Introduction: Nephi wrote to persuade men to come unto Jesus Christ. As we study 1 Nephi 6–11, seek to understand how Nephi’s writings fulfill this purpose. In particular, note how the vision of the tree of life testifies of the love of God and the mission of the Savior. Nephi received this vision as a result of his righteous desires and willingness to be obedient. As you align your desires and actions with the will of the Lord like Nephi, you can also receive personal revelation “by the power of the Holy Ghost” (1 Nephi 10:19). (Institute Manual)
The first 10 Chapters of 1 Nephi are Nephi’s abridgement of Lehi’s book.
READ 1 Nephi 6:1-6
-Verse 1 What will Nephi not write in the records he keeps?
-Verse 2 Except for which one point?
READ Nephi’s instructions to keep records…in Additional Resources
-Verse 3 Why?
-Verse 4 What is the fulness of his intent?
READ President Ezra Taft Benson…in Add’l Res
-Verse 5 So, what does he intend to write?
-Verse 6 What does he further say to those who will follow him?
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1 Nephi 6:1 And now I, Nephi, do not give the genealogy of my fathers in this part of my record; neither at any time shall I give it after upon these plates which I am writing; for it is given in the record which has been kept by my father; wherefore, I do not write it in this work.
2 For it sufficeth me to say that we are descendants of 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 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 persuade men to 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 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.
3 BofM Lesson January 15–21 1 Nephi 6-10: “Come and Partake of the Fruit”
1 Nephi 7:6 And it came to pass that as we journeyed in the wilderness, behold Laman and Lemuel, and two of the daughters of Ishmael, and the two sons of Ishmael and their families, did 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 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 younger brother, should speak unto you, yea, and set an 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 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 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 things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him.
13 And if it so be that we are faithful to him, we shall obtain the land of promise; and ye shall know at some future period that the word of the Lord shall be fulfilled concerning the destruction of Jerusalem; for all things which the Lord hath spoken concerning the destruction of Jerusalem must be fulfilled.
14 For behold, the Spirit of the Lord ceaseth soon to strive with them; for behold, they have rejected the prophets, and Jeremiah have they cast into prison. And they have sought to take away the 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 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 strength that I may 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.
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 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 forgive them of the thing that they had done against me.
21 And it came to pass that I did frankly forgive them all that they had done, and I did exhort them that they would pray unto the Lord their God for 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.
READ 1 Nephi 7:1-5
-Why did Nephi and his brothers return to Jerusalem?
-Why was it important that it was Ishmael’s family was chosen?
READ Ishmael Is of Ephraim…in Add’l Res
READ Elder Erasmus Snow…in Add’l Res
REVIEW The chart “The Stick of Judah and the Stick of Joseph”...in Add’l Res
Successful in convincing Ishmael and his family to go with them, Nephi and his brothers return to to the wilderness. It is this trip that describes the troubles of Nephi with Laman and Lemuel.
I can forgive others.
REVIEW 1 Nephi 7:6–21 … on the preceding page. Look for Nephi’s interactions with his brothers, and the aftermath.
VIEW The Lord Delivers Nephi from His Rebellious Brothers
-What happens on the return trip?
-What does Nephi ask of his brothers? (vs 8-12)
-How could they forget the experience of seeing an angel?
-Why didn’t the brothers just leave and go back to Jerusalem?
READ Why didn’t Laman, Lemuel and others…in Add’l Res
READ Laman and Lemuel Have Choice…in Add’l Res
-What is the significance of Nephi praying for strength?
READ Nephi prays for Strength...opposite
READ What significance is Ishmael’s daughter…Add’l Res
-What does the word “frankly” mean in verse 21?
-What impresses you about Nephi’s example in this account?
-What are we to learn from these verses?
-How are we blessed when we “frankly forgive” each other?
1 Nephi 7:1 And now I would that ye might know, that after my father, Lehi, had made an end of 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 daughters to wife, that they might raise up seed unto the Lord in the land of promise.
2 And it came to pass that the Lord 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 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.
5 And it came to pass that the 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.
Nephi Prays for Strength: Elder David A. Bednar taught: “The implication of the episode for each of us is straightforward. Ad you and I come to understand and employ the enabling power of the Atonement in our personal lives, we will pray and seek for strength to change our circumstances rather than praying for our circumstances to be changed.” (The Atonement and the Journey of Mortality,” 43-44)
Holding fast to the word of God leads me to the Savior and helps me feel His love.
