THE FIRST BOOK OF NEPHIHIS REIGN AND MINISTRY
CHAPTER 5
Sariah complains against Lehi—Both rejoice over the return of their sons—They offer sacrifices—The plates of brass contain writings of Moses and the prophets—They identify Lehi as a descendant of Joseph—Lehi prophesies concerning his seed and the preservation of the plates. Between 600 and 592 B.C.
1 And it came to pass that after we had come down into the wilderness unto our father, behold, he was filled with joy, and also my mother, Sariah, was exceedingly glad, for she truly had mourned because of us.
2 For she had supposed that we had perished in the wilderness; and she also had a
complained against my father, telling him that he was a b
visionary man; saying: Behold thou hast led us forth from the land of our inheritance, and my sons are no more, and we perish in the wilderness.
3 And after this manner of language had my mother complained against my father.
4 And it had come to pass that my father spake unto her, saying: I know that I am a a
visionary man; for if I had not seen the things of God in a b
vision I should not have known the goodness of God, but had tarried at Jerusalem, and had perished with my brethren.
5 But behold, I have a
obtained a b
land of promise, in the which things I do rejoice; yea, and I c
know that the Lord will deliver my sons out of the hands of Laban, and bring them down again unto us in the wilderness.
6 And after this manner of language did my father, Lehi, a
comfort my mother, Sariah, concerning us, while we journeyed in the wilderness up to the land of Jerusalem, to obtain the record of the Jews.
7 And when we had returned to the tent of my father, behold their joy was full, and my mother was comforted.
8 And she spake, saying: Now I know of a surety that the Lord hath a
commanded my husband to b
flee into the wilderness; yea, and I also know of a surety that the Lord hath protected my sons, and delivered them out of the hands of Laban, and given them power whereby they could c
accomplish the thing which the Lord hath commanded them. And after this manner of language did she speak.
9 And it came to pass that they did rejoice exceedingly, and did offer a
sacrifice and burnt offerings unto the Lord; and they gave b
thanks unto the God of Israel.
10 And after they had given thanks unto the God of Israel, my father, Lehi, took the records which were engraven upon the a
plates of brass, and he did search them from the beginning.
11 And he beheld that they did contain the five a
books of Moses, which gave an account of the creation of the world, and also of Adam and Eve, who were our first parents;
12 And also a a
record of the Jews from the beginning, even down to the commencement of the reign of Zedekiah, king of Judah;
13 And also the prophecies of the holy prophets, from the beginning, even down to the commencement of the reign of a
Zedekiah; and also many prophecies which have been spoken by the mouth of b
Jeremiah.
14 And it came to pass that my father, Lehi, also found upon the a
plates of brass a b
genealogy of his c
fathers; wherefore he knew that he was a descendant of d
Joseph; yea, even that Joseph who was the son of e
Jacob, who was f
sold into Egypt, and who was g
preserved by the hand of the Lord, that he might preserve his father, Jacob, and all his household from perishing with famine.
15 And they were also a
led out of captivity and out of the land of Egypt, by that same God who had preserved them.
16 And thus my father, Lehi, did discover the genealogy of his fathers. And Laban also was a descendant of a
Joseph, wherefore he and his fathers had kept the b
records.
17 And now when my father saw all these things, he was filled with the Spirit, and began to prophesy concerning his seed—
18 That these a
plates of brass should go forth unto all b
nations, kindreds, tongues, and people who were of his seed.
19 Wherefore, he said that these plates of brass should a
never perish; neither should they be dimmed any more by time. And he prophesied many things concerning his seed.
20 And it came to pass that thus far I and my father had kept the commandments wherewith the Lord had commanded us.
21 And we had obtained the records which the Lord had commanded us, and searched them and found that they were desirable; yea, even of great a
worth unto us, insomuch that we could b
preserve the commandments of the Lord unto our children.
22 Wherefore, it was wisdom in the Lord that we should carry them with us, as we journeyed in the wilderness towards the land of promise.
THE FIRST BOOK OF NEPHIHIS REIGN AND MINISTRY
CHAPTER 6
Nephi writes of the things of God—His purpose is to persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham and be saved. Between 600 and 592 B.C.
1 And now I, Nephi, do not give the genealogy of my fathers in a
this part of my record; neither at any time shall I give it after upon these b
plates which I am c
writing; for it is given in the record which has been kept by my d
father; wherefore, I do not write it in this work.
