“Wherefore, I shall give commandment unto my seed, that they shall not occupy these plates with things which are not of worth unto the children of men.” (1 Nephi 6:6)
v. 1-6: I guess the biggest thing that I got out of this chapter is the fact that Nephi is writing this record towards the end of his life. He’s not interested in writing about himself, nor is he interested in writing what the world would find entertaining, but rather the things of God that would be most valuable to mankind. He’s already planning on handing these plates down from generation to generation, and I assume that these plates were also to be used by his people, unlike those written by Moroni hundreds of years later.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
1 Nephi 5
“And it came to pass that thus far I and my father had kept the commandments wherewith the Lord had commanded us.” (1 Nephi 5:20)
v. 1-10: It’s too bad the only Sariah story we have in the Book of Mormon is her doubting. I bet she was a really cool lady. Nephi and the boys must have been gone a really long time otherwise she wouldn’t have freaked out so much. Maybe much of their time was taken up in the journey, which, in all honesty was probably just as dangerous as confronting Laban. The other thing is, I bet that Lehi and Sariah was familiar with who Laban was since he was such a powerful man, which would only add to her anxiety. My guess is part of the reason the Lord made them take an extra trip back to Jerusalem is so that Lehi and Sariah could go through this experience which greatly strengthened their faith. This is also a very interesting family because nowhere else in the scriptures can I think of a father/son prophet combination like this. Both of them had their separate trials they needed to face. Poor Lehi all alone in the wilderness with his wife and daughters and no football to distract him…
v. 11-13: The plates contained a different version of the Old Testament which went from Genesis part-way through Jeremiah. It’s important to remember that these are the scriptures that all the Nephite prophets have to refer to and to teach the people. It also demonstrates the truth that it’s not the amount of scripture that is important, if you have the living oracles of God. They only had maybe half of the scriptures we have today, yet it was enough to give them the gospel.
v. 14-16: Lehi learns his genealogy, another reason for why having the plates was necessary, I don’t know how much of his genealogy Lehi knew, but apparently the fact that he was a descendant of Joseph was news to him. It’s interesting to think about the value that they put on knowing their family history, I mean, they had to kill a man to get it! (Also, I wonder how closely Lehi and Laban were related, since they were both descendants of Joseph.)
v. 18-19: These plates of brass were blessed to never dim with age, and will one day be revealed to the world in their entirety.
v. 21: They needed a copy of the scriptures in order to preserve the commandments for their children. Imagine trying to pass down the Law of Moses by word of mouth. Not so easy to do.
v. 1-10: It’s too bad the only Sariah story we have in the Book of Mormon is her doubting. I bet she was a really cool lady. Nephi and the boys must have been gone a really long time otherwise she wouldn’t have freaked out so much. Maybe much of their time was taken up in the journey, which, in all honesty was probably just as dangerous as confronting Laban. The other thing is, I bet that Lehi and Sariah was familiar with who Laban was since he was such a powerful man, which would only add to her anxiety. My guess is part of the reason the Lord made them take an extra trip back to Jerusalem is so that Lehi and Sariah could go through this experience which greatly strengthened their faith. This is also a very interesting family because nowhere else in the scriptures can I think of a father/son prophet combination like this. Both of them had their separate trials they needed to face. Poor Lehi all alone in the wilderness with his wife and daughters and no football to distract him…
v. 11-13: The plates contained a different version of the Old Testament which went from Genesis part-way through Jeremiah. It’s important to remember that these are the scriptures that all the Nephite prophets have to refer to and to teach the people. It also demonstrates the truth that it’s not the amount of scripture that is important, if you have the living oracles of God. They only had maybe half of the scriptures we have today, yet it was enough to give them the gospel.
v. 14-16: Lehi learns his genealogy, another reason for why having the plates was necessary, I don’t know how much of his genealogy Lehi knew, but apparently the fact that he was a descendant of Joseph was news to him. It’s interesting to think about the value that they put on knowing their family history, I mean, they had to kill a man to get it! (Also, I wonder how closely Lehi and Laban were related, since they were both descendants of Joseph.)
