1 Nephi Flashcards
What is the promise located in 1 Nephi 2:20-21? This promise is located 34 times throughout the Book of Mormon.
“And inasmuch as he shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper in the land.”
[BoM Study Guide p. 15]
How can we liken Laman and Lemuel’s murmuring to issues in our day? How does Satan use murmuring to lead people down a path of disobedience?
One way to liken Laman and Lemuel’s murmuring to our day would be if we find ourselves or someone else murmuring (or complaining) about a commandment or church standard. Elder H. Ross Workman of the Seventy said, “murmuring consists of three steps, each leading to the next in the descending path to disobedience. First, when people murmur, they use their own judgement and begin to question the teachings of the living prophets. They question first in their own minds and then plant questions in the minds of others. Second, those who murmur begin to rationalize and excuse themselves from doing what they have been instructed to do… Thus, they make an excuse for disobedience. The third step inevitably follows: slothfulness in following the commandments of the Master. [Book of Mormon Study Guide p. 15]
In Lehi’s time, many prophets were telling the people of Jerusalem to repent or the city would be destroyed. Lehi was concerned for the people, therefore what did he do?
He prayed for them with all of his heart. He was then shown a vision of what would happen if the people did not repent. He also saw many great and marvelous events that would happen. He praised God for the goodness and mercy that he shows to those who repent.
[1 Nephi 1:4-15]
T or F
In Lehi’s time, many prophets were telling the people of Jerusalem to repent or be destroyed. Lehi was concerned about the people therefore he prayed for them with all of his heart. As Lehi prayed, a pillar of fire appeared on a rock in front of him.
True- Lehi then saw and heard many things that made him shake and tremble. Lehi then returned home and laid on his bed. Jesus Christ then appeared to him in a vision and gave Lehi a book that told what would happen if the Jews did not repent. He also read about many great and marvelous events that would happen. Lehi praised God for the goodness and mercy he shows to those who repent.
[1 Nephi 1:4-15]
Describe Lehi’s vision of the tree of life. Where in the Book of Mormon is this vision located?
While in the wilderness, Lehi had a very important dream. In this dream, a man wearing a white robe told Lehi to follow him. Lehi followed the man into a dark and dreary wilderness. After traveling in the darkness for many hours, Lehi prayed to Heavenly Father for help. He then saw a tree with white fruit to “exceed all the whiteness” he had ever seen. Lehi then went to partake of the fruit , and beheld that it was “most desirable above all other fruit.” As he ate, he was filled with “great joy.” Because of this, he wanted his family to partake of the fruit also. He saw his family and called to them. Sariah, Nephi, and Sam came and ate the fruit. He then saw Lam and Lemuel, but they refused to come eat the fruit. Lehi then saw a “rod of iron,” which was next to the “strait and narrow path.” This path led directly to the tree of life. Lehi then saw many people who we’re trying to get on the path that led to the tree. Lehi also beheld that there arose a “great mist of darkness.” Because of this mist, many people who were on the path did wander off and get lost. Other people did catch hold of the iron rid and held tightly and we’re able to make it to the tree and partake of the fruit.
[1 Nephi 8]
How did Sariah react when The Lord commanded Nephi and his brothers to return to Jerusalem to obtain the brass plates? Do you think her testimony was weakened or strengthened through the ordeal?
We are told by Nephi, in 1 Nephi 5:1, that his mother “truly had mourned” for her sons while they were gone. Verse 2 tells us that she had eventually assumed that they had died in the wilderness and that she complained rather bitterly against her husband, accusing him of leading them away from the comforts of home, getting their sons killed in the wilderness, and that they too would die.
[BoM made easier p. 14-15]
According to 1 Nephi 5:4-6, Lehi was able to “comfort” Sariah somewhat, but when their sons actually returned safe, she was indeed comforted! In fact, her testimony that they were working under the direction of the Lord thus became a “surety,” and we never hear another complaint nor lack of support from her again. Such a firm testimony is priceless, and the whole journey back to Jerusalem would have been well worth it, if only to provide noble Sariah with such strength and knowledge.
Why do you think Lehi took none of his gold or silver or precious things with him when he and his family fled into the wilderness? What did he take?
Because he wouldn’t need those things where they were going. He took nothing but his family, provisions, and tents. The Lord probably commanded him in this.
[1 Nephi 3:4]
Who was older, Nephi or Sam?
Sam
[BoM study guide p.12]
Describe Lehi’s first vision that is spoken of in the Book of Mormon. It is found in 1 Nephi chapter 1.
Lehi had been praying to God for his people when a pillar of fire came down upon a rock before him. He saw and heard many things which made him shake and tremble. Overcome by the Spirit, Lehi returned home and lay on his bed. Then Jesus Christ appeared to him in a vision. Jesus gave Lehi a book that told what would happen to the Jews if they did not repent. As Lehi read the book, he was filled with the Spirit of the Lord. He learned that many people would be killed and others would be taken captive when Jerusalem was destroyed. He also read about many great and marvelous events that would happen. Lehi praised the Lord for the goodness and mercy He show to those who repent.
[1 Nephi 1:5-20]
After Lehi has his first vision spoken of in the Book of Mormon (located in 1 Nephi 1) where he see’s the Savior, what does he do?
He went to preach to the people, the Jews. He prophecied of the things which he had seen and heard. He also prophecied about the coming of the Savior. He spoke truthfully about their wickedness and abominations.
[1 Nephi 1:18-19]
Once Lehi had preached to the Jews and they sought to take away his life, what does The Lord command Lehi to do?
Lehi was commanded by The Lord to take his family and flee into the wilderness. They left all of their wealth and earthly possessions behind.
[1 Nephi 2:1-2]
Why did the people of Jerusalem mock and seek to kill Lehi? Why did Lehi rejoice?
Because Lehi was obedient to God and prophesied of the coming destruction of Jerusalem, the people mocked and sought to kill him. Lehi was shown many great and marvelous works of The Lord. Lehi rejoiced in the Lord’s mercy and power of deliverance.
[1 Nephi 1]
Lehi learned from the brass plates that he was a descendant of who?
Lehi was a descendant of Joseph. The same Joseph who was the son of Javob, who was sold into Egypy and who was preserved by the hand of the Lord, that he might preserve his father Jacob, and all his household from perishing with famine.
[1 Nephi 5:14]
Describe Lehi’s vision of the tree of life. Where in the Book of Mormon is this vision located?
While in the wilderness, Lehi had a very important dream. In this dream, a man wearing a white robe told Lehi to follow him. Lehi followed the man into a dark and dreary wilderness. After traveling for many hours, Lehi prayed to Heavenly Father for help. He then saw a tree with white fruit “to exceed all the whiteness” he had ever seen. Lehi went to partake of the fruit , and beheld that it was most “sweet” and he knew it was “most desirable above all other fruit.” As he ate, he was filled with “great joy.” Because of this, he wanted his family to partake of the fruit. He then called to his family, and Sariah, Nephi, and Sam came also and ate the fruit. He then saw Laman and Lemuel, but they refused to eat the fruit. Lehi then saw a “rod of iron” which was next to a “strait and narrow path.” This path led directly to the Tree of Life. Lehi then saw many people who were trying to get on the path that led to the tree. Lehi also beheld that there arose a “great mist of darkness.” Because of this mist, many people who were on the path did wander off and get lost. Other people did catch hold of the iron rod and held tightly and were able to make it to the tree and partake of the fruit. There was also a “great and spacious building” on the other side of the river. There were people in this building who began to mock the people who were eating the fruit. Some of the people who were eating the fruit became ashamed and “fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.” Later, Nephi asked the angel to show him the meaning of the tree, he saw the birth and ministry of the Savior. The fruit represents the gift of eternal life. Lehi saw that, because of his love for us, would be crucified for our sins therefore that we might repent and gain eternal life.
What about the great and spacious building??
[1 Nephi 8]
Even after an angel of The Lord rebukes Laman and Lemuel for smiting (hitting) Nephi and Sam with a rod, Laman and Lemuel still murmur about having to obtain the brass plates from Laban. What did they say?
1 Nephi 3:31- And after the angel had departed, Laman and Lemuel again begin to murmur, saying: How is it possible that The Lord will deliver Laban into our hands? Behold, he is a mighty man, and he can command fifty, yea, even he can slay fifty; then why not us?
When Lehi goes to preach to the Jews about their wickedness, and their coming destruction if they do not repent, what do they do? (Lehi also told them of the Savior who would come to redeem the world)
The Jews were angry with him, and sought to take away his life.
[1 Nephi 1:20]
What happened when Nephi and his brothers made their second attempt to retrieve the brass plates from Laban?
They went back to their house and gathered all of their precious things (gold, silver, etc). They went to Laban’s house and offered it all to him in exchange for the records. When Laban saw it, and saw that it was “exceedingly great” he then “thrust them out” and sent his servants after Nephi and his brothers to try and slay them and obtain their property. Fortunately, they were able to flee to the wilderness and hide in the cavity of a rock (probably a cave).
[1 Nephi 3:22-27]
How did Sariah react when The Lord commanded Nephi and his brothers to return to Jerusalem to obtain the brass plates? Do you think her testimony was strengthened or weakened through the ordeal?
We are told by Nephi, in 1 Nephi 5:1, that his mother “truly had mourned” for her sons while they were gone. Verse 2 tells us that eventually she assumed that they had died in the wilderness and that she complained rather bitterly against her husband, accusing him of leading them away from the comforts of home, getting their sons killed in the wilderness, and that they too, would die. According to 1 Nephi 5:4-6, Lehi was able to comfort Sariah somewhat, but when their sons actually returned safe, she was indeed comforted! In fact, her testimony that they were working under the direction of the Lord thus became a “surety,” and we never hear another complaint nor lack of support from her again. Such a firm testimony is priceless, and the whole journey back to Jerusalem would have been well worth it if only to provide noble Sariah with such strength and knowledge.
[BofM made easier p. 14-15]
After Lehi had the vision where he saw the Savior and the coming destruction of Jerusalem, what did he do? What did he say?
Lehi went and preached among the people of Jerusalem of what he had seen and heard. He also told them of the Savior who would come to redeem the world. He also spoke truthfully about their wickedness and abominations.
[1 Nephi 1:18-19]
How do you think Nephi could have “seen many afflictions” yet also be “highly favored” of The Lord all of his days?
In spite of the many afflictions which Nephi faced in his days, he focused on the great blessings which he had received from the Lord. Nephi tells us in 1 Nephi 1:20 “that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.”
[1 Nephi 1]
What happened the third time that Nephi and his brothers attempt to retrieve the gold plates from Laban?
Nephi goes to Laban’s house and finds him drunk with wine. Nephi is commanded by The Lord to kill him, but Nephi does not want to. The Lord tells Nephi, “Behold The Lord slated the wicked to bring forth his righteous purposes. It is better that one man should perish than that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief.” Nephi obeys and kills Laban then puts on his clothes. Nephi fools Zoram (a servant of Laban) into thinking that he is Laban. Nephi gets the brass plates and even gets Zoram to follow him. When Nephi’s brothers see him, they think he is Laban and they flee. Nephi calls out to them, and Zoram realizes that Nephi was not Laban. He then tries to flee but Nephi stops him and is able to convince him to stay with them in the wilderness.
[1 Nephi 4]
When did Lehi and his family live in Jerusalem?
About 600 BC
When did Lehi’s prophecy about Jerusalem being destroyed actually happen? Who captured the city?
About 587 BC, King Nebuchandnezzar of Babylon captured the city of Jerusalem. Many people were killed or taken captive into Babylon.
[BofM made easier part #1, p. 3]
What information and books of scripture were contained in the brass plates that Nephi obtained from Laban?
They contained the first five Books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy). Also, they contain a record of the Jews and the prophecies of the holy prophets from the beginning down to the commencement of the rule of Zedekiah, king of Judah (in other words, down to about 600 BC). Basically, the words of the prophets, including those in our Old Testament up to and including much of Jeremiah. Also, the genealogy of Lehi and his fathers (ancestors).
[BofM made easier, part #1, p. 27-28]
Where are the plates that Nephi obtained from Laban now?
They traveled with Lehi and his family to the promised land, but we do not know where they are now. We know from 1 Nephi 5:19 that they do still exist. They have been preserved by The Lord, no doubt, and that someday the faithful will see them.
[BofM made easier, part #1, p. 27-28]
What happened when Nephi and his brothers first attempted to get the brass plates from Laban?
