A Seed from the Tree

A Seed From the Tree

The Book of Mormon

Another Testament of Jesus Christ

Doctrine and Commentary

By

Kevin R. Beck

© 2014 Kevin Romney Beck

ISBN: 9781311420138

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Cover Art: The Tree of Life, Rebecca Coleman

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Preface

Chapter 1. 1 Nephi

Chapter 2. 2 Nephi

Chapter 3. Jacob

Chapter 4. Enos

Chapter 5. Jarom, Omni, Words of Mormon

Chapter 6. Mosiah

Chapter 7. Alma

Chapter 8. Helaman

Chapter 9. 3 Nephi

Chapter 10. 4 Nephi

Chapter 11. Mormon

Chapter 12. Ether

Chapter 13. Moroni

Appendix:

King Benjamin: Example of Righteous Leadership in the Home

People of Limhi, People of Alma: A Perspective on the Opposition in All Things

Alma and Amulek: If you feed a prophet . . . Expectations for Disciples of Christ

The Tree of Life, the True Vine: The Atonement, Key to Attaining the Stature of Christ

Acknowledgments

First, I must acknowledge the grace and mercy of our Father in Heaven for the myriad and seemingly unending ways in which He blesses me. My experiences lead me to conclude, beyond any doubt, that we do indeed have a living and real Father. His love is the primary motivation behind any good I might do. He does want us to know Him and His ways. He does want us to understand this journey, mortal life. He wants us to see the beauty and joy in the creation of which we are a part. He wants us to see our role in blessing the lives of His other children and in the unfolding of the universe.

I acknowledge the influence of my lovely wife. She has been an inspiration for progress in those crucial lessons regarding the Atonement of Jesus Christ and in understanding the central role that learning how to love both God and His children plays in God’s plan. Those lessons now form the foundation of my life.

I must also acknowledge the influence of association with the many good people next to whom I have served in various capacities in the Church. Their example and wisdom have inspired me and led me to do better and be better. Of particular importance has been the lesson taught through their good lives on how to lovingly serve others. Their modeling of how to care for those around us and the way I have felt as they have served me have opened my eyes to see the vital importance of serving. Their living as they do has helped bring into sharper focus the words of the Lord and His prophets that pure religion and undefiled is to minister to the needs of the widow, the poor, the hungry. So seeing has made the teachings of the scriptures, particularly the Book of Mormon with its message of prayer and humble service, more penetrating and powerful. It has made the Book of Mormon more clear.

I acknowledge the wisdom in the written words of several authors and authorities. I do so because their writings have shaped me, my thoughts, my feelings. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s book, Christ and the New Covenant, Elder Bruce Hafen’s book, The Broken Heart, and Stephen E. Robinson’s books, Believing Christ and Following Christ stand preeminent among these. Christ’s mission and teachings, from His premortal beginnings, through His saving mortal life, to His everlasting reign as God and Advocate are much more clear and meaningful due to these books. Perhaps a great many of the thoughts I share within this work have been inspired by these and similar books. There is no way to accurately and fairly footnote every credit due to Elder Holland and Elder Hafen since their efforts flavor the whole. Without a recapitulation of their books here, I finish by saying that they have helped me to greater understanding of our Redeemer’s Atonement, which has been the core of every prophet’s teachings from Adam to Thomas S. Monson. And because I have sensed the great sacrifice offered, in part, on my behalf and have felt the relief when the burden of both remorse and guilt from sin is lifted, I now enjoy a peace and contentment in life I had never known previously. Their books have helped me realize what a rare and priceless possession is the Book of Mormon.

Lastly, I must mention and thank Elizabeth Bentley for her extraordinary contribution of time, suggestions, and encouragement regarding my efforts to complete this book.

Introduction

The purpose of this work is to assist others in their efforts to understand this standard for our age and time—the Book of Mormon. I approach the Book of Mormon on a verse by verse basis. While it is usually the case that verses are understood more fully when viewed in the context of the larger experience or passage from which the verse was extracted, I will discuss each verse separately. Context has been a part of the analysis of the verse, however. For any one verse there may be several layers of meaning.

