Kishkumen was a significant but nefarious figure in the annals of Nephite history, gaining notoriety around 52-51 B.C. as a founder of secret combinations among the Nephite nation. He initially surfaces in the historical narrative following the death of the Nephite chief judge Pahoran, when a dispute concerning succession among Pahoran’s sons led to unrest. The people’s decision to support Pahoran’s son Pahoran incensed Kishkumen’s associates who had favored Paanchi, another son of the late chief judge, who was executed for his insurrectionist activities (Helaman 1:7-9).
Reacting to these events, Kishkumen murdered the newly elected chief judge, Pahoran, while Pahoran was seated upon the judgment-seat, an act that plunged the Nephite society into further disorder (Helaman 1:9). Cunning and deceitful, Kishkumen eluded justice through disguise and rapid escape and then formed a secret oath-bound society with others, which was committed to protecting its members from the consequences of their crimes (Helaman 1:11-12).
This society’s influence grew when Kishkumen allied with Gadianton, who was proficient in persuasive oratory and subterfuge and became the leader of the band (Helaman 2:4-5). Together, they plotted to expand their power and influence within Nephite society. This led to a conspiracy to assassinate Helaman, the son of Helaman, who had been appointed chief judge after the chaos resulting from Kishkumen’s earlier assassination of the previous chief judge (Helaman 2:3).
Kishkumen’s life ended as he attempted to execute the plot against Helaman. He was killed by a servant of Helaman who had infiltrated the conspiracy and learned of their plans. The servant met with Kishkumen, feigning interest in joining the conspiracy, and then stabbed him to the heart, whereupon Kishkumen died without uttering a groan (Helaman 2:9). His death, however, did not spell the end for the band of robbers and murderers he helped found. The secret combination continued to grow, eventually permeating Nephite and Lamanite societies and contributing to the ultimate destruction of the Nephite nation (Helaman 6:18, 24). Kishkumen’s legacy is one of murder, conspiracy, and initiation of a cycle of secret oaths and violence that had profound and lasting effects on the history of the Book of Mormon peoples.