They cast lots to see who would go into Laban’s house to try and retrieve the plates. The lot fell on Laman. Laman went into Laban’s house and talked with him. Laban became angry and would not give him the records. He accused Laman of being a robber and said he would kill him. Laman was able to get away and tell the others what had happened. Nephi’s brothers wanted to return to their family in the wilderness. Nephi, however, was completely determined to keep the commandments of The Lord. Nephi said, “As The Lord liveth, and as we live, we will not go down unto our father in the wilderness until we have accomplished the thing which The Lord hath commanded us.”
[1 Nephi 3:10-15]
When The Lord commanded Lehi in a dream to take his family into the wilderness and flee Jerusalem, Laman and Lemuel murmured against God’s commands. What did Nephi do?
Nephi sought a confirming witness. This is an important lesson. Some people ask whether or not it is wrong to doubt or wonder about matters related to the gospel. Since individual agency is a gift from God, the answer has to be No! It is what we do about doubts when they arise in our hearts. When Laman and Lemuel have doubts, they chose to murmur and rebel. A careful reading of 1 Nephi 2:16 may indicate that Nephi also had doubts in his heart, because he tells us that The Lord “did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father.” Nephi humbly prayed to The Lord until he received the sweet reassuring answer about the truthfulness of his father’s revelations.
[BofM made easier, part #1, p. 11-12]
Describe Lehi’s first vision that is spoken of in the Book of Mormon. It is found in 1 Nephi 1.
Lehi had been praying to God for his people when a pillar of fire came down upon a rock before him. He saw and heard many things which made him shake and tremble. Overcome by the Spirit, Lehi returned home and lay on his bed. Then Jesus Christ appeared to him in a vision. Jesus gave Lehi a book that told what would happen to the Jews if they did not repent. As Lehi read the book, he was filled with the spirit of The Lord. He learned many people would be killed and others would be taken captive when Jerusalem was destroyed. He also read about many great and marvelous events that would happen. Lehi praised God for the goodness and mercy he shows to those who repent.
[1 Nephi 1: 5-20]
Once Lehi has preached to the Jews and they sought to take away his life, what does The Lord command Lehi to do?
Lehi is commanded by The Lord to take his family and flee into the wilderness (leaving all wealth and worldly possessions behind).
[1 Nephi 2: 1-2]
Describe Lehi’s second vision (or the vision of the tree of life) that is spoken of in the Book of Mormon. Where in the Book of Mormon is this vision located?
While in the wilderness, Lehi had a very important dream. In this dream, a man wearing a white robe told Lehi to follow him. Lehi followed the man into a dark and dreary wilderness. After traveling in the darkness for many hours, Lehi prayed to Heavenly Father for help. He then saw a tree with white fruit “to exceed all the whiteness” he had ever seen. Lehi went to partake of the fruit, and beheld that it was “most sweet” and he knew that it was “most desirable above all other fruit.” As he ate, he was filled with “great joy.” Because of this, he wanted his family to partake of the fruit. He then called to his family, and Sariah, Nephi, and Sam came also and ate the fruit. He then saw Laman and Lemuel, but they refused to eat the fruit. Lehi then saw a “rod of iron,” which was next to the “strait and narrow path.” This path led directly to the Tree of Life. Lehi then saw many people who were trying to get on the path that led to the tree. Lehi also beheld that there arose a “great mist of darkness.” Because of this mist, many people who were on the path did wander off and get lost. Other people did catch hold of the iron rod and held tightly and were able to make it to and partake of the fruit.
[1 Nephi 8]
After the second failed attempt of Nephi and his brothers to retrieve the brass plates from Laban, how did Laman and Lemuel react?
Laman and Lemuel were angry with Nephi and with their father. Laman and Lemuel spoke many hard words to Nephi and Sam and they even began to “smite” them with a rod. An angel then appeared and asked them why they would smite their younger brother with a rod. The angel also said “know ye not that The Lord hath chosen him to be a ruler over you.” The angel then told them to go back to Jerusalem and that The Lord would deliver Laban into their hands.
[1 Nephi 3:28-29]
After Laman and Lemuel see an angel of The Lord who tells them to return to Jerusalem to obtain the plates, they murmur and say, “How is it possible that The Lord will deliver Laban into our hands? Behold he is a mighty man, and he can command fifty, yea, even he can slay fifty; then why not us?” What is Nephi’s response?
“And it came to pass that I spake unto my brethren, saying: Let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of The Lord; for behold he is mightier than all the earth, then why not mightier than Laban and his fifty, yea, or even than his tens of thousands?”
[1 Nephi 4:1]
Who was king of Judah when Lehi was preaching repentance to the Jews in Jerusalem? Was he a righteous or a wicked king?
King Zedekiah- He is a 21 year old wicked king (see 2 Kings 24:18-19). He will reign for 11 years during which time, among other evil deeds, he will imprison the prophet Jeremiah in a miserable dungeon with a deep mire (see Jeremiah 38-39).
[BofM made easier, part #1, p. 3]
Laman and Lemuel were very angry at Nephi after the second failed attempt to retrieve the brass plates. They spoke many hard words to Nephi and Sam and also did “smite” them with a rod. What does The Lord do to stop this and protect Nephi and Sam?
An angel appeared and said, “Why do ye smite your younger brother with a rod? Know ye not that The Lord hath chosen him to be a ruler over you, and this because of your iniquities?” The angel then told them to go back to Jerusalem and that The Lord would deliver Laban into their hands.
[1 Nephi 3:28-29]
T or F
During Lehi’s time in Jerusalem, there were many prophets preaching repentance to the Jews.
True
Name them…
Jeremiah, Obadiah, Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah
[BofM made easier, part #1, p. 3]
[Book of Mormon Student Manual Chapter 2]
During Lehi’s time, were there other prophets (other than Lehi) who preached to the people of Jerusalem that they must repent or the great city of Jerusalem would be destroyed? If yes, who were they?
Yes- Jeremiah, Nahum, Habakkuk and Zephaniah
[BofM made easier, part #1, p. 3]
After Nephi and his brothers are able to retrieve the brass plates from Laban they are commanded by The Lord to go back to Jerusalem for something else. What was it? Do Laman and Lemuel murmur this time?
They are commanded by The Lord to return to Jerusalem to get wives. They are told to bring Ishmeal and his family down into the wilderness. It is not mentioned that Laman and Lemuel murmured this time :)
[BofM made easier p.36]
[1 Nephi 7:1-3]
How were Nephi and his brothers able to convince Ishmeal and his family to return with them to the wilderness?
They did gain favor with Ishmeal by speaking the words of God unto them. It is also mentioned The Lord did soften the heart of Ishmeal and his family.
[1 Nephi 7:4-5]
What prophecy is fulfilled by Lehi’s sons marrying the daughters of Ishmael? *Another interesting note is that the Prophet Joseph Smith informed us that Lehi had two older daughters who had already married into Lehi’s family. This information was contained in the record of Lehi which was first translated then subsequently stolen.
Erastus Snow said, “The prophet Joseph informed us that Ishmael was of the lineage of Ephraim, and that his sons married into Lehi’s family, and Lehi’s sons married Ishmael’s daughters, thus fulfilling the words of Jacob upon Ephraim and Manasseh in the 48th chapter of Genesis, which says: ‘And let my name be named upon them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Issac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the land.’ Thus these descendants of Manasseh and Ephraim grew together upon this American continent.”
[BofM made easier part #1, p. 30-32]
The Prophet Joseph Smith informed us that Lehi had two older daughters that had already married into Ishmael’s family. Where was this information contained since there is no mention of it in the Book of Mormon? By this we can see the Lords hand in providing exactly what was needed before these families were to set off towards the promised land.
Elder Erastus Snow said, “The prophet Joseph informed us that the record of Lehi, was contained on the 116 pages that were first translated and subsequently stolen, and of which an abridgment is given us in the first book of Nephi…and that [Ishmael’s] sons married into Lehi’s family, and Lehi’s sons married Ishmael’s daughters.”
[BofM made easier part #1, p. 30]
After Nephi and his brothers are able to convince Ishmael and his family to journey with them in the wilderness, some of them choose to rebel. Who does it and what do they want to do? Who stays obedient?
Laman, Lemuel, two of Ishmael’s daughters, and Ishmael’s two sons and their families choose to rebel. They want to return to Jerusalem. They probably do not think it will be destroyed, even though many prophets had warned that it would be. Nephi, Sam, Ishmael and his wife, and three of his other daughters choose to be obedient
[1 Nephi 7:6-7]
How do you think that Laman and Lemuel who had had such a strong witness of The Lord’s great power and goodness (seeing an angel, slaying Laban, obtaining the brass plates) still chose to harden their hearts and rebel while traveling in the wilderness?
One answer may be by forgetting past blessings from The Lord. Remembering past blessings can keep our testimonies strong during new difficulties and trials that will come.
[BofM made easier, part #1 p. 32]
Another answer may be that if we are not fully converted, no miracle or sign will ever be enough to convince us of the truthfulness of the gospel.
After convincing Ishmael and his family to join their family in the wilderness, Laman and Lemuel choose to rebel (and convince others to as well). They want to return to Jerusalem. Nephi asks how they could be hard in their hearts, and how they could of forgotten such wonderful past blessings (such as seeing an angel, to name one thing). They got very angry with Nephi. What do they do?
They took him and bound him with cords. They wanted to take away his life by leaving him in the wilderness to be devoured by wild beasts.
[1 Nephi 7:6-16]
When Nephi is bound by cords in the wilderness by Laman and Lemuel, what does he do?
Nephi prayed to The Lord asking to be delivered from the hands of his brothers and to be given strength to burst the bands by which he was bound. And he then he stood up and the bands were loosened from his hands and feet.
[1 Nephi 7:16-18]
When Nephi and his brothers are traveling with Ishmael’s family back to their parents in the wilderness, Laman and Lemuel rebel and bind Nephi with cords. Nephi prays to God and the bands are loosened. What then happens?
Laman and Lemuel are angry again! They try again to lay hands upon him. One of the daughters of Ishmael and her mother pled with them to stop trying to take Nephi’s life. They did soften Laman and Lemuel’s hearts. In fact, they were so sorrowful that they did bow down before Nephi and plead for his forgiveness.
[1 Nephi 7:7-20]
In Lehi’s vision of the tree of life, what do the following represent?
- Dark and dreary wilderness
- Large and spacious field
- Tree of life
- Fruit of the tree
- River of filthy water (1 Nephi 12:16)
- Rod of iron
- Strait and narrow path
- Mists of darkness
- Great and spacious building
- This could symbolize the world without the gospel of Christ. It could also be symbolic of our desperate situation in our sins and imperfections without the Atonement of Christ to redeem us. [BofM made easier, part #1, p. 41]
- The world
- The tree of life could symbolize many things…Nourishment from God, the Savior
- Love of God
- Depths of Hell [1 Nephi 12:16]
- Word of God
- Path to heaven or celestial glory
- Temptations of the devil [1 Nephi 12:17]
- Vain imaginations and pride [1 Nephi 12:18]
What are the four different groups of people that are represented in Lehi’s vision of the tree of life? How are each of these groups manifest in people today?
- Those who start on the path but then become lost in the mist of darkness. (1 Nephi 8:21-23)
ex. - Those who start on the path, but fear or evil (Satan) overtakes them and they fall away. - Those who hold to the rod of iron until they reach the tree and partake of the fruit, then become ashamed and fall away. (1 Nephi 8:24-28) ex.-Those who say they want eternal life but are distracted by other things, such as material wealth or worldly pleasures.
- Those who hold to the iron rod until they reach the tree and partake of the fruit, and then who remain faithful. (1 Nephi 8:30)
ex. - strong and faithful Saints - Those who never start on the path but instead go “feeling their way” toward the great and spacious building. It states “great was the multitude that did did enter into that strange building.” Many of these people were drowned in the depths of the fountain (filthiness). Many wandered onto “strange” roads and were lost. (1 Nephi 8:31-33)
ex. - Those who do not desire the word of God, but instead material possessions, worldly pleasures, etc.
In Lehi’s vision of the tree of life, what kinds of roads did people travel when they let go of the iron rod or left the tree of life? What happens to those who follow such roads? What are some things we must do to stay on the strait and narrow path?
- “Forbidden,” “strange,” or “broad” roads [1 Nephi 8:28, 32; 12:17]
- They were lost.
