Gilgah was one of the four sons of Jared, who played a significant but brief role in the early period of Jaredite history. His heritage placed him among the founders of the Jaredite civilization, a group that left the confusion of languages at the Tower of Babel and journeyed to a promised land under the direction of God (Ether 6:14). Despite the profound call of his lineage, Gilgah is noted primarily for his refusal to accept the kingship over his people.
The Jaredite community, after arriving in the promised land, desired to establish a monarchy. Jared and his brother, the latter a profoundly spiritual leader, were reluctant to appoint a king, acknowledging the potential pitfalls of such a form of government. The people, adamant in their wishes, sought to instate leaders from among Jared’s sons. Starting with Pagag, each son, including Gilgah, refused the throne, adhering to the warnings against establishing a monarchy and possibly recognizing the future difficulties it could prompt among their people. Finally, the mantle of leadership was taken by Orihah, one of the sons of Jared’s brother, who was anointed as king (Ether 6:24-27).
Gilgah’s refusal to be king, along with his brothers, is the main act recorded about him. No additional contributions or events in his life are detailed in the surviving record. His role remains as a testament to the principle of agency and the respect for prophetic counsel in the early Jaredite society.