1 Nephi 16-18 in more depth

To direct your reading- from the Come Follow Me Manual

When I keep the commandments, God will help me face challenges.

Chapters 16–18 of 1 Nephi describe several challenges that Nephi’s family faced, including dealing with a broken bow (see 1 Nephi 16:17–32), the death of Ishmael (see 1 Nephi 16:34–39), building a ship (see 1 Nephi 17:7–16; 18:1–4), and family discord (see 1 Nephi 18:9–22). How did Nephi’s responses to these challenges differ from the responses of some of his family members? What were the consequences of these responses?

It might help to record what you find in a table with headings like these: “Challenge,” “Nephi’s Response,” “Others’ Responses,” and “Results.” Why do you think Nephi was able to remain so faithful when others did not? Reflect on how the example of Nephi and his family can help you with your challenges.

See also related videos in the Book of Mormon Videos collection on ChurchofJesusChrist.org or the Gospel Library app.

Scriptures

CHAPTER 16

The wicked take the truth to be hard—Lehi’s sons marry the daughters of Ishmael—The Liahona guides their course in the wilderness—Messages from the Lord are written on the Liahona from time to time—Ishmael dies; his family murmurs because of afflictions. About 600–592 B.C.

1 And now it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had made an end of speaking to my brethren, behold they said unto me: Thou hast declared unto us hard things, more than we are able to bear.

2 And it came to pass that I said unto them that I knew that I had spoken ^ahard things against the wicked, according to the truth; and the righteous have I justified, and testified that they should be lifted up at the last day; wherefore, the ^bguilty taketh the ^ctruth to be hard, for it ^dcutteth them to the very center.

3 And now my brethren, if ye were righteous and were willing to hearken to the truth, and give heed unto it, that ye might ^awalk uprightly before God, then ye would not murmur because of the truth, and say: Thou speakest hard things against us.

4 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did exhort my brethren, with all diligence, to keep the commandments of the Lord.

5 And it came to pass that they did ^ahumble themselves before the Lord; insomuch that I had joy and great hopes of them, that they would walk in the paths of righteousness.

6 Now, all these things were said and done as my father dwelt in a tent in the ^avalley which he called Lemuel.

7 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, took one of the ^adaughters of Ishmael to ^bwife; and also, my brethren took of the ^cdaughters of Ishmael to wife; and also ^dZoram took the eldest daughter of Ishmael to wife.

8 And thus my father had fulfilled all the ^acommandments of the Lord which had been given unto him. And also, I, Nephi, had been blessed of the Lord exceedingly.

9 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord spake unto my father by night, and commanded him that on the morrow he should take his ^ajourney into the wilderness.

10 And it came to pass that as my father arose in the morning, and went forth to the tent door, to his great astonishment he beheld upon the ground a round ^aball of curious workmanship; and it was of fine brass. And within the ball were two spindles; and the one ^bpointed the way whither we should go into the wilderness.

11 And it came to pass that we did gather together whatsoever things we should carry into the wilderness, and all the remainder of our provisions which the Lord had given unto us; and we did take ^aseed of every kind that we might carry into the wilderness.

12 And it came to pass that we did take our tents and depart into the wilderness, across the river Laman.

13 And it came to pass that we traveled for the space of four days, nearly a south-southeast direction, and we did pitch our tents again; and we did call the name of the place ^aShazer.

14 And it came to pass that we did take our bows and our arrows, and go forth into the wilderness to slay food for our families; and after we had slain food for our families we did return again to our families in the wilderness, to the place of Shazer. And we did go forth again in the wilderness, following the same direction, keeping in the most fertile parts of the wilderness, which were in the borders near the ^aRed Sea.

15 And it came to pass that we did travel for the space of many days, ^aslaying food by the way, with our bows and our arrows and our stones and our slings.

16 And we did follow the ^adirections of the ball, which led us in the more fertile parts of the wilderness.

17 And after we had traveled for the space of many days, we did pitch our tents for the space of a time, that we might again rest ourselves and obtain food for our families.

18 And it came to pass that as I, Nephi, went forth to slay food, behold, I did break my bow, which was made of fine ^asteel; and after I did break my bow, behold, my brethren were angry with me because of the loss of my bow, for we did obtain no food.

19 And it came to pass that we did return without food to our families, and being much fatigued, because of their journeying, they did suffer much for the want of food.

20 And it came to pass that Laman and Lemuel and the sons of Ishmael did begin to murmur exceedingly, because of their sufferings and afflictions in the wilderness; and also my father began to murmur against the Lord his God; yea, and they were all exceedingly sorrowful, even that they did ^amurmur against the Lord.

21 Now it came to pass that I, Nephi, having been afflicted with my brethren because of the loss of my bow, and their bows having lost their ^asprings, it began to be exceedingly difficult, yea, insomuch that we could obtain no food.

22 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did speak much unto my brethren, because they had hardened their hearts again, even unto ^acomplaining against the Lord their God.

23 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did ^amake out of wood a bow, and out of a straight stick, an arrow; wherefore, I did arm myself with a bow and an arrow, with a sling and with stones. And I said unto my ^bfather: Whither shall I go to obtain food?

24 And it came to pass that he did ^ainquire of the Lord, for they had ^bhumbled themselves because of my words; for I did say many things unto them in the energy of my soul.

25 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came unto my father; and he was truly ^achastened because of his murmuring against the Lord, insomuch that he was brought down into the depths of sorrow.

26 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord said unto him: Look upon the ball, and behold the things which are written.

27 And it came to pass that when my father beheld the things which were ^awritten upon the ball, he did fear and tremble exceedingly, and also my brethren and the sons of Ishmael and our wives.

28 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the pointers which were in the ball, that they did work according to the ^afaith and diligence and heed which we did give unto them.

29 And there was also written upon them a new writing, which was plain to be read, which did give us ^aunderstanding concerning the ways of the Lord; and it was written and changed from time to time, according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it. And thus we see that by ^bsmall means the Lord can bring about great things.

30 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did go forth up into the top of the mountain, according to the ^adirections which were given upon the ball.

31 And it came to pass that I did slay wild ^abeasts, insomuch that I did obtain food for our families.

32 And it came to pass that I did return to our tents, bearing the beasts which I had slain; and now when they beheld that I had obtained ^afood, how great was their joy! And it came to pass that they did humble themselves before the Lord, and did give thanks unto him.

33 And it came to pass that we did again take our journey, traveling nearly the same course as in the beginning; and after we had traveled for the space of many days we did pitch our tents again, that we might tarry for the space of a time.

34 And it came to pass that ^aIshmael died, and was buried in the place which was called ^bNahom.

35 And it came to pass that the daughters of Ishmael did ^amourn exceedingly, because of the loss of their father, and because of their ^bafflictions in the wilderness; and they did ^cmurmur against my father, because he had brought them out of the land of Jerusalem, saying: Our father is dead; yea, and we have wandered much in the wilderness, and we have suffered much affliction, hunger, thirst, and fatigue; and after all these sufferings we must perish in the wilderness with hunger.

36 And thus they did murmur against my father, and also against me; and they were desirous to ^areturn again to Jerusalem.

37 And Laman said unto Lemuel and also unto the sons of Ishmael: Behold, let us ^aslay our father, and also our brother Nephi, who has taken it upon him to be our ^bruler and our teacher, who are his elder brethren.