- “Cling” to the word of God. Read and study scriptures and the words of modern day prophets and apostles. Head the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Live the gospel fully and faithfully.
What are some things that the mist of darkness might represent?
Why might Satan want our eyes to be blinded to the love of God?
- Fear, depression, sin, discouragement, low self- esteem, destruction of family, etc.
- Satan wants to trap us in sin, despair, and hopelessness so that we will not attain eternal life.
Why is it significant that the great and spacious building “stood…in the air?”
The building did not have a solid foundation. I also think of being lifted up in pride.
[BofM study guide p.13]
Pertaining to when Martin Harris, Joseph Smith’s scribe, lost the 116 pages of Book of Mormon, answer the following questions…
- What portion of the Book of Mormon was lost?
- Because God foresaw this happening, what did he do to make up for this error?
- Why didn’t God just tell Joseph Smith to re-translate the lost pages?
- How did we come out ahead even though Satan tried to destroy the efforts of Joseph Smith by engineering the theft of the 116 pages?
- The lost 116 manuscript pages were the written translation from the large plates of Nephi.
[BofM made easier, part one, p. 50]
It appears that the lost pages consisted of the first six books in the Book of Mormon (1 Nephi, 2 Nephi, Jacob, Enos, Jarom, and Omni) or up until the reign of King Benjamin.
[D&C 10:38-41] - In 1 Nephi 9:3-5, Nephi tells us that God commanded him to make two sets of plates. The large plates of Nephi contained more of a history of the Book of Mormon peoples. The small plates contained more of the spiritual matters and gospel teachings and less of the day-to-day history and secular doings of the people.
[BofM made easier, part one, p. 49] - Because whoever had stolen the 116 pages had plans to alter them. If Joseph Smith had retranslated the same work, they would show the 116 stolen pages and thus say that the work was different and therefore a fraud.
[D&C 10:42-44] - Because we ended up with the translation of the same time period, but with the more spiritual matters and gospel teachings.
[BofM made easier, part one, p. 51]
Where was Babylon located in relation to Jerusalem in biblical times? Where is that today?
What does Babylon often symbolize in the scriptures?
Babylon was a powerful enemy nation that was located about 500 miles east of Jerusalem. Basically where modern-day Iraq exists today.
Babylon is often symbolic of worldliness, wickedness, and Satan’s kingdom.
[Book of Mormon made easier, part #1, p. 52]
What does the olive tree in 1 Nephi 10 symbolize?
Why does God often use the Olive Tree often a symbol for peace?
The olive tree is a symbol of the gathering of Isreal in the last days [BofM made easier, part #1, p. 93]
The olive tree has been associated with peace for centuries. War and it’s effects (rape of the land, destruction, siege, and death) are hardly conductive to the cultivation of olive orchards that require many years of careful husbandry to bring unto full production.
When the dove returned to the ark, it carried an olive leaf in its beak, as though to symbolize that God was at peace with the earth once again. (Genesis 8:11). The olive branch was used in Ancient Greece and Rome to signify peace, and it is still used in that sense in the great seal of the United States where the American eagle is shown grasping an olive branch in its talons.
[Book of Mormon made easier, part # 1, p. 54]
What are some unique characteristic’s about the olive tree that give it significant symbolic significance?
If the green slip of an olive tree is merely planted and allowed to grow, it develops into the wild olive, a bush that grows without control into a tangle of limbs and branches producing only small, worthless fruit. To become the productive tame olive tree, the main tree of the wild tree must be cut back completely and a branch from a tame olive tree grafted into the stem of the wild one. With careful pruning and cultivating the tree will begin to produce its first fruits in about seven years, but it will not become fully productive for nearly fifteen years. After the olive tree becomes fully productive, it can produce fruit for centuries. As the tree finally grows old and dies, the roots send up a number of new green shoots that, if grafted and pruned, will mature into full grown olive trees. Thus, the root of the tree may go on producing fruit for millennia. It is believed that some of the ancient olive trees located in Israel today have come from trees that were ancient during Christ’s mortal ministry.
In other words, the olive tree cannot become productive by itself; it requires grafting by the husbandman (the farmer; symbolic of God) to bring into production. Throughout its history, Israel has demonstrated the remarkable aptness characterized by the symbol of the olive tree. When they gave themselves to their God for pruning and grafting the Israelites prospered and bore much fruit, but when they turned from Christ, the Master of the vineyard, and sought to become their own life and sustenance they became wild and unfruitful.
[Book of Mormon made easier, part # 1, p. 54]
Is the Holy Ghost able to manifest himself in the form of a man?
Yes.
[1 Nephi 11:11]
“The Holy Ghost, called also Spirit, and Spirit of The Lord, Spirit of God, Comforter, and Spirit of Truth, is not tabernacled in a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of spirit; yet we know that the Spirit has manifested Himself in the form of a man” (Talmage, Articles of Faith, p.38)
“That the Spirit of The Lord is capable of manifesting Himself in the form and figure of man, is indicated by the wonderful interview between the Spirit and Nephi, in which He revealed Himself to the prophet, questioned him concerning his desires and belief, instructed him in the things of God, speaking face to face with the man. ‘I spake unto him,’ says Nephi, ‘as a man speaketh; for I beheld that he was in the form of a man; yet nevertheless, I knew that it was the spirit of The Lord; and he spake unto me as a man speaketh with another.’” (Talmage, Articles of Faith, p. 144)
[BofM made easier, part#1, p. 60-61]
When Nephi desired to see the things that his father had seen (the vision of the tree of life), what did he do? How can we use his example when we are seeking revelation in our own lives?
It states in 1 Nephi 11:1, “For it came to pass after I had DESIRED to know the things that my father had seen, and BELIEVING that The Lord was able to make them known unto me, as I sat PONDERING in mine heart I was caught away in the Spirit of The Lord, yea, into an exceedingly high mountain, which I never had before seen, and upon which I had never before set my foot.”
In the Book of Mormon made easier (part#1, p. 58-59) it states, “Many of us who desire revelation and help from The Lord do pretty well at doing the first two things Nephi mentioned above. But when it comes to ‘pondering’ it seems that we don’t do well at taking the time or making the time to do so. In our fast-paced lives, many of us are out of the habit of providing peaceful, non-pressured time for the Holy Ghost to get a word in edgewise into our minds. Thus, we miss out on much personal inspiration which we would otherwise receive.”
Another thing we might note in verse 1 is the phrase ‘exceedingly high mountain.’ This is symbolic, among other things, of perspective. It is symbolic of seeing things as God sees them. Joseph Smith had several high mountain experiences such as the first vision, the visits from Moroni and other ancient prophets, the revelation on celestial marriage, liberty jail, and many others. The interesting thing about ‘high mountain experiences’ in our lives is that we have to come back down to earth, and live in a normal everyday world with the daily tasks and challenges which are the lot of all mortals. However, once we have been on some ‘high mountains,’ daily life can be much more meaningful and our ability to be patient and cope with trials and difficulties is much increased. We see this exemplified in the case of Joseph Smith and the Liberty jail. Something marvelous happens to the Prophet between the time he cries out in humble desperation at the beginning of section 121 and the ending of 123 (see verse 17). Without once being told that The Lord would have him out of his dungeon within three weeks, Joseph’s outlook changes completely. You will see how The Lord takes Joseph’s mind up into a “high mountain,” as it were, and thus changes everything important.
[Book of Mormon made easier, part#1, p. 58-59]
What can we learn from the tree of life from the following scriptures? Revelation 2:7, 22:1-6, 14; 2 Nephi 2:15; Alma 5:34
Revelation 2:7
7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
Revelation 22:1-6, 14
1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.
14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
2 Nephi 2:15
15 And to bring about his eternal purposes in the end of man, after he had created our first parents, and the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and in fine, all things which are created, it must needs be that there was an opposition; even the forbidden fruit in opposition to the tree of life; the one being sweet and the other bitter.
Alma 5:34
34 Yea, he saith: Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely;
Nephi desired to see the things that his father had seen in a vision (the vision of the tree of life). He states in 1 Nephi 11:1, “For it came to pass after I had DESIRED to know the things that my father had seen, and BELIEVING that The Lord was able to make them known unto me, as I sat PONDERING in mine heart I was caught away in the Spirit of The Lord, yea, into an exceedingly high mountain, which I never had before seen, and upon which I had never before set my foot.” What did Nephi see?
He first sees the tree of life. He then sees Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Mary. He sees Jesus Christ as a baby and then his ministry. He saw John the Baptist who prepared the way for Jesus. Nephi also sees Jesus being baptized and he saw the Holy Ghost descend in the form of a dove. He sees the twelve apostles following Christ and sees Jesus heal many people of sicknesses, afflictions, diseases, unclean spirits, and devils. Nephi then sees that Christ was taken by the people and judged by the world. He then sees Christs crucifixion. He then sees many people who gathered together to fight the twelve apostles. He then sees his descendants in the America’s and the terrible wars that took place among them. He saw a mist of darkness, lightnings, thunderings, earthquakes, and all manner of tumultuous noises, earth and rocks were torn, mountains tumbled to pieces, the plains of the earth were broken up, many cities that were sunk, and many were burned with fire, and many that tumbled to the earth. He saw the mist of darkness passed off the face of the earth (after three days of total darkness) and then the Lamb of a God descend from heaven and show himself to the people. He then sees twelve others (the Nephite Apostles) chosen and ordained of God. He sees three generations of righteousness on the American continents because of Christ. He then sees the pride of the Nephites, their battles with the Lamanites and because of temptations of the devil and pride the Lamanites ultimately destroy the Nephites. He sees that the Lamanites dwindle in unbelief and become a dark and loathsome people, full of idleness and all manner of abominations. Nephi is then shown the formation of a “great and abominable church” and what we refer to as the dark ages along with some incredible details concerning Christopher Columbus, the Pilgrims, the destruction among the Lamanites in the Americas, the thirteen American colonies, the Revolutionary War, and God’s help for the fledging colonies as they fought for independence against Great Britain. In addition, he will be shown that the Bible would be brought by them and that many “plain and precious things” had been taken out of it. He will be shown the establishment of the United States, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, the joining together of the Bible and the Book of Mormon, and then a very brief view of the last days.
1 Nephi 11-14
[BofM made easier, part#1 p. 58-91]
Nephi describes his vision that he had after asking to see the things which his father had seen (the vision of the tree of life) as a high mountain experience. Does God give us high mountain experiences as well? What do these high mountain experiences give us?
They give us, among other things, perspective. It is seeing things as God sees them. Joseph Smith had several high mountain experiences such as the first vision, the visits from Moroni and other ancient prophets, the revelation on celestial marriage, liberty jail, and many others. The interesting thing about ‘high mountain experiences’ in our lives is that we have to come back down to earth, and live in a normal everyday world with the daily tasks and challenges which are the lot of all mortals. However, once we have been on some ‘high mountains,’ daily life can be much more meaningful and our ability to be patient and cope with trials and difficulties is much increased. We see this exemplified in the case of Joseph Smith and the Liberty jail. Something marvelous happens to the Prophet between the time he cries out in humble desperation at the beginning of section 121 and the ending of 123 (see verse 17). Without once being told that The Lord would have him out of his dungeon within three weeks, Joseph’s outlook changes completely. You will see how The Lord takes Joseph’s mind up into a “high mountain,” as it were, and thus changes everything important.
[Book of Mormon made easier, part#1, p. 58
What does it mean when the scriptures say they “hardened their hearts?”
One definition of “hardened hearts” is lack of feeling, lack of concern about sin, lack of concern about the rights and needs of others.
[BofM made easier, part #1, p. 69]
Nephi provided an excellent example of of diligently seeking revelation. Read 1 Nephi 10:17-19 and 11:1-6. How does Nephi diligently seek revelation and what promises are made to those who diligently seek revelation?
Nephi desired to know the things of God, and he believed that they could be made known unto him, and he pondered them in his heart. (1 Nephi 11:1)
For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round. (1 Nephi 10:19)
Read 1 Nephi 11:16. What does the word condescension mean? What does the condescension of God mean to us?
Condescension means to willingly descend from a position of high status to help or bless others. The angel in Nephi’s vision in 1 Nephi 11 showed Nephi that the condescension of Jesus Christ demonstrates Gods love for us.
[BofM study guide for home-study seminary students p. 28]
What church or group is the “great and abominable church?”
Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles defined it as “all… organizations of whatever name or nature…which are designed to take men on a course that leads away from God and his laws and thus from salvation in the kingdom of God.”