v. 18-19: These plates of brass were blessed to never dim with age, and will one day be revealed to the world in their entirety.
v. 21: They needed a copy of the scriptures in order to preserve the commandments for their children. Imagine trying to pass down the Law of Moses by word of mouth. Not so easy to do.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
1 Nephi 4
“And I was led by the spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do…” (1 Nephi 4:6)
v.1: Remember that chapters were not added until the early 1900s so this is Nephi’s direct response to Laman and Lemuel’s murmuring.
v.3: It’s interesting because the story of Moses was so obviously true to them that not even Laman and Lemuel tried to fight it. It was a fact of history-without it the Jews would not have been where they were. Similar comparisons can be drawn in our day, particularly with the pioneers.
v.4-6: Nephi convinces them to come back, but then leaves them outside the city walls and goes in himself even though he doesn’t really know what’s going to happen.
v. 7-18: This story bothers a lot of people, and it’s right here in the front of the Book of Mormon where everyone needs to deal with it. I don’t think I can add much to what Nephi’s already written. There it is.
v.21: I just think this detail is kind of neat: Nephi keeps Laban’s sword and it is passed on from generation to generation of Nephite leaders, just like David kept Goliath’s sword.
v. 30-34: Now this just makes me laugh. Nephi is one of the biggest understaters in the world. Can you picture in your mind what it looks like for Nephi to ‘seize upon’ Zoram, remembering that Zoram is a full grown man, and remembering that Nephi has to keep him from escaping and from yelling long enough to explain the whole story of their family in the wilderness and explaining how Zoram is free to join with them? This is more than just grabbing Zoram by the arm; Zoram probably thought he was gonna die, he would be freaked out! We’re talking like Nephi going linebacker on Zoram here!
v. 35: Here’s a good proof that the Book of Mormon was actually written on plates. Nephi drops Zoram’s name, and then realizes that we don’t know who he’s talking about yet, so he adds: “Now Zoram was the name of the servant.” If the Book of Mormon was written on parchment or fabricated or whatever, Nephi could have just crossed it out and rewritten it, but not when your hammering into golden plates.
v. 36: From this we learn that Lehi and his family’s departure into the wilderness was done in secret.
v. 37: Now this is just a fascinating insight into Jewish culture, or at least into Nephi’s family. All it takes is one spoken oath from Zoram (whose boss just tried to kill them) and their fears concerning him are gone and he is a part of the family.
v.1: Remember that chapters were not added until the early 1900s so this is Nephi’s direct response to Laman and Lemuel’s murmuring.
v.3: It’s interesting because the story of Moses was so obviously true to them that not even Laman and Lemuel tried to fight it. It was a fact of history-without it the Jews would not have been where they were. Similar comparisons can be drawn in our day, particularly with the pioneers.
v.4-6: Nephi convinces them to come back, but then leaves them outside the city walls and goes in himself even though he doesn’t really know what’s going to happen.
v. 7-18: This story bothers a lot of people, and it’s right here in the front of the Book of Mormon where everyone needs to deal with it. I don’t think I can add much to what Nephi’s already written. There it is.
v.21: I just think this detail is kind of neat: Nephi keeps Laban’s sword and it is passed on from generation to generation of Nephite leaders, just like David kept Goliath’s sword.
v. 30-34: Now this just makes me laugh. Nephi is one of the biggest understaters in the world. Can you picture in your mind what it looks like for Nephi to ‘seize upon’ Zoram, remembering that Zoram is a full grown man, and remembering that Nephi has to keep him from escaping and from yelling long enough to explain the whole story of their family in the wilderness and explaining how Zoram is free to join with them? This is more than just grabbing Zoram by the arm; Zoram probably thought he was gonna die, he would be freaked out! We’re talking like Nephi going linebacker on Zoram here!
v. 35: Here’s a good proof that the Book of Mormon was actually written on plates. Nephi drops Zoram’s name, and then realizes that we don’t know who he’s talking about yet, so he adds: “Now Zoram was the name of the servant.” If the Book of Mormon was written on parchment or fabricated or whatever, Nephi could have just crossed it out and rewritten it, but not when your hammering into golden plates.