38 Now, he says that the Lord has talked with him, and also that ^aangels have ministered unto him. But behold, we know that he lies unto us; and he tells us these things, and he worketh many things by his cunning arts, that he may deceive our eyes, thinking, perhaps, that he may lead us away into some strange wilderness; and after he has led us away, he has thought to make himself a king and a ruler over us, that he may do with us according to his will and pleasure. And after this manner did my brother Laman ^bstir up their hearts to ^canger.

39 And it came to pass that the Lord was with us, yea, even the voice of the Lord came and did speak many words unto them, and did ^achasten them exceedingly; and after they were chastened by the voice of the Lord they did turn away their anger, and did repent of their sins, insomuch that the Lord did bless us again with food, that we did not perish.

CHAPTER 17

Nephi is commanded to build a ship—His brethren oppose him—He exhorts them by recounting the history of God’s dealings with Israel—Nephi is filled with the power of God—His brethren are forbidden to touch him, lest they wither as a dried reed. About 592–591 B.C.

1 And it came to pass that we did again take our journey in the wilderness; and we did travel nearly eastward from that time forth. And we did travel and ^awade through much affliction in the wilderness; and our ^bwomen did bear children in the wilderness.

2 And so great were the ^ablessings of the Lord upon us, that while we did live upon ^braw ^cmeat in the wilderness, our women did give plenty of suck for their children, and were strong, yea, even like unto the men; and they began to bear their journeyings without murmurings.

3 And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and ^astrengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them; wherefore, he did ^bprovide means for us while we did sojourn in the wilderness.

4 And we did sojourn for the space of many years, yea, even eight years in the wilderness.

5 And we did come to the land which we called ^aBountiful, because of its much fruit and also wild honey; and all these things were prepared of the Lord that we might not perish. And we beheld the sea, which we called Irreantum, which, being interpreted, is many waters.

6 And it came to pass that we did pitch our tents by the seashore; and notwithstanding we had suffered many ^aafflictions and much difficulty, yea, even so much that we cannot write them all, we were exceedingly rejoiced when we came to the seashore; and we called the place Bountiful, because of its much fruit.

7 And it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had been in the land of Bountiful for the space of many days, the voice of the Lord came unto me, saying: ^aArise, and get thee into the mountain. And it came to pass that I arose and went up into the mountain, and cried unto the Lord.

8 And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying: Thou shalt ^aconstruct a ship, after the ^bmanner which I shall show thee, that I may carry thy people across these waters.

9 And I said: Lord, whither shall I go that I may find ore to molten, that I may make ^atools to construct the ship after the manner which thou hast shown unto me?

10 And it came to pass that the Lord told me whither I should go to find ore, that I might make tools.

11 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did make a bellows wherewith to ^ablow the fire, of the skins of beasts; and after I had made a bellows, that I might have wherewith to blow the fire, I did smite two stones together that I might make fire.

12 For the Lord had not hitherto suffered that we should make much fire, as we journeyed in the wilderness; for he said: I will make thy food become sweet, that ye ^acook it not;

13 And I will also be your ^alight in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments; wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the ^bpromised land; and ye shall ^cknow that it is by me that ye are led.

14 Yea, and the Lord said also that: After ye have arrived in the promised land, ye shall ^aknow that I, the Lord, am ^bGod; and that I, the Lord, did ^cdeliver you from destruction; yea, that I did bring you out of the land of Jerusalem.

15 Wherefore, I, Nephi, did strive to keep the ^acommandments of the Lord, and I did ^bexhort my brethren to faithfulness and diligence.

16 And it came to pass that I did ^amake tools of the ore which I did molten out of the rock.

17 And when my brethren saw that I was about to ^abuild a ship, they began to ^bmurmur against me, saying: Our brother is a fool, for he thinketh that he can build a ship; yea, and he also thinketh that he can cross these great waters.

18 And thus my brethren did ^acomplain against me, and were desirous that they might not labor, for they did not ^bbelieve that I could build a ship; neither would they believe that I was instructed of the Lord.

19 And now it came to pass that I, Nephi, was exceedingly sorrowful because of the hardness of their hearts; and now when they saw that I began to be sorrowful they were glad in their hearts, insomuch that they did ^arejoice over me, saying: We knew that ye could not construct a ship, for we knew that ye were lacking in judgment; wherefore, thou canst not accomplish so great a work.

20 And thou art like unto our father, led away by the foolish ^aimaginations of his heart; yea, he hath led us out of the land of Jerusalem, and we have wandered in the wilderness for these many years; and our women have toiled, being big with child; and they have borne children in the wilderness and suffered all things, save it were death; and it would have been better that they had died before they came out of Jerusalem than to have suffered these afflictions.

21 Behold, these many years we have suffered in the wilderness, which time we might have enjoyed our possessions and the land of our inheritance; yea, and we might have been happy.

22 And we know that the people who were in the land of Jerusalem were a ^arighteous people; for they kept the statutes and judgments of the Lord, and all his commandments, according to the law of Moses; wherefore, we know that they are a righteous people; and our father hath judged them, and hath led us away because we would hearken unto his words; yea, and our brother is like unto him. And after this manner of language did my brethren murmur and complain against us.

23 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, spake unto them, saying: Do ye believe that our fathers, who were the children of Israel, would have been led away out of the hands of the ^aEgyptians if they had not hearkened unto the words of the Lord?

24 Yea, do ye suppose that they would have been led out of bondage, if the Lord had not commanded Moses that he should ^alead them out of bondage?

25 Now ye know that the children of Israel were in ^abondage; and ye know that they were laden with ^btasks, which were grievous to be borne; wherefore, ye know that it must needs be a good thing for them, that they should be ^cbrought out of bondage.

26 Now ye know that ^aMoses was commanded of the Lord to do that great work; and ye know that by his ^bword the waters of the Red Sea were divided hither and thither, and they passed through on dry ground.

27 But ye know that the Egyptians were ^adrowned in the Red Sea, who were the armies of Pharaoh.

28 And ye also know that they were fed with ^amanna in the wilderness.

29 Yea, and ye also know that Moses, by his word according to the power of God which was in him, ^asmote the rock, and there came forth water, that the children of Israel might quench their thirst.

30 And notwithstanding they being led, the Lord their God, their Redeemer, going before them, ^aleading them by day and giving light unto them by night, and doing all things for them which were ^bexpedient for man to receive, they hardened their hearts and blinded their minds, and ^creviled against Moses and against the true and living God.

31 And it came to pass that according to his word he did ^adestroy them; and according to his word he did ^blead them; and according to his word he did do all things for them; and there was not any thing done save it were by his word.

32 And after they had crossed the river Jordan he did make them mighty unto the ^adriving out of the children of the land, yea, unto the scattering them to destruction.

33 And now, do ye suppose that the children of this land, who were in the land of promise, who were driven out by our fathers, do ye suppose that they were righteous? Behold, I say unto you, Nay.

34 Do ye suppose that our fathers would have been more choice than they if they had been righteous? I say unto you, Nay.

35 Behold, the Lord esteemeth all ^aflesh in one; he that is ^brighteous is ^cfavored of God. But behold, this ^dpeople had rejected every word of God, and they were ripe in iniquity; and the fulness of the wrath of God was upon them; and the Lord did curse the land against them, and bless it unto our fathers; yea, he did curse it against them unto their destruction, and he did bless it unto our fathers unto their obtaining power over it.