[BofM study guide for home-seminary students p. 30]
Read 1 Nephi 13:8-9, and identify the desires and motivation of the great and abominable church.
8 And the angel spake unto me, saying: Behold the gold, and the silver, and the silks, and the scarlets, and the fine-twined linen, and the precious clothing, and the harlots, are the desires of this great and abominable church.
9 And also for the praise of the world do they destroy the saints of God, and bring them down into captivity.
Gold, silver, silks, scarlets, fine-twined linen, precious clothing, harlots, and praise of the world.
Was Christopher Columbus a foolish man who stumbled upon the America’s or was he inspired by God?
He was inspired by God! In BofM made easier part #1, p. 73, a quote is given by Christopher Columbus…
“From my first youth onward, I was a seaman and therefore have continued until this day…Wherever on the earth a ship has been, I have been. I have spoken and treated with learned men, priests, and laymen, Latins, Greeks, Jews, and Moors, and with many men of other faiths. The Lord was well disposed to my desire, and he bestowed upon me courage and understanding; knowledge of seafaring He gave me in abundance, of astrology as much was needed, and of geometry and astronomy likewise. Further, He gave me joy and cunning in drawing maps and therein cities, mountains, rivers, islands, and harbors, each one in its place. I have seen and truly I have studied all books-cosmographies, histories, chronicles, and philosophies, and other arts, for which our Lord unlocked my mind, sent me upon the sea, and gave me fire for the deed. Those who heard of my emprise called it foolish, mocked me, and laughed. But who can doubt but that the Holy Ghost inspired me?”
Read 1Nephi 15:8-11
After having a vision similar to his father’s vision of the tree of life, Nephi finds his brothers quarreling about the things which their father had spoken to them. Nephi first asks them if they had inquired of God. What do they say? (Verse 9) What is the reason that Nephi gives for their unwillingness to inquire of God? (Verse 10) What is the formula that Nephi gives them to receive help from the Spirit to understand the things of God? (Verse 11)
1 Nephi 15:8-10.
8 And I said unto them: Have ye inquired of The Lord?
9 And they said unto me: We have not; for The Lord maketh no such thing known unto us.
10 Behold, I said unto them: How is it that ye do not keep the commandments of The Lord? How is it that ye will perish, because of the hardness of your hearts? (not keeping the commandments and hardening their hearts)
11 Do ye not remember the things which The Lord hath said? If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you.
In Nephi 15:1-3
What is Nephi’s advice to his brothers when they do not understand the things of God? What is the reason for their unwillingness to look unto God for help?
Can we follow this same advice when we find that the things of God are hard to understand?
3 For he truly spake many great things unto them, which were hard to be understood, save a man should inquire of The Lord; and they being hard in their hearts, therefore they did not look unto The Lord as they ought.
1Nephi 15:1-3
Yes!!
[BofM made easier, part #1, p. 92]
True or False
We are reminded in 1 Nephi 15: 4-5 that even great prophets can be overcome with grief and have times of depression and sorrow.
True
4 And now I, Nephi, was grieved because of the hardness of their hearts, and also, because of the things which I had seen, and knew they must unavoidably come to pass because of the great wickedness of the children of men.
5 And it came to pass that I was overcome because of my afflictions, for I considered that mine afflictions were great above all, because of the destruction of my people, for I had beheld their fall.
Where do the twelve tribes of Isreal come from?
Abraham and Sarah had Issac. Issac and Rebekah had Jacob. Jacob and his wives had twelve sons. Jacob’s name was changed to Isreal.
[BofM made easier, part #1, p. 96]
In 1 Nephi 15:23-24, Nephi is explaining to his brothers what the rod which their father saw in a dream represents. What does it represent and what promise is made to those who hold fast unto it?
23 And they said unto me: What meaneth the rod of iron which our father saw, that led to the tree?
24 And I said unto them that it was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction.
The rod of iron represents the word of God. The promise is that those who harken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction. What a tremendous promise!
[1 Nephi 15:23-24]
True or False
Lehi’s seed (the Lamanites) will not receive the gospel in the latter days.
False
1 Nephi 15:14-15
In 1 Nephi 15:11, Nephi gives direction from God for when we need to seek help from the Spirit to understand the things of God. What is the direction or formula? At this time, Nephi is addressing his brothers and their lack of understanding the dream which their father had seen (the vision of the tree of life).
11 Do ye not remember the things which The Lord hath said? If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you.
[1 Nephi 15:11]
Describe the Liahona.
1 Nephi 16:10
“A round ball of curious workmanship; and it was of fine brass. And within the ball were two spindles; and the one pointed the way whither we should go in the wilderness.”
Also see Alma 37:38
38 And now, my son, I have somewhat to say concerning the thing which our fathers call a ball, or director–or our fathers called it Liahona, which is, being interpreted, a compass; and the Lord prepared it.
Lehi and his family are traveling through the wilderness for the space of many days being guided by the Liahona (through the more fertile parts of the wilderness, btw) when they stop to rest. It is at this time that Nephi breaks his bow and they aren’t able to obtain food. How does the group react?
Laman and Lemuel and the sons of Ishmael murmur. (Why is it that Nephi’s brothers always blame him for all of their problems?) Lehi even murmurs against The Lord.
1 Nephi 16:17-20
What do you think are some reasons that Nephi’s brothers are always getting angry and blaming Nephi for anything that goes wrong?
It is Satan’s way to find someone else to blame for one’s own inappropriate and sinful behavior.
To cover up their own laziness. Perhaps they may not have unstrung their own bows when not in use, therefore that they would not have lost their spring.
[BofM made easier, part#1, p. 104]
Did the Liahona lead Lehi and his family through the dangerous parts of the wilderness?
No, the Liahona led them through the most fertile parts of the wilderness and they were able to obtain the food that they needed.
1 Nephi 16:14-16
What was required for the Liahona to work?
1 Nephi 16:28
28 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the pointers which were in the ball, that they did work according to the faith and diligence and heed which we did give unto them.
Fill in the blank.
“The guilty taketh the truth to be ___________.”
1 Nephi 16:1-3
Hard
How is Godly sorrow different from worldly sorrow?
Godly sorrow causes deep change toward more personal righteousness and deeper strength in following God’s commandments. The Apostle Paul spoke of Godly sorrow in 2 Corinthians 7:8-11.
8 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.
9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
Worldly sorrow is being sorry that you got caught or because you are embarrassed, or sorry that your opportunity to continue committing sin has been taken away. Godly sorrow changes your heart and worketh to repentance.
[BofM made easier, part #1, p. 107]
What are some of our modern day Liahona’s?
The Holy Ghost
Electronic devices (being able to access scriptures, conference talks, etc. and GPS!!)
Scriptures
After Ishmael dies, his daughters rebel against Lehi and Nephi. Laman and Lemuel and the sons of Ishmael want to kill Lehi and Nephi. They said many things such as… that Nephi lies to them, and that Nephi desires to lead them away from Jerusalem so that he can rule over them. Satan has convinced them to turn against Lehi and Nephi when they have had many obvious examples of Gods intervention. (The Liahona, which they had recently received).
What are some lessons we can learn from this?
One lesson we might learn is that when people rebel time and time again against obvious truth and righteousness, they seem to need to get more and more vicious to sustain their rebellion and blindness. Their behavior is becoming more like Satan’s.
Another lesson is that they are now telling bold faced lies in order to stir up allies against Lehi and Nephi. Satan toys with us until we begin to believe our own lies. This is one of the ultimate deceptions of the adversary. Wickedness does not promote rational thought. Reality and truth are distorted in our minds to the point that we do not think like righteous people do.
[BofM made easier, part #1, p. 111-112]
After Ishmael dies, many of the group rebel against Lehi and Nephi. Laman and Lemuel want to kill Nephi and Lehi, saying that Nephi desires to be a ruler over them. What happens so that they will humble themselves and repent?
The voice of The Lord came and did speak many words to them.
1 Nephi 16:39
39 And it came to pass that the Lord was with us, yea, even the voice of the Lord came and did speak many words unto them, and did chasten them exceedingly; and after they were chastened by the voice of the Lord they did turn away their anger, and did repent of their sins, insomuch that the Lord did bless us again with food, that we did not perish.
During the time when Lehi and his family were being led through the wilderness by the Liahona, what sort of lessons were they being taught by God?
Faith
Diligence
Obedience
Etc…
When Nephi starts to build a ship, once again his brothers mock him. They tell Nephi that the people of Jerusalem were are righteous people and that they kept the statutes and judgements of God. They also said that Lehi had judged the people. Satan clearly has a grasp on Laman and Lemuel’s hearts and minds. They are not being truthful or thinking rationally, which is what happens when people choose sin over righteousness. What does Nephi do to again teach his brethren and convince them to help build the ship? (This is a great testimony and an example of how to convince the wicked to follow God).
He uses scriptures and reminds them of past blessings, including being led out from bondage of the Egyptians. (It is a very good sermon worth reading)
1 Nephi 17
In 1 Nephi 17:1-2 it states…
1 And it came to pass that we did again take our journey in the wilderness; and we did travel nearly eastward from that time forth. And we did travel and wade through much affliction in the wilderness; and our women did bear children in the wilderness.
2 And so great were the blessings of the Lord upon us, that while we did live upon raw meat in the wilderness, our women did give plenty of suck for their children, and were strong, yea, even like unto the men; and they began to bear their journeyings without murmurings.
- What lessons can be learned from these verses?
- What is another example in the scriptures of people who are going through severe trials and carry heavy burdens, yet are cheerful and happy?
- There are still plenty of hardships, even though they are following the Lords will. Yet, with the help and blessings of The Lord, their burdens seem light.
- This is similar to Alma’s colony of righteous saints as mentioned in Mosiah 24:14-15.
[BofM made easier, part #1, p. 113]
In 1 Nephi 16:32, Nephi is able to slay wild beasts and obtain food for the group. They humble themselves and give thanks to The Lord. It is good that they did this, but what is a lesson we should learn from this?
We should be careful of falling into the trap of praising and giving thanks to God only when times are good and murmuring and rebelling when things are tough.
When Nephi’s brothers refuse to help him build a ship, and mock him, Nephi reminds them of past blessings. Nephi also reminds them of when the Isrealites were led out from bondage of the Egyptians. In Nephi’s preaching, which is excellent, he states that “The Lord esteemeth all flesh in one, he that is righteous is favored of God.” Were the people of the promised land (the inhabitants of Palestine, Canaan) righteous or wicked?
The inhabitants of Canaan were wicked. Nephi said…
But behold, this people had rejected every word of God, and they were ripe in iniquity; and the fulness of the wrath of God was upon them; and the Lord did curse the land against them, and bless it unto our fathers; yea, he did curse it against them unto their destruction, and he did bless it unto our fathers unto their obtaining power over it.
1 Nephi 17:35
When Nephi’s brothers refuse to help him build a ship, Nephi reminds them that God is over all things on the earth and that God loveth all “those who would have him be their God.” (1 Nephi 17:39-40). What can this promise mean for us?
That God will bless us if we are righteous and if we will have him be our God just as he covenanted with Abraham, Issac, and Jacob.
In 1 Nephi 17:38-40, Nephi states
38 And he leadeth away the righteous into precious lands, and the wicked he destroyeth, and curseth the land unto them for their sakes.
39 He ruleth high in the heavens, for it is his throne, and this earth is his footstool.
40 And he loveth those who will have him to be their God. Behold, he loved our fathers, and he covenanted with them, yea, even Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and he remembered the covenants which he had made; wherefore, he did bring them out of the land of Egypt.
What major message can we take from this?
God manages things here on earth depending on how people use their agency.
[BofM made easier, part #1, p. 121]
In 1 Nephi 17: 41, Nephi speaks about the Isrealities who were led out of bondage by the Egyptians. They had hardened their hearts, had a lack of faith, and had rebelled against Moses and The Lord.
41 And he did straiten them in the wilderness with his rod; for they hardened their hearts, even as ye have; and the Lord straitened them because of their iniquity. He sent fiery flying serpents among them; and after they were bitten he prepared a way that they might be healed; and the labor which they had to perform was to look; and because of the simpleness of the way, or the easiness of it, there were many who perished.
Nephi is speaking to his rebellious brothers who refused to help him build a ship…Why would some people not look to the serpent of brass and be healed? How does this resemble Nephi’s rebellious brothers and in laws, and how can it resemble people today?