v. 36: From this we learn that Lehi and his family’s departure into the wilderness was done in secret.
v. 37: Now this is just a fascinating insight into Jewish culture, or at least into Nephi’s family. All it takes is one spoken oath from Zoram (whose boss just tried to kill them) and their fears concerning him are gone and he is a part of the family.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
1 Nephi 3
“…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 3:15)
v. 1-6: Dreams must have been Lehi’s main source of revelation, it seems as if he has many more inspired dreams than most prophets. Why didn’t they get the plates before they left? Clearly it must be a test, for everyone involved (even the parents- see ch.5). It may even have been to impress on their minds the importance of the scriptures. It would seem that Lehi first spoke with Laman and Lemuel, who somehow agreed to go down (maybe they thought they could stay in Jerusalem if they went??) Nephi obeyed without complaint.
v. 7-8: What a fun thing this must have been for a father to hear from his son, especially after listening to two complaining ones. This is a pretty deep insight for Nephi to have come up with on his own. He didn’t have the Book of Mormon, probably didn’t even own his own copy of the scriptures!
v. 11-15: So, I’m surprised that their first plan was to just send in someone alone. I’m even more surprised that Laman did it. And then after one weak-sauce failed attempt to get the plates Laman and Lemuel are ready to just give it up and walk the whole way back to Jerusalem. And Nephi’s like, no, giving up after one try doesn’t count as keeping the commandments.
v. 16: We learn from this verse that Lehi was specifically commanded to leave his riches behind.
v. 28: This verse implies that Laman was the main source of the rebellion and murmuring. Lemuel is just following along.
v. 27-28: I guess in the cavity of a rock there’s not much room to run or protect yourself when your brothers start beating you. I wonder how bad it was, I mean, an angel did stop it after all. A rod is probably a lot more than just a stick. It would hurt. A lot. I would imagine this was pretty brutal.
v. 31: Ok, doubting God would not be my first response after seeing an angel, but I can’t really blame Laman and Lemuel on this one. I mean, I get promptings to do things all the time without knowing why or how they’ll work out.
v. 1-6: Dreams must have been Lehi’s main source of revelation, it seems as if he has many more inspired dreams than most prophets. Why didn’t they get the plates before they left? Clearly it must be a test, for everyone involved (even the parents- see ch.5). It may even have been to impress on their minds the importance of the scriptures. It would seem that Lehi first spoke with Laman and Lemuel, who somehow agreed to go down (maybe they thought they could stay in Jerusalem if they went??) Nephi obeyed without complaint.
v. 7-8: What a fun thing this must have been for a father to hear from his son, especially after listening to two complaining ones. This is a pretty deep insight for Nephi to have come up with on his own. He didn’t have the Book of Mormon, probably didn’t even own his own copy of the scriptures!
v. 11-15: So, I’m surprised that their first plan was to just send in someone alone. I’m even more surprised that Laman did it. And then after one weak-sauce failed attempt to get the plates Laman and Lemuel are ready to just give it up and walk the whole way back to Jerusalem. And Nephi’s like, no, giving up after one try doesn’t count as keeping the commandments.
v. 16: We learn from this verse that Lehi was specifically commanded to leave his riches behind.
v. 28: This verse implies that Laman was the main source of the rebellion and murmuring. Lemuel is just following along.
v. 27-28: I guess in the cavity of a rock there’s not much room to run or protect yourself when your brothers start beating you. I wonder how bad it was, I mean, an angel did stop it after all. A rod is probably a lot more than just a stick. It would hurt. A lot. I would imagine this was pretty brutal.
v. 31: Ok, doubting God would not be my first response after seeing an angel, but I can’t really blame Laman and Lemuel on this one. I mean, I get promptings to do things all the time without knowing why or how they’ll work out.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
1 Nephi 2
“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…” (1 Nephi 2:16)
v. 1-3: For Lehi to be faithful and to testify against the people would also have put his family at risk. Until Lehi received word that his family was to flee he must have assumed that causing the people to repent would be the only way to save his family, and would have provided a strong motivation to face danger. I think it safe to assume that almost all of the prophets in the Bible and the Book of Mormon had families, which are after all, pretty much the whole point of the gospel. But rarely do we read about their lives, their experiences. This story is one of those few glimpses we get into the family life of an ancient prophet.
