Lehonti emerges in the historical narrative of the Book of Mormon as the leader of a faction of Lamanites who were opposed to their king’s command to wage war against the Nephites around 72 BC. Under Lehonti’s command, these dissenting Lamanites occupied the high ground on Mount Antipas, determined not to be a part of the conflict with the Nephites (Alma 47:6). His prominence grew among those who sought a more peaceful approach, solidifying his role as a key figure amongst his people during this tumultuous period.
Lehonti’s resistance, however, caught the attention of Amalickiah, a cunning and ambitious Nephite defector who sought to use the Lamanite forces for his own ends. In an effort to assume control over the entire Lamanite army, Amalickiah devised a plan to usurp authority. Pretending to rally to Lehonti’s cause, Amalickiah approached Lehonti with a treacherous proposal: Amalickiah would deliver the forces loyal to the Lamanite king into Lehonti’s hands if Lehonti appointed him as second in command (Alma 47:13-16). Trusting Amalickiah’s seeming subordination, Lehonti agreed and emerged victorious in a bloodless coup, only to fall victim to Amalickiah’s further machinations.
Once Lehonti had control of the combined forces, Amalickiah covertly arranged for his new superior’s assassination by having him poisoned incrementally (Alma 47:18-19). With Lehonti’s untimely death, Amalickiah’s path was cleared, allowing him to gain command of the entire Lamanite army, a crucial step in his quest for power which ultimately enabled him to crown himself king of the Lamanites. Lehonti’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the perils of pride and the consequences of misplaced trust in those who harbor sinister ambitions.