The gospel way of life is actually the simplest way. Many consider it to be too simplistic or even simple minded to believe in God and the Atonement of Christ, personal accountability, life after death, etc. Therefore, they refuse the gospel in their lives.
[BofM made easier, part #1, p. 122]
Fill in the blank.
Nephi is chastising his brothers who have refused to help him build a ship. In 1 Nephi 17:45, Nephi states…
45 Ye are swift to do iniquity but slow to remember the Lord your God. Ye have seen an angel, and he spake unto you; yea, ye have heard his voice from time to time; and he hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, ___ __ ____ ____ _______, that ye could not feel his words; wherefore, he has spoken unto you like unto the voice of thunder, which did cause the earth to shake as if it were to divide asunder.
But ye were past feeling
In 1 Nephi 17:45, Nephi states to his rebellious brothers…
“He hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his words.”
Identify a reason why Nephi’s brothers were “past feeling.”
Sin
BofM study guide, p. 38
Why is it important to both work diligently and seek direction from The Lord? How did Nephi demonstrate both of these qualities when building the ship? Read 1 Nephi 18:1-8
1 And it came to pass that they did worship the Lord, and did go forth with me; and we did work timbers of curious workmanship. And the Lord did show me from time to time after what manner I should work the timbers of the ship.
2 Now I, Nephi, did not work the timbers after the manner which was learned by men, neither did I build the ship after the manner of men; but I did build it after the manner which the Lord had shown unto me; wherefore, it was not after the manner of men.
3 And I, Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and I did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things.
4 And it came to pass that after I had finished the ship, according to the word of the Lord, my brethren beheld that it was good, and that the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine; wherefore, they did humble themselves again before the Lord.
5 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came unto my father, that we should arise and go down into the ship.
6 And it came to pass that on the morrow, after we had prepared all things, much fruits and meat from the wilderness, and honey in abundance, and provisions according to that which the Lord had commanded us, we did go down into the ship, with all our loading and our seeds, and whatsoever thing we had brought with us, every one according to his age; wherefore, we did all go down into the ship, with our wives and our children.
7 And now, my father had begat two sons in the wilderness; the elder was called Jacob and the younger Joseph.
8 And it came to pass after we had all gone down into the ship, and had taken with us our provisions and things which had been commanded us, we did put forth into the sea and were driven forth before the wind towards the promised land.
They did worship The Lord. Nephi prayed often for help and direction. The Lord directed Nephi on how to build the ship, and was shown great things. Once the ship was finished, they prepared everything that they would need for their voyage (food, seeds, etc).
Nephi’s experience shows us that in order to accomplish what The Lord commands, we need to seek His help and put forth our own effort.
After Nephi and his family begin to sail to the promised land, they experience many difficulties. Read 1 Nephi 18:9-11, and identify examples if wrong choices made by some of the people on the ship.
9 And after we had been driven forth before the wind for the space of many days, behold, my brethren and the sons of Ishmael and also their wives began to make themselves merry, insomuch that they began to dance, and to sing, and to speak with much rudeness, yea, even that they did forget by what power they had been brought thither; yea, they were lifted up unto exceeding rudeness.
10 And I, Nephi, began to fear exceedingly lest the Lord should be angry with us, and smite us because of our iniquity, that we should be swallowed up in the depths of the sea; wherefore, I, Nephi, began to speak to them with much soberness; but behold they were angry with me, saying: We will not that our younger brother shall be a ruler over us.
11 And it came to pass that Laman and Lemuel did take me and bind me with cords, and they did treat me with much harshness; nevertheless, the Lord did suffer it that he might show forth his power, unto the fulfilling of his word which he had spoken concerning the wicked.
“They began to dance, and to sing, and to speak with much rudeness.” The word rude means to be harsh, vulgar, or coarse. Satan can use dancing, music, or the way we speak to corrupt our hearts and minds causing us to lose the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Also, they forgot that it was God who had led them through the wilderness and was guiding them towards the promised land. Then, they bound Nephi with cords and treated him with much harshness.
[BofM study guide, p. 39]
While sailing to the promised land, Nephi’s brothers and the sons of Ishmael and their wives “began to make themselves merry, insomuch that they began to dance and to sing, and to speak with much rudeness.” Does this mean it is not ok to have fun?
While it is not wrong to dance, listen to music, or have fun, 1 Nephi 18:9 indicates that they did these things with much “rudeness.” The word rude means harsh, vulgar, or coarse. Satan can use dancing, music, or the way we speak to corrupt our hearts and minds, causing us to lose the companionship of the Holy Ghost.
While sailing to the promised land, Nephi’s brothers and the sons of Ishmael and their wives “began to make themselves merry, insomuch that they began to dance and to sing, and to speak with much rudeness.” Clearly they were being offensive to the spirit. Can you name a scripture that states that God does approve of and gives examples of appropriate ways to have fun?
The Lord obviously approves of appropriate music and dancing. In D&C 136:28, He states
28 If thou art merry, praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing, and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving.
After Nephi and his family finish building the ship and set sail for the promised land. Many on the ship, led by Laman and Lemuel rebel. “They began to dance, and to sing, and to speak with much rudeness.” (1 Nephi 18:9) Nephi asks them to stop and Laman and Lemuel take Nephi and they bound him with cords. What happens next?
The Liahona ceased to work and a great storm comes. After four days of being driven back, Nephi’s brothers began to see that they are about to be destroyed, and repent. They loosen Nephi’s bands, which had made Nephi’s hands and wrists very swollen. Nephi praises God even through his afflictions.
[1 Nephi 18: 9-16]
While sailing to the promised land, Laman and Lemuel and others rebel. Read 1 Nephi 18:12-14, 17-19 and look for some consequences of Laman and Lemuel’s rebellion. How did others suffer as a result of their rebellion?
12 And it came to pass that after they had bound me insomuch that I could not move, the compass, which had been prepared of the Lord, did cease to work.
13 Wherefore, they knew not whither they should steer the ship, insomuch that there arose a great storm, yea, a great and terrible tempest, and we were driven back upon the waters for the space of three days; and they began to be frightened exceedingly lest they should be drowned in the sea; nevertheless they did not loose me.
14 And on the fourth day, which we had been driven back, the tempest began to be exceedingly sore.
17 Now my father, Lehi, had said many things unto them, and also unto the sons of Ishmael; but, behold, they did breathe out much threatenings against anyone that should speak for me; and my parents being stricken in years, and having suffered much grief because of their children, they were brought down, yea, even upon their sick-beds.
18 Because of their grief and much sorrow, and the iniquity of my brethren, they were brought near even to be carried out of this time to meet their God; yea, their grey hairs were about to be brought down to lie low in the dust; yea, even they were near to be cast with sorrow into a watery grave.
19 And Jacob and Joseph also, being young, having need of much nourishment, were grieved because of the afflictions of their mother; and also my wife with her tears and prayers, and also my children, did not soften the hearts of my brethren that they would loose me.
Consequences
- Liahona ceases to work.
- A great storm comes.
- They are driven back. (Further away from their ultimate destination).
- The rebellious actions of some affected the entire groups ability to receive guidance from God.
- Sin leads to suffering for ourselves and sometimes for others.
How did others suffer as a result of the rebellion?
- Lehi and Sariah become very sick.
- Younger brothers Jacob and Joseph were very grieved.
- Nephi’s wife and children cry and pray.
[BofM study guide, p. 39-40]
Read 1 Nephi 18:15-16, 20-23 and give examples of how to respond when hardships come, whether they come from making bad choices or through no fault of our own.
15 And it came to pass that we were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea. And after we had been driven back upon the waters for the space of four days, my brethren began to see that the judgments of God were upon them, and that they must perish save that they should repent of their iniquities; wherefore, they came unto me, and loosed the bands which were upon my wrists, and behold they had swollen exceedingly; and also mine ankles were much swollen, and great was the soreness thereof.
16 Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions.
20 And there was nothing save it were the power of God, which threatened them with destruction, could soften their hearts; wherefore, when they saw that they were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea they repented of the thing which they had done, insomuch that they loosed me.
21 And it came to pass after they had loosed me, behold, I took the compass, and it did work whither I desired it. And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord; and after I had prayed the winds did cease, and the storm did cease, and there was a great calm.
22 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did guide the ship, that we sailed again towards the promised land.
23 And it came to pass that after we had sailed for the space of many days we did arrive at the promised land; and we went forth upon the land, and did pitch our tents; and we did call it the promised land.
- Praise God even during afflictions.
- Do not murmur.
- Repent of sins.
- Pray to God for guidance.
- Follow the guidance that you receive.
[BofM study guide, p. 40]
While sailing to the promised land, Laman and Lemuel and others rebel. They tie up Nephi and the Liahona stops working. A great storm comes and they are driven back four days. Once the rebellious brothers see that they are about to be destroyed, they finally loose Nephi, then what happens?
The Liahona began to work again. The winds and the storm did cease, and there was a great calm. They once again sail towards the promised land.
1 Nephi 18:20-22
1 Nephi 18:25 refers to horses being in the promised land.
25 And it came to pass that we did find upon the land of promise, as we journeyed in the wilderness, that there were beasts in the forests of every kind, both the cow and the ox, and the ass and the horse, and the goat and the wild goat, and all manner of wild animals, which were for the use of men. And we did find all manner of ore, both of gold, and of silver, and of copper.
Why is this evidence that the Book of Mormon is true?
At the time of the translation of the Book of Mormon, the strongly held belief was that horses were brought to the Americas by Christopher Columbus. Joseph Smith would have been very foolish to include horses in this verse. However, since that time, discoveries have been made that show that horses were on the continent prior to Columbus.
[BofM made easier, part #1, p. 129-130]
Nephi was an excellent example of someone who bears his burdens well. Give other examples of people who have borne their burdens well.
??Many
Elder L Whitney Clayton said,
“No matter the burdens we face in life as a consequence of natural conditions, the misconduct of others, or own mistakes and shortcomings, we are all children of a loving Heavenly Father, who sent us to earth as part of His eternal plan for our growth and progress. Our unique individual experiences can help us prepare to return to Him. The adversity and afflictions that are ours, however difficult to bear, last, from heaven’s perspective, for ‘but a small moment; and then, if [we] endure it well, God shall exalt us on high’ (D&C 121:7-8). We must do everything we can to bear our burdens ‘well’ for however long our ‘small moment’ carrying them lasts…”
“…I know that as we keep the commandments of God and our covenants, He helps us with our burdens. He strengthens us. When we repent, He forgives us and blesses us with peace of conscience and joy” (That Your Burdens May Be Light, 13-14)
In what ways can we use this testimony to have peace and comfort, even during times of trials?
Know that all trials and adversity are part of life, and that they will ultimately, if we choose to allow them, bring us closer to God. If we need to repent, we must do that as well. Prayer can help us find peace. Also, we must “endure them well” and not become depressed or fall into despair. Even in trials, we can glorify God and look for the lessons (and blessings) he is trying to teach us.
The phrase “thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass (1 Nephi 20:4) symbolically represents a condition that the scriptures repeatedly call “stiffneckedness.” Give two possible explanations for the term stiffnecked and how does this relate to the house of Isreal?
What could “thy brow brass” mean?
One possible explanation of this phrase is that animals such as oxen and donkeys stiffen their necks so that they cannot be guided or led by their masters. Another explanation is that people who are not willing to bow their heads are stiffnecked. Similarly the house of Isreal stiffened their necks through pride and wickedness and refused to be guided by The Lord. They are not humble.
“thy brow brass” could mean thickheadedness. It is hard to get anything through their thick skulls.
[BofM made easier, part #1, p. 137,139]
[BofM study guide, p. 41-42]
Nephi ends 1 Nephi by quoting several prophets. Who are they?
Zenock, Zenos, Neum (1 Nephi 19:10)
& Isaiah (1 Nephi 20-22)
Zenock, Zenos, and Neum are apparently Old Testament prophets, whose writings have been left out or lost from the Bible. The Bible Dictionary, pages 725-26, under lost books explains that many books of scripture are not contained in our Bible.
It is also interesting to note that Zenos is also mentioned in Jacob chapter 5, which is the allegory of the tame and wild olive tree.
Name a verse of scripture that gives a clear explanation that Jesus Christ was in fact the God of the Old Testament.