Of course, the most important tool any of us has in gaining greater understanding of the scriptures is the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Nothing in this work is intended to replace or supplant the revelations of the Spirit. In fact, just the opposite is true. When I recognized that whenever I read the Book of Mormon, with time to ponder, feel, and reflect, I had a spiritual experience, I then realized just how completely I knew the Book of Mormon was true. One does not pluck such wonderful and precious fruit from a bad tree. How could I suggest or write anything that would deny anyone similar experiences with the Spirit? Rather, please, read the Book of Mormon with time to feel its power and goodness. Avoid any feelings of rush or hurry. Try to put aside feelings of doubt in its ability to teach and lift. As you refer to this commentary seeking understanding of the Book of Mormon, please invite the Spirit into your studies as well.

As the Book of Mormon has been subtitled, Another Testament of Jesus Christ one would expect it to bear repeated and powerful testimony of the Savior. So it does. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has described the successive testimonies of Christ in the Book of Mormon as the viewing of a series of mountaintops in a major mountain range. They may appear as the never ending crests of waves rolling to shore. From one lofty peak to another, these testimonies of the prophets and writers of the Book of Mormon lift us toward heaven and our Savior. Verses which contain testimony of Christ, or which reveal His character or mission as Savior and Redeemer, or which stand as witness of those promises on the title page of the Book of Mormon pertaining to its purpose are marked by the symbol .

Prayer is, to me, the other central theme in the Book of Mormon. Prayer is taught by Alma the Younger as being essential to worship, and is modeled by Nephi and the Brother of Jared as being a key to our understanding and spiritual progress. Prayer is shown to be the means of gaining strength to endure hardship and as the source of blessing to those dear to us. Prayer is presented as the key to receipt of one’s own witness of the Book of Mormon’s truth. It is practiced by the resurrected Christ and is emphasized to be the evidence of our faithful discipleship. Verses containing examples of how prayer should be done or in what situations or for what ends are marked by the symbol .

Preface

On the eve of the Crucifixion, the Savior’s prayer on behalf of His disciples declared this fundamental truth, And this is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent (John 17:3).

If the purpose of mortal life, and the hope for eternal life, is to come to know God and become like Him, this commentary asserts (not necessarily in contrast to other commentaries) that the Book of Mormon is the preeminent printed statement on how to do that. The Book of Mormon’s influence lifts its readers to the stature and image of Christ and His Father, whom the Savior revealed to us through His own life and words. The great prophet of the restoration, Joseph Smith, Jr., said the Book of Mormon, was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than any other book.

Much has been said and continues to be said about the importance of the Book of Mormon as the keystone of the Mormon faith, which body of belief is simply the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. What is not as often noted is the great power in the Book of Mormon, more so than in any other book, to bring its readers nearer to God. If there is desire to help those whom you love develop a more intimate relationship with our God, would not the Book of Mormon be the place to start?

Moroni was the last prophet to write upon the metal plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated. He finished the compilation work, which had been the ministry and toil of his father, Mormon. Given the solitude in which Moroni lived out the approximately thirty-six years of his life after the last great battle between the Nephites and Lamanites, he was free to fill his hours any way he chose. No doubt Moroni would have had a near daily necessity of obtaining sustenance and in avoiding the Lamanites. But in his moments of repose the plates and the record written thereon seem to have been a frequent guest in his thoughts, and he seems to have given much thought to how to finish the record of his people. He considered all that had been preserved in the record and then added the first six chapters of the book that bears his name to round out several administrative issues regarding the church. He added those powerful letters from his father, containing teachings on faith, hope and charity, found in chapters 7, 8, and 9 in the book of Moroni. And being thoroughly immersed in the message and intent of the Book of Mormon and the wise purposes the record had been written to fulfill, Moroni crafted the title page of the book.

From this beginning on the title page to the last few verses in the Book of Mormon, also written by Moroni, the purpose of the book is to convince the world that Jesus is the Christ. In the title page Moroni also added that one of the intentions of the scribes, compilers, and prophets whose words comprise the Book of Mormon was to reveal that our God and Father desires to work with His children through the relationship of a covenant and that our eternal Father can be trusted to keep His part of His covenants with us. God uses mighty miracles or, sometimes, simple means which are nonetheless miraculous and impossible for man to accomplish, in bringing to pass His purposes. That His children are His glory and the focus of His work is also clearly taught clearly in the book. Moroni wants the readers of the Book of Mormon to expect this heroic attention by God to His children from before even starting the body of the book. To remember what great things the Lord has done is an oft-repeated teaching of leaders in the book itself. When one is convinced that God is real, that He has a commitment and devotion to His children, even to the sending of His Firstborn Son into the world to redeem and sanctify His other children, there comes into the soul a peace and sense of hope and purpose that otherwise is not possible.

