1 Nephi 3:22

"And it came to pass that after this manner of language did I persuade my brethren, that they might be faithful in keeping the commandments of God."

After persuading his brothers to keep trying to obtain the plates they go back to their home in Jerusalem and gathered their silver, gold, and worldly wealth. This hopefully in trade for the brass plates. The brass plates would hold more in worth in the way of spiritual and historical knowledge, such as genealogy and the words and the prophecies of prophets. It's like comparing a set of scripture to gold bullion. Some would choose the gold over the greater wealth of knowledge. Gold cannot be taken with us after this life, but knowledge is eternal. The gold, silver, and worldly wealth would have been worth more in monetary style.

#Gloss

Nephi, finish convince brother++ try continue get metal book. Back home gather silver, gold, and money. Hope make trade get metal book can. Metal book have more spirit and history know, like family tree, genealogy words and prophesy from prophet. Compare scripture with gold brick. Some people choose gold, not scripture. Gold with us happen die? Can't. Know things forever can. Money from Nephi and Brother++ cost more than metal book money.

1 Nephi 3:21

"And it came to pass that after this manner of language did I persuade my brethren, that they might be faithful in keeping the commandments of God."

Laman and Lemuel probably still grumbled and complained, but I can imagine Sam supporting Nephi and wanting to do all he could to follow the will of the Lord.

Nephi mentions later that his is more skill in speech than that of his writing. To have the skills to speak and convince two rebellious brothers to doing something they don't want to is pretty amazing. By the added strength of the spirit behind the words Nephi was better able to pierce his brothers' hearts enough to have them obey, if not the spirit of the law, then the letter of the law.

#Gloss
Laman, Lemuel complain maybe still. But imagine Sam support Nephi same, want same do all can serve follow Lord His will, obey commandments from God.

Nephi say later his skill, where? Speak not write. Have skill speak persuade rebel brother+ do thing themself+ don't want amazing. Add strength from Spirit Nephi touch heart can. Help obey Commandment if not willing, then little force.

1 Nephi 3:20

"And also that we may preserve unto them the words which have been spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets, which have been delivered unto them by the Spirit and power of God, since the world began, even down unto this present time."

Not only did the plates contain the geneology of Lehi they also held the prophecies of the prophets from the beginning of time to the time of Lehi and Nephi. The desire of Lehi and Nephi was to preserve the words of the prophets as well as understand and share them.

As stated before we know that the words of the prophets was uncorrupted because of God's foresight in obtaining the plates. The words from the very beginning of the earth's time would be saved and used to help teach the children of this nation, helping them to understand God's ways better and to be available when God deemed the time right for the last days, which we now live in.

#Gloss

book metal have genealogy same have prophesy from prophet past. start time upto now. Lehi, Nephi want plate why? save word understand share same can.

Same say before word from Prophet change not, why? God see future can get book metal need. Word save from start and use how? Teach children country here, help understand God His way better can. Can have time right God finish decide, When? Now time us live. Finish.

1 Nephi 3:19

¨And behold, it is wisdom in God that we should obtain these records, that we may preserve unto our children the language of our fathers;¨

Because God knows all everything we are asked to do by Him is for a great purpose we may not know now. Nephi understood the necessity of obtaining the plates to help preserve the language of their fathers and pass down the information on the plates from generation to generation. And by obtaining the records it would preserve them from the destruction of Jerusalem. 

The records then could be used to keep the language unchanged and the words of the prophets from long a ago safe from corruption. This would help teach generations to come and do so much more as we know and understand better here in this day and time. 

#Gloss

Reason, God know all thing. Everything Himself finish ask us do mean important us maybe not understand or know now. Nephi finish understand need get metal book save language past father and generation++ recieve can. get metal book avoid destroy J-city can. 

Metal book use how? save language same++ word from prophet past save change can. Help teach children future do more, understand now can. 

1 Nephi 3:18

¨For behold, they have rejected the words of the prophets. Wherefore, if my father should dwell in the land after he hath been commanded to flee out of the land, behold, he would also perish. Wherefore, it must needs be that he flee out of the land."

Unlike the people of Nineva, who heeded the voice of Jonah, the prophet, and repented of their sins and became righteous, the people of Jerusalem rejected the call of repentance. The evil planted in their hearts led up tot the need of Lehi to flee the land for safety.  By fleeing our of Jerusalem Lehi's life was spared and also that of his family. If Lehi had ignored the warning of God, then the tender mercies of the Lord would not take effect and Lehi would have been in Jerusalem when it was destroyed. 

#Gloss

same not people NINEVA listen finish voice Jonah, himself prophet, repent sins finish become right do people J-city rebel repent. Evil finish inside heart lead need Lehi himself leave land for-for? Safe. Happen leave J-city Lehi life save can same family save. If Lehi ignore Lord, His warn mercy not happen. Lehi stay J-city happen city itself destroy. Finish. 

1 Nephi 3:17

"For he knew that Jerusalem must be destroyed, because of the wickedness of the people."

Because Lehi was obedient in following the Lord he was warned of the danger and immanent destruction of Jerusalem because of the wickedness of the people. Much like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and even the humbling of the Israelites under the leadership of Moses.

It is an extreme level of wickedness with which the Lord must destroy the city or the area to keep the evil from flooding the earth in it's entirety. The Lord protects His people and if it means the destruction of one person or a nation then, with warning, it will be carried out if not repent of their wicked ways. Even if, in Sodom and Gomorrah, one person would either repent or was righteous then the Lord would have spared the cities. It's because of this wickedness it was ultimately destroyed.

#Gloss

Lehi self obey Lord Lehi warn danger destroy Jerusalem. People there evil sin. Same destroy city #Sodom, #Gomorrah and same Isreal group, them become humble, leader self Moses.