Lehi’s vision offers an invitation to reflect on where you are in your personal journey to become like Christ. President Boyd K. Packer said: “You are in it; all of us are in it. Lehi’s dream or vision of the iron rod has in it everything a … Latter-day Saint needs to understand the test of life” (“Lehi’s Dream and You,” New Era, Jan. 2015)
REVIEW Chapter 8: Lehi’s Vision
VIEW Lehi, an Iron Rod and Those Who Fall Away 3 1/2 min
The following list identifies some of what Nephi learned about his father’s dream, In chapters 11-15 Nephi will reveal the interpretation of his own vision. Lehi is told to follow a man dressed in white through a “dark and dreary waste” for hours holding fast to the rid of iron. He emerges into a large field. (5-7)
Describe the parts of Lehi’s vision using the verses
1 The tree and its fruit (10-12)
-What does the tree and its fruit represent”
-How would you describe the blessings of the Atonement of Jesus Christ?
READ Elder Holland…in Add’l Res
2 The River (13)
-What does the river represent?
READ The River of Water…in Add’l Res
3 Rod of Iron (19-20,30)
-What is the Rod of Iron?
READ What is the Significance of the Rod in Add’l Res
5 And it came to pass that I saw a man, and he was dressed in a white 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 mercy on me, according to the multitude of his tender mercies.
10 And it came to pass that I beheld a tree, whose fruit was desirable to make one happy.
11 And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the 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 whiteness that I had ever seen.
12 And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit.
13 And as I cast my eyes roundabout, that perhaps I might discover my family also, I beheld a river of water; and it ran along, and it was near the tree of which I was partaking the fruit.
19 And I beheld 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 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 world.
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 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.
4 Mist of Darkness (23)
-What is the mist of Darkness?
READ The Mist of Darkness…in Add’l Res
5 Great and Spacious building (26-27,33)
-What does the Great and Spacious Building represent?
READ The Great and Spacious Building…in Add’l Res
-What about the people Lehi saw along the path?
READ What Happened to the People: in Add’l Res
-Why did some of the people fall away?
-What differences do you notice between these groups?
-Why did some people leave after making it to the tree and tasting the fruit?
-How did the people in the Building treat the people by the Tree?
-What do you learn from this experience?
-Is there a difference between grasping and clinging to the Rod?
READ What do you think it means to cling to the word of God compared to continually holding fast to the word of God? In Add’l Res
-Would you consider Lehi and unsuccessful parent because of Laman and Lemuel?
READ Elder Robert D. Hales…in Add’l Res
-Do you find comfort in this statement?
23 And it came to pass that there arose 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 lost.
26 And I also cast my eyes roundabout, and beheld, on the other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building; and it stood as it were in the cair, 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 attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit.
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 scorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also; but we heeded them not.
1 Nephi 9:2–5. “A Wise Purpose”
Although Nephi had already begun a record of the secular history of his people, the Lord inspired him to make a second record containing the religious history of his people. The list to the right clarifies the differences and similarities between the two accounts:
(Book of Mormon Student Manual, 2009, 23-24) (Valletta, Study Guide to the Book of Mormon, 48)
Although Nephi did not know the reason for the duplicate record, he trusted that it was “for a wise purpose” (1 Nephi 9:5) that was known to the Lord.
READ Elder Marvin J Ashton…opposite
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 aplates 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 purpose that there should be an account engraven of the 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 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 wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not.
Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915–94) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles observed that we can obey as Nephi did, even when we do not understand the reason: “Sometimes when we are asked to be obedient, we do not know why, except the Lord has commanded. Nephi followed instructions even though he didn’t fully understand the wise purpose. His obedience resulted in blessings to mankind all over the world. By not obeying our present-day leaders, we plant our seeds in stony places and may forfeit the harvest” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1978, 76; or Ensign, Nov. 1978, 51).
Ancient prophets knew about Jesus Christ’s mission and testified of Him.
REVIEW 1 Nephi 10:2-16…this page and next
-Why did Nephi include many teachings of his father? 4-11
“Nephi recorded significant portions of Lehi's teachings on the small plates and this glimpse of Lehi’s experiences adds to our view of the Savior of the world.” (Holland, Christ and the New Covenant, 36)
-What did Lehi know about John the Baptist? 7-10
-Who are the Gentiles?
“In the BofM, the Gentiles are usually all those who are not Jews, or who did not come from the Jewish people. Thus, but this definition, the Gentiles may include those who are of the blood of Israel but who have lost their identity and been assimilated into non-Jewish nations.” (Largey, BofM Reference Companion, 286}
READ “Why was Israel scattered? …in Add’l Res
-Why is Israel compared to an olive tree? 12,14
1 Nephi 10:2 For behold, it came to pass after my father had made an end of speaking the words of his 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 Jerusalem, and many be carried away captive into Babylon, according to the own due time of the Lord, they should 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 asix hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem, a prophet would the Lord God raise up among the Jews—even a Messiah, or, in other words, a Savior of the world.
