blow against the threat posed by the Gadianton robbers and echoes the complexity of the Nephite social order in that era.