Knowing that God is a real and devoted parent, and that we are His offspring, suggests we are NOT here by chance. Rather, we are the literal offspring of the Creator of the universe and were placed on earth to fulfill His divine purposes. Ultimately, God’s design for us is that we inherit all that He has and is, as we are exalted and receive eternal life in His kingdom. When the hope of eternal life becomes to us a real possibility, our priorities and pursuits in life change. Who would stoop for the vain, dirty, ugly, or promiscuous in life when the glory of exaltation waits at this life’s end? Instead, hope springs and swells in our souls, and we seek that which is virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy.

To come to an understanding that God is real, that He loves each of us and wants to have a personal relationship with each of us is, then, the most important result to be gained from a study of the Book of Mormon. To the sincere reader of the book the question has to be, how does such an understanding come to pass (to borrow a phrase from the book)? How can a mere book, a collection of words, black symbols on a white page, cause to come into your heart or soul the affirmation that God really is there. How can a book bring to its readers that swelling of heart, sweetly filling to overflowing? A feeling which penetrates with power to the marrow of your bones, yet gently whispers to your thoughts, your Father in Heaven knows and loves you? Well, unfathomable as it may seem, my assertion and witness is that it happens, just that way.

The Book of Mormon clearly teaches the effects arising from Adam’s Fall. We learn that freedom of choice in mortal life was preserved first by Jesus Christ in the premortal counsels in heaven when He willingly offered to be for us the lamb of sacrifice, and then as our Father prevented fallen Adam from partaking of the Tree of Life too soon. By casting Adam out of the Garden and placing cherubim to guard the way of the Tree, God gave to Adam a probationary time in which to learn and repent before returning to the presence of God and communion with Him. Adam was given time to prepare for the next life by making wise choices, which choices are predicated on the existence of alternatives, knowledge of them, and freedom to choose. This time to prepare—to choose—is our common inheritance from Father Adam.

The Book of Mormon presents the shortcomings of mortal man. While not inherently evil, the mortal man is nonetheless prone to sin. We are subject to the weakness in our flesh and blood. We are tempted by our appetites, both physical and emotional. Our bodies are subject to disease and illness; our perspective and opinions are often misguided and in error. We all make mistakes, we sin. We face bitterness and frustration. We suffer pain and disappointment. If we do succeed in overcoming the frailty of mortality and in enduring its hardships, as daunting as they may be, we cannot overcome the effects of sin which separate us forever from our Father in Heaven and our desired eternal home. On our own, we would forever be without hope of returning to our celestial beginnings, there to reside with our loved ones and family. To compensate for our unworthiness brought about by sin, as well as to compensate for every other heartache, pain, and frustration of this mortal existence, we needed a savior and redeemer. The truth of man’s need, and the role the Savior plays in providing the way out of every effect of mortality to which we are subject, is developed with greater depth, breadth, and clarity in the Book of Mormon than in any other book. Certainly there is no other book of scripture which helps one to so clearly understand the overarching and undergirding nature of the Atonement.

The question that should somewhat plague each of us is whether or not this life is all there is and whether a certain course of life here will bring us favor in the life after. If obedience to God’s commandments is of no efficacy furthering our interests in an eternal scheme of things, why bother? Some may argue from a philosophical perspective that there is value in pursuing the highest and best in life, which is the fair and ethical treatment of those around us. While not meaning to diminish a moral and well-lived life, such a life falls short of the one central issue to the whole of creation. That is, by our choosing to follow God and Christ, even to the bridling of our thoughts, passions, and actions, with the chastening and corrective influence of the Father upon us through His Holy Spirit, we can begin to become like them. The whole point of life is to provide opportunities and instruction as the means of fashioning us in the Savior’s image. Only as we become like Him can we hope to enjoy His life in the life to come, which is eternal life.

With the flood of information in our age, much of it demeaning to mankind, and the increasing wickedness of our time, having a clear picture of our eternal possibilities is necessary to our being able to make the choices thrust upon us moment by moment. Each piece of information, regardless of the source, requires us to choose whether or not to entertain and consider that information. Hence, living in the information age has increased the frequency and intensity of the decision points coincidental to life. How can one make choices of any kind without first, having real alternatives from among which to choose, second, a clear understanding of those choices and the consequences associated with each alternative, and third, freedom to choose? Lacking the kind of perspective obtained from sources such as the Book of Mormon (which is so rich in such instruction) pertaining to our intended divine inheritance, not only is the desire or will to choose typically absent, I would submit, we lack real capacity to choose.

