Noah, son of Zeniff and father of Limhi, ascended to the throne as the second Nephite king in the land of Nephi, which his father had reclaimed and settled after journeying from Zarahemla. Noah’s reign, commencing around 160 B.C., was marked by his departure from his father’s righteous legacy. He did not “walk in the ways of his father” but engaged in licentious and avaricious behaviors, leading his people into “whoredoms and all manner of wickedness” (Mosiah 11:1-2). His indulgent preferences induced him to replace his father’s pious priests with others whose hearts were also bent on material wealth and sensual gratifications, mirroring his own (Mosiah 11:14).
To sustain the lavish excesses of his reign, Noah levied onerous taxes upon his subjects, exacting “one fifth part of all they possessed” (Mosiah 11:3, 6). His transgressions included rejection of prophetic counsel, specifically that of Abinadi, who called upon Noah and his priests to repent or face servitude to their enemies (Mosiah 11:27). Initially fearing the prophetic warnings of impending judgment (Mosiah 17:11), Noah was eventually persuaded by his corrupt priests to order the execution of Abinadi (Mosiah 17:12, 20). Before his death, the prophet Abinadi pronounced a prophecy of fiery death upon Noah, presaging his eventual fate (Mosiah 17:18).
Noah met his demise amid warfare with the Lamanites, advising his followers to forsake their families amidst the conflict. When some refused to comply and remained loyal to their kin, Noah’s self-centered nature was exposed, reflecting the consequences of his disregard for God and familial responsibilities. Ultimately, Noah was executed by being burned to death, an act carried out by his own subjects, fulfilling Abinadi’s prophecy (Mosiah 19:9-12, 19:20). His death serves as a stark warning of the perils of self-serving leadership and the forsaking of divine mandates. Noah’s lineage continued with his son, Limhi, who notably differed from his father in character, demonstrating a commitment to justice and the welfare of his people (Mosiah 19:17).