5 And he also spake concerning the prophets, how great a number had 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 alost and in a fallen state, and ever would be save they should rely on this Redeemer.
7 And he spake also concerning 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: 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 Bethabara, beyond Jordan; and he also said he should 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 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 dwindling of the Jews in unbelief. And after they had slain the Messiah, who should come, and after he had been slain he should rise from the dead, and should make himself emanifest, by the Holy Ghost, unto the Gentiles.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
God will reveal truth to me by the power of the Holy Ghost.
-How do you respond when you are asked to live a gospel principle you don’t understand?
READ 1 Nephi 10:17-19, 21
-How did Nephi seek to understand Lehi’s revelation? 17
“It takes revelation to understand revelation” Ezra Taft Benson
-When was the plan of salvation prepared for us? 18
-When was the foundation of the world? 18
-What is meant by the phrase the Lord’s course is “one eternal round” 19
-What is meant by the expression that “no unclean thing can dwell with God? 21
“All men, everywhere, must repent, or they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God, for no unclean thing can dwell there, or dwell in His presence.” (Moses 6:57)
-Why do you think the Lord would want Lehi’s family—and all of us—to know the truths found in these scriptures?
-Consider how you could help your loved ones invite the Savior into their lives.
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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 olive tree, whose branches should be broken off and should be 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 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 Israel should be scattered they should be gathered together again; or, in fine, after the Gentiles had received the fulness of the Gospel, the natural branches of the olive tree, or the remnants of the house of Israel, should be grafted in, or 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 other book.
16 And all these things, of which I have spoken, were done as my father dwelt in a atent, in the valley of Lemuel.
1 Nephi 10:17 And it came to pass after I, Nephi, having heard all the words of my father, concerning the things which he saw in a 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 Messiah who should come—I, Nephi, was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men.
18 For he is the same yesterday, today, 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.
19 For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the 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 course of the Lord is one eternal round.
21 Wherefore, if ye have sought to do wickedly in the days of your probation, then ye are found cunclean before the judgment-seat of God; and no unclean thing can dwell with God; wherefore, ye must be cast off forever.
LAST WORDS: The Book of Mormon, is not only a new Testament of Jesus Christ, it is also a reaffirmation of the love of our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, for us. While it might not be a “love story” as we might characterize some books today, it is a book filled with love. It begins with Lehi and Sariah, who love the Lord and their children. They were a family, just as all of us are or have been parts of families, who experienced struggles with faith, obedience, repentance and endurance just as we have.
We are well aware that Lehi’s family wasn’t perfect, but in that fact there lies a lesson for all of us. Lehi and Sariah, in spite of what must have been disappointments and sorrows never gave up on their love for their children, including their wayward sons Laman and Lemuel. In Lehi’s vision of the tree of Life, when he and Sariah reach the tree and can partake of the fruit, they continue to reach back and encourage their family to follow the path to the tree. Their love did not cause them grow angry or strike out at their wayward sons. They continued to love, to encourage and to invite them, nevertheless, recognizing their agency, they loved them regardless.
In her October 2023 GC talk “Seeing God’s Family through the Overview Lens,” Sister Tamara W. Runia of the Young Women General Presidency, had this to say: “While our families aren’t perfect, we can perfect our love for others until it becomes a constant, unchanging, no-matter-what kind of love—the type of love that supports change and allows for growth and return.
“It’s the Savior’s work to bring our loved ones back. It’s His work and His timing. It is our work to provide the hope and a heart they can come home to. “We have neither [God’s] authority to condemn nor His power to redeem, but we have been authorized to exercise His love.” (Wayne E. Brickey, Inviting Him In: How the Atonement Can Change Your Family (2003), 144). President Nelson has also taught that others need our love more than our judgment. “They need to experience the pure love of Jesus Christ reflected in [our] words and actions.” ( “Peacemakers Needed,” Liahona, May 2023, 100).
“Love is the thing that changes hearts. It is the purest motive of all, and others can feel it. Let’s hold fast to these prophetic words offered 50 years ago: “No home is a failure unless it quits trying.”(Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee (2000), 134) Surely, those who love the most and the longest win!
“In earthly families, we’re simply doing what God has done with us [and Lehi and Sariah did for theirs]—pointing the way and hoping our loved ones will go in that direction, knowing the path they travel is theirs to choose.”