Marion G. Romney, of the First Presidency, said, If we would avoid adopting the evils of the world, we must pursue a course which will daily feed our minds with and call them back to the things of the Spirit. I know of no better way to do this than by reading the Book of Mormon (April 1980 General Conference). A careful, thoughtful reading of its pages brings freedom: freedom from the effects of sin, freedom from the false gods and teachings of the age in which we live, and freedom from the bondage induced by a lack of clear understanding. If the Book of Mormon does more to keep us close to God, it also is a primary means of inviting the Holy Spirit into our lives, which Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be (Jacob 4:13). Information garnered via the Spirit, including views regarding ourselves, may be relied upon as absolutely true and accurate. Divine inspiration is, thus, the single most important boon to the freedom we all fought so valiantly to preserve in the life before this mortal existence, and which freedom of choice Satan is so diligently trying to usurp from each of us while we are in mortality.

Though there may be a number of reasons why one would undertake to study the Book of Mormon, there must be an eventual consideration of this purpose—does the book and the principles it espouses bring the reader nearer to God, or not? If the Book of Mormon does achieve its stated intent, then it must be of God. A book cannot bring someone closer to a divinity without being inspired by that divine power. When questioned on this same notion, the Lord Jesus Christ taught so simply in the New Testament, that if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand (Mark 3:25). In like manner, the only way the Book of Mormon can be of God is if it came forth in the inspired manner described by the person responsible for bringing it to the public, Joseph Smith, Jr. If the Book of Mormon was indeed translated from an ancient American record inscribed on metal plates unearthed in upstate New York in the 1820s, then the record must have been the charge of the American prophet, Moroni. If reading the translated words which Mormon and his fellow American prophets worked so diligently to record and preserve does bring a man closer to God, then it must be the work of God (directly or indirectly via revelation) and be the great forerunner of God’s latter day work.

Toward this end is this commentary offered. Focus is not just on examining the content of the verses in the Book of Mormon but also on how the principles contained in the book apply to draw the reader closer to God. By its use students of the Book of Mormon may be aided in finding the God and Christ of whom the book testifies. If they can be found, and if the peace and joy they offer can be felt—consistently—then real spiritual progress is attainable. The reader will then be on the road to a more fulfilling life and greater certainty that celestial glory is achievable. All that we hope for from life, all that we otherwise would prize and desire, is more reachable through a regular study of the Book of Mormon. That is especially true if we are past the point where we are enticed by the lusts of the flesh, or the cheap and ephemeral thrill of money and its shallow claims. That may be a lofty boast, but in the end the thoughtful student will know. And those around the student will know that he knows.

Chapter 1. 1 Nephi (back to Contents)

1 Nephi Chapter 1

Setting: The Book of Mormon begins with a brief synopsis by the initial author of the book—Nephi. Nephi acknowledges the goodness of his parents. His father, Lehi, had been called of the Lord to be a prophet in declaring repentance to the people of Jerusalem in the days of King Zedekiah. Contemporaries of Lehi were Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and, though much younger, Daniel, who would be taken to Babylon and a future meeting with the King of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar. The account of Lehi opens in the year 600 B.C. Babylon was the great world power of the day. It had waged war against the Kingdom of Judah, of which Lehi was a part. Just five years previous Judah had become a vassal state to Babylon with the proviso that regular tribute be paid to the Babylonians. Ten of the twelve tribes of Israel had already been carried into captivity in the year 721 B.C at the hands of the Assyrians. To remain free, even nominally, seemed like a desirable end to the Babylonian conflict, and the tribute that was to be paid worth the sacrifice. Zedekiah was a puppet king to the demands of Babylon. His predecessor had been removed by the Babylonians.

One of the signs of true revelation is that it is consistent with the body of revealed truth. Without consistency in God’s dealings with His children real faith is not possible. Life for the Lord is a continual round. He turns neither to the left hand nor to the right. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. His standards and the requirements for salvation were the same for our father and grand progenitor, Adam, as they will be for the last person to enter mortality through birth. One of the most repeated verities and one of the central themes in the Book of Mormon is that if the people are obedient and righteous the Lord will preserve them in the land. If they do wickedly they will be swept off. This theme is not new to the Book of Mormon. All of God’s people have lived under the same promise.

When we are obedient we may know that the Lord will fight our battles for us, and prompt us to flee when necessary or when to stand and fight. If we are to stand and fight, He will direct where to go so we may defend ourselves. But through it all, the Lord will preserve and protect. So He told the Israelites in Moses’ day. As they camped on the banks of the river Jordan, and before crossing in to their promised land, their land of milk and honey, even Canaan, the Lord made this covenant with them.