36 Behold, the Lord hath created the ^aearth that it should be ^binhabited; and he hath created his children that they should possess it.

37 And he ^araiseth up a righteous nation, and destroyeth the nations of the wicked.

38 And he leadeth away the righteous into precious ^alands, and the wicked he ^bdestroyeth, and curseth the land unto them for their sakes.

39 He ruleth high in the heavens, for it is his throne, and this earth is his ^afootstool.

40 And he loveth those who will have him to be their God. Behold, he loved our ^afathers, and he ^bcovenanted with them, yea, even Abraham, ^cIsaac, and ^dJacob; and he remembered the covenants which he had made; wherefore, he did bring them out of the land of ^eEgypt.

41 And he did straiten them in the wilderness with his rod; for they ^ahardened their hearts, even as ye have; and the Lord straitened them because of their iniquity. He sent fiery flying ^bserpents among them; and after they were bitten he prepared a way that they might be ^chealed; and the labor which they had to perform was to look; and because of the ^dsimpleness of the way, or the easiness of it, there were many who perished.

42 And they did harden their hearts from time to time, and they did ^arevile against ^bMoses, and also against God; nevertheless, ye know that they were led forth by his matchless power into the land of promise.

43 And now, after all these things, the time has come that they have become wicked, yea, nearly unto ripeness; and I know not but they are at this day about to be ^adestroyed; for I know that the day must surely come that they must be destroyed, save a few only, who shall be led away into captivity.

44 Wherefore, the Lord ^acommanded my father that he should depart into the wilderness; and the Jews also sought to take away his life; yea, and ^bye also have sought to take away his life; wherefore, ye are murderers in your hearts and ye are like unto them.

45 Ye are ^aswift to do iniquity but slow to remember the Lord your God. Ye have seen an ^bangel, and he spake unto you; yea, ye have heard his voice from time to time; and he hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were ^cpast feeling, that ye could not feel his words; wherefore, he has spoken unto you like unto the voice of thunder, which did cause the earth to shake as if it were to divide asunder.

46 And ye also know that by the ^apower of his almighty word he can cause the earth that it shall pass away; yea, and ye know that by his word he can cause the rough places to be made smooth, and smooth places shall be broken up. O, then, why is it, that ye can be so hard in your hearts?

47 Behold, my soul is rent with anguish because of you, and my heart is pained; I fear lest ye shall be cast off forever. Behold, I am ^afull of the Spirit of God, insomuch that my frame has ^bno strength.

48 And now it came to pass that when I had spoken these words they were angry with me, and were desirous to throw me into the depths of the sea; and as they came forth to lay their hands upon me I spake unto them, saying: In the name of the Almighty God, I command you that ye ^atouch me not, for I am filled with the ^bpower of God, even unto the consuming of my flesh; and whoso shall lay his hands upon me shall ^cwither even as a dried reed; and he shall be as naught before the power of God, for God shall smite him.

49 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto them that they should murmur no more against their father; neither should they withhold their labor from me, for God had commanded me that I should ^abuild a ship.

50 And I said unto them: ^aIf God had commanded me to do all things I could do them. If he should command me that I should say unto this water, be thou earth, it should be earth; and if I should say it, it would be done.

51 And now, if the Lord has such great power, and has wrought so many miracles among the children of men, how is it that he cannot ^ainstruct me, that I should build a ship?

52 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said many things unto my brethren, insomuch that they were ^aconfounded and could not contend against me; neither durst they lay their hands upon me nor touch me with their fingers, even for the space of many days. Now they durst not do this lest they should wither before me, so powerful was the ^bSpirit of God; and thus it had wrought upon them.

53 And it came to pass that the Lord said unto me: Stretch forth thine hand again unto thy brethren, and they shall not wither before thee, but I will ^ashock them, saith the Lord, and this will I do, that they may know that I am the Lord their God.

54 And it came to pass that I stretched forth my hand unto my brethren, and they did not wither before me; but the Lord did shake them, even according to the word which he had spoken.

55 And now, they said: We know of a surety that the Lord is ^awith thee, for we know that it is the power of the Lord that has shaken us. And they fell down before me, and were about to ^bworship me, but I would not suffer them, saying: I am thy brother, yea, even thy younger brother; wherefore, worship the Lord thy God, and honor thy father and thy mother, that thy ^cdays may be long in the land which the Lord thy God shall give thee.

CHAPTER 18

The ship is finished—The births of Jacob and Joseph are mentioned—The company embarks for the promised land—The sons of Ishmael and their wives join in revelry and rebellion—Nephi is bound, and the ship is driven back by a terrible tempest—Nephi is freed, and by his prayer the storm ceases—The people arrive in the promised land. About 591–589 B.C.

1 And it came to pass that they did ^aworship the Lord, and did go forth with me; and we did work timbers of curious ^bworkmanship. And the Lord did show me from time to time after what manner I should work the timbers of the ^cship.

2 Now I, Nephi, did not work the timbers after the manner which was learned by men, neither did I build the ship after the manner of men; but I did build it after the manner which the Lord had shown unto me; wherefore, it was not after the manner of men.

3 And I, Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and I did ^apray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord ^bshowed unto me ^cgreat things.

4 And it came to pass that after I had finished the ship, according to the word of the Lord, my brethren beheld that it was good, and that the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine; wherefore, they did ^ahumble themselves again before the Lord.

5 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came unto my father, that we should arise and go down into the ship.

6 And it came to pass that on the morrow, after we had prepared all things, much fruits and ^ameat from the wilderness, and honey in abundance, and provisions according to that which the Lord had commanded us, we did go down into the ship, with all our loading and our ^bseeds, and whatsoever thing we had brought with us, every one according to his age; wherefore, we did all go down into the ^cship, with our wives and our children.

7 And now, my father had begat two sons in the wilderness; the elder was called ^aJacob and the younger ^bJoseph.

8 And it came to pass after we had all gone down into the ship, and had taken with us our provisions and things which had been commanded us, we did put forth into the ^asea and were driven forth before the wind towards the ^bpromised land.

9 And after we had been ^adriven forth before the wind for the space of many days, behold, my brethren and the sons of Ishmael and also their wives began to make themselves merry, insomuch that they began to dance, and to sing, and to speak with much ^brudeness, yea, even that they did forget by what power they had been brought thither; yea, they were lifted up unto exceeding rudeness.

10 And I, Nephi, began to fear exceedingly lest the Lord should be angry with us, and smite us because of our iniquity, that we should be swallowed up in the depths of the sea; wherefore, I, Nephi, began to speak to them with much soberness; but behold they were ^aangry with me, saying: We will not that our younger brother shall be a ^bruler over us.

11 And it came to pass that Laman and Lemuel did take me and ^abind me with cords, and they did treat me with much harshness; nevertheless, the Lord did suffer it that he might show forth his power, unto the fulfilling of his word which he had ^bspoken concerning the wicked.

12 And it came to pass that after they had bound me insomuch that I could not move, the ^acompass, which had been prepared of the Lord, did cease to work.

13 Wherefore, they knew not whither they should steer the ship, insomuch that there arose a great ^astorm, yea, a great and terrible tempest, and we were ^bdriven back upon the waters for the space of three days; and they began to be frightened exceedingly lest they should be drowned in the sea; nevertheless they did not loose me.