Wicked high need Lord destroy city or place. Protect world cover evil. Lord protect people mean destroy person or country. Himself warn then happen if not repent. If city #Sodom #Gomorrah 1 person repent or right do city save will, but none have. Reason that evil city destroy finish.

1 Nephi 3:16

"Wherefore, let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord; therefore let us go down to the land of our father's inheritance, for behold he left gold and silver, and all manner of riches. And all this he hath done because of the commandments of the Lord."

The Lord knows everything. By having Lehi leave behind his worldly wealth He provided a way for a trade for the brass plates. Interesting that beyond the need to travel lighter the thing about leaving the wealth did, in fact, give them a way that a trade could be possible. This probably didn't even occur to them and they packed up to leave. Nephi was probably prompted by the spirit to think of the trade. By following the commandments of the Lord are His followers blessed.

#Gloss

Lord self know everything. Reason Lehi leave rich, gold, silver, things. Lord give way trade can. interesting. need travel not heavy with gold, silver, yes but also Lord knew best way, trade can. Thought happen not same time pack leave. Nephi prompt maybe spirit think trade. Happen follow commandment from Lord His follow-person bless will.

1 Nephi 3:15

"But behold I said unto them that: 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." 

The oath that Nephi used is a life or death strength oath. by making this promise Nephi states that he would die trying before he would go back to the camp of Lehi. Not only is this oath for getting the brass plates, it's also for each commandment God would give them. By saying, "the thing which the Lord hath command us." He promises to die trying to follow the will of God. Nephi was a dedicated servant of the Lord.

We are told that if we were to have faith like unto a seed of mustard we could do anything. Nephi shows his faith by refusing to give up saying, "This is too hard for me." He doesn't whine or complain. he just keeps trying and trusting in the Lord to be his strength. This reminds me of a quote from Arza in Ephraim's Rescue saying, "Brother Brigham sent me to find these saints. And I'll find them or give my life trying." The Martin Handcart company was struggling through heavy winter times, and there was a call for able bodied men to help them. With this promise showing the faith of this man he was able to find them as well as give them the aid they needed.


#Gloss

Promise Nephi use mean life death compare. make promise Nephi say self die before giveup go back father came. promise only for metal book? no, all commandments. self promis die try obey commandment from God. Nephi diligent servant Lord.

we finish informed if have faith same seed #mustard we do anything can. Nephi show faith give up refuse. self not complain. try+ trust Lord for strong. Remind me quote from movie #Ephraims Rescue Arza self say "brother Brigham Young sen me find saint. find will, or die try." #Martin #Co trial winter cold snow much. all men self++ call help. Promise show faith of Arza self able find saint can sametime give help need.

1 Nephi 3:14

"But Laman fled our of his presence, and told the things which Laban had done, unto us. And we began to be exceedingly sorrowful, and my brethren were about to return unto my father in the wilderness."

Laman, when he was threatened, quickly left the dangerous situation. He returned to his brothers and tells them what happened. They feel sorrow for the failed attempt, but they don't let it get them down. Or at least Nephi doesn't.

Every person has a time when they struggle with something. Here, Laman fails and is frustrated by it, while the other three are sad that they have yet to succeed, but like Nephi we can keep trying our best to succeed. Every scripture can be applied to our lives if we search for truth and understanding. These words are written for our day, here and now.

#Gloss

Laman, happen danger situation have, leave fast. Himself #sk brothers+ inform happen. three feel sad try and fail, but not discourage. Nephi not stop.

Each person+ have time self trial something. Laman fail frustrate three other sad success (pah) have not yet. scripture apply life can, how? we read search truth understand. Scripture word for-for? our day. right now.

1 Nephi 3: 13

"And behold, it came to pass that Laban was angry, and thrust him out from his presence; and he would not that he should have the records. Wherefore, he said unto him: behold thou art a robber, and I will slay thee." 

Laban, having the responsibility of keeping the records, would lose a lot of his position in the eyes of the people if he for some reason or other lost the records. This request being an extreme and very unreasonable in many ways would make anyone in this position angry. But Laban goes beyond the necessary by threatening to kill Laman. Proving Laban's wickedness was pretty far along the scale.

#Gloss

Laban, himself responsibility have hold care for book. Himself loose respect if happen book disappear. Laman ask for book whew, crazy. Laban silly mad. he danger kill Laman. Laban sin bad dirty spirit have. 

1 Nephi 3:12

"And he desired of Laban the records which were engraven upon the plates of brass, which contained the plates of brass, which contained the genealogy of my father." 

After a short period of time Laman asked for the plates, explaining the reasoning of wanting them for the genealogy of Lehi. But failing to mention anything about being commanded by God. Not that Laban would have listened, he being a wicked man also. Which is funny. In doing the errand of the Lord neither of the men mentioned in this verse are followers of God in any sense of the words.

#Gloss

Time pass Laman ask plates have can? Explain want why? for generation of Lehi. But say none about God Himself send Laman get plates. Laban listen if talk about God really? No. Funny, Both men in verse doing command of Lord, none true-biz follow Lord. 

1 Nephi 3:11

"And we cast lots- who of us should go in unto the house of Laban. And it came to pass that the lot fell upon Laman; and Laman went in unto the house of Laban, and he talked with him as he sat in his house." 

This is apparently a pretty common way of choosing a person fro a specific assignment. The lots fell on Laman and he had the responsibility to go to Laban's house and ask for the plates. So, Laman went to Laban's house and tried to ease the question by talking to Laban before asking for the plates. This is pretty smart, talking to one and getting to know them is the best way of asking for something that seems not to be easy to obtain any other way.

#Gloss

Throw lot often use long ago. Laman himself choose go house Laban. Need obtain plate, book from Laban. Laman himself go house and chat. get know Laban before need ask for book. Smart, talk person before ask need thing maybe hard receive. 