I find her words comforting and appreciate the loving examples, not only of Lehi and his wife, but also that I find in the lives of friends and fellow members who lovingly open hearts, minds and arms. I hope that I can offer this love and encouragement to all of my family and friends that are behind me on the path (although I recognize that most are ahead of me). I would like to do this for all.
I appreciate this opportunity and hope, in spite of the length of this lesson, you find it acceptable. It is a great blessing to me. I wish you a good week--preferably without the snow and the cold of the midwest. But take heart in knowing that even this will pass.
Greg
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Nephi’s instructions to keep records Approximately 10 years after Lehi and his family left Jerusalem, Nepi was commanded to begin a record of his proceedings, the record we have come to know as the large plates. On this set of plates he was to record such matters as the nature of family’s travels, the genealogy of his father, many of the prophecies of Lehi, the wars and struggles of his people, and the details of the reigns of the kings.About twenty years later, Nephi was given an additional writing assignment he was to begin a record which would concentrate upon spiritual matters, the dealings and revelations of God with the Lehites. This record, known to us as the small plates, covers the material in the Book of Mormon from 1 Nephi through the book of Omni, approximately 475 years of Nephite history. At the time of King Benjamin, the small plates came to a close, and the large plates were thereafter used to record both secular and spiritual things.
Nephi was writing upon (and we are now reading from) the small plates, a record which incidentally, was written in retrospect, thirty years after the fact.Nephi desired the limited room on this smaller set of plates for “the things of God,” such of greatest worth unto the children of men. (J. F. McConkie and Millet, Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, 51)
President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) explained how the Book of Mormon accomplishes this important purpose: “The Book of Mormon brings men to Christ. … It tells in a plain manner of Christ and His gospel. It testifies of His divinity and of the necessity for a Redeemer and the need of our putting trust in Him. It bears witness of the Fall and the Atonement and the first principles of the gospel, including our need of a broken heart and a contrite spirit and a spiritual rebirth. It proclaims we must endure to the end in righteousness and live the moral life of a Saint” (“We Add Our Witness,” Ensign, Mar. 1989, 5).
President Benson explained that the phrase “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob,” refers to the Savior: “We must keep in mind who Jesus was before He was born. He was the Creator of all things, the great Jehovah, the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He was and is the Holy One of Israel” (“Five Marks of the Divinity of Jesus Christ,” Ensign, Dec. 2001, 10).
Ishmael Is of Ephraim The Book of Mormon is sometimes referred to as the “stick of Joseph” (Ezekiel 37:19) or the “stick of Ephraim” (D&C 27:5). Lehi was a descendant of Manasseh (see Alma 10:3) and Ishmael was a descendant of Ephraim. The prophecies of Jacob (see Genesis 48:16; 49:22) were fulfilled as Ishmael’s family (Ephraim) came to the American continent with Lehi (Manasseh). (Institute Manual)
What significance is Ishmael’s daughter and her mother pleading for Nephi? “The mother and one of her daughters pleaded with them. This is a thing that no Arab under any circumstance can resist. If a mother or daughter from another tribe pleads, you are under obligation--even if it is your worst enemy. It’s the chivalric oath. The rules of chivalry in the Middle Ages were adopted during the Crusades and taken back in the name of Edward 1. They were from the Arabs.” (Nibley, Teachings of the Book of Mormon, 1:169)
Elder Erastus Snow (1818–88) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles discussed the importance of Ishmael’s lineage: “Whoever has read the Book of Mormon carefully will have learned that the remnants of the house of Joseph dwelt upon the American continent; and that Lehi learned by searching the records of his fathers that were written upon the plates of brass, that he was of the lineage of Manasseh. The Prophet Joseph informed us that the record of Lehi was contained on the 116 pages that were first translated and subsequently stolen, and of which an abridgment is given us in the first Book of Nephi, which is the record of Nephi individually, he himself being of the lineage of Manasseh; but that Ishmael was of the lineage of Ephraim, and that his sons married into Lehi’s family, and Lehi’s sons married Ishmael’s daughters, thus fulfilling the words of Jacob upon Ephraim and Manasseh in the 48th chapter of Genesis, which says: ‘And let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the land.’ Thus these descendants of Manasseh and Ephraim grew together upon this American continent” (Daniel H. Ludlow, A Companion to Your Study of the Book of Mormon [1976], 199).