14 And on the fourth day, which we had been driven back, the tempest began to be exceedingly sore.

15 And it came to pass that we were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea. And after we had been driven back upon the waters for the space of four days, my brethren began to ^asee that the judgments of God were upon them, and that they must perish save that they should repent of their iniquities; wherefore, they came unto me, and loosed the bands which were upon my wrists, and behold they had swollen exceedingly; and also mine ankles were much swollen, and great was the soreness thereof.

16 Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did ^apraise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions.

17 Now my father, Lehi, had said many things unto them, and also unto the sons of ^aIshmael; but, behold, they did breathe out much threatenings against anyone that should speak for me; and my parents being ^bstricken in years, and having ^csuffered much grief because of their ^dchildren, they were brought down, yea, even upon their sick-beds.

18 Because of their grief and much sorrow, and the iniquity of my brethren, they were brought near even to be carried out of this time to meet their God; yea, their ^agrey hairs were about to be brought down to lie low in the dust; yea, even they were near to be cast with sorrow into a watery grave.

19 And Jacob and Joseph also, being young, having need of much nourishment, were grieved because of the afflictions of their mother; and also ^amy wife with her tears and prayers, and also my children, did not soften the hearts of my brethren that they would loose me.

20 And there was nothing save it were the power of God, which threatened them with destruction, could soften their ^ahearts; wherefore, when they saw that they were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea they repented of the thing which they had done, insomuch that they loosed me.

21 And it came to pass after they had loosed me, behold, I took the compass, and it did work whither I desired it. And it came to pass that I ^aprayed unto the Lord; and after I had prayed the winds did cease, and the storm did cease, and there was a great calm.

22 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did guide the ship, that we sailed again towards the promised land.

23 And it came to pass that after we had sailed for the space of many days we did arrive at the ^apromised land; and we went forth upon the land, and did pitch our tents; and we did call it the promised land.

24 And it came to pass that we did begin to till the earth, and we began to plant seeds; yea, we did put all our ^aseeds into the earth, which we had brought from the land of Jerusalem. And it came to pass that they did grow exceedingly; wherefore, we were blessed in abundance.

25 And it came to pass that we did find upon the land of promise, as we journeyed in the wilderness, that there were ^abeasts in the forests of every kind, both the cow and the ox, and the ass and the horse, and the goat and the wild goat, and all manner of wild animals, which were for the use of men. And we did find all manner of ^bore, both of ^cgold, and of silver, and of copper.

For further reading:

Seminary Manual

1 Nephi 16

Introduction

Feeling the power of Nephi’s words, his brothers humbled themselves before the Lord. As the family traveled in the wilderness, the Lord gave them the Liahona to guide them in their journey. The family experienced many hardships as they traveled, including their bows losing their spring and the breaking of Nephi’s bow, which limited obtaining food. While most of the family murmured as a result of this loss, Nephi made a new bow and sought the Lord’s counsel about where to hunt. Studying 1 Nephi 16 provides an opportunity for you to consider how you might respond to both correction and affliction. Just as the Lord guided Lehi’s family through their hardships, He will guide you through challenges in your life if you humbly seek and follow His counsel.

1 Nephi 16:1–6

Nephi responds to the murmuring of his brethren

Have you ever seen someone being corrected or rebuked for misbehavior? How did that person react?

Laman and Lemuel felt rebuked by Nephi when he taught them that the wicked would be rejected and not allowed to partake of the tree of life (see 1 Nephi 15:36–16:1). Read 1 Nephi 16:1–2, and underline how Nephi said some people react to hearing truth when they are not living it.

The phrase “cutteth them to the very center” means that it exposes their guilt. What do you think “the guilty taketh the truth to be hard” means? 

1. 
   In your scripture study journal, list a few things you could do to be obedient even when a truth is hard to hear and “cutteth [you] to the very center” (1 Nephi 16:2). Why do you think some youth find it hard to be obedient to certain truths? Compare your list to what Nephi told Laman and Lemuel in 1 Nephi 16:3–4.

According to 1 Nephi 16:5, how did Laman and Lemuel chose to respond to Nephi’s instruction? What word or phrase in this verse describes what we should do when a truth cuts us to the very center? Mark the answers to these questions in your scriptures.

1 Nephi 16:7–33

Lehi’s family is guided by the Liahona

Answer the following statements true (T) or false (F) in this quiz by circling your answers:

• Nephi married Ishmael’s oldest daughter.
• Lehi was given a compass-like ball called the Liahona.
• The round ball had four spindles that gave direction to Lehi and his family.
• After Lehi’s family received the ball, their journey in the wilderness was easy.

As you study 1 Nephi 16:7–10 and the chapter summary, review your answers to the first three questions (see also Alma 37:38). Read 1 Nephi 16:17–19 to determine if you answered the fourth question correctly. (The correct answers are at the end of this lesson.)

Even when we are obedient, we will still experience trials. Many of the trials we face are not the consequences of making wrong choices. Rather they come to us as a natural result of mortal life, but they give us the opportunity to learn and grow during our mortal journey, just as the Savior did (see D&C 122:7–8). One of our tests in life is how we respond to these trials.

Based on Nephi’s description of the ball in 1 Nephi 16:10, how might such a gift be helpful to Lehi and his family as they journeyed to the promised land? Find and mark how the Liahona benefited Lehi’s family in 1 Nephi 16:16.

Search 1 Nephi 16:20–22, and identify how some of Lehi’s family reacted when Nephi broke his bow. Study 1 Nephi 16:23–25, 30–32, looking for Nephi’s reaction to this trial. How did his reaction affect his family?

2. 
   Answer the following question in your scripture study journal: What are some things you have learned by comparing the different reactions of Nephi and his family to the same trial?

Rather than complaining, Nephi made a new bow and then sought guidance to know where to find food. Nephi’s example demonstrates that if we do all we can and also seek the Lord’s direction, then He will help us through our difficulties.

During these events, the Lord explained to Lehi how the Liahona worked. In 1 Nephi 16:26–29, look for what was required for the Lord to guide Lehi’s family through the Liahona.

3. 
   Imagine you are teaching a young child about the Liahona. In your scripture study journal, explain in simple terms how the Liahona guided Lehi’s family and what they had to do in order for it to continue guiding them.
4. 
   Answer the following question in your scripture study journal: How does the Liahona show us that “by small means the Lord can bring about great things”? (1 Nephi 16:29).

Like Lehi’s people, the Lord has provided you with many gifts to help you receive personal guidance. Read the following three statements concerning some of these gifts, and ponder how each of these gifts from the Lord is similar to the Liahona.

Patriarchal Blessing

President Thomas S. Monson referred to patriarchal blessings as a personal Liahona:

“The same Lord who provided a Liahona to Lehi provides for you and for me today a rare and valuable gift to give direction to our lives, to mark the hazards to our safety, and to chart the way, even safe passage—not to a promised land, but to our heavenly home. The gift to which I refer is known as your patriarchal blessing. Every worthy member of the Church is entitled to receive such a precious and priceless treasure. …

“… Your blessing is not to be folded neatly and tucked away. It is not to be framed or published. Rather, it is to be read. It is to be loved. It is to be followed. Your patriarchal blessing will see you through the darkest night. It will guide you through life’s dangers. … Your patriarchal blessing is to you a personal Liahona to chart your course and guide your way” (“Your Patriarchal Blessing: A Liahona of Light,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 65–66).