1 Nephi 3:10

"And it came to pass that when we had gone up tot he land of Jerusalem, I and my brethren did consult one with another." 

After three days of traveling the four brothers got together and talked about how they were going to get the plates from Laban. As said before this would be a daunting task and would take a lot of courage. So, they probably came up with several approaches to get the plates. This would have been a terrifying task, yet Sam and Nephi were the only two really willing to be there in the first place. Laman and Lemuel were less likely to want to try anything beyond the normal level of activity. They have proved their loyalty before with murmuring words against their father and the words of the Lord.

#Gloss

Nephi brother++ arrive, travel three day fsh. Happen they together talk, plan receive plate how? Try get plates scary why? Laban top man. courage True-biz need. Brother+++ plan many thing probably. Sam Nephi want work follow Lord, Laman, Lemuel not. Laman, Lemuel try hard not, they before show follow how much? They complain, not listen father or Lord His word. 

1 Nephi 3:9

"And I, Nephi, and my brethren took our journey in the wilderness, with our tents, to go up to the land of Jerusalem."

Here, I am pretty sure it took Nephi, Sam, and Lehi to convince Laman and Lemuel to be obedient. Finally, they packed up what they needed and traveled three days back to Jerusalem. The travel alone would have been tiring, but imagine having two brothers complaining the whole way as well. It was probably very hard, not to mention the fact that it did take them three days to go down to the wilderness, it would have taken them just as long to go back to Jerusalem.

#Gloss

Myself think much work need convince Laman, Lemuel obey God must. Pah, success themself pack. Travel three day J-city. Travel hard include brother+ complain+ whole time same. Tru-biz hard three day travel hard arrive wilderness, three day #SK J-city need. Wow.

1 Nephi 3:8

"And it came to pass that when my father had heard these words he was exceedingly glad, for he knew that I had been blessed of the Lord." 

Lehi was overjoyed that Nephi would hearken and listen to the Lord and to His will. He recognized in Nephi a faithful follower of God, a man willing to do all he was commanded. The blessings of God lay on Nephi, giving him the strength needed to follow and do all that was asked. Here we see all we can become if we follow the Lord diligently. We can become like Nephi and find faith to follow and endure to the end.

#Gloss
Lehi happy, why? Nephi listen Lord will. Lehi see Nephi, himself, faithful follow God. Willing do thing CL:list God inform command.God His blessing give, who? Nephi, give strong need follow fsh thing ask do. We become same Nephi can. How follow God eager. We endure end can.

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 hath commanded, for I know that the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." 

My personal favorite scripture, because of the willingness of Nephi to do whatever he was asked by the Lord to accomplish. Nephi helps us to see here that with every commandment ever given there is a way to succeed. Much like a loving earthly father who asks his child to do something, he helps give them a way the child can. Heavenly Father does too, even though sometimes the way does not seem like the way we could want to go. There is a way for all commandments to be accomplished.

There is a well known proverb that is, "There is an easy way and a Right way." As we look at ourselves ask, "do I want the easy way or the right way?" Each way may get us to the destination, yet only one really helps us become a stronger person. This is the Lord's way. He wants us to be stronger and better. And He gives a way that we can do just that. Amazing, isn't it? We are so loved  ass to know the way and be helped to succeed."

#Gloss
My prefer scripture, why? Nephi himself willing thing from God do. Nephi help us see and do thing understand we need do. Same dad here earth ask do thing, he help us pah, succeed. Heavenly Father same commandment from Him we do can.

We know one way right, one way easy. Easy and right go same place, but one not help strong. Other help strong. Lord His way right. We accomplish pah, can. Whew. Us loved by God and know way right and good pah, succeed can. 

1 Nephi 3:6

"Therefore go, my son, and thou shalt be favored of the Lord, because thou hast not murmured."

Nephi, having previously decided to follow the Lord, did not complain about he commandments he was asked to complete. He was wan example then and now of what all faithful followers should do. Because of  his willingness to do what he was commanded he was greatly blessed.

#Gloss

Nephi, himself decide before follow God will. Himself complain not. Cl:things from God do must will. Himself example past now. All follow God see How? from Nephi. He touch-fsh do command himself bless.

1 Nephi 3:5

"And now, behold thy brothers murmur, saying it is a hard thing which I have required of them; but behold I have not required it of them, but it is a commandment of the Lord."

Laman and Lemuel, being their usual selves, complain and grown about the task.  They still are under the impression it's Lehi telling them to do the things commanded. When in fact it is the Lord, god who tell them to do these things. Lehi recognized the importance of keeping the commandments of the Lord and so by doing was blessed to continue to receive revelations.

#Gloss

Laman, Lemuel themself same stubborn, complain about #Job. them believe Lehi himself command, not God. Lehi understand keep commandments need. For-for? blessing receive can. Revelation continue can. 

1 Nephi 3:4

"Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me that thou and thy brothers should go unto the house of Laban, and seek the records, and bring them down hither into the wilderness." 

The Lord knew the importance of the records and commanded Lehi's sons to get them and bring them back to be preserved for later generations. The way to get the plates was not revealed, so this became a huge trial of faith. They had to totally rely on the Lord for a way to obtain the plates.

#Gloss

Lord Himself know plates important, whew, Lehi his sons get plates need. Why? Save for generation. Get plates how? Don't know. Trial itself depend what? Faith. Them rely Lord whole need. 

1 Nephi 3:3

"For behold, Laban hath the record of the Jews and also a genealogy of my forefathers, and they are engraven upon plates of brass." 

The Lord informs Lehi about the brass plates, basically a book, that hold both historical records, such as genealogy, and spiritual records from prophets like Isaiah, and others. Laban, being a high member of the people held the records and had ownership of them. It would be like going to a judge of a court and asking for recent trails and all of the details of them. It's a daunting prospect, even impossible in some cases.