2 For it sufficeth me to say that we are descendants of a
Joseph.
3 And it mattereth not to me that I am particular to give a full account of all the things of my father, for they cannot be written upon a
these plates, for I desire the room that I may write of the things of God.
4 For the fulness of mine intent is that I may a
persuade men to b
come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved.
5 Wherefore, the things which are a
pleasing unto the world I do not write, but the things which are pleasing unto God and unto those who are not of the world.
6 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.
THE FIRST BOOK OF NEPHIHIS REIGN AND MINISTRY
CHAPTER 7
Lehi’s sons return to Jerusalem and enlist Ishmael and his household in their cause—Laman and others rebel—Nephi exhorts his brethren to have faith in the Lord—They bind him with cords and plan his destruction—He is freed by the power of faith—His brethren ask forgiveness—Lehi and his company offer sacrifice and burnt offerings. Between 600 and 592 B.C.
1 And now I would that ye might know, that after my father, Lehi, had made an end of a
prophesying concerning his seed, it came to pass that the Lord spake unto him again, saying that it was not meet for him, Lehi, that he should take his family into the wilderness alone; but that his sons should take b
daughters to c
wife, that they might raise up d
seed unto the Lord in the land of promise.
2 And it came to pass that the Lord a
commanded him that I, Nephi, and my brethren, should again return unto the land of Jerusalem, and bring down Ishmael and his family into the wilderness.
3 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did a
again, with my brethren, go forth into the wilderness to go up to Jerusalem.
4 And it came to pass that we went up unto the house of Ishmael, and we did gain favor in the sight of Ishmael, insomuch that we did speak unto him the words of the Lord.
The first mission was to recover the spiritual nourishment they would need for their journey, the plates of brass, the Word of God.
The second mission was to secure the future generations of their offspring. In both tests, they had to return to Jerusalem. It is from the city that they draw resources to secure their journey. God commands them again to return to Jerusalem. Where is my spiritual Jerusalem? I know that God must come first, then everything after that.If God is asking me to do something that seems impossible, it isn't impossible. 5 And it came to pass that the a
Lord did soften the heart of Ishmael, and also his household, insomuch that they took their journey with us down into the wilderness to the tent of our father.
6 And it came to pass that as we journeyed in the wilderness, behold Laman and Lemuel, and two of the a
daughters of Ishmael, and the two b
sons of Ishmael and their families, did c
rebel against us; yea, against me, Nephi, and Sam, and their father, Ishmael, and his wife, and his three other daughters.
7 And it came to pass in the which rebellion, they were desirous to return unto the land of Jerusalem.
8 And now I, Nephi, being a
grieved for the hardness of their hearts, therefore I spake unto them, saying, yea, even unto Laman and unto Lemuel: Behold ye are mine elder brethren, and how is it that ye are so hard in your hearts, and so blind in your minds, that ye have need that I, your b
younger brother, should speak unto you, yea, and set an c
example for you?
9 How is it that ye have not hearkened unto the word of the Lord?
10 How is it that ye have a
forgotten that ye have seen an angel of the Lord?
11 Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten what great things the Lord hath done for us, in a
delivering us out of the hands of Laban, and also that we should obtain the record?
12 Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all a
things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise b
faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him.
The Lord is able to do all things, period. 13 And if it so be that we are faithful to him, we shall obtain the a
land of promise; and ye shall know at some future period that the word of the Lord shall be fulfilled concerning the b
destruction of c
Jerusalem; for all things which the Lord hath spoken concerning the destruction of Jerusalem must be fulfilled.
14 For behold, the a
Spirit of the Lord b
ceaseth soon to strive with them; for behold, they have c
rejected the prophets, and d
Jeremiah have they cast into prison. And they have sought to take away the e
life of my father, insomuch that they have driven him out of the land.
15 Now behold, I say unto you that if ye will return unto Jerusalem ye shall also perish with them. And now, if ye have choice, go up to the land, and remember the words which I speak unto you, that if ye go ye will also perish; for thus the Spirit of the Lord constraineth me that I should speak.
16 And it came to pass that when I, Nephi, had spoken these words unto my brethren, they were angry with me. And it came to pass that they did lay their hands upon me, for behold, they were exceedingly wroth, and they did a
bind me with cords, for they sought to take away my life, that they might leave me in the wilderness to be devoured by wild beasts.
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 a
strength that I may b
burst these bands with which I am bound.
