The brother of Shiblom is a historical figure of notoriety within the context of the Jaredite civilization, distinguished by his violent opposition to prophetic voices. In the aftermath of Com’s demise, Shiblom ascended to the throne, but his reign was soon challenged by his brother, whose name is not recorded in the extant scriptures. This brother led a substantial rebellion against Shiblom, which escalated into a considerable war, destabilizing their society (Ether 11:4).
His antipathy towards the prophets was marked by extreme measures. Determined to suppress any forecasts of doom or calls to repentance that might undermine his political ambitions or the societal status quo, Shiblom’s brother ordered the execution of those who dared to prophesy the impending destruction of the people (Ether 11:5). This action placed him in direct opposition to the divine will, and it cast a shadow over the spiritual welfare of the nation, as the prophets represented the communicative link between the Jaredites and their deity.
Despite the scant details about his life and the absence of his name in the record, Shiblom’s brother is emblematic of the discord and impiety endemic among the Jaredite leadership in eras of moral decline. His legacy is marked by the silencing of prophetic voices and the consequential erosion of righteousness from the public sphere. His story serves as an admonitory example of the perils inherent in rejecting divine counsel and resorting to tyranny to maintain power.