v. 4: Here’s an example of sacrifice: Lehi knows that Jerusalem will be destroyed, yet he takes nothing with him but what is necessary to provide for his family. This verse implies that it was a big deal for Lehi to leave his lands and his wealth behind, implying that he was wealthy.
v. 5: We learn in 2 Nephi 5:6 that Nephi also had sisters (this is by the way the one and only mention of any kind of sister in the Book of Mormon). Unless sister as mentioned later implies sister-in-law I do not know why they would not have been listed here. However, it was common in Old Testament times for a family to be counted by only a man, his wife, and his sons. Often, slaves, servants, children, and relatives are implied, but not directly counted. Lehi’s family company may have included many more souls than those here, accounting for the rapid growth of the Nephite nation.
v. 6: The phrase “a river of water” is one of the most fun evidences for the fact that the Book of Mormon was indeed translated by the gift and power of God, not invented by the mind of Joseph Smith. Because of the arid conditions of the Middle East, rivers were not filled with water year-round, thus the distinction between “a river” and “a river of water.” (This phrase “river of water” appears multiple times in the Old Testament). Were Joseph simply inventing his own story, he would have simply called it “a river” because what river in the Eastern United States doesn’t have water?
v. 7: This is one of only four times an alter is mentioned in the Book of Mormon, (although more are certainly implied because of their following the Law of Moses and animal sacrifice). In the wilderness, deprived of his home and possessions, with two murderous sons, Lehi feels the need to give thanks unto the Lord.
v. 11-13: The phrase “a visionary man” is only applied to Lehi, and appears three times in the Book of Mormon. It appears to be a phrase used sarcastically by Laman and Lemuel, yet literally true. It is clear that Laman and Lemuel did not have a testimony of the gospel, specifically that they had not read the scriptures, otherwise they would have known “the dealings of that God who had created them.” Not only that, they did not believe that Jerusalem could be destroyed. This is a classic example of choosing to believe what you want to believe, the scriptures and secular history contained numerous examples of cities that were destroyed.
v. 14: Now Laman and Lemuel literally wanted to murder their father over this! So, for them to do as Lehi commanded and not dare “utter against him” speaks to the amazing power of the spirit that they must have been willfully ignoring and resisting.
v. 16-24: Nephi makes a point of saying that he was “exceedingly young.” I would not be surprised for him to be in his early teenage years during this time. Nephi prayed to know the truth and the Lord visited him and softened his heart so that he would believe. Nephi may not have believed from the beginning, but when his testimony came he did not look back. Even at this early age Nephi is made aware of many of the blessings and opportunities the Lord has in store for him.
v. 1-3: For Lehi to be faithful and to testify against the people would also have put his family at risk. Until Lehi received word that his family was to flee he must have assumed that causing the people to repent would be the only way to save his family, and would have provided a strong motivation to face danger. I think it safe to assume that almost all of the prophets in the Bible and the Book of Mormon had families, which are after all, pretty much the whole point of the gospel. But rarely do we read about their lives, their experiences. This story is one of those few glimpses we get into the family life of an ancient prophet.
v. 4: Here’s an example of sacrifice: Lehi knows that Jerusalem will be destroyed, yet he takes nothing with him but what is necessary to provide for his family. This verse implies that it was a big deal for Lehi to leave his lands and his wealth behind, implying that he was wealthy.
v. 5: We learn in 2 Nephi 5:6 that Nephi also had sisters (this is by the way the one and only mention of any kind of sister in the Book of Mormon). Unless sister as mentioned later implies sister-in-law I do not know why they would not have been listed here. However, it was common in Old Testament times for a family to be counted by only a man, his wife, and his sons. Often, slaves, servants, children, and relatives are implied, but not directly counted. Lehi’s family company may have included many more souls than those here, accounting for the rapid growth of the Nephite nation.