The Scriptures and the Words of the Prophets

Elder W. Rolfe Kerr, who was then serving as a member of the Seventy, confirmed that the words of Christ and His servants are a spiritual Liahona: “The words of Christ can be a personal Liahona for each of us, showing us the way. Let us not be slothful because of the easiness of the way. Let us in faith take the words of Christ into our minds and into our hearts as they are recorded in sacred scripture and as they are uttered by living prophets, seers, and revelators. Let us with faith and diligence feast upon the words of Christ, for the words of Christ will be our spiritual Liahona telling us all things what we should do” (“The Words of Christ—Our Spiritual Liahona,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 37).

The Holy Ghost

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles compared the Holy Ghost and the Liahona: “As we strive to align our attitudes and actions with righteousness, then the Holy Ghost becomes for us today what the Liahona was for Lehi and his family in their day. The very factors that caused the Liahona to work for Lehi will likewise invite the Holy Ghost into our lives. And the very factors that caused the Liahona not to work anciently will likewise cause us to withdraw ourselves from the Holy Ghost today” (“That We May Always Have His Spirit to Be with Us,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2006, 30).

5. 
   Write in your scripture study journal two or three ways that a patriarchal blessing, the scriptures and the words of the prophets, or the Holy Ghost is like the Liahona.
6. 
   In your scripture study journal, describe a time when following the direction from one of the sources listed above led to your receiving guidance from the Lord?

1 Nephi 16:34–39

Ishmael’s daughters mourn his death, and Laman plots to kill Lehi and Nephi

In 1 Nephi 16:34–38 we learn that Ishmael died after traveling many days in the wilderness. His daughters mourned the loss of their father exceedingly, and some of his family murmured against Lehi and Nephi and wanted to return to Jerusalem. Laman even conspired to murder Nephi and Lehi. Once again Nephi’s brothers showed their weakness and faithlessness because they did not seek the will of the Lord. They had rejected the Holy Ghost and the help He would have given them.

Read 1 Nephi 16:39, and discover what the Lord did in this situation. From what you learn in this verse, why does the Lord chasten us? 

The Lord guides and chastens us for our benefit. If we act on the guidance or chastening we receive from the Lord, He will bless us.

1 Nephi 17

Introduction

After traveling eight years in the wilderness, Lehi’s family arrived at a place by the seashore. They called the place Bountiful. Nephi obeyed the Lord’s command to build a ship. He also rebuked his brothers for their wickedness that prevented them from receiving inspiration from the Lord. As you study 1 Nephi 17 and Nephi’s example, you will see that through obedience you can accomplish all that God has commanded. You will also learn to better recognize the Lord speaking to you through the still, small voice.

1 Nephi 17:1–51

Lehi’s family journeys to Bountiful, where Nephi is commanded to build a ship

Would you describe your life as easy or difficult? Why? Read 1 Nephi 17:1, 4, 6, and circle words that indicate whether the time Nephi and his family spent in the wilderness was easy or difficult.

Read 1 Nephi 17:3, and identify the reason Nephi gave for why his family was blessed during this difficult time—it begins with the word if. Mark this principle in your scriptures.

Learn How to Identify Principles and Doctrines

As you study the scriptures look for words or phrases such as “thus we see,” “therefore,” “wherefore,” “behold,” or “if … then …” They often indicate when a statement of doctrine or a gospel principle is being given.

Gospel principles are often stated in the scriptures in an “if-then” format. This “if-then” format can also be seen in the direction of individual lives, as well as families and whole nations. The word if describes our action, and then explains the consequence or blessing we will receive for that action. While 1 Nephi 17:3 does not contain the word then, it does describe an action and a blessing that will follow. How would you state the principle Nephi is testifying of in your own words? If , then .

Notice how this principle is illustrated in 1 Nephi 17:2, 12–13. As you read these verses, mark some ways the Lord strengthened and blessed Nephi and his family when they kept the commandments. Look for additional evidence of the truth of this principle as you continue to study Nephi’s experience.

1. 
   Take time to meaningfully answer the following questions in your scripture study journal. This exercise will help you see that Nephi continued to live the principle he stated in 1 Nephi 17:3, while other family members failed to live it. Remember to think about how this principle applies to your own life.
   
   1. What did the Lord command Nephi to do? (See 1 Nephi 17:7–8.) What may have been difficult about obeying this commandment?
   2. What impresses you about Nephi’s response to this commandment? (See 1 Nephi 17:9–11, 15–16). How did his brothers respond? (See 1 Nephi 17:17–21.) What can you learn from these responses.
   3. Nephi replied to his brothers by recalling the experience of Moses. How did the Lord help Moses accomplish the task he was commanded to do? (See 1 Nephi 17:23–29.) How were Nephi’s brothers like the children of Israel? (See 1 Nephi 17:30, 42.)
   4. Are there some commandments that are difficult for you? How can you respond to difficult tasks or commandments from God as Nephi and Moses did?

When you have finished the assignment above, read Nephi’s expression of faith in 1 Nephi 17:50.

Read 1 Nephi 17:51, and apply this verse to yourself by adding your name after the word “me” and replacing the phrase “build a ship” with a commandment you noted in question d above.

2. 
   In your scripture study journal, write about an experience (your own or that of someone you know) that helped you to know that if you are faithful to God, He will help you accomplish whatever He asks of you.

The principle Nephi exemplified in 1 Nephi 17 and throughout his life is that if we keep the commandments, then the Lord will strengthen us and provide means for us to accomplish that which He has commanded.

1 Nephi 17:45–55

Nephi rebukes his brethren for their wickedness

Read 1 Nephi 17:48, 53–54, and identify why Nephi “stretched forth [his] hand unto [his] brethren.”

According to 1 Nephi 17:53, what did the Lord do to Nephi’s brothers? Why? 

The shock given to Nephi’s brothers was one of many ways the Lord had sought to communicate with them. Read 1 Nephi 17:45, and identify some other ways the Lord had tried to communicate with them.

Ponder the following quotation from President Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “The Holy Ghost speaks with a voice that you feel more than you hear. It is described as a ‘still small voice’ [D&C 85:6]. And while we speak of ‘listening’ to the whisperings of the Spirit, most often one describes a spiritual prompting by saying, ‘I had a feeling …’” (“Personal Revelation: The Gift, the Test, and the Promise,” Ensign, Nov. 1994, 60).

You may want to mark 1 Nephi 17:45 and write the following principle next to it: The Holy Ghost speaks with a still, small voice that we feel more than we hear.

3. 
   Write answers to the following questions in your scripture study journal:
   
   1. When have you felt the Lord speak through a still, small voice?
   2. What can you do to feel and recognize the still, small voice?

Mark the following phrase in 1 Nephi 17:45: “he hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his words.” Look again at the first sentence of 1 Nephi 17:45, and identify a reason why Nephi’s brothers had become “past feeling.”

How can sin prevent us from feeling the Holy Ghost? What other kinds of things can distract us from feeling the Holy Ghost? 

President James E. Faust of the First Presidency used an analogy to identify some ways sin can prevent us from feeling the Holy Ghost:

“Cellular phones are used for much of the communication in our time. Occasionally, however, we find dead spots where the signal coming to a cell phone fails. This can happen when the cell phone user is in a tunnel or a canyon or when there is other interference.

