Helaman Ch1

We are now entering the record of Helaman and his sons that contains more wars, contentions, and dissensions among the Nephites. We will witness a time where Lamanites become more righteous than the Nephites and are more blessed because of it. In this first chapter, there are some sketchy politics going on and a Lamanite attack.
The 40th year starts with the passing of Pahoran and an election being held to elect the new chief judge out of three of the sons of Pahoran; Pahoran, Paanchi, and Pacumeni (v1-4). The division among the people fell in favor of Pahoran when election time came and Pacumeni accepted his defeat respectfully and joined his brother to unit the people, but Paanchi and his supporters were upset and wanted to rise up in rebellion (v5-7). Before he could start a rebellion, he was condemned to death under the law for anyone seeking to destroy liberty, and I can only imagine how hard this was on Pahoran to be the chief judge that has to sentence his brother to death (v8).
The supporters still rose up in rebellion and hired a hitman by the name of Kiskumen to take Pahoran out, and he was quick and thorough enough to get away with it (v9-12). It does make me curious as to how the records have this knowledge...but that's answered in the next chapter so no worries! Pacumeni was appointed in Pahoran's stead by popular vote and the matter was mostly settled at the end of the year (v13). Now as the 41st year begins, the Lamanites came with a huge army led by Coriantumr (who was a dissenter from the Nephites), who was supported and appointed by the Lamanites king, Tubaloth, son of Ammoron (v14-17).
With all the government problems that the Nephites were having, they neglected keeping adequate guards around Zarahemla mostly because the Lamanites weren't known for coming all the way to Zarahemla being the capital and in the middle of the land (v18). That being said, Coriantumr was different than the previous Lamanite captains and led the army straight to the capital and took possession easily killing Pacumeni in the process (v19-21). After succeeding in that mission, Coriantumr got all cocky and went to take Bountiful before any Nephite army could be formed in that part of the land (v22-24).
Despite all the deaths of the Nephites, Moronihah, the new Nephite general, had a great advantage in encircling the Lamanite invaders by sending Lehi's army against them before they got to Bountiful, and meeting them as they tried to retreat (v25-30). During the battle, Coriantumr was slain and the soldiers were left surrounded and surrendered after a bloody battle (v31-32). Now, I don't think this was wise, but Moronihah lets the Lamanites leave after retaking Zarahemla (v33). Like seriously? They are just going to come back! But whatever, his choice, and thats how the year 41 ends (v34).