1 Nephi 19:10
10 And the God of our fathers, who were led out of Egypt, out of bondage, and also were preserved in the wilderness by him, yea, the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, yieldeth himself, according to the words of the angel, as a man, into the hands of wicked men, to be lifted up, according to the words of Zenock, and to be crucified, according to the words of Neum, and to be buried in a sepulchre, according to the words of Zenos, which he spake concerning the three days of darkness, which should be a sign given of his death unto those who should inhabit the isles of the sea, more especially given unto those who are of the house of Israel.
In 1 Nephi 20-22, Nephi quotes verses in Isaiah. What do you think was Nephi’s purpose in quoting these specific chapters to his family?
- That even though they (Israel) have transgressed the laws of God, he still loves them and extends his mercy to them to repent and be forgiven.
- That God has given the Israelites plenty of evidence and proof that he exists, just as he has given Lehi’s group plenty of evidence that he exists.
[BofM made easier, part #1, p. 138-143]
Nephi quotes Isaiah 49 to his family in 1 Nephi 21. In this chapter, as a consequence of their sins, the children of Isreal had distanced themselves from The Lord and felt forsaken by Him (see 1 Nephi 21:14). What evidence is give in 1 Nephi 21:14-16 that The Lord loves us and He will never forget us.
14 But, behold, Zion hath said: The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me–but he will show that he hath not.
15 For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel.
16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.
He promises that he will not forget Israel even though they have sinned and have not kept their covenants.
Even among mortals, a woman can forget her sucking child, but he will not forget his covenant people. He has the wounds permanently engraven on his hands to show that he paid the price for their sins.
“thy walls are continually before me” could mean that he will protect them or that their problems are his problems??
Why do you think that people sometimes feel that The Lord has forgotten them? Has The Lord forgotten them? What does 1 Nephi 21:14-16 teach us about this question?
14 But, behold, Zion hath said: The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me–but he will show that he hath not.
15 For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel.
16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.
Disobedience, wickedness, sin, pride (not being humble), refusing to submit to His will, etc
He will not forsake or forget us. He has our sins engraven upon his palms.
In 1 Nephi 21: 18-26, Nephi quotes Isaiah who prophesying on the gathering of Israel.
18 Lift up thine eyes round about and behold; all these gather themselves together, and they shall come to thee. And as I live, saith the Lord, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on even as a bride.
19 For thy waste and thy desolate places, and the land of thy destruction, shall even now be too narrow by reason of the inhabitants; and they that swallowed thee up shall be far away.
20 The children whom thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the first, shall again in thine ears say: The place is too strait for me; give place to me that I may dwell.
21 Then shalt thou say in thine heart: Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? And who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where have they been?
22 Thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people; and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.
23 And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers; they shall bow down to thee with their face towards the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the Lord; for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.
24 For shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captives delivered?
25 But thus saith the Lord, even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.
26 And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; they shall be drunken with their own blood as with sweet wine; and all flesh shall know that I, the Lord, am thy Savior and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.
In 1 Nephi 22:4-12 (the next chapter), look for Nephi’s explanation of how Israel will be gathered in the last days. How are Isaiah’s and Nephi’s prophecies similar? (Come back to this)
4 And behold, there are many who are already lost from the knowledge of those who are at Jerusalem. Yea, the more part of all the tribes have been led away; and they are scattered to and fro upon the isles of the sea; and whither they are none of us knoweth, save that we know that they have been led away.
5 And since they have been led away, these things have been prophesied concerning them, and also concerning all those who shall hereafter be scattered and be confounded, because of the Holy One of Israel; for against him will they harden their hearts; wherefore, they shall be scattered among all nations and shall be hated of all men.
6 Nevertheless, after they shall be nursed by the Gentiles, and the Lord has lifted up his hand upon the Gentiles and set them up for a standard, and their children have been carried in their arms, and their daughters have been carried upon their shoulders, behold these things of which are spoken are temporal; for thus are the covenants of the Lord with our fathers; and it meaneth us in the days to come, and also all our brethren who are of the house of Israel.
7 And it meaneth that the time cometh that after all the house of Israel have been scattered and confounded, that the Lord God will raise up a mighty nation among the Gentiles, yea, even upon the face of this land; and by them shall our seed be scattered.
8 And after our seed is scattered the Lord God will proceed to do a marvelous work among the Gentiles, which shall be of great worth unto our seed; wherefore, it is likened unto their being nourished by the Gentiles and being carried in their arms and upon their shoulders.
9 And it shall also be of worth unto the Gentiles; and not only unto the Gentiles but unto all the house of Israel, unto the making known of the covenants of the Father of heaven unto Abraham, saying: In thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.
10 And I would, my brethren, that ye should know that all the kindreds of the earth cannot be blessed unless he shall make bare his arm in the eyes of the nations.
11 Wherefore, the Lord God will proceed to make bare his arm in the eyes of all the nations, in bringing about his covenants and his gospel unto those who are of the house of Israel.
12 Wherefore, he will bring them again out of captivity, and they shall be gathered together to the lands of their inheritance; and they shall be brought out of obscurity and out of darkness; and they shall know that the Lord is their Savior and their Redeemer, the Mighty One of Israel.
There are many who are lost from the knowledge of people of Jerusalem. The Jews have been led away, scattered, and confounded. They are hated. This has been because they hardened their hearts against Jesus Christ. The Gentiles will be lifted up and be a standard to the world. The Gentiles will help Israel. God will raise up a mighty nation, on the American continent (obviously America). Lehi’s seed will be scattered by the Gentiles. The Lord will then do a marvelous work among the Gentiles (Restoration of the gospel). This work will be of great worth to Lehi’s seed and to the house of Israel (I am not sure that this has happened yet). The covenant from The Lord to Abraham that, “In thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed” shall be made known. This will take obvious intervention by God to show forth his power. This power and intervention by God, to bring about the prophecied gathering to take place, will be seen by all nations. Then will The Lord bring them out of captivity (could be literal and spiritual bondage) and darkness, and gather them to the lands (not just Jerusalem, but many lands) of their inheritance. Then they will know that Jesus Christ is their Savior.
[BofM made easier, part #1, p. 150-152]
How is it that all who join the church are considered to be covenant Israel with all the responsibilities and blessings of descendants of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob?
While the strict literal definition of Israel is anyone who has the blood of Abraham, Issac, Jacob (Israel), and the twelve tribes of Israel in their veins, in our day virtually all people have the blood of Israel because of the widespread scattering of Israel to all the earth over thousands of years.
[BofM made easier, part # 1, p. 152]
In 1 Nephi 22:13-14, what does Nephi say will be the state of the wicked in the last days.
13 And the blood of that great and abominable church, which is the whore of all the earth, shall turn upon their own heads; for they shall war among themselves, and the sword of their own hands shall fall upon their own heads, and they shall be drunken with their own blood.
14 And every nation which shall war against thee, O house of Israel, shall be turned one against another, and they shall fall into the pit which they digged to ensnare the people of the Lord. And all that fight against Zion shall be destroyed, and that great whore, who hath perverted the right ways of the Lord, yea, that great and abominable church, shall tumble to the dust and great shall be the fall of it.
They will war amongst themselves. The sword of their own hands shall fall upon their own heads. Every nation that shall come against the house of Israel, shall be turned one against another, and they shall fall into the pit which they dug to ensnare the people of The Lord. All that fight against Zion will be destroyed. The great and abominable church, which had perverted the right ways of The Lord to get gain, shall fall and great will be the fall of it.
What three verses in 1 Nephi 22, that deal with the second coming, were left out of the Bible? Nephi is quoting Isaiah.
1 Nephi 22:15-17
15 For behold, saith the prophet, the time cometh speedily that Satan shall have no more power over the hearts of the children of men; for the day soon cometh that all the proud and they who do wickedly shall be as stubble; and the day cometh that they must be burned.
16 For the time soon cometh that the fulness of the wrath of God shall be poured out upon all the children of men; for he will not suffer that the wicked shall destroy the righteous.
17 Wherefore, he will preserve the righteous by his power, even if it so be that the fulness of his wrath must come, and the righteous be preserved, even unto the destruction of their enemies by fire. Wherefore, the righteous need not fear; for thus saith the prophet, they shall be saved, even if it so be as by fire.
BofM made easier, part # 1, p. 153 states that it seems like they could fit between Isaiah 49 and Isaiah 50.
At the end of 1 Nephi, Nephi quotes Isaiah in chapters 20 & 21, then gives his own counsel of the meaning of Isaiah’s words in 1 Nephi 22. What can we learn from Nephi’s teachings and counsel?
Nephi’s brothers ask good questions about whether the writings of Isaiah are spiritual or if they are they literal (meaning will literally happen). Nephi says that they were told to Isaiah by the spirit and that they are both spiritual and literal.
The Jews will be scattered among all nations over the earth. After God has established America (it will be the Gentiles who will scatter the seed of the Lamanites) and restored the gospel (a “marvelous work” 1 Nephi 22:8) on the earth, the Gentiles will help to gather Israel. The Gentiles will help convert Israel to the gospel.
“The Lord God will proceed to make bare his arm in the eyes of all nations, in bringing about his covenants and his gospel unto those who are the house of Israel.” (1 Nephi 22: 11). This means that God will make obvious intervention for the gathering to take place.
What chapters in 1 Nephi help us to understand Isaiah better? Who and what do the prophecies in these chapters deal with?
1 Nephi 19:23-24
1 Nephi 20-Every verse in verse 20 reads differently than in the Bible. And since the brass plates were likely produced approximately one hundred years (or less) after Isaiah lived, the writings of Isaiah on the plates would be a much more original source than the earliest manuscripts for the Bible. [BofM made easier, part # 1, p. 149-150]. The Lord chastens the House of Israel for their wickedness and stubbornness and their refusal to hear the prophets. Because of His mercy The Lord says he has refined Israel in the refiners fire.
1 Nephi 21- Isaiah continues his prophecy about the Messiah and the gathering of Israel in the last days. Also, Isaiah prophecies about the restoration of the gospel. This chapter also includes the fact that many governments will help gather Israel in the last days. Then Israel will finally do the work she was originally called to do but failed to accomplish.
1 Nephi 22 Nephi’s counsel to his brothers who ask questions about Isaiah’s prophecies. This chapter contains many prophecies about the state of world in the last days.
We in the church are at a great advantage over people not in the church because we have Nephi to be our teacher and explain the meaning of Isaiah’s words. Also, in this chapter Nephi quotes 3 verses that are nowhere to be found in our Bible.
15 For behold, saith the prophet, the time cometh speedily that Satan shall have no more power over the hearts of the children of men; for the day soon cometh that all the proud and they who do wickedly shall be as stubble; and the day cometh that they must be burned.
16 For the time soon cometh that the fulness of the wrath of God shall be poured out upon all the children of men; for he will not suffer that the wicked shall destroy the righteous.
17 Wherefore, he will preserve the righteous by his power, even if it so be that the fulness of his wrath must come, and the righteous be preserved, even unto the destruction of their enemies by fire. Wherefore, the righteous need not fear; for thus saith the prophet, they shall be saved, even if it so be as by fire.
BofM made easier, part # 1, p. 153 suggests that these left out verses would fit between Isaiah 49 and Isaiah 50 in the Bible.
Who do these prophecies deal with? The Lord is speaking to the House of Israel. (My own thought- Since the Jews had been scattered for centuries, he could be speaking to all people since most likely everyone has the blood of Israel in them. see BofM made easier, part # 1, p. 152).
[BofM made easier, part # 1, p. 135-156]
What prophet did Jesus Christ quote more than any other prophet? Give a scripture where Christ tells the people to study the words of this prophet.
Isaiah
3 Nephi 23:1
1 And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things (Isaiah’s writings). Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah.
[BofM made easier, part # 1, p. 137]
While sailing to the promised land, Laman and Lemuel and others rebel. They tie up Nephi and the Liahona stops working. A great storm comes and they are driven back four days. Once the rebellious brothers see that they are about to be destroyed, they finally loose Nephi, then what happens?
The Liahona began to work again. The winds and the storm did cease, and there was a great calm. They once again sail towards the promised land.
1 Nephi 18:20-22
1 Nephi 18:25 refers to horses being in the promised land.
25 And it came to pass that we did find upon the land of promise, as we journeyed in the wilderness, that there were beasts in the forests of every kind, both the cow and the ox, and the ass and the horse, and the goat and the wild goat, and all manner of wild animals, which were for the use of men. And we did find all manner of ore, both of gold, and of silver, and of copper.
Why is this evidence that the Book of Mormon is true?