And he (Moses) said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the word of this law. For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it (Deut. 32:46–47).

How was the call to repentance issued by the prophets of Lehi’s day accepted? What should have been the wake-up call of the ages Israel ignored. As a people they had adopted the idolatrous practices of their heathen neighbors. They had become steeped in sexual sins. Their women no longer taught truth and virtue in their homes. They needed to repent or they would be swept out. Into this atmosphere comes Lehi, soon to join the ranks of the prophets.

Commentary:

V 2: the learning of the Jews and the language of the Egyptians = Nephi wrote in the language of the Egyptians. Writing in Hebrew is very compact compared to English, but must have been too large yet. Mormon indicates the Nephite prophets used the Egyptian language, as reformed by them, because the plates were not large enough to accommodate the Hebrew (see Mormon 9:32–33). The Nephites were schooled in the ways of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They understood the prophets and patriarchs back to Adam. They understood the imagery and idioms of the Hebrew teachers and scholars. But to be more efficient in their use of plate space they used the Egyptian language. Trade routes through Israel into Egypt and beyond would have made the Egyptian common to those familiar with trade and business in those days.

V 5: Lehi’s family became the family in the Book of Mormon simply because he believed in the words of the prophets regarding the destruction of a sinful Israel and cared enough for his fellow Israelites to pray for them. As is typical of prophets, Lehi cared for and loved his people in spite of their wickedness. Wicked people generally are not a kind or generous people.

As Lehi prayed in behalf of his people he did so with all his heart. In spite of his people’s wickedness, Lehi was still an Israelite. He was one of them. He cared for them. His heart had not been hardened by avarice and sin. We must assume he was praying for them to hear and heed the messages of the prophets. By this we know Lehi must have been struck by those messages.

All his heart tells us something of the way in which Lehi prayed. This prayer was not something Lehi offered with rote expressions. This was not something he uttered with only passing thought. Rather, this was a prayer regarding a subject to which he had given sufficient thought that the subject matter had become an object of his passion, for all his heart was involved in the praying. All of his emotions and thoughts were involved. For all those occasions in which we really need answer or intervention from the Lord ought not we to pray likewise?

V 6: As he prayed, Lehi saw a pillar of fire, a la Moses. As if the operation of the Spirit upon Lehi’s mortal body was not enough, the message itself caused Lehi to quake and tremble. Remember how after Moses’ grand vision in Moses chapter 1 he fell to the earth for a period of hours. What could work that effect on Lehi? Could it be the impending doom hanging over his people?

While it seems likely that Lehi was a visionary man prior to this experience, this remarkable vision opened the floodgates, as it were, of heavenly communications. Thus commences a string of divine messages intended to first offer one last chance for Jerusalem, then to save Lehi and his family, and finally to bring about the means of reaching through the ages to rescue a latter-day generation via the record Lehi and his descendants would keep.

V 7: The message he had seen and heard caused Lehi to return to his home. He collapsed on his bed, overcome by the Spirit. The message was being worked into his very bones. It seems apparent the Lord was preparing Lehi to deliver a message. The Lord always prepares his servants in a manner so that His heavenly message is etched upon their soul. He does so even today. Those called of God to be his messengers are not tasked with creating or enhancing the message to be given. They are simply to be faithful to the message given them and bold enough to declare it.

V 8: Lehi saw in vision God the Father and those faithful who dwell in His presence and serve His will.

V 9: Next came a vision of the One, Jesus Christ, coming to earth in his mortal ministry.

V 10: Also seen were those twelve who served with Christ during the ministry of the Savior. The Twelve refers to the calling of apostle, and is a recognized quorum in the Melchizedek Priesthood. The twelve seen here may have been representative of the presiding quorum to lead the church in Christ’s absence, rather than to twelve specific men.

V 11–15: To the many who would love to see their Savior in vision, Lehi’s experience would seem enough. It did not stop there, for the Christ then came to Lehi and gave him a book which contained a vision of Jerusalem’s near future. Though he knew the wickedness of the Jews and had seen the destruction of their city, Jerusalem, Lehi felt to rejoice, praising the power, goodness, and mercy of God. His whole heart was filled because of the things which he had seen. As surely as the Babylonians would come upon his people, the Lord would save the righteous even if it was by flight into the wilderness. His promises are certain. Such hope is what gave Lehi, and will give to any who likewise seek to follow the Lord, peace, and security in a very uncertain world. Even when life is not as smooth as we desire we can avoid being filled with bitterness, fear or anger.

