Shez emerged as a prominent figure in Jaredite history, assuming leadership amid a time of significant distress for his people. His lineage placed him as a descendant of Heth, who had perished alongside his household, save Shez, during a great famine brought on by widespread wickedness (Ether 10:1). Upon ascending to leadership, Shez sought to rectify the moral decline that had previously engulfed the nation. He invested efforts in reconstructing the damaged society, drawing inspiration from the Lord’s guidance, which had safely led Jared and his brother from the chaos at the Tower of Babel across the great waters to the promised land.
With a profound regard for the past calamities that befell his ancestors due to their iniquities, Shez was steadfast in his dedication to righteousness. He actively avoided the destructive path of his fathers and diligently worked to establish a kingdom anchored in the principles of divine law (Ether 10:2). His governance was marked by periods of peace, notwithstanding a brief interruption when Shez’s own son, also named Shez, insurrected against him. The uprising, however, concluded with the death of the younger Shez at the hands of a thief, which subsequently restored tranquility to the realm.
Throughout Shez’s tenure, many cities rose across the land, reflective of growing stability and flourishing civilization under his rule (Ether 10:4). The king’s life extended to an “exceedingly old age,” and he was blessed with both sons and daughters during his years. His legacy continued through his son Riplakish, who succeeded him upon his death.