At the time of the translation of the Book of Mormon, the strongly held belief was that horses were brought to the Americas by Christopher Columbus. Joseph Smith would have been very foolish to include horses in this verse. However, since that time, discoveries have been made that show that horses were on the continent prior to Columbus.
[BofM made easier, part #1, p. 129-130]
Nephi was an excellent example of someone who bears his burdens well. Give other examples of people who have borne their burdens well.
Many
Elder L Whitney Clayton said,
“No matter the burdens we face in life as a consequence of natural conditions, the misconduct of others, or own mistakes and shortcomings, we are all children of a loving Heavenly Father, who sent us to earth as part of His eternal plan for our growth and progress. Our unique individual experiences can help us prepare to return to Him. The adversity and afflictions that are ours, however difficult to bear, last, from heaven’s perspective, for ‘but a small moment; and then, if [we] endure it well, God shall exalt us on high’ (D&C 121:7-8). We must do everything we can to bear our burdens ‘well’ for however long our ‘small moment’ carrying them lasts…”
“…I know that as we keep the commandments of God and our covenants, He helps us with our burdens. He strengthens us. When we repent, He forgives us and blesses us with peace of conscience and joy” (That Your Burdens May Be Light, 13-14)
In what ways can we use this testimony to have peace and comfort, even during times of trials?
Know that all trials and adversity are part of life, and that they will ultimately, if we choose to allow them, bring us closer to God. If we need to repent, we must do that as well. Prayer can help us find peace. Also, we must “endure them well” and not become depressed or fall into despair. Even in trials, we can glorify God and look for the lessons (and blessings) he is trying to teach us.
The phrase “thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass (1 Nephi 20:4) symbolically represents a condition that the scriptures repeatedly call “stiffneckedness.” Give two possible explanations for the term stiffnecked and how does this relate to the house of Isreal?
What could “thy brow brass” mean?
One possible explanation of this phrase is that animals such as oxen and donkeys stiffen their necks so that they cannot be guided or led by their masters. Another explanation is that people who are not willing to bow their heads are stiffnecked. Similarly the house of Isreal stiffened their necks through pride and wickedness and refused to be guided by The Lord. They are not humble.
“thy brow brass” could mean thickheadedness. It is hard to get anything through their thick skulls.
[BofM made easier, part #1, p. 137,139]
[BofM study guide, p. 41-42]
Nephi ends 1 Nephi by quoting several prophets. Who are they?
Zenock, Zenos, Neum (1 Nephi 19:10)
& Isaiah (1 Nephi 20-22)
Zenock, Zenos, and Neum are apparently Old Testament prophets, whose writings have been left out or lost from the Bible. The Bible Dictionary, pages 725-26, under lost books explains that many books of scripture are not contained in our Bible.
It is also interesting to note that Zenos is also mentioned in Jacob chapter 5, which is the allegory of the tame and wild olive tree.
Name a verse of scripture that gives a clear explanation that Jesus Christ was in fact the God of the Old Testament.
1 Nephi 19:10
10 And the God of our fathers, who were led out of Egypt, out of bondage, and also were preserved in the wilderness by him, yea, the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, yieldeth himself, according to the words of the angel, as a man, into the hands of wicked men, to be lifted up, according to the words of Zenock, and to be crucified, according to the words of Neum, and to be buried in a sepulchre, according to the words of Zenos, which he spake concerning the three days of darkness, which should be a sign given of his death unto those who should inhabit the isles of the sea, more especially given unto those who are of the house of Israel.
In 1 Nephi 20-22, Nephi quotes verses in Isaiah. What do you think was Nephi’s purpose in quoting these specific chapters to his family?
- That even though they (Israel) have transgressed the laws of God, he still loves them and extends his mercy to them to repent and be forgiven.
- That God has given the Israelites plenty of evidence and proof that he exists, just as he has given Lehi’s group plenty of evidence that he exists.
[BofM made easier, part #1, p. 138-143]
Nephi quotes Isaiah 49 to his family in 1 Nephi 21. In this chapter, as a consequence of their sins, the children of Isreal had distanced themselves from The Lord and felt forsaken by Him (see 1 Nephi 21:14). What evidence is give in 1 Nephi 21:14-16 that The Lord loves us and He will never forget us.
14 But, behold, Zion hath said: The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me–but he will show that he hath not.
15 For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel.
16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.
He promises that he will not forget Israel even though they have sinned and have not kept their covenants.
Even among mortals, a woman can forget her sucking child, but he will not forget his covenant people. He has the wounds permanently engraven on his hands to show that he paid the price for their sins.
“thy walls are continually before me” could mean that he will protect them or that their problems are his problems??
Why do you think that people sometimes feel that The Lord has forgotten them? Has The Lord forgotten them? What does 1 Nephi 21:14-16 teach us about this question?
14 But, behold, Zion hath said: The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me–but he will show that he hath not.
15 For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel.
16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.
Disobedience, wickedness, sin, pride (not being humble), refusing to submit to His will, etc
He will not forsake or forget us. He has our sins engraven upon his palms.
In 1 Nephi 21: 18-26, Nephi quotes Isaiah who prophesying on the gathering of Israel.
18 Lift up thine eyes round about and behold; all these gather themselves together, and they shall come to thee. And as I live, saith the Lord, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on even as a bride.
19 For thy waste and thy desolate places, and the land of thy destruction, shall even now be too narrow by reason of the inhabitants; and they that swallowed thee up shall be far away.
20 The children whom thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the first, shall again in thine ears say: The place is too strait for me; give place to me that I may dwell.
21 Then shalt thou say in thine heart: Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? And who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where have they been?
22 Thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people; and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.
23 And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers; they shall bow down to thee with their face towards the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the Lord; for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.
24 For shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captives delivered?
25 But thus saith the Lord, even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.
26 And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; they shall be drunken with their own blood as with sweet wine; and all flesh shall know that I, the Lord, am thy Savior and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.
In 1 Nephi 22:4-12 (the next chapter), look for Nephi’s explanation of how Israel will be gathered in the last days. How are Isaiah’s and Nephi’s prophecies similar? (Come back to this)
4 And behold, there are many who are already lost from the knowledge of those who are at Jerusalem. Yea, the more part of all the tribes have been led away; and they are scattered to and fro upon the isles of the sea; and whither they are none of us knoweth, save that we know that they have been led away.
5 And since they have been led away, these things have been prophesied concerning them, and also concerning all those who shall hereafter be scattered and be confounded, because of the Holy One of Israel; for against him will they harden their hearts; wherefore, they shall be scattered among all nations and shall be hated of all men.
6 Nevertheless, after they shall be nursed by the Gentiles, and the Lord has lifted up his hand upon the Gentiles and set them up for a standard, and their children have been carried in their arms, and their daughters have been carried upon their shoulders, behold these things of which are spoken are temporal; for thus are the covenants of the Lord with our fathers; and it meaneth us in the days to come, and also all our brethren who are of the house of Israel.
7 And it meaneth that the time cometh that after all the house of Israel have been scattered and confounded, that the Lord God will raise up a mighty nation among the Gentiles, yea, even upon the face of this land; and by them shall our seed be scattered.
8 And after our seed is scattered the Lord God will proceed to do a marvelous work among the Gentiles, which shall be of great worth unto our seed; wherefore, it is likened unto their being nourished by the Gentiles and being carried in their arms and upon their shoulders.
9 And it shall also be of worth unto the Gentiles; and not only unto the Gentiles but unto all the house of Israel, unto the making known of the covenants of the Father of heaven unto Abraham, saying: In thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.
10 And I would, my brethren, that ye should know that all the kindreds of the earth cannot be blessed unless he shall make bare his arm in the eyes of the nations.
11 Wherefore, the Lord God will proceed to make bare his arm in the eyes of all the nations, in bringing about his covenants and his gospel unto those who are of the house of Israel.
12 Wherefore, he will bring them again out of captivity, and they shall be gathered together to the lands of their inheritance; and they shall be brought out of obscurity and out of darkness; and they shall know that the Lord is their Savior and their Redeemer, the Mighty One of Israel.
There are many who are lost from the knowledge of people of Jerusalem. The Jews have been led away, scattered, and confounded. They are hated. This has been because they hardened their hearts against Jesus Christ. The Gentiles will be lifted up and be a standard to the world. The Gentiles will help Israel. God will raise up a mighty nation, on the American continent (obviously America). Lehi’s seed will be scattered by the Gentiles. The Lord will then do a marvelous work among the Gentiles (Restoration of the gospel). This work will be of great worth to Lehi’s seed and to the house of Israel (I am not sure that this has happened yet). The covenant from The Lord to Abraham that, “In thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed” shall be made known. This will take obvious intervention by God to show forth his power. This power and intervention by God, to bring about the prophecied gathering to take place, will be seen by all nations. Then will The Lord bring them out of captivity (could be literal and spiritual bondage) and darkness, and gather them to the lands (not just Jerusalem, but many lands) of their inheritance. Then they will know that Jesus Christ is their Savior.
[BofM made easier, part #1, p. 150-152]
How is it that all who join the church are considered to be covenant Israel with all the responsibilities and blessings of descendants of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob?
While the strict literal definition of Israel is anyone who has the blood of Abraham, Issac, Jacob (Israel), and the twelve tribes of Israel in their veins, in our day virtually all people have the blood of Israel because of the widespread scattering of Israel to all the earth over thousands of years.
[BofM made easier, part # 1, p. 152]
In 1 Nephi 22:13-14, what does Nephi say will be the state of the wicked in the last days.
13 And the blood of that great and abominable church, which is the whore of all the earth, shall turn upon their own heads; for they shall war among themselves, and the sword of their own hands shall fall upon their own heads, and they shall be drunken with their own blood.
14 And every nation which shall war against thee, O house of Israel, shall be turned one against another, and they shall fall into the pit which they digged to ensnare the people of the Lord. And all that fight against Zion shall be destroyed, and that great whore, who hath perverted the right ways of the Lord, yea, that great and abominable church, shall tumble to the dust and great shall be the fall of it.
They will war amongst themselves. The sword of their own hands shall fall upon their own heads. Every nation that shall come against the house of Israel, shall be turned one against another, and they shall fall into the pit which they dug to ensnare the people of The Lord. All that fight against Zion will be destroyed. The great and abominable church, which had perverted the right ways of The Lord to get gain, shall fall and great will be the fall of it.
What three verses in 1 Nephi 22 were prophecies by Isaiah but are no where to be found in the Bible? They deal with the second coming.
1 Nephi 22:15-17
At the end of 1 Nephi, Nephi quotes Isaiah in chapters 20 & 21, then gives his own counsel of the meaning of Isaiah’s words in 1 Nephi 22. This is a great advantage that we have in understanding Isaiah’s teachings. What can we learn from Nephi’s teachings and counsel?
Nephi’s brothers ask very good questions about whether Isaiah’s prophecies are spiritual or literal (meaning will they literally happen?). Nephi replies that Isaiah received the prophecies by the spirit and that they are both spiritual and literal.
The Jews will literally be scattered across all nations over the face of the earth and that many will be lost to the knowledge of Jerusalem (such as the ten lost tribes who were carried away about 721 BC). They will be hated by all men. (1 Nephi 22: 4-5)
God will raise up a mighty nation (America), who will scatter the seed of the Lamanites. Then the Lord will do a “marvelous work among the Gentiles (restore the true gospel of Jesus Christ) which will be of great worth to our seed” (the Lamanites).” The restored gospel will be of great worth to the Gentiles and to the house of Israel, unto the making known of the covenant to Abraham that through his seed all the kindreds of the earth will be blessed. Also, the house of Israel will be converted to the gospel and will know that Jesus Christ is their Savior. (1 Nephi 6-12) I think these things are in the process of happening now.