When later the Lord prompted Lehi to flee into the wilderness, he was ready to go, both spiritually and temporally. Groundwork preparing Lehi had already been laid.

V 14: As emphasized repeatedly in the Book of Mormon, from the title page on, the stated purpose of the book is to bring people closer to Christ. Lehi saw in vision that those who make their way to Christ will not perish, but will be preserved. Fulfillment of this prophecy may be in spiritual protection, or it may come as the disciple is protected from the mortal world so as to find an eternal blessing. Or fulfillment may come through actual preservation from physical death. At the time of Lehi’s vision the ultimate Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem was yet several years away, but was certainly coming. Many of the Jews would be taken captive. But those who turned to Christ would not perish. They might lose their home, perhaps even family or friends. They may be among those taken captive to Babylon, but they would be preserved. How important that this message and clarification was found in the first fourteen verses of the book.

Though Jerusalem would be destroyed and many Jews either killed or carried away captive, Lehi was able to praise God’s goodness because of God’s power and willingness to preserve the obedient.

V 16–17: Lehi wrote much concerning the things he saw and heard, not only on this occasion but apparently on others as well. One can assume the writings of Lehi were among the sacred records kept, preserved, and handed down from generation to generation of the Nephite faithful. Nephi makes it clear that the words and deeds of his father, as recorded by Nephi, were drawn from Lehi’s own record and not from Nephi’s memory.

Apparently Lehi was a visionary man prior to his experience in verse six. He also prophesied much to his family. Thus he was experienced with the Spirit and was gifted at receiving and interpreting spiritually inspired feelings and things seen regarding his future.

V 18: Lehi was compelled, by the understanding given him of the Lord regarding the impending destruction, to warn his people. Out of the love Lehi felt, born of and heightened by the workings of the Spirit, he stood as a prophet bold in the streets of Jerusalem. No doubt Lehi realized the leaders of the Jews had killed the holy prophets before him, including the contemporary prophet Urijah (see Jeremiah 26:20–23).

V 19: The message of the prophets has been and always will be centered in the ministry and great atoning sacrifice of the Messiah. Even six hundred years before His birth, the prophets knew of His coming and looked forward to His day. Lehi’s message of repentance and his testifying of the wickedness of the Jews brought a response of mocking.

V 20: While Lehi’s witness of their sins was a personal affront to the populace and drew mocking, how interesting it is that when Lehi testified of the Messiah’s coming and His ministry the people became angry and sought the life of Lehi. Reason would have suggested the people’s reaction to Lehi would have been the other way around. Nothing fans the flames of murderous hatred like the message of Christ and the truths of His gospel.

As did Nephi with Lehi’s written record, many of the Nephite authors included the words of contemporaries with their own necessarily brief account of Nephite history. How did any of the scribes tasked with the keeping of the record decide that which ought to be included on the plates? Nephi’s words offer insights relative to his thoughts regarding which of his father’s words to include: I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance. As will be seen, the focus of Nephi, and all the other scribes and prophets who put stylus to plate, was all about the Savior with the intention of helping those who would someday read the record to see that the Lord is faithful in making and keeping His covenants with His people, even in great mercy.

Who does the Lord choose? This is an important question since those chosen are the ones favored with tender mercies, which make them mighty. Might is made the equivalent, at least in this verse, of the power to be preserved, (i.e., power of deliverance). See verse 14. Those who come to Christ will receive His tender mercies, which are given for the preservation of that soul. In the following chapters and books the Book of Mormon makes clear that the Lord chooses all who will let Him (see Alma 5:38).

1 Nephi Chapter 2

V 4: Lehi, as instructed by the Lord in a dream, gathered his family and departed into the wilderness. He left all worldly possessions behind. But Lehi had taken everything of real value to him. It seems that the Lord, from the beginning, wanted Lehi and his family to rely on Him and not on their accumulated wealth, as the means of making their way to the promised land. There are two important points here. First, by comparison, how are you doing with keeping the things of the world in perspective so as to not let them pose a hindrance to your following the Lord? Is your heart so set on the desire to obtain or preserve things that you find it hard to fulfill your assignments or your duty to God? Do things or position consume your thoughts and energy so as to inhibit your feeling the Spirit and responding to its promptings?