#Gloss 

Lord Himself Lehi inform about what? brass plate same book, has thing history and spirit. From prophets same #Isaiah, progress. Laban high person, had plates own them. Same ask judge himself for-for? trial detail have can? think scary, sometime forbidden. 

1 Nephi 3:2

"And it came to pass that he spake unto me saying: Behold I have dreamed a dream, in the which the lord hath commanded me that thou and thy brethren shall return to Jerusalem."

Lehi, the prophet for his family at this time, receives a dream in which he is told that Nephi and his three brothers needed to return to Jerusalem. This is quite an undertaking as they did travel three days with all the provisions they needed.

This would be also harder as great temptations were still in Jerusalem and Nephi and his brothers would have to be very strong in their faith and such to keep on the path of righteousness.

#Gloss

Lehi, himself prophet for family, dream has. Lord inform Lehi, happen Nephi three brother need #back Jerusalem. This hard, why? travel three day have all need.

Hard also why? tempt at Jerusalem, Nephi and brothers need strong faith, focus path right.

1 Nephi 3:1

"And it came to pass that I, Nephi, returned from speaking with the Lord, to the tent of my father."

Nephi retuned home after learning the things of the Lord. He was able to ponder on the things he learned and the great promises made. Because of the revelations Nephi received he would be better prepared for the commandments that were to come. At the end of services on Sunday we return home to think about them and learn from them. This allows us also to be more prepared to follow the Lord's will and do as He would like us to.

#Gloss
Nephi, himself back home, touch-finish learn cl:list from God. Nephi think,ponder himself learn promise from God, wow. Nephi receive revelation himself prepare obey God can. same Nephi we #back home after church fsh, think learn from church. us same Nephi prepare follow God want do cl:list Himself want us do.

1 Nephi 2:24

"And if it so be that they rebel against me, they shall be a scourge unto thy seed, to stir them up in the ways of remembrance." 

The rebellious children of Nephi's brothers would remind the children of Nephi by fighting and putting them into bondage. This is a cycle of remembrance, or a cycle of repentance:



This happens many times. Even the children of Israel in the time of Moses struggled with this process. Being stuck in the wilderness for 40 years.

#Gloss

Generation from Nephi his brothers remind generation from Nephi how? war, bondage, slave. this cycle, circle. 

Happen  much, people Israel with Moses struggle process. stuck in no people land for 40 year. 

1 Nephi 2:23

"For behold, in that day that they shall rebel against me, I will curse them even with a sore curse, and they shall have no power of thy see except they shall rebel against me also."

God protects His people, making it possible to distinguish the enemies of the servants of god. Even making it so that if the people are dong the right things the enemy shall not prevail against the righteous. But if the righteous fall and don't listen to the words of God, then they shall be reminded as needed.

#Gloss

God Himself protect His people. Happen look see difference Group1 follow God Group2 not. People themselves do right enemy overcome not. If right people fall stop listen God, Himself allow remind if need. 

1 Nephi 2:22

"And inasmuch as thou shalt keep my commandments, thous shalt be made a ruler and a teacher over they bretheren."

Nephi was appointed by God to hold the authority that would give him the right to lead his brothers to the promised land. Much like King David was appointed by a prophet to lead the people after Saul. Nephi proved his faith time and time again by following the commandments and always trusting in the Lord. Unlike David, though, Nephi didn't fall away as time progressed.

#Gloss

Authority from God give Nephi. Nephi have priviledge lead people and brothers promise land. Same David from Bible authority from prophet receive become king after Saul. Nephi faith always, follow commandments endure. Lord he trust. Different David, Nephi fall away, not. 

1 Nephi 2:21

"And inasmuch as they bretheren shall rebel against thee, they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord."

Because Nephi set the example his brothers had something to follow for the blessings they could have gotten. But as Laman and Lemuel were both so hardened they would lose their ability to be in the presence of God ultimately. No unclean thing can be in the presence of God. It's by keeping the commandments of God we are able to come unto Him again.

#Gloss

Nephi, himself, establish example. His brothers see and follow can, but choose not. Those-two able to approach God not. Thing itself dirty with God can't. Obey Heaven Father commandment with him again can. 

1 Nephi 2:20

"And in as much as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper,and shall be led to a land of promise; yea, even a land which I have prepared for you; yea, a land which is choice above all other lands."

Nephi is promised that so long as he and his family keep the commandments of the Lord they shall prosper. They would also be led to the pomised land, which we know to be the Americas. This is a huge promise. And the Lord one He makes a promise will keep it so long as the other party does what they are expected and need to do. So, if the person making the covenant, meaning a promise between us and God, keeps the side they are supposed to then the Lord will give what was promised.

The promised land was kept a place apart from others by the power of God. It is a land preserved because it is a "Choice land above all others." The Lord saved it for a specific purpose.

# Gloss

Nephi promise from God receive. If family obey God they blessed will. Them lead promised land will. Happen God promise make give will if other person themself obey will. 

Promise land preserve, save. God purpose have, above other land. 

1 Nephi 2:19

"And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying: Blessed art thou, Nephi, because of they faith, for thou hast sought me diligently, with lowliness of heart."

Through the Spirit Nephi was told that by doing the right things he was blessed. By having three things Nephi was blessed greatly.

1, Faith: by faith is all things possible and miracles can happen. Each of the miracles performed by Christ was because of faith. Raising Lazarus from the dead, the woman with the issue of the blood being made whole, the leper that was made clean, the blind man, and many more described in the New Testament.

2, Sought the Lord diligently: by searching for the word of God and understanding Nephi was given great knowledge. Many great prophets followed this example. Adam, our first father, Alma the older (later in the Book of Mormon) and so on up to Joseph Smith.