Why didn’t Laman, Lemuel and the others…”Few things can stir up anger in the unrighteous as much as confronting the truth. Laman and Lemuel knew that their father and brother were telling the truth and they were angry because of it. They were jealous and envious and proud. Some of the Jewish leaders had the same problem with Jesus.” (Ogden and Skinner, Book of Mormon, 1:36; also John 15:19-22)
Elder Holland suggested that the “tree of life….[is a symbol] of Christ’s redemption….The life mission, and atonement of Christ are the ultimate manifestations of the Tree of Life” (Christ and the New Covenant, 160-61)
What does the river of water represent? “Lehi next discovered a river of weather that ran along, and ….was near the tree of which [he] was partaking the fruit. The river represented the filthiness, as well as ‘hell’ and the ‘depths thereof.’ So much was [Lehi’s] mind swallowed up in other things [Lehi] was deeply concerned for his family] that he beheld not the filthiness of he water.” (JF McConkie & Millet, Doctrinal Commentary, 1:56)
What is the Significance of the Rod of Iron? “The term of rod of iron is found in Psalms and 3 times in Revelation. All of them signify that the rod is a symbol of ruling power….Anciently, the rod was use both for correction and for gentle guidance….The rod [is] both a source of support (as in the word of God) and a weapon of defense….By comparing the word of God with a rod, the prophets have shown us that there is both strength and love in obedience to the Lord.” (Tvedtnes, Rod and Sword as the Word of God, 48-55)
Lehi noticed, in his dream, that a rod extended along the bank of the river and eventually to the tree. The iron rod was the “Word of God,” the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (JF McConkie & Millet, Doctrinal Commentary, 57)
A Mist of Darkness: Lehi noticed that large numbers of persons had made their way onto the gospel path, only to be met soon after by mists of dearness, symbolic of “the temptations of the devi, which blindeth the eyes, and hardeneth the hearts of the children of men, and leadeth them away into board roads, that they perish and are lost.” The enticements of wealth or fame or immorality prove to be greater than the enticements of peace and happiness among the obedient. (JF McConkie & Millet, Doctrinal Commentary, 1:59)
The Great and Spacious Building Elder Glenn L. Pace taught: The Great and Spacious Building stands in opposition to the tree of life., which represents the love of God and the blessings of the Atonement of Jesus CHrist….Let me make it clear. The people in the building have absolutely nothing to offer except instant short term gratification inescapably to long term sorrow and suffering.(They are not really Happy, 40)
What Happened to the People: Four groups are identified in Lehi’s dream. Group 1 is made up of individuals who start on the path to the tree but are lost in the mist; Group 2 is those who reach the tree (and taste the fruit) by holding onto the rod butr fall away when they are mocked by the people in the great and spacious building; Grpi[ 3 is those who continually hold fast to the iron rod fall down, and partake of the fruit of the tree, and say; and Group 4 is those who desire the great and spacious building more than they desire the tree and its fruit. (Valletta, Study Guide to the Book of Mormon, 45)
What do you think it means to cling to the word of God compared to continually holding fast to the word of God? Elder David A. Bednar noted that the group identified in vere 24-28 were only “clinging to the rod of iron” and that after partaking of”the fruit of the tree,” they became ashamed, fell away, and were lost. He stated that “even with fauth, commitment, and the word of God, the group eventually was lost--perhaps because they only periodically read or studied or searched the scriptures. Clinging to the rod of iron suggests to the only occasional ‘bursts’ of study or irregular dipping rather than consistent, ongoing immersion in the word of God.”(Lehi’s Dream: Holding Fast to the Rod, 35)
Elder Robert D. Hales taught: “Lehi did not lose the blessing of feasting at the tree of life because Laman and Lemuel refused to partake of its fruit. Sometimes as parents we feel we have failed when our children make mistakes or stray. Parents are never failures when they do their best to love, teach, pray, and care for their children. Their faith, prayers, and efforts will be consecrated to the good of their children.” (With all the Feeling of a Tender Parent, 88)
Elder Robert D. Hales taught: “Lehi did not lose the blessing of feasting at the tree of life because Laman and Lemuel refused to partake of its fruit. Sometimes as parents we feel we have failed when our children make mistakes or stray. Parents are never failures when they do their best to love, teach, pray, and care for their children. Their faith, prayers, and efforts will be consecrated to the good of their children.” (With all the Feeling of a Tender Parent, 88)
“Why was Israel scattered? The answer is clear; it is plain; of it there is no doubt. Our Israelite forebears were scattered because they rejected the gospel, defiled the priesthood, forsook the church, and departed from the kingdom. They were scattered because they turned from the Lord, worshipped false gods, and walked in all the ways of the heathen nations. … Israel was scattered for apostasy. The Lord in his wrath, because of their wickedness and rebellion, scattered them among the heathen in all the nations of the earth. (Bruce R. McConkie, A New Witness for the Articles of Faith [1985], 515B).