Second, it is small wonder that Lehi forsook his home and property considering the vision Lehi had of the doom hanging over Jerusalem. He knew full well what awaited those who would not repent and remained in Jerusalem. Being warned that those unrepentant souls were now seeking his life, self-preservation alone should have served as ample motivation to get Lehi up and out.

V 11–12: Laman and Lemuel murmured about leaving their home, about leaving their riches, about leaving the land of their inheritance, and about the visions of their father. Lacking faith in the Lord that He could indeed lead them to a better land of promise, they complained about nearly everything. Having their hearts so set on the things of the world, they were unable to feel the promptings of the Spirit by which we all may come to know the dealings of the Lord. Every follower of the Lord is entitled to personal testimony that the course he or she follows is inspired of the Lord. The Lord does not always reveal His purposes, or at least does not reveal them until after He has tested our faith. But we each may expect that if we approach the Lord to know by the Spirit the truthfulness of what the prophet of our day has said, or what we read in the scriptures is true, or what we feel impressed via the Spirit is indeed of the Lord, He will confirm for us so that we may proceed in confidence. Our steps still depend on faith, and we may need to start walking before we see the heavenly light illuminating our way. Not knowing the end of our journey, we nevertheless can walk in the assurance that the Lord not only approves our course, but is inspiring its direction. Laman and Lemuel refused to avail themselves of such divine communication and assurance.

V 16: In direct contrast to Laman and Lemuel, their youngest brother, Nephi, desired greatly to know the things of God. Because of Nephi’s great desires and his fervent prayers, he was answered of the Lord insomuch that his heart was softened and he did believe all that his father had said and done. His great desires are the direct reason he was blessed with greater understanding of the things of God.

Cry is not a comment on the loudness of the appeal but implies a fervent or emotional outpouring to the Lord. Praying with all one’s heart is the same thing. It involves putting not only one’s thoughts but also the feelings of the heart into the prayer. If to cry to the Lord were an issue of volume that would suggest we should be shouting our prayers to ensure they were heard. That, of course, is ludicrous.

Soften my heart lets the reader know that Nephi experienced the natural doubts of youth. Having not yet learned by experience how to bridle the natural man it would be the natural thing for Nephi, based upon his temporal needs and desires, to question the sudden departure into the wilderness. To the credit of Nephi’s largeness of soul, he sought to know why, petitioning the Lord for guidance, even as he obeyed his father. Once his heart was softened by influence of the Spirit Nephi could then feel and know the truth of his father’s words and doings. Implicit in this episode is the willingness to believe the promptings of the Spirit in spite of what one might naturally be inclined to think or feel.

V 17–18: These verses give a glimpse into the family life of Lehi. They were not so different from most of our families. That Nephi would seek to pacify his three older brothers gives some indication that Laman and Lemuel were not the only ones questioning their father’s actions. The story suggests that Laman and Lemuel were the most vocal and seemed to have a history of such murmuring. As a parent Lehi’s tender feelings for his two oldest sons motivated his choice of names for the valley in which they camped and for the river from which they drew their water for drinking. His plea was that Laman and Lemuel change and become more like the river and valley. Even today there are opportunities to influence children by the name given them at birth.

Children can have a significant impact on the spirit and peace of a home. Nephi, and his parents, were grieved because of the attitudes and choices of his siblings.

V 19: Nephi was spoken to by the Lord. We are not told the circumstance of the divine visit, but in chapter three Nephi mentions his return from speaking with the Lord. Nephi must have been out where he could pray without distraction, likely vocally, and from the desires of his heart.

V 20: As reward for his open and faithful heart Nephi was blessed with knowledge of the destined land for their inheritance. Such knowledge would not change the nature of the road they must travel to arrive at the promised land, but it certainly would make more possible enduring all things with patience.

At this point Nephi may not have realized this promised land lay across the oceans. His understanding might have been limited to seeing that the Lord had preserved a land for his family. If so, Nephi’s assumption, taking the experience of Abraham as an example, likely was that this promised land was located somewhere in the Middle East.

V 21: Herein is a precursor of the cursing Laman and Lemuel later received in the promised land. Their curse was that they were cut off or separated from the Lord, and not that their skin was darkened.

