Omer, a notable figure in Jaredite history, was the son of King Shule and became the ruler of the Jaredite kingdom (Ether 1:29-30). His leadership was one marred by internal family conflict, ultimately leading to a series of events that would shape Jaredite history.
Despite his royal lineage, Omer’s reign was challenged by his own son, Jared, who coveted the throne. Jared’s ambition led him to build a following, and with their support, he contested his father’s rule. The discord within the family eventually escalated to outright rebellion, and Jared succeeded in taking half of the kingdom (Ether 8:2). The strife didn’t end there, as Jared’s forces captured Omer, subjecting him to captivity. During this tumultuous period, Omer was father to sons Esrom and Coriantumr while in captivity (Ether 8:4).
However, Omer’s fortunes would reverse thanks to the loyalty and efforts of Esrom and Coriantumr, who were dismayed by their brother Jared’s betrayal. They raised an army to rescue their father, successfully overthrowing Jared and restoring Omer to his throne. Nevertheless, Jared, conspiring with Omer’s daughter and a man named Akish, would once more seek to overthrow Omer through a secret plot (Ether 8:7-12).
In response to the imminent threat against his life, Omer received divine intervention. The Lord, merciful unto him and to his family, warned him in a dream to depart the land (Ether 9:3). Omer heeded this warning, escaping with those loyal to him and thus preserving his life.
The narrative of Omer concludes with a period of relative peace, as he is restored to the position of king following a destructive war instigated by Akish’s sons (Ether 9:12-13). In his old age, Omer anointed his son Emer to succeed him. He witnessed two years of peace under Emer’s rule before his death, a period that contrasted sharply with the sorrow he had seen throughout his life due to captivity, war, and bloodshed (Ether 9:14-15). Omer’s life is a testament to both the trials of leadership and the endurance of righteousness amidst adversity.