Heth occupied a significant role among the Jaredites as a king whose reign was marked by a return to the heinous practices of secret combinations and the shedding of innocent blood. He assumed the throne in a cruel and parricidal manner, slaying his own father, Com, by the sword, illustrating the extent of the societal decay and the intense personal ambitions that underpinned his rise to power (Ether 9:26).
During his kingship, Heth’s choices further embroiled his people in wickedness. He not only endorsed but commanded the persecution of prophets who spoke out against the growing evil. His iniquitous leadership culminated in the people casting out the prophets, with some being consigned to pits to perish (Ether 9:29). The widespread iniquity of Heth’s reign displeased the Lord, which consequentially led to a severe famine and a plague of venomous serpents that devastated the population, including Heth and his household, with the exception of his son, Shez (Ether 9:28-35; Ether 10:1).
The severity of the divine judgments during Heth’s reign served as a harsh lesson to the Jaredites. It was under these dire circumstances that repentance started to occur, leading to the eventual cessation of the famine and the replenishment of the land. With the death of Heth, his son Shez ascended the throne and sought to repair the damage done, guiding the people towards righteousness and stability once more.