It will take obvious intervention by God for the gathering to take place. “Wherefore, the Lord God will proceed to make bare his arm in the eyes of all the nations, in bringing about his covenants and his gospel unto those who are of the house of Israel.” (1 Nephi 22:11)
Once these things are happening or have happened the great and abominable church shall “turn upon their own heads,” and “shall war among themselves,” and they “shall be drunken with their own blood.” (descriptions of the conditions among the wicked in the last days). (1 Nephi 22:13)
Every nation that shall war with Israel shall be “turned one against another, and they shall fall into the pit which they digged to ensnare the people of The Lord.” All that fight against Zion will be destroyed, and the great and abominable church shall fall, “and great shall be the fall of it.” (1 Nephi 22:14)
In 1 Nephi 22:25-17, these 3 verses are no where to be found in the Bible, but Nephi is quoting a prophet (Isaiah?). The prophet states that the time will soon come when Satan will have no more power over the hearts of man, that all who do wickedly shall be burned as stubble, and that God will not suffer that the wicked shall destroy the righteous. He will preserve the righteous, and they do not need to fear. (1 Nephi 15-17)
Nephi prophecies of Christ (second coming) and that those who will not hear Christ will be cut off from among the people. (1 Nephi 22: 20-21)
The great and abominable church is all of the churches and organizations who are built up to get gain, power, popularity, seek the lusts of the flesh, and seek the things of the world, basically everyone who belongs to the kingdom of the devil. They should be the ones who fear and tremble. They shall be “brought low in the dust” and will be “consumed as stubble.” The righteous will be as “calves of the stall” (have peace and protection) and Christ will reign (Millennium). (1 Nephi 22: 22-24)
All people who repent shall dwell safely with Jesus Christ. (The peace and safety brought by the Atonement of Jesus Christ and his gospel are available to all people). (1 Nephi 22: 28)
[BodM made easier, part # 1, p. 149-156]
What chapters in 1 Nephi help us to understand Isaiah better? Who and what do the prophecies in these chapters deal with?
1 Nephi 19:23-24
1 Nephi 20-Every verse in verse 20 reads differently than in the Bible. And since the brass plates were likely produced approximately one hundred years (or less) after Isaiah lived, the writings of Isaiah on the plates would be a much more original source than the earliest manuscripts for the Bible. [BofM made easier, part # 1, p. 149-150]. The Lord chastens the House of Israel for their wickedness and stubbornness and their refusal to hear the prophets. Because of His mercy The Lord says he has refined Israel in the refiners fire.
1 Nephi 21- Isaiah continues his prophecy about the Messiah and the gathering of Israel in the last days. Also, Isaiah prophecies about the restoration of the gospel. This chapter also includes the fact that many governments will help gather Israel in the last days. Then Israel will finally do the work she was originally called to do but failed to accomplish.
1 Nephi 22 Nephi’s counsel to his brothers who ask questions about Isaiah’s prophecies. This chapter contains many prophecies about the state of world in the last days.
We in the church are at a great advantage over people not in the church because we have Nephi to be our teacher and explain the meaning of Isaiah’s words. Also, in this chapter Nephi quotes 3 verses that are nowhere to be found in our Bible.
15 For behold, saith the prophet, the time cometh speedily that Satan shall have no more power over the hearts of the children of men; for the day soon cometh that all the proud and they who do wickedly shall be as stubble; and the day cometh that they must be burned.
16 For the time soon cometh that the fulness of the wrath of God shall be poured out upon all the children of men; for he will not suffer that the wicked shall destroy the righteous.
17 Wherefore, he will preserve the righteous by his power, even if it so be that the fulness of his wrath must come, and the righteous be preserved, even unto the destruction of their enemies by fire. Wherefore, the righteous need not fear; for thus saith the prophet, they shall be saved, even if it so be as by fire.
BofM made easier, part # 1, p. 153 suggests that these left out verses would fit between Isaiah 49 and Isaiah 50 in the Bible.
Who do these prophecies deal with? The Lord is speaking to the House of Israel. (My own thought- Since the Jews had been scattered for centuries, he could be speaking to all people since most likely everyone has the blood of Israel in them. see BofM made easier, part # 1, p. 152).
[BofM made easier, part # 1, p. 135-156]
What prophet did Jesus Christ quote more than any other prophet? Give a scripture where Christ tells the people to study the words of this prophet.
Isaiah
3 Nephi 23:1
1 And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things (Isaiah’s writings). Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah.
[BofM made easier, part # 1, p. 137]
How are all who join the church considered to be covenant Israel with all of the responsibilities and blessings of the descendants of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob?
In our day virtually all people have the blood of Israel because of the widespread scattering of Israel to all the earth over thousands of years.
[BofM made easier, part # 1, p. 152]
After traveling for eight years in the wilderness, what did Lehi and his group call the land that was by the great waters and full of fruit and honey?
Bountiful
1 Nephi 17:5
The Lord commanded Nephi to go up a mountain many days after they arrived in the land Bountiful. What did he tell him up there?
To build a ship
1 Nephi 17:7-8
In 1 Nephi 22:23, Nephi describes the motives of wicked people and organizations. Name them.
23 For the time speedily shall come that all churches which are built up to get gain, and all those who are built up to get power over the flesh, and those who are built up to become popular in the eyes of the world, and those who seek the lusts of the flesh and the things of the world, and to do all manner of iniquity; yea, in fine, all those who belong to the kingdom of the devil are they who need fear, and tremble, and quake; they are those who must be brought low in the dust; they are those who must be consumed as stubble; and this is according to the words of the prophet.
In 1 Nephi 22, Nephi mentions in three verses that the righteous do not need to fear (verses 17, 19, & 22).
17 Wherefore, he will preserve the righteous by his power, even if it so be that the fulness of his wrath must come, and the righteous be preserved, even unto the destruction of their enemies by fire. Wherefore, the righteous need not fear; for thus saith the prophet, they shall be saved, even if it so be as by fire.
19 For behold, the righteous shall not perish; for the time surely must come that all they who fight against Zion shall be cut off.
22 And the righteous need not fear, for they are those who shall not be confounded. But it is the kingdom of the devil, which shall be built up among the children of men, which kingdom is established among them which are in the flesh–
Nephi states in verse 22 that the kingdom of the devil will become powerful on the earth in the last days. It is difficult not to fear when the earth is becoming overcome with wickedness. How can we remain faithful and strong even through the difficulties that we face here on the earth?
The kingdom of the devil is being allowed to become very powerful on the earth and that trusting God and in the principles of the gospel will keep us safe.
Scriptural application
How does 1 Nephi 3:7 illustrate the principle of obedience?
1 Nephi 3:7 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that may accomplish the thing which he commanded them.
Nephi showed great courage and determination to be obedient at all times. I know that Heavenly Father only gives us commandments and challenges in life that we can handle. But I find that when I am in the depths of a struggle I wonder if this is true. Sometimes I have questioned Him and doubted my strengths and ability to make it through my trial. Our Heavenly Father knows us, He loves us, and watches over us. When I look back I know without a doubt that He knew what I needed to experience to grow and become the better person that I am today.
What does partaking of the “love of God” (tree of life) mean?
Elder Neal A Maxwell (1926-2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles further emphasized that partaking of the live of Fod means partaking of the blessings of the Atonement. The tree of life is a symbol of God’s love and Christ’s Atonement… The love of God for His children is most profoundly expressed in His gift of Jesus as our Redeemer: ‘God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son’ (John 3:16). To partake of the live of God is to partake of Jesus’ Atonement and emancipation’s and joys in which it can bring.
Book of Mormon Student Manual Chapter 3
As evidenced by Jerusalem around 600bc, what happens when the people reject the prophets?
1 Nephi 7:14 A result of rejecting the prophets
Nephi explained that the Jews in Jerusalem in his day rejected God; as a result, the Spirit of the Lord would no longer be with them. If the Lord’s people reject His prophets, the prophets are taken out of their midst and tragedy follows (see 1 Mephi 3:17-18, Hellman 13:24-27) “Whwn the Spirit ceasers to strive with man then comets speedy destruction” (2 Nephi 26:11). Such was the case in Noah’s day (see Moses 8:17), with the Nepgites (see Mormon 5:16), and with the Jaredites (see Ether 15:19). The same war I f has been given in the latter days (see D&C 1:33(.
Did Laman and those influenced by him really have a choice if they wanted to leave Jerusalem and sail to the promised land?
Laman and those influenced by him were not captives on their journey toward the land of promise. Nephi answers their desire to return to Jerusalem by declaring a fundamental doctrine, “Ye have choice” (1 Nephi 7:15).
What were some of the reasons that Laman and Lemuel and the others who were influenced by them wanted to go back to Jerusalem?
They were blinded by hard heartedness and disobedience, those rebelling against Lehi and Nephi failed to perceive the truth of Lehi’s prophecies concerning the destruction that awaited Jerusalem. According to the Bible, soon after Levi’s colony left, the city was surrounded by the Babylonians, “there was no bread for the people of the land,” the “city was broken up,” and Zedekiah’s army was scattered (see 2 Kings 25:1-7). If Laman and Lemuel had returned to Jerusalem, they would have suffered captivity or death. Because they chose to follow Lehi and Nephi, they enjoyed the fruit and honey of the land of Bountiful while preparing for an inheritance in the land of promise (see 1 Nephi 17:3-6).
Book of Mormon Student Manual, Chapter 3
Did Nephi (and Alma and Amulek) have faith in their own strength?
No, note that they did not have faith in their own strength; they trusted in the Lord and relied on His strength.
1 Nephi 7:17
17 But it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, according to my faith which is in thee, wilt thou deliver me from the hands of my brethren; yea, even give me strength that I may burst these bands with which I am bound.
Book of Mormon Student Manual, Chapter 3
How was Nephi delivered from the bonds that his brothers had placed on him?
1 Nephi 7:17
17 But it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, according to my faith which is in thee, wilt thou deliver me from the hands of my brethren; yea, even give me strength that I may burst these bands with which I am bound.
Elder Gene R Cook of the Seventy pointed out that, like Nephi, we can be delivered from our own bonds by the prayer of faith: “Note that they (Nephi and also Alma and Amulek) did not have faith in their own strength; they trusted in the Lord and relied on His strength. It is faith in Christ that will deliver ya from our own bonds; it is increasing our faith in Christ that will give us added power.
Book of Mormon Student Manual, Chapter 3
Give a timeline of the major events in 1 Nephi.
- Lehi preaches to the people of Jerusalem and is rejected.
2. Lehi takes his family and travels through the wilderness
List some of the characteristics of the great and abominable church?
- slayeth the saints of God,
- tortureth them and bindeth them down
- yoketh them with a yoke of iron
- bringeth them down into captivity.
- the devil that he was the founder of it.
- I also saw gold, and silver, and silks, and scarlets, and fine-twined linen, and all manner of precious clothing
- I saw many harlots.
- And the angel spake unto me, saying: Behold the gold, and the silver, and the silks, and the scarlets, and the fine-twined linen, and the precious clothing, and the harlots, are the desires of this great and abominable church.
- And also for the praise of the world do they destroy the saints of God, and bring them down into captivity
1 Nephi 13:1-9
One commentator explained that the great and abominable church consists of more than one entity:
“Actually, no single known historical church, denomination, or set of believers meets all the requirements for the great and abominable church: it must have formed among the Gentiles; it must have edited and controlled the distribution of scriptures; it must have slain the saints of God, including the Apostles and prophets; it must be in league with civil governments and use their police power to enforce its religious views; it must have dominion over all the earth; it must pursue great wealth and sexual immorality; and it must last close to the end of the world. No single denomination or system of beliefs fits the entire description. Rather, the role of Babylon has been played by many different agencies, ideologies, and churches in many different times…
Can we, then, identify the historical agency that acted as the great and abominable church in earliest Christianity? Such agent would have had its origins in the second half of the first century and would have done much of its work by the middle of the second century.
“This period might n called the blind spot in Christian history, for it is here that the fewest primary historical sources have been preserved. We have good sources for New Testament Christianity; then the lights go out, so to speak, and we hear the muffled sounds of a great struggle. When the lights come on again a hundred or so years later, we find that someone has rearranged all the furniture and Christianity has become something very different from what it was in the beginning. “
(Stephen E Robinson, “warring against the Saints of God,” Ensign Jan 1988)
How would you define the gory darts
High
1 Nephi 17:4
And we did sojourn in the wilderness for the space of many years, yea, even eight years in the wilderness”
Are you surprised murmurings and doubts set in during 8 years? How can we relate this to our lives?
One way to relate this to our lives is how we must endure to the end in faith, no matter what. It must have taken incredible faith on Nephi’s part with all of the doubts and murmurings that came from his brothers but he held strong through it all. The Lord k it’s all things and knows that these tests and trials are for our good. He knows the end result to our journey and how long we must endure. Our time here on earth can seem so very long to us, yet it is merely seconds to the Lord.
How can we apply to our lives when Nephi sought his own witness that the family should leave Jerusalem and go out into the wilderness?
One way to apply it is to “trust but verify.” Be willing to hear and follow the counsel of leaders but seek verification from Heavenly Father that messages and the personal applications are correctly understood.
1 Nephi 10:17