18 And it came to pass that when I had said these words, behold, the bands were loosed from off my hands and feet, and I stood before my brethren, and I spake unto them again.
Nephi prayed that he be able to tear the bindings from himself. God did it for him.
19 And it came to pass that they were angry with me again, and sought to lay hands upon me; but behold, one of the a
daughters of Ishmael, yea, and also her mother, and one of the sons of Ishmael, did plead with my brethren, insomuch that they did soften their hearts; and they did cease striving to take away my life.
20 And it came to pass that they were sorrowful, because of their wickedness, insomuch that they did bow down before me, and did plead with me that I would a
forgive them of the thing that they had done against me.
21 And it came to pass that I did frankly a
forgive them all that they had done, and I did exhort them that they would pray unto the Lord their God for b
forgiveness. And it came to pass that they did so. And after they had done praying unto the Lord we did again travel on our journey towards the tent of our father.
22 And it came to pass that we did come down unto the tent of our father. And after I and my brethren and all the house of Ishmael had come down unto the tent of my father, they did give a
thanks unto the Lord their God; and they did offer b
sacrifice and burnt offerings unto him.
THE FIRST BOOK OF NEPHIHIS REIGN AND MINISTRY
CHAPTER 8
Lehi sees a vision of the tree of life—He partakes of its fruit and desires his family to do likewise—He sees a rod of iron, a strait and narrow path, and the mists of darkness that enshroud men—Sariah, Nephi, and Sam partake of the fruit, but Laman and Lemuel refuse. Between 600 and 592 B.C.
1 And it came to pass that we had gathered together all manner of a
seeds of every kind, both of grain of every kind, and also of the seeds of fruit of every kind.
2 And it came to pass that while my father tarried in the wilderness he spake unto us, saying: Behold, I have a
dreamed a dream; or, in other words, I have b
seen a c
vision.
3 And behold, because of the thing which I have seen, I have reason to rejoice in the Lord because of a
Nephi and also of Sam; for I have reason to suppose that they, and also many of their seed, will be saved.
4 But behold, a
Laman and Lemuel, I fear exceedingly because of you; for behold, methought I saw in my dream, a dark and dreary wilderness.
5 And it came to pass that I saw a a
man, and he was dressed in a white b
robe; and he came and stood before me.
6 And it came to pass that he spake unto me, and bade me follow him.
7 And it came to pass that as I followed him I beheld myself that I was in a dark and dreary waste.
8 And after I had traveled for the space of many hours in darkness, I began to pray unto the Lord that he would have a
mercy on me, according to the multitude of his tender mercies.
9 And it came to pass after I had prayed unto the Lord I beheld a large and spacious a
field.
10 And it came to pass that I beheld a a
tree, whose b
fruit was desirable to make one c
happy.
11 And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the a
fruit thereof; and I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted. Yea, and I beheld that the fruit thereof was white, to exceed all the b
whiteness that I had ever seen.
12 And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great a
joy; wherefore, I began to be b
desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was c
desirable above all other fruit.
13 And as I cast my eyes round about, that perhaps I might discover my family also, I beheld a a
river of water; and it ran along, and it was near the tree of which I was partaking the fruit.
14 And I looked to behold from whence it came; and I saw the head thereof a little way off; and at the head thereof I beheld your mother Sariah, and Sam, and a
Nephi; and they stood as if they knew not whither they should go.
15 And it came to pass that I beckoned unto them; and I also did say unto them with a loud voice that they should come unto me, and partake of the fruit, which was desirable above all other fruit.
16 And it came to pass that they did come unto me and partake of the fruit also.
17 And it came to pass that I was desirous that Laman and Lemuel should come and partake of the fruit also; wherefore, I cast mine eyes towards the head of the river, that perhaps I might see them.
18 And it came to pass that I saw them, but they would a
not come unto me and partake of the fruit.
19 And I beheld a a
rod of iron, and it extended along the bank of the river, and led to the tree by which I stood.
20 And I also beheld a a
strait and narrow path, which came along by the rod of iron, even to the tree by which I stood; and it also led by the head of the fountain, unto a large and spacious field, as if it had been a b
world.
21 And I saw numberless concourses of people, many of whom were a
pressing forward, that they might obtain the b
path which led unto the tree by which I stood.
22 And it came to pass that they did come forth, and commence in the path which led to the tree.
23 And it came to pass that there arose a a
mist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were b
lost.