3, lowliness of heart: meaning humility. Christ said that we all should be like unto little children "of such is the kingdom of heaven." Children submit to their fathers and this is why we must become like them. To submit to our Father who is in Heaven and knows all, so He is the best person to go to when in need of guidance. 

# Gloss

Nephi learn himself blessed how? Holy Ghost inform. Nephi himself have three thing. 

1 faith all things possible and wonder happen will. Jesus Christ Himself do wonder happen how? Faith people around. #Lazarus live again after die. woman herself blood sick heal. man himself skin fall off heal. blind man progress. all happen where? New Testament. 

2 search Lord eager. read scripture want understand, #Nephi learn much. Many prophet same do. Adam, first dad here earth, Alma older (find later Book of Mormon will) upto Joseph Smith, Sign name JS.

3 humble Jesus Christ himself say, us need become same child them same King land heaven. Children humble dad, us same need. Humble, listen heavenly Father, Himself know everything. He best person advice and guide need go to.

1 Nephi 2:18

"But, behold, Laman and Lemuel would not hearken unto my words; and being grieved because of the hardness of their hearts I cried unto the Lord for them."

Because of the harness of their hearts and being stiff necked they could not understand Nephi's words. Nor did they care to understand them.

Nephi was sorrowful for them. when one has possession of a great knowledge which will bring eternal joy and others don't want to accept it, there is a feeling much like heart break. By wanting others to have the same knowledge and same joy in a great and merciful God we do all we can to help them receive it. And feel real grief when they don't accept it.

And as Nephi always reminds us the first thing to do is to pray. This again, opens the pathways of communication with our Heavenly Father. This was He can give us specific knowledge and help needed. Including that of perhaps the softened heart of one who is dearly loved.

#Gloss

#Laman, #Lemuel understand Nephi not, For-for? Heart blocked, not want understand God. 

#Nephi himself depressed for brother++. Happen person have know great things, help receive forever joy. Share want. Others find understand can. Try help other find accept. Happen accept not, grief, heart-rip. 

#Nephi always remind, Cl;list thing first, pray. Help communicate with God. Know help people them how? Holy Ghost guide will. 

1 Nephi 2:17

"And I spake unto Sam, making known unto him the things which the Lord had manifested unto me by his Holy Spirit. And it  came to pass that he believed in my words."

Nephi goes to Sam and speaks to him about the things he had learned and by sharing his testimony Sam accepted the things Nephi had learned. Sam was more receptive to the things of the Lord than Laman and Lemuel, by being so, he was better able to understand the mysteries of the Lord.

# Gloss

#Nephi approach Sam, speak about things himself learn from God. Sam accept brother testimony. Sam willing accept thing from God. #Laman, #Lemuel accept things not. Sam understand God can.

1 Nephi 2:16

"And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers."

Nephi provides a great example of what people should do if they do not understand the ways of the Lord. Even though we was young he desired to know the "Mysteries of God." The first thing we should do if we want to know as well is pray. This opens the path to receive personal revelation. By the Spirit of God He reveals many things to those who seek diligently.

By the Spirit Nephi felt the power of God and had no desire to rebel against his father. The knowledge of God was more readily available to Nephi as he desired to know and searched with an open mind and willing heart. He became an example to his family after he gain that knowledge. Even now Nephi stands as an example to followers of Jesus Christ. Children around the world read of Nephi's example and want to be like him, so he still stands as a witness for generations now.

# Gloss

#Nephi, himself become example, people confuse do-do? Want understand God His ways? Need do, pray. Pray make possible to learn things from God. God Himself  show to people themselves search eager. 

Spirit prompt #Nephi, himself feel power God, want reject father, not. #Nephi receive know from God happen #Nephi search with willing heart, mind. #Nephi himself example for people themselves want follow Jesus Christ. Children read story, want become same, #Nephi. #Nephi himself strong witness for Jesus Christ. Whew!

1 Nephi 2:15

"And my father dwelt in a tent."

Lehi gave up more than most people are willing to give up to follow the commandments of the Lord. He gave up his house, land, gold, silver, and worldly possessions. Everything except what was absolutely necessary for survival. All of this because he understood that God knew best and would provide for His servants as they kept his commandments. It takes great faith to leave so much and follow the words of God into the unknown. I greatly admire Lehi, Sariah, Sam, and Nephi for willingly following Lehi into what they may not have entirely understood.

#Gloss
#Lehi, himself sacrifice much. People compare not, willing follow God, his commandment. #Lehi sacrifice home, land, gold, silver, things from world. Take only thing survive need. #Lehi understand  God know much. Give thing servant need. Need much faith leave things and follow God. Where? Don't know. Myself impress #Lehi, #Sariah, #Sam, #Nephi themself follow #Lehi understand whole, not yet. 

1 Nephi 2:14

"And it came to pass that my father did speak unto them in the valley of Lemuel, with power, being filled with the Spirit, until their frames did shake before him. and he did confound them, that they durst not utter against him; wherefore, they did as he commanded them."

Lehi, knowing of his oldest sons disposition spoke with the power of the Spirit of God. By the priesthood which Lehi held he could confound his sons and speak the words of God with such strength that Laman and Lemuel would not dare argue or rebel. Lehi's faith did exceed that of the rebelliousness of Laman and Lemuel.

Recognizing the power of God in their father, Lehi, they submitted and did as they were told. Sad that it took so much for them to follow their father.

#Gloss
#Lehi, himself know son++ personality, knew need speak with power from God His Spirit. Priesthood have touch-fsh, possible confuse son++. Speak God His word strength have. #Laman #Lemuel fight refuse, can't.

Recognize God His power in #Lehi, Obey father. Only follow father happen God His power have, sad. 

1 Nephi 2:13

"Neither did they believe that Jerusalem, that great city, could be destroyed according to the words of the prophets. And they were like unto the Jews who sought  to take away the life of my father."

