In the historical annals of the Jaredite kings, recorded in the Book of Ether, there is a brief mention of a figure only known as a robber who played a pivotal role in the context of internal conflict within the royal household. Shez, the elders son of King Shez, who was himself a righteous leader and walked “in the ways of the Lord” (Ether 10:2), faced rebellion at the hands of his son. In a society where wealth often equated to power and influence, the young Shez’s rebellion is cut short not by political maneuvering or a familial reconciliation, but by an act of violence.
The record tersely notes that Shez the younger, in a time fraught with greed-induced turmoil, “was smitten by the hand of a robber, because of his exceeding riches” (Ether 10:3). The implication is that the robber was motivated by the desire to seize the wealth that Shez possessed. This violent act, while tragic, inadvertently restored peace to King Shez, by ending his son’s rebellion. It is a stark reminder of the tumultuous conditions and the prevalence of banditry during the era, where wealth was a catalyst for violence and power struggles were resolved by bloodshed rather than negotiation.
The identity of this robber remains undisclosed, and the account provides no detail regarding his motives beyond the acquisition of riches. However, the impact of this individual’s action reverberated through the kingdom, influencing the line of succession and the stability of the realm. His single mention in the sacred record leaves a lasting impression of a time when discord was commonplace, and the acquisition of wealth, even through violent means, was an all-too-frequent occurrence among the Jaredites.