24 And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, a
clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the b
fruit of the tree.
25 And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were a
ashamed.
26 And I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the a
other side of the river of water, a great and b
spacious building; and it stood as it were in the c
air, high above the earth.
27 And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the a
attitude of b
mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit.
28 And after they had a
tasted of the fruit they were b
ashamed, because of those that were c
scoffing at them; and they d
fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.
29 And now I, Nephi, do not speak a
all the words of my father.
30 But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the a
rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.
31 And he also saw other a
multitudes feeling their way towards that great and spacious building.
32 And it came to pass that many were drowned in the a
depths of the b
fountain; and many were lost from his view, wandering in strange roads.
33 And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building. And after they did enter into that building they did point the finger of a
scorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also; but we heeded them not.
34 These are the words of my father: For as many as a
heeded them, had fallen away.
35 And a
Laman and Lemuel partook not of the fruit, said my father.
36 And it came to pass after my father had spoken all the words of his dream or vision, which were many, he said unto us, because of these things which he saw in a vision, he exceedingly feared for Laman and Lemuel; yea, he feared lest they should be cast off from the presence of the Lord.
37 And he did a
exhort them then with all the feeling of a tender parent, that they would hearken to his words, that perhaps the Lord would be merciful to them, and not cast them off; yea, my father did preach unto them.
38 And after he had preached unto them, and also prophesied unto them of many things, he bade them to keep the commandments of the Lord; and he did cease speaking unto them.
This vision seems to resemble the state of the church today. All of the different and fragmented denominations, some immersed in strange and deadly doctrine, with many lost and drowned in their own unrepentant sin. THE FIRST BOOK OF NEPHIHIS REIGN AND MINISTRY
CHAPTER 9
Nephi makes two sets of records—Each is called the plates of Nephi—The larger plates contain a secular history; the smaller ones deal primarily with sacred things. Between 600 and 592 B.C.
1 And all these things did my father see, and hear, and speak, as he dwelt in a tent, in the a
valley of Lemuel, and also a great many more things, which cannot be written upon these plates.
2 And now, as I have spoken concerning these plates, behold they are not the plates upon which I make a full account of the history of my people; for the a
plates upon which I make a full account of my people I have given the name of Nephi; wherefore, they are called the plates of Nephi, after mine own name; and these plates also are called the plates of Nephi.
3 Nevertheless, I have received a commandment of the Lord that I should make these plates, for the special a
purpose that there should be an account engraven of the b
ministry of my people.
4 Upon the other plates should be engraven an account of the reign of the kings, and the wars and contentions of my people; wherefore these plates are for the more part of the ministry; and the a
other plates are for the more part of the reign of the kings and the wars and contentions of my people.
5 Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me to make these plates for a a
wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not.
6 But the Lord a
knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all b
power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen.
God will prepare a way for his children to accomplish what He wants them to accomplish.
THE FIRST BOOK OF NEPHIHIS REIGN AND MINISTRY
CHAPTER 10
Lehi predicts the Babylonian captivity—He tells of the coming among the Jews of a Messiah, a Savior, a Redeemer—He tells also of the coming of the one who should baptize the Lamb of God—Lehi tells of the death and resurrection of the Messiah—He compares the scattering and gathering of Israel to an olive tree—Nephi speaks of the Son of God, of the gift of the Holy Ghost, and of the need for righteousness. Between 600 and 592 B.C.
1 And now I, Nephi, proceed to give an account upon a
these plates of my proceedings, and my reign and ministry; wherefore, to proceed with mine account, I must speak somewhat of the things of my father, and also of my brethren.
2 For behold, it came to pass after my father had made an end of speaking the words of his a
dream, and also of exhorting them to all diligence, he spake unto them concerning the Jews—
3 That after they should be destroyed, even that great city a
Jerusalem, and many be b
carried away captive into c
Babylon, according to the own due time of the Lord, they should d
return again, yea, even be brought back out of captivity; and after they should be brought back out of captivity they should possess again the land of their inheritance.
4 Yea, even a
six hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem, a b
prophet would the Lord God raise up among the c
Jews—even a d
Messiah, or, in other words, a Savior of the world.
5 And he also spake concerning the prophets, how great a number had a
testified of these things, concerning this Messiah, of whom he had spoken, or this Redeemer of the world.
6 Wherefore, all mankind were in a a
lost and in a b
fallen state, and ever would be save they should rely on this Redeemer.