Laman and Lemuel refused to believe or follow the ways of God. And because they were like the Jews, they were not allowed to be given the understanding of God. Even when it was explained to them they neither would nor could understand.

Laman and Lemuel relied on their own knowledge and strength, making it impossible for the words of the prophets to touch them. Only through the power of God could they even partially understand the need to follow if nothing else.

#Gloss

#Laman, #Lemuel believe follow God refuse. Same Jews before know from God receive not. Things from God explain understand not anyway. 

#Laman, #Lemuel rely themself know and strong, know thing from god can't. know understand God his power only. Force follow rule commandments give before. 

1 Nephi 2:12

"And thus Laman and Lemuel, being the eldest, did murmur against their father. And they did murmur because they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them."

Laman and Lemuel complained because they didn't respect their father, so the Lord didn't give them the knowledge. Because they didn't understand the things of the Lord they would complain and murmur. Even if they had the things interpreted for them they still would not have understood the wonders and glories of God.

#Gloss

#Laman, #Lemuel themselves complain why? Respect father not. God himself give understand know not. Things from God interpret those two understand not still. God his glory wonder #Laman, #Lemuel understand not. 

1 Nephi 2:11

"Now this he spake because of the stiffneckedness of Laman and Lemuel; for behold they did murmur in many things against their father, because he was a visionary man, and had led them out of the land of Jerusalem, to leave the land of their inheritance, and their gold, and their silver, and their precious things, to perish in the wilderness. And this they said he had done because of the foolish imaginations of his heart." 

Lehi had to speak to Laman and Lemuel about these things because of the "Stiffneckedness" meaning that they would not accept the word of God. The did not believe  in all Lehi had spoken.

By murmuring they complained against their father and God by saying that Lehi, in essence, was a fool to leave their home and their gold and silver. They believed that he had led them to die in the wilderness because of imaginations.

Because Laman and Lemuel spoke against their father and refused to believe his words they were unable to understand the things of the Lord. Because of their wickedness and stiffnecks they were covered by a spiritual darkness making it impossible for them to receive and understanding of the ways of God. This is a way that God protects the things that are sacred. He will not allow His most sacred truths to be sullied by the evil intentions of people.

1 Nephi 2:10

"And he also spake unto Lemuel: O that thou mightest be like unto this valley, firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord!" 

Having already named the river after Laman Lehi honors his is second born by naming the valley after Lemuel. He makes the connection of being, "Firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord." He desired Lemuel to be strong and firm in following the commandments of God and that he would be dependable as "Steadfast" is defined as.

1 Nephi 2:9

"And when my father saw that the waters of the river emptied into the fountain of the Red Sea, he spake unto Laman, saying: O that thou mightest be like unto this river, continually running into the fountain of all righteousness!" 

Lehi, finding a great gospel connection to the river, speaks to Laman. he states his desire for Laman to always be fountain of righteousness. always striving to follow the word of God and being, I guess you could say, a source of or an example of one who would follow the commandments of the Lord. Laman being the oldest would normally have this responsibility.

1 Nephi 2:8

"And it came to pass that he called the name of the river, Laman, and it emptied onto the Red Sea; and the valley was in the borders near the mouth thereof." 

As was the tradition when entering a new ground they named the area. These names may not have been permanent, but they helped recorded the journeys taken and gave a place of distinction for the traveling group. With all right they could have named it Lehi because he was leading them. But showing great respect for his eldest son he named the river after Laman. This was a great honor I believe as well as Lehi showed his love for his son, Laman.

1 Nephi 2:7

"And it came to pass that he built an altar of stones, and made an offering unto the Lord, and gave thanks unto the Lord our God." 

The alter was to be made out of whole stones which no iron tool was to touch. By the cutting of the stone by iron it was considered polluted or dirty.(Exodus 20:25, Deut. 27:5, & Josh 8:31) Why? Iron symbolizes here evil, because of the connection with Tubalcain, and instructor of iron who revealed dark dealings of Satan. (Moses 5:46,49)

The alter is a place of both thanksgiving and of prayers for help. The sacrifice, usually a goat or a lamb was to show a way of what is now known as tithing. By willingly giving a portion of what one owned the Lord could and would bless one with the so many blessings that there would not be room big enough to accept it all. (Malachi 10)

The first thing Lehi did after they pitched their tents was to give thanks to the Lord. After doing so much for them Lehi recognized the Lord deserved the credit and the praise. After all, the Lord saved Lehi from the angry people of Jerusalem and protected his family. What a great blessing, one well deserving the praise and gratitude of a faithful servant.

1 Nephi 2:6

"And it came to pass that when he had traveled three days in the wilderness, he pitched his tent in a valley by the side of a  river of water." 

Finally getting a safe distance away from Jerusalem, Lehi and his family set up camp in a place where they could have drinking water and such. Being led by the Lord they were kept safe and taken to a place that could provide for them, a refuge or sanctuary it could be called by.

1 Nephi 2:5

"And he came down by the borders near the shore of the Red Sea; and he traveled int he wilderness in the borders which are nearer the Red Sea; and he did travel int he wilderness with his family, which consisted of my mother, Sariah, and my elder brothers, who where Laman, Lemuel, and Sam."

Lehi took his family into the wilderness along the Red Sea. His family consisted of Sariah, his wife, and his sons from the oldest to youngest: Laman, Lemuel, Sam, and Nephi. Nephi is the one recording the happenings of his family.

1 Nephi 2:4

"And it came to pass that he departed into the wilderness. And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness." 

Lehi proved his loyalty to the Lord by willingly leaving all thins of worldly value and taking only the things they would need to survive in the wilderness. Every prophet and disciple of Christ has sacrificed something for the truth of the gospel. The testimony of the prophets is solidified and set by the sacrifice of the prophets.

