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.