7 And he spake also concerning a a
prophet who should come before the Messiah, to prepare the way of the Lord—
8 Yea, even he should go forth and cry in the wilderness: a
Prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight; for there standeth one among you whom ye know not; and he is mightier than I, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose. And much spake my father concerning this thing.
9 And my father said he should baptize in a
Bethabara, beyond Jordan; and he also said he should b
baptize with water; even that he should baptize the Messiah with water.
10 And after he had baptized the Messiah with water, he should behold and bear record that he had baptized the a
Lamb of God, who should take away the sins of the world.
11 And it came to pass after my father had spoken these words he spake unto my brethren concerning the gospel which should be preached among the Jews, and also concerning the a
dwindling of the Jews in b
unbelief. And after they had c
slain the Messiah, who should come, and after he had been slain he should d
rise from the dead, and should make himself e
manifest, by the Holy Ghost, unto the Gentiles.
12 Yea, even my father spake much concerning the Gentiles, and also concerning the house of Israel, that they should be compared like unto an a
olive-tree, whose b
branches should be broken off and should be c
scattered upon all the face of the earth.
13 Wherefore, he said it must needs be that we should be led with one accord into the a
land of promise, unto the fulfilling of the word of the Lord, that we should be scattered upon all the face of the earth.
14 And after the house of a
Israel should be scattered they should be b
gathered together again; or, in fine, after the c
Gentiles had received the fulness of the d
Gospel, the natural branches of the e
olive-tree, or the f
remnants of the house of g
Israel, should be grafted in, or h
come to the knowledge of the true Messiah, their Lord and their Redeemer.
15 And after this manner of language did my father prophesy and speak unto my brethren, and also many more things which I do not write in this book; for I have written as many of them as were expedient for me in mine a
other book.
16 And all these things, of which I have spoken, were done as my father dwelt in a a
tent, in the valley of Lemuel.
17 And it came to pass after I, Nephi, having heard all the a
words of my father, concerning the things which he saw in a b
vision, and also the things which he spake by the power of the Holy Ghost, which power he received by faith on the Son of God—and the Son of God was the c
Messiah who should come—I, Nephi, was d
desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the e
Holy Ghost, which is the f
gift of God unto g
all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of h
old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men.
The Holy Spirit is the gift of God to all of those who really seek Him?
Beep! My theology monitor is sounding the first alarm here. I understand that the Holy Spirit is given to those who truly believe in Christ. Faith in Christ is a gift from God. So, it is God who decides who is saved, not man. Man can’t save himself. Man can’t earn the Holy Spirit. Man can seek the Holy Spirit, but it isn’t something that can be found. It is only something to be given by God. Man is not in a position to find the Holy Spirit, earn the Holy Spirit, or ever deserve the Holy Spirit.
Beep Beep! False alarm indicator is sounding. The Book of Mormon is really saying the ‘Holy Spirit,’ It really reads, ‘the power of the Holy Spirit.’ So, I don’t see a contradiction here. You can’t have the power of the Holy Spirit without having the Holy Spirit.
18 For he is the a
same yesterday, to-day, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him.
I think it is interesting that the first word Jesus ever speaks in his ministry is ‘repent.’
19 For he that diligently a
seeketh shall find; and the b
mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the c
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 d
course of the Lord is one eternal round.
The course of the Lord is one eternal round; this has a peculiar feel to it. 20 Therefore remember, O man, for all thy doings thou shalt be brought into a
judgment.
21 Wherefore, if ye have sought to do a
wickedly in the days of your b
probation, then ye are found c
unclean before the judgment-seat of God; and no unclean thing can dwell with God; wherefore, ye must be cast off forever.
22 And the Holy Ghost giveth a
authority that I should speak these things, and deny them not.
Am I now in my own Valley of Lemuel? Is God preparing me for a great journey into a promised land? I know I have been called out of the world – a depiction of the unrepentant Jerusalem. Surrounded by wilderness, in the Valley of Lemuel, under God’s care and oversight, this sounds like where I’m at spiritually right now. I’m like Nephi’s older brothers at times, forgetting about everything God has done for me and following my own ways. When I’m insensitive to others, when I’m selfish and impatient, I am taking on the attitude of Lemeul and Laman. How stupid I can be. When I stand firm, when I am loving, when I trust in God I’m being like Nephi. When I am obedient God blesses me. When I am disobedient, God punishes me. It’s that simple.