From the time Lehi leaves Jerusalem the records of these people is started. Their timing is compared to the time Lehi left Jerusalem, which equals to 600 years before Christ's birth to give a reference point.

1 Nephi 2:3

"And it came to pass that he was obedient unto the word of the Lord, wherefore he did as the Lord commanded him."

Lehi did not hesitate in following the commandments of the Lord. By being exactly obedient Lehi and his family were blessed. Lehi had committed to follow the Lord, and that meant that by being committed he would do as he was told without hesitation.

1 Nephi 2:2

"And it came to pass that the Lord commanded my father, even in a dream, that he should take his family and depart unto the wilderness."

Ever commandment given to people from the Lord is for both the spiritual and physical benefit. For Lehi it was for physical protection and spiritual strength and preparation for the further knowledge. by being diligent in keeping the commandments of the Lord they were prepared for what was to come.

By following the Lord Lehi and his family would be led to a better land. A place promised by God to be a land choice above all others. The Lord does not forsake His children, He leads them safely to a place He has prepared for them as can be seen by the example of Lot, Moses and the Israelites and so on.

1 Nephi 2:1

"For behold, it came to pass that the Lord spake unto my father, yea, even in a dream, and said unto him: Blessed art thou Lehi, because of the things which thou hast done; and because thou has been faithful and declared unto this people the things which I commanded thee, behold, they seek to take away thy life." 

Many times prophets receive revelations though dreams. I think it's the time that the heart and mind are open to the words of the Lord. Sister Parrish believes it this the time the desires of the heart can come though and the Lord can speak to the heart.

Because of the faithfulness of the servants of God He warns and protects. Thee Lord being omnipotent knew of the danger to Lehi and his family. The Lord out of mercy and love warned them to leave and to continue to follow the commandments. As Lehi had done all he could the Lord could bless him and his family with safety.

1 Nephi 1:20

"And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him: yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away. But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you 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." 

The Jews have many moments in the Bible which they despise the words of the prophets. Even as the whole of Israel with Moses they were condemned to 40 years in the wilderness due to iniquities. Of which each nation has its times of iniquity, no nation is exempt and all are given the opportunity to accept the truth of God.

The treatment of the prophets show the hardness of the hearts of the people and their inability to change. They refused to be in the wrong even when they knew the statures of God and knew the commandments. The connecting scripture of Jeremiah 11:19 says "like a lamb... to the slaughter." Christ is a great example of meekness. And also the prophet Joseph Smith said the same thing not long before he was martyred at Carthage jail. Lehi was warned that the people would try to take his life.

Because of the tender mercies of the Lord to His servant, Lehi, He provided a way for Lehi and his family to escape and save their lives. the Lord takes care of His servants in the ways that are best. Daniel was protected from the lions, and David from Goliath.

1 Nephi 1:19

"And it came to pass that the Jews did mock him because of the things which he testified of them; for he truly testified of their wickedness and their abominations; and he testified that the things which he saw and heard, and also the things which he read in the book, manifested plainly of the coming of a Messiah, and also the redemption of the world." 

In response to Lehi's prophesying and preaching the Jews mocked him, which is not uncommon in sharing the word of God. Bible examples are Noah, the apostles, and Jesus Christ Himself. when the heart is hardened to the point nothing touches it mocking the prophets of God is the least of the outcomes. The treatment of the prophets was poor and the anger of God grew as they continued to be sinful and mocking in the ways of God.

Those who were righteous and listened to the prophets were led away to safety while the sinners that refused to listen to the Lord were allowed to stay in a doomed city. As the justice of God to those who do not hearken(listen) to the words of God.

Even when Lehi spoke of the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, they became even more enraged. This reaction in the scriptures is sadly common as well.. The wicked have no desire to hear of the Savior. But the joy of His coming cannot be held  back. The prophecies and testimonies of the disciples of Christ have come true and will continue to come true.

1 Nephi 1:18

"Therefore, I would that ye should know, that after the Lord had shown so many marvelous things unto my father, Lehi, yea, concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, behold he went forth among the people, and began to prophesy and to declare unto them concerning the things which he had both seen and heard."

The Lord in His mercy showed the things that would happen to Jerusalem according to His words. the Lord warned Jerusalem before they were destroyed and because of sin they did not heed the word of God and Jerusalem was destroyed.


After Lehi had learned all of this he went to the people and as had the prophets before him preached to them the word of the Lord about the destruction of Jerusalem. He spoke of all the things he had learned, trying to convince them of their evil and carnal ways. Being a missionary is not easy under any circumstances, especially if you have to tell people that they are doing evil things. I am impressed with Lehi and his desire to help people come to the truth and find the way to right.

1 Nephi 1:17

"But I shall make an account of my proceedings in my days. Behold, of my father, upon plates which I have mad with mine own hands; wherefore, after I have abridged the record of my father then will I make an account of mine own life."

Nephi, with the guidance of the Lord, made an abridgment for those in the future to read of Lehi's works and visions. This is to the 116 pages mentioned before could still be a part of the Book of Mormon, but that Satan could not fulfill his design of destroying the credibility of the Book of Mormon. The fullness of history and such were kept separately for the sake of keeping the sacred things just that, sacred. This will be explained more later, as Nephi speaks of it later.

1 Nephi 1:16

" And now I, Nephi, do not make a full account of the things which my father hath written, for he hath written many things which he saw in visions and in dreams; and he also hath written many things which he prophesied and spake unto his children, of which I shall not make a full account."

The entirety of the vision would have been too sacred to share. By the spirit are parts allowed to be written. When the world is ready to receive such things will they be made known through a prophet of the Lord.

Lehi wrote down the things of which he saw, which was probably in the 116 pages that were lost in the time of Joseph Smith. By the word of the Lord those pagers were not re-translated, instead the book of Nephi held the words the Lord allowed to be translated.

