1 Nephi 11

“…I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.” (1 Nephi 11:17)

v. 1-5: The whole plan of salvation, as well as the gospel, are designed to allow us to use our agency, our freedom to choose. I think this is why the angel asked Nephi these questions in the beginning of his vision: to give Nephi the chance to make the choice, to say out loud, to be given the opportunity to change his mind if he wanted. The angel already knew that Nephi wanted to see the things His father saw, the angel already knew that Nephi believed his Father.

v. 7: At this point the angel tells Nephi that after this vision he will be a special witness of Christ. The vision of Christ was given him as a sign, a sign that followed his belief on the son of God. (Mark 16:17)

v. 8-11: Nephi sees many of the same things in vision as his father saw, but his vision was much different. For one thing he got to have a Q & A with the angel as the vision unfolded.

v. 12-23: Nephi asks the angel to know the interpretation of the tree. Instead of simply telling the answer (Jesus Christ), he shows Nephi another vision, and lets him figure it out for himself. Along the way the angel is asking questions to make sure Nephi understands what is going on as the vision unfolds.

v. 15: In Jewish tradition, virgin’s typically wore a special sash or other article to indicate their availability. This is how Nephi could know just by looking at Mary that she was a virgin.

v. 24-25: Nephi sees the vision of the Savior’s ministry and understands that the rod of iron represents the word of God (Christ John 1:1-14). This seems to be the pattern of Nephi’s vision: He sees the symbol given in Lehi’s dream, then shown the real life events that correspond with that symbol.

v. 27: Again special mention is made of John the Baptist. I guess that makes sense, because Jesus did claim that none greater than John was ever born of mortal parents (Matt 11:11, Luke 7:28).

v. 27-33: It would seem that Nephi was able to see all of the Savior’s ministry: the high points, the low points, perhaps some sort of “highlights” reel. Special mention is made of the ministry of angels, not particularly highlighted in the Bible. Of course, not all of the Savior’s ministry would be very fun to watch. Certainly to witness the crucifixion of the Savior would not be a pleasant experience.

v. 34-36: The multitudes of the earth (represented by the great and spacious building) gather to fight against the 12 apostles of the lamb and Nephi witnesses of their fall. I thought this was kind of an odd place to testify of that, seeing as the world did overcome the church led by those apostles, but a quick glance in a history textbook will show you that every one of those nations and powers ended in utter ruin.