Gilead was a Jaredite military leader and brother of Shared, who fought for the throne against King Coriantumr in the final wars of the Jaredites. About two years after Shared’s death, Gilead gave battle to Coriantumr, who defeated him and pursued him to the wilderness of Akish (Ether 14:3). The fighting in the wilderness of Akish was severe, and many thousands were killed (Ether 14:4). When Coriantumr laid siege to the wilderness, Gilead marched out by night and killed part of Coriantumr’s army while they were drunk (Ether 14:5).
He then came to the land of Moron and placed himself on Coriantumr’s throne (Ether 14:6). His army gained great strength through secret combinations; it is at this point that the record gives his name as Gilead, having earlier called him only the brother of Shared (Ether 14:8). His own high priest murdered him as he sat on his throne (Ether 14:9).