v. 6: The phrase “a river of water” is one of the most fun evidences for the fact that the Book of Mormon was indeed translated by the gift and power of God, not invented by the mind of Joseph Smith. Because of the arid conditions of the Middle East, rivers were not filled with water year-round, thus the distinction between “a river” and “a river of water.” (This phrase “river of water” appears multiple times in the Old Testament). Were Joseph simply inventing his own story, he would have simply called it “a river” because what river in the Eastern United States doesn’t have water?
v. 7: This is one of only four times an alter is mentioned in the Book of Mormon, (although more are certainly implied because of their following the Law of Moses and animal sacrifice). In the wilderness, deprived of his home and possessions, with two murderous sons, Lehi feels the need to give thanks unto the Lord.
v. 11-13: The phrase “a visionary man” is only applied to Lehi, and appears three times in the Book of Mormon. It appears to be a phrase used sarcastically by Laman and Lemuel, yet literally true. It is clear that Laman and Lemuel did not have a testimony of the gospel, specifically that they had not read the scriptures, otherwise they would have known “the dealings of that God who had created them.” Not only that, they did not believe that Jerusalem could be destroyed. This is a classic example of choosing to believe what you want to believe, the scriptures and secular history contained numerous examples of cities that were destroyed.
v. 14: Now Laman and Lemuel literally wanted to murder their father over this! So, for them to do as Lehi commanded and not dare “utter against him” speaks to the amazing power of the spirit that they must have been willfully ignoring and resisting.
v. 16-24: Nephi makes a point of saying that he was “exceedingly young.” I would not be surprised for him to be in his early teenage years during this time. Nephi prayed to know the truth and the Lord visited him and softened his heart so that he would believe. Nephi may not have believed from the beginning, but when his testimony came he did not look back. Even at this early age Nephi is made aware of many of the blessings and opportunities the Lord has in store for him.
Monday, July 19, 2010
1 Nephi 1
“…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 1:20)
v.2- The Book of Mormon contains “the learning of the Jews and the language of the Egyptians” because it was written in reformed Egyptian, but its writing maintains the Hebrew style and culture.
v.4: The idea that an entire city could be destroyed is not so far-fetched, even today. Some modern-day examples include Hiroshima and Nagasaki, New Orleans, Port au Prince, and the damage caused by the Tsunami in Southeast Asia. In addition earthquakes in Pakistan and China have recently killed as many as 80,000 at a time, and war and genocide in Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East have caused entire populations to relocate.
v.5: Lehi prayed as he “went forth.” He had a prayer in his heart. He didn’t wait until bedtime to pray.
v.8: He knew he was carried away in vision, but he “thought he saw God.” Often we know we’re having a great spiritual experience but we don’t yet get it. Or we doubt the experiences that we’ve had.
v.5-11: There are many similarities between Lehi’s experience and that of other prophets:
-His vision came as a response to prayers on the behalf of others (he wasn’t looking for a vision)
-His vision came as a testimony of truths already taught by others (many prophets had already taught that Jerusalem would be destroyed).
-He saw a pillar of fire (light?) similar to those seen by Joseph Smith, Saul (Paul), and Moses.
-He saw Jesus and the 12 Apostles.
-He saw “numberless concourses of angels” as did Isaiah and John.
-His vision came in different stages; all was not revealed at once.
-He read a book, similar to Ezekiel, whose message of warning was contained in the roll of a book.
v.12-15: Learning of the imminent destruction and captivity of your people would not be a very fun vision (what he experienced in verse 6 made him “quake and tremble”) but the vision of the Savior was enough to cause him to rejoice. His “heart was filled” rather than burdened with what he had seen.
v.16: The scriptures we have are only a small fraction of God’s dealings with man. Lehi had many spiritual experiences and revelations, and they were shared privately with his family.
v. 20: Lehi went out to testify and try to warn the people even though he had probably seen with his own eyes the horrible things they had done to the other prophets. Also, at this point Lehi does not know he and his family will be commanded to leave the city.
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