Lehi saw and recorded the things he saw in visions much like many other prophets. For example Daniel, Joseph of Egypt and many more did this. The prophesies of the prophets are recorded, much like in the past. Here Lehi did the same and Nephi also recorded the part he felt was necessary as the spirit directed.

1 Nephi 1: 15

"And after this manner was the language of my father in the praising of his God; for his soul did rejoice, and his whole heart was filled, because of the things which he had seen, yea, which tthe Lord had shown unto him. "

Lehi saw many wonders and things of the Lord which strenthened him and his family and by showing his gratitiude in praising the Lord he was blessed. Having a heart filled with joy and the Spirit is an experience once felt is one that is desired to be repeated due to the lifting of emotions and the outlook of the world. One can better see the blessings of the Lord as well as the help others see it, too.

1 Nephi 1:14

"And it came to pass that when my father had read and seen many great and marvelous things, he did exclaim many things unot the Lord; thy works, O Lord God Almighty! Thy throne is high in the heavens, and thy power, and goodness, and mercy are over all the inhabitants of the earth; and, because thou art merciful, thou shalt not suffer those who come unto thee that they shall perish!"

Having so much mad clear unto him, Lehi recoginized what a blessing it was and praised the Lord. It is a great gift to be able to recognize the blessings of the Lord and the wonder of God.

The power and goodness of God are used for the benefit if man. His great purpose is to help man make thier way back to His Presence. His love encompasses all of man kind and He wants all to have the blessings of eterenal life, though He also gives us all the ability to shoose for ourselves.

Always is there a chance to accept the way to come unot the Lord. He offers to every person a blessing of eternity with great joy and wonder if we accept His arm of mercy. All who come unto Christ can and will have eternal life and many wonderful blessings we cannot comprehend right now.

1 Nephi 1:13

"And as he read, saying: Wo, wo, unto Jerusalem, for I have sseen thine abominations! Yea, and many things did my father read concerning Jerusalme--that is should be destroyed, and the inhabitants thereof; many should perish by the sword, and many should be carried away captive into Babylon."

Twice sayint wo emphasises that there were serious problems in Jerusalem. The Lord sees all the sins and iniquities of every person and by the Spirit can the prophet be sent to either guide or warn those what need the chance to repent. Thee abominations done were serious and defiled the sacred house of God in Jerusalem. This is a sin that is awful to contemplate. The things that could have been done in the house of God would have been severe.

By the prose and word of the Lord jerusalem was destroyed and the pople inside either killed or carried captive into Babylon. Through the words of the prophets and the power of the Lord Jerusalem was destroyed and the sins of it were cleansed.

The people that were not destroyed witht he city were taken captive by those who overcame the land.. The king himself was taken as well and the words of the Lord came true as they always will.

1 Nephi 1:12

"And it came to pass that as he read, he was filled with the Spirit of the Lord."

As Lehi studied the words of the Lord he was filled with the Spirit of God, also known as the Holy Ghost. All of the known miracles of the scriptures to modern times are guided by the Holy Ghost as well as revelation received either personally or for a large group. Any priesthood activity or ordinance has to be done with the authority given by god through he Holy Ghost.

1 Nephi 1:11

"And they came down and went forth upon the face of the earth; and the first came and stood before my father, and gave unto him a book, and bade him that he should read." 

In Lehi's vision Jesus Christ, Himself, gave him a book that held the knowledge of what Jerusalem's sins were. By the power of the Spirit Lehi  saw Jesus Christ stand before him and the twelve witnesses standing behind him. They then commanded Lehi to read.

Through following the foot notes we see that this book  contained the sins and woes of the land and the iniquities of the people of Jerusalem. Lehi knew their transgressions and by this he would recognize the need to remove his family from the temptations and inevitable destruction of Jerusalem.

1 Nephi 1:10

"And he also saw twelve others following him, and their brightness did exceed that of the stars in the firmament." 

By twelve others who else could it be than the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ that came down also to bear record of the Savior. Their glory is compared to the stars  as their power comes from the Savior and they did not have all of the priesthood keys. The apostles are chosen to follow and share their testimonies of the Lord.

1 Nephi 1:9

"And it came to pass that he saw one descending out of the midst of heaven, and he beheld that his luster was above that of the Sun at noon-day."

The one descending with a "luster...above that of the sun at noon-day," is none other than Jesus Christ our Savior whom came to the earth for the purpose of saving all mankind. by the condescension of the Lord, we can choose to follow Him and gain eternal life or follow other paths. Jesus Christ condescended, or lowered himself, so that all may have the option to accept the Atonement.

By the expression of one having a luster brighter that noon sun it is saying His glory and power are beyond human comprehension. He is the Son of God and so His strength and power would be so great as to overpower the sun.

1 Nephi 1:8

"And being thus overcome with the Spirit, he was carried away in a vision, even that he saw the heavens open, and he thought he saw God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels in t he attitude of singing and praising their God."

While Lehi was exhausted by the Spirit he was able to see a vision that god sent to him. Because of this vision Lehi was able to get his family, in the future, safely away form Jerusalem, protecting them from the inevitable destruction of the city. This opened Lehi's eyes to see the glory of God and the blessings from the faith connected to it.

Lehi was one of many to see god on His throne and angels singing praises to the Lord. I personally believe that this is repeated so often as to remind us of the joy in praising the Lord. The heavens opening is also mentioned many times, much like the veil of forgetfulness and separation from God being taken away. Through the  opening of the heavens many prophets have seen God in visions. By the power of the Holy Ghost is this possible. As desire to know and understand opens the way for the Spirit to show great things.

This is much like catching glimpses of the eternities with which the angels sing praises of God and prophets and disciples stand on the right hand of God.