Pahoran

In the Book of Mormon, Pahoran (/pə.ˈhɔːr.ən/^[1]) was the third chief judge of the Nephites, inheriting the position from his father Nephihah, beginning circa 67 BC (24th year of the judges). (See Alma 50:39-40.)

Soon after his appointment, he was opposed by the king-men, who wanted to dethrone the chief judge and replace him with a king. Supporting the chief judge and the current order were the "freemen". The people voted and the freemen won. (See Alma 51:2-7.) The king-men were unwilling to defend their country against the attacks from Amalickiah, which angered Moroni. Moroni requested Pahoran give him the right to conscript the king-men, or be executed for treason. Pahoran approved this request. (See Alma 51:13-16.)

Several years later, Moroni writes to Pahoran to request reinforcements, but with no success. Moroni complained to Pahoran and questioned his loyalty to his country. Pahoran responded that the capital city, Zarahemla, was controlled by the king-men and Pahoran had been exiled. He assures Moroni that he is not a traitor, and only wants to preserve the liberty of his people. (See Alma 59:3, 60, 61.) Moroni and Pahoran gathered an army against Pachus, the leader of the king-men. Pachus is slain, the king-men are executed, and Pahoran was restored to the judgement seat. Moroni and Pahoran work to drive the Lamanites from their land. (See Alma 62.)

Finally, circa 53 BC (39th year of the judges), Pahoran dies, apparently while still the Chief-Judge. (See Helaman 1:1-4.)

Pahoran, son of Pahoran

Pahoran was also the name of the previous Pahoran's son. When the aforementioned Pahoran had died, he left no one to fill in his place in the judgement-seat. Three of Pahoran's sons, by the names of Pahoran, Paanchi, and Pacumeni, were left to contend for it, but the matter was settled in the 40th year of the reign of the judges, or 52 BC, over a vote: Pahoran, the son of Pahoran, won it. Pacumeni, when he saw that he lost, accepted the outcome and supported his brother, but Paanchi, the third brother, would not. He tried to rebel, but was executed according to law. His followers were so angry at this that one of them, a man by the name of Kishkumen, went to the judgement-seat and murdered Pahoran. He then escaped the clutches of Pahoran's servants, and fled.

Pahoran was succeeded by his brother, Pacumeni.

References

1. LDS.org: "Book of Mormon Pronunciation Guide" (retrieved 2012-02-25), IPA-ified from «pa-hōr´un»