“So it is with divine communication. … We often put ourselves in spiritual dead spots—places and situations that block out divine messages. Some of these dead spots include anger, pornography, transgression, selfishness, and other situations that offend the Spirit” (”Did You Get the Right Message?” Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 67).

4. 
   Ponder how well you have listened to the messages the Lord has sought to communicate to you recently. List in your scripture study journal any “spiritual dead spots”—situations and places that can prevent you from receiving the still, small voice—and what you will do to avoid them.

You can receive communication from the Lord through the still, small voice as you seek to be worthy of and pay attention to these gentle promptings.

1 Nephi 18:1–8

Lehi’s family prepares to sail to the promised land

Why is it important to both work diligently and seek direction from the Lord? How did Nephi demonstrate both of these qualities when building the ship? Read 1 Nephi 18:1–8.

1. 
   In your scripture study journal, list all of the words and phrases in 1 Nephi 18:1–8 that describe the effort put forth by Nephi and his family. Then identify all the words and phrases that show how the Lord directed and helped them. What relationship do you see between Nephi’s effort and the help he received from the Lord?

Nephi’s experience shows us that in order to accomplish what the Lord commands, we need to seek His help and put forth our own effort.

2. 
   Think of a situation you are in now where you need God’s help. Write in your scripture study journal what you can do to seek the Lord’s direction and what effort you may need to make.

1 Nephi 18:8–25

Laman and Lemuel lead a rebellion on the ship that hinders the voyage to the promised land

When we experience trials or hardships in life, it is common to wonder why we are facing such difficulties. Perhaps you or someone you know has asked “Why?” during a difficult time.

Elder L. Whitney Clayton of the Presidency of the Seventy identified three sources for the hardships we experience. As you read, underline the sources he describes.

“In a general sense, our burdens come from three sources. Some burdens are the natural product of the conditions of the world in which we live. Illness, physical disability, hurricanes, and earthquakes come from time to time through no fault of our own. …

“Other burdens are imposed on us by the misconduct of others. Abuse and addictions can make home anything but a heaven on earth for innocent family members. Sin, incorrect traditions, repression, and crime scatter burdened victims along the pathways of life. Even less-serious misdeeds such as gossip and unkindness can cause others genuine suffering.

“Our own mistakes and shortcomings produce many of our problems and can place heavy burdens on our own shoulders. The most onerous [difficult] burden we impose upon ourselves is the burden of sin. We have all known the remorse and pain which inevitably follow our failure to keep the commandments” (“That Your Burdens May Be Light,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 12–13).

After Nephi and his family began to sail to the promised land, they experienced many difficulties. As you study 1 Nephi 18, look for one of the types of suffering Elder Clayton discussed. Read 1 Nephi 18:9–11, and identify examples of wrong choices made by some of the people on the ship.

While it is not wrong to dance, listen to music, or have fun, 1 Nephi 18:9 indicates that they did these things “with much rudeness.” The word rude means to be harsh, vulgar, or coarse. Satan can use dancing, music, or the way we speak to corrupt our hearts and minds, causing us to lose the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

According to 1 Nephi 18:10, what did Nephi fear would happen if those who were rebelling did not repent? .

What did Nephi do about it? How would you respond if a parent or Church leader asked you to change the music you listen to, the way you dance, or to refrain from using foul language? Would you be willing to listen and to change?

Read 1 Nephi 18:12–14, 17–19, and look for the consequences of their rebellion. How did Nephi and other family members suffer as a result of the actions of others? Notice how the rebellious actions of some affected the entire group’s ability to receive guidance from God.

The actions of those who rebelled show us that sin leads to suffering for ourselves and sometimes for others as well.

3. 
   Some common temptations teenagers face today include being disrespectful to parents and leaders, cheating in school, gossiping, dressing immodestly, breaking the law of chastity, breaking the Word of Wisdom (tobacco, alcohol, and drugs), and viewing pornography. Select two or more of those temptations, and write in your scripture study journal how each might affect the family and friends of someone who gives in to the temptation.

The rest of 1 Nephi 18 teaches us how to respond when hardships come, whether they come from making bad choices or through no fault of our own. Read 1 Nephi 18:15–16, 20–23, and mark phrases that teach what to do in either situation.

There are several doctrines and principles illustrated in these verses. After each of the following statements, write the number of the verse or verses from 1 Nephi 18:15–16, 20–23 that you feel show an example of that truth:

• We can look to God and remain faithful during our trials. 
• Prayer can help us find peace during our trials. 

4. 
   Choose one of the verses you used in the preceding exercise that is especially meaningful to you, and explain in your scripture study journal why you like it. Include what you learned from the verse and what it taught you about responding to afflictions. If you have seen an example of what this verse teaches in your own or someone else’s life, write about that as well.

In spite of the hardships they faced, Nephi and his family eventually reached the promised land. As you seek the Lord’s direction and work diligently to follow it, you too can successfully complete the journey the Lord sent you to earth to fulfill.

Elder L. Whitney Clayton offered this testimony:

“No matter the burdens we face in life as a consequence of natural conditions, the misconduct of others, or our own mistakes and shortcomings, we are all children of a loving Heavenly Father, who sent us to earth as part of His eternal plan for our growth and progress. Our unique individual experiences can help us prepare to return to Him. The adversity and afflictions that are ours, however difficult to bear, last, from heaven’s perspective, for ‘but a small moment; and then, if [we] endure it well, God shall exalt [us] on high’ [D&C 121:7–8]. We must do everything we can to bear our burdens ‘well’ for however long our ‘small moment’ carrying them lasts. …

“… I know that as we keep the commandments of God and our covenants, He helps us with our burdens. He strengthens us. When we repent, He forgives us and blesses us with peace of conscience and joy” (“That Your Burdens May Be Light,” 13–14).

Institute Manual

1 Nephi 16–18

Introduction

Have you ever wondered why people respond differently to the same set of circumstances? Such was the case with Lehi’s family. During their trials, some of the family members looked to God and trusted in Him while others complained, lacked faith, and rebelled. Our response to circumstances should produce growth and greater faith rather than an attitude of complaining and rebellion. As you read 1 Nephi 16–18, examine the challenges these people faced and how the Lord was able to help Lehi’s family when they were faithful. Notice the suffering caused by rebelliousness and disobedience. Look for examples of how to be faithful during difficult circumstances by comparing the challenges in your life to the experiences of Lehi’s family.

Commentary

1 Nephi 16:2. “The Guilty Taketh the Truth to Be Hard”

• Nephi declared truth to his disobedient brothers in an effort to help them turn their hearts to God. Those who offend the Spirit through wickedness often take offense when given inspired correction or chastisement. Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained why we should accept the Lord’s correction even if it is painful: “God is not only there in the mildest expressions of His presence, but also in those seemingly harsh expressions. For example, when truth ‘cutteth … to the very center’ (1 Nephi 16:2), this may signal that spiritual surgery is underway, painfully severing pride from the soul” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1987, 37; or Ensign, Nov. 1987, 31).

1 Nephi 16:7–8. The Importance of Marriage

• After reading about the marriages between Lehi’s and Ishmael’s families, we are told that Lehi had fulfilled all the commandments the Lord had given him (see 1 Nephi 16:8). Marriage is central to the Lord’s plans for His children. The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles declared the Lord’s view on marriage: “The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).