V 24: This verse suggests either that the Lord placed Laman and Lemuel in the family by design because of the role they would play in helping the Nephites remain humble once in the promised land, or because He simply knew enough about their character and future choices, and those of their ancestors, to predict a role for descendants of Laman as scourgers. On one hand the Lord specifically placed Laman and Lemuel in the family of Lehi based upon their premortal personalities, or selected Lehi’s family to carry the seed of Joseph to the promised land once He saw Laman and Lemuel in the family because He knew them from the premortal existence. Both possibilities teach us that the Lord knows us from our life in those long ages prior to our birth on earth. We also see how the Lord places us in families to accomplish his designs, and brings others into our life to help us learn necessary lessons in our progression toward His image and character.

At the very least, we learn that it is not always the fault of the parent for what seem to be failures with children that will not learn of the Lord nor seek His ways. If the principle of this verse is universal, it shows that our premortal experiences may have more to do with how we turn out than all of our parents’ teachings. But as we will see from later episodes in the Book of Mormon, without those parental teachings, sometimes even souls that were noble and faithful in the pre-earth existence would stray in mortality and never find their way back.

1 Nephi Chapter 3

V 3: The Nephite tradition of handing their records from father to son, or to other kin, did not begin with the family when they arrived in the new land. Laban had the records of the Jews because of strong family ties and his position of leadership within the nation. Possible royal blood is suggested (given the Nephite proclivity for passing records down through the lineage of the kings). If Laban was not of royal blood it is very likely he was at least a direct descendant of Joseph through Manasseh.

V 4: The Lord commanded the brothers to get the records, and not Lehi. In addition to the need for the brass plates the episode evidently was meant to teach and try the four brothers. Our callings from the Lord usually do.

V 7: Remember, Nephi had just returned from speaking with the Lord when he went into Lehi’s tent and was told about the commandment to obtain the brass plates. We are not told specifically how Nephi came to know that the Lord prepares the way to accomplish all things He requires of us. But he knew. There is a pattern herein that is instructive for readers of the book. First, Nephi desired to know the mysteries of God. Having prayed in great earnestness his desire was granted. Nephi then took upon himself the role of teacher to his brothers, though they were all older and possibly physically stronger. In spite of familial positioning Nephi was true to the truths entrusted to him and sought to build and lift others. Having been thus faithful to those precepts and the understanding granted to him, the Lord then spoke with Nephi again, blessing him and making promises with him. In the afterglow of that experience Nephi’s faith was then tested and Nephi responded magnificently. By this Line upon line principal the Lord will lead us and make us more capable.

It is also important to remember that the Lord knew what lay ahead for Nephi in obtaining the brass plates. He knew Nephi would need to face a man they had reason to fear because of Laban’s social position and authority within the Jerusalem military. The Lord knew Nephi would be beaten and mocked by his brothers, tested to the core in the taking of Laban’s life, but would proceed in absolute faith not knowing beforehand what he was to do. The glimpses we have of Nephi’s spiritual preparation suggests there was a great deal behind the scenes on the part of Nephi’s efforts toward the spiritual. The Lord’s response to Nephi was personal and poignant, and indicative of what we each can expect in preparing us for what our future holds. We need but follow in faith.

That the Lord will bless us and enable us to accomplish His commands extends to living His commandments and becoming like Him. In fact it is impossible to accomplish these most important missions without Him. All the Lord asks of us is our faith. Certainly, our desires to follow obediently are the essence of what the Lord ever seeks from us. From the beginning the Lord’s intent was to prove [us] herewith, to see if [we] will do all things whatsoever the Lord [our] God shall command [us] (Abraham 3:25). The Lord does not ask of us success, or at least success as we envision it. He wants our willing discipleship. For Christ, success led to the cross and His death. For a great many, the call to follow the Lord and His prophet to Zion in the Western Valleys meant dying along the way. We may not see a ram in a nearby thicket. We may not find the rocky road to our promised land as a drunk conveniently lying in the street, as did Nephi. But we will find increased resolve, peace, and joy in our hopes.

V 15–21: Nephi had the big picture. He had been told by the Lord of the promised land that awaited them. Nephi had no false hopes of returning to his home at Jerusalem, as did his brothers. Knowing their destiny lay elsewhere it made perfect sense for Nephi to try bartering, using the abandoned family riches as exchange for the brass plates. Laman and Lemuel had no such perspective. Nephi also had been blessed to see the value of having the plates in both preserving their language and in having the written Word of the Lord from which to teach their families. The Lord will often bless with insight as to why something may be required of us while yet demanding our faith to work out the details for accomplishing those things.

Beginning with this episode Nephi was called upon by God to be a leader to his brothers (and family to some extent as well as the family of Ishmael). His example provides a pattern yielding insights to guide leaders today. How do we persuade all, especially those who struggle with