1 Nephi 16:10, 26–29. The Liahona

• Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained the purpose of the Liahona and compared it to the Holy Spirit in our day:
  “The Liahona was prepared by the Lord and given to Lehi and his family after they left Jerusalem and were traveling in the wilderness (see Alma 37:38; D&C 17:1). This compass or director pointed the way that Lehi and his caravan should go (see 1 Nephi 16:10), even ‘a straight course to the promised land’ (Alma 37:44). The pointers in the Liahona operated ‘according to the faith and diligence and heed’ (1 Nephi 16:28) of the travelers and failed to work when family members were contentious, rude, slothful, or forgetful (see 1 Nephi 18:12, 21; Alma 37:41, 43).
  
  “The compass also provided a means whereby Lehi and his family could obtain greater ‘understanding concerning the ways of the Lord’ (1 Nephi 16:29). Thus, the primary purposes of the Liahona were to provide both direction and instruction during a long and demanding journey. The director was a physical instrument that served as an outward indicator of their inner spiritual standing before God. It worked according to the principles of faith and diligence.
  
  “Just as Lehi was blessed in ancient times, each of us in this day has been given a spiritual compass that can direct and instruct us during our mortal journey. The Holy Ghost was conferred upon you and me as we came out of the world and into the Savior’s Church through baptism and confirmation. By the authority of the holy priesthood we were confirmed as members of the Church and admonished to seek for the constant companionship of ‘the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you’ (John 14:17).
  “As we each press forward along the pathway of life, we receive direction from the Holy Ghost just as Lehi was directed through the Liahona. ‘For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do’ (2 Nephi 32:5).
  “The Holy Ghost operates in our lives precisely as the Liahona did for Lehi and his family, according to our faith and diligence and heed” (in Conference Report, Apr. 2006, 31; or Ensign, May 2006, 30–31).
  1 Nephi 16:29

  What are the “small means” referred to in this scripture? What spiritual small means have made a difference in your life?

1 Nephi 16:18. A Bow “Made of Fine Steel”

• One commentator explained the use of steel in the Book of Mormon: “The overall question of the use of metals by Book of Mormon cultures is an important topic that deserves detailed attention [see John Sorenson, An Ancient American Setting for the Book of Mormon (1985), 277–88]. … There are five explicit references to metal weapons and armor in the Book of Mormon. Two are references to Near East weapons: ‘the blade [of Laban’s sword] was of the most precious steel’ (1 Nephi 4:9), and Nephi’s bow was made of ‘fine steel’ (1 Nephi 16:18). The existence of steel (that is, carburized iron) weapons in the Near East in the early sixth century B.C. has been clearly demonstrated. Robert Maddin writes, ‘To sum up, by the beginning of the seventh century B.C. at the latest, the blacksmiths of the eastern Mediterranean had mastered two of the processes that make iron a useful material for tools and weapons: carburizing and quenching’ [“How the Iron Age Began,” Scientific American, Oct. 1977: 131]” (William J. Hamblin and A. Brent Merrill, “Swords in the Book of Mormon,” in Warfare in the Book of Mormon, ed. Stephen D. Ricks and William J. Hamblin [1990], 345–46).

1 Nephi 16:21–25. The Broken Bow Experience

• Elder Neal A. Maxwell shared how great lessons often come after difficulties: “Nephi’s broken bow doubtless brought to him some irritation, but not immobilizing bitterness. After all, he was just trying to feed the extended family, so why should he have to contend as well with a broken bow? Yet out of that episode came a great teaching moment. Irritation often precedes instruction” (If Thou Endure It Well [1996], 128).
• Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that adversity can help stimulate necessary growth in our lives:
  “May I share some suggestions with you who face … the testing that a wise Heavenly Father determines is needed even when you are living a worthy, righteous life and are obedient to His commandments.
  “Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more (see Proverbs 3:11–12). He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion which polish you for your everlasting benefit. To get you from where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, 18; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 16–17).
• The loss of Nephi’s bow raised doubts in Lehi’s colony, causing some to turn from God and focus on the negative. Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles counseled us to turn to the Lord when we face trials: “I have come to understand how useless it is to dwell on the whys, what ifs, and if onlys for which there likely will be given no answers in mortality. To receive the Lord’s comfort, we must exercise faith. The questions Why me? Why our family? Why now? are usually unanswerable questions. These questions detract from our spirituality and can destroy our faith. We need to spend our time and energy building our faith by turning to the Lord and asking for strength to overcome the pains and trials of this world and to endure to the end for greater understanding” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1998, 16; or Ensign, Nov. 1998, 14–15).
• Murmuring and complaining seemed to have become second nature for Laman and Lemuel. Even Lehi had become discouraged enough that he murmured. Elder Marion D. Hanks of the Presidency of the Seventy emphasized Nephi’s great character in how he approached this crisis:
  “What to do? Nephi says he made a bow and an arrow out of some available wood, got a sling and stones and, ‘I said unto my Father, “Whither shall I go to obtain food?”’ It is a simple thing, isn’t it? … This means that Nephi went to his father and said, ‘Dad, the Lord has blessed you. You are his servant. I need to know where to go to get food. Dad, you ask him, will you?’ Oh, he could have gone to his own knees. He could have taken over.
  “I count this one of the really significant lessons of life in the book, and, I repeat, the pages are full of them. A son who had strength enough, and humility enough, and manliness enough to go to his wavering superior and say, ‘You ask God, will you?’ because somehow he knew this is how you make men strong, that wise confidence in men builds them. Lehi asked God and God told him, and Lehi’s leadership was restored” (Steps to Learning, Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year [May 4, 1960], 7).

  

  © Gary Smith

1 Nephi 16:23. Nephi’s Confidence in Lehi

• Nephi showed great humility by going to his father even after Lehi had murmured; Nephi still honored him. President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) told of an experience that illustrates the principle of seeking counsel from our fathers, even though they may not be perfect:
  “Some time ago, a young man came to my office requesting a blessing. He was about eighteen years of age and had some problems. There were no serious moral problems, but he was mixed up in his thinking and worried. He requested a blessing.
  “I said to him, ‘Have you ever asked your father to give you a blessing? Your father is a member of the Church, I assume?’
  “He said, ‘Yes, he is an elder, a rather inactive elder.’
  “When I asked, ‘Do you love your father?’ he replied, ‘Yes, Brother Benson, he is a good man. I love him.’ He then said, ‘He doesn’t attend to his priesthood duties as he should. He doesn’t go to church regularly, I don’t know that he is a tithe payer, but he is a good man, a good provider, a kind man.’
  “I said, ‘How would you like to talk to him at an opportune time and ask him if he would be willing to give you a father’s blessing?’
  “‘Oh,’ he said, ‘I think that would frighten him.’
  “I then said, ‘Are you willing to try it? I will be praying for you.’
  “He said, ‘All right; on that basis, I will.’
  “A few days later he came back. He said, ‘Brother Benson, that’s the sweetest thing that has happened in our family.’ He could hardly control his feelings as he told me what had happened. He said, ‘When the opportunity was right, I mentioned it to Father, and he replied, “Son, do you really want me to give you a blessing?” I told him, “Yes, Dad, I would like you to.”’ Then he said, ‘Brother Benson, he gave me one of the most beautiful blessings you could ever ask for. Mother sat there crying all during the blessing. When he got through there was a bond of appreciation and gratitude and love between us that we have never had in our home’” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1977, 45–46; or Ensign, Nov. 1977, 31–32).

1 Nephi 16:34. “The Place Which Was Called Nahom”

• The Hebrew meaning of nahom might be “consolation,” from the verb nahom, which means to “be sorry, console oneself.” An Ensign news article described an archaeological find that revealed the name Nahom in the Arabian Peninsula:
  “A group of Latter-day Saint researchers recently found evidence linking a site in Yemen, on the southwest corner of the Arabian peninsula, to a name associated with Lehi’s journey as recorded in the Book of Mormon.
  
  “Warren Aston, Lynn Hilton, and Gregory Witt located a stone altar that professional archaeologists dated to at least 700 B.C. This altar contains an inscription confirming ‘Nahom’ as an actual place that existed in the peninsula before the time of Lehi” (“News of the Church,” Ensign, Feb. 2001, 79).

1 Nephi 17:4. Why Did It Take Eight Years to Make This Journey?

• In Alma 37:39–43 Alma informed us that Lehi’s family “did not travel a direct course” or “did not progress in their journey” because on so many occasions the Liahona ceased to work. It ceased because many of them did not exercise faith, and they transgressed the laws of God. This would explain why a journey that would have been of much shorter duration took so long. (Refer to the map “Possible Route Taken by Lehi’s Family” in the appendix, page 410.)

1 Nephi 17:6. Twelve Conditions That Existed in the Land of Bountiful

• Lehi’s family “exceedingly rejoiced when [they] came to the seashore” at Bountiful (1 Nephi 17:6). Bountiful must have been a fertile area. Following are 12 conditions that existed in the land of Bountiful (identified in Warren P. and Michaela Knoth Aston, In the Footsteps of Lehi: New Evidence for Lehi’s Journey across Arabia to Bountiful [1994], 28–29):
  1. Fresh water available year round
  2. “Much fruit and also wild honey” (1 Nephi 17:5–6; 18:6)
  3. Fertile ground in both the general area (17:5, 8) and the specific location (17:6) where Lehi’s family camped
  4. Reasonable access from the interior desert to the coast
  5. A mountain prominent enough to justify Nephi’s reference to “the mount” and close enough that he could go there to “pray oft” (18:3; see also 17:7)
  6. Cliffs from which Nephi’s brothers could have thrown him “into the depths of the sea” (17:48)
  7. Shoreline (17:5) suitable for the construction and launching of a ship (18:8)
  8. Ore and flint for Nephi’s tools (17:9–11, 16)
  9. Enough large timber to build a seaworthy ship (18:1–2, 6)
  10. Suitable winds and ocean currents to take the ship out into the ocean (18:8–9)
  11. No population residing in the area
  12. “Nearly eastward” of Nahom (17:1; see also 16:34)

  

  

  Map adapted from Daniel H. Ludlow, ed., Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 5 vols. (1992), 1:144 (map also found in the appendix on page 410).

1 Nephi 17:7–19. Nephi’s Faith Was Manifest by His Action

• Nephi’s response to the Lord’s command to build a ship gives us insight into his remarkable faith. Other prophets have also been overwhelmed at times by tasks commanded by the Lord. Moses felt inadequate when called to lead the children of Israel (see Exodus 4:1–5). Enoch felt he was slow of speech and wondered why the Lord called him (see Moses 6:31). Nephi might have been overwhelmed with the thought of building an ocean-going vessel. Instead, his response displayed great faith: “Whither shall I go that I may find ore to molten, that I may make tools to construct the ship … ?” (1 Nephi 17:9). Nephi’s confidence did not likely come from any previous ship-building experience. Rather, his confidence stemmed from tremendous faith in God.
  

  

  Ship-building images by Jerry Thompson, © IRI

1 Nephi 17:23–34. Exodus of the Children of Israel from Egypt

• Nephi viewed his family’s wilderness experience as a type or parallel to ancient Israel’s wanderings in the wilderness (see 1 Nephi 17:13, 23, 30, 41–42). One writer discussed the witness the Book of Mormon provides regarding the exodus led by Moses: “The so-called higher critics of the Bible have raised the question as to whether or not the miracles of the exodus of Israel under Moses actually happened as they are recorded in the Old Testament. (See Exodus 14:19–20, 26–31; 16:4, 15; 17:5–6; Numbers 21:6–9.) However, the Book of Mormon substantiates the actuality of these miraculous events. (1 Nephi 17:23, 26, 28, 29, 30, 41.) Inasmuch as Nephi’s knowledge of these miracles came from the authentic account on the brass plates of Laban (1 Nephi 5:11), Latter-day Saints should have no question concerning the reliability of the biblical account. Once again the Book of Mormon serves as a witness to its companion scripture, the Bible” (Daniel H. Ludlow, A Companion to Your Study of the Book of Mormon [1976], 115).
  1 Nephi 17:19–46

  In what ways did Nephi use the story of Israel’s exodus to teach Laman and Lemuel? What are some events in your life that testify of God’s mercy?

1 Nephi 17:45. Sensitivity to Spiritual Communication

• Why were Laman and Lemuel unable to understand the Lord’s will, even after seeing an angel? Why couldn’t they receive a spiritual confirmation of their journey as their younger brother Nephi did? (see 1 Nephi 2:16). Nephi identified the cause of their spiritual insensitivity as being “swift to do iniquity” (1 Nephi 17:45). President James E. Faust (1920–2007) of the First Presidency compared a person’s worthiness of receiving the Spirit to receiving a signal on a cell phone:
  “Cellular phones are used for much of the communication in our time. Occasionally, however, we find dead spots where the signal coming to a cell phone fails. This can happen when the cell phone user is in a tunnel or a canyon or when there is other interference.
  “So it is with divine communication. The still, small voice, though still and small, is very powerful. It ‘whispereth through and pierceth all things’ [D&C 85:6]. … Perhaps something in our lives prevents us from hearing the message because we are ‘past feeling’ [1 Nephi 17:45]. We often put ourselves in spiritual dead spots—places and situations that block out divine messages. Some of these dead spots include anger, pornography, transgression, selfishness, and other situations that offend the Spirit” (in Conference Report, Apr. 2004, 67–68; or Ensign, May 2004, 67).
• President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, described spiritual communication:
  “The Holy Ghost speaks with a voice that you feel more than you hear. It is described as a ‘still small voice’ [D&C 85:6]. And while we speak of ‘listening’ to the whisperings of the Spirit, most often one describes a spiritual prompting by saying, ‘I had a feeling. …’
  “Revelation comes as words we feel more than hear. Nephi told his wayward brothers, who were visited by an angel, ‘Ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his words.’ [1 Nephi 17:45; italics added]” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 77; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, 60).
• Laman and Lemuel were “past feeling” and could not “feel” the words of the Holy Ghost (1 Nephi 17:45). Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917–2008) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained that spiritual insensitivity isn’t just a problem for those with serious sin:
  “I fear that some members of the Lord’s Church ‘live far beneath our privileges’ with regard to the gift of the Holy Ghost. Some are distracted by the things of the world that block out the influence of the Holy Ghost, preventing them from recognizing spiritual promptings. This is a noisy and busy world that we live in. Remember that being busy is not necessarily being spiritual. If we are not careful, the things of this world can crowd out the things of the Spirit.
  “Some are spiritually deadened and past feeling because of their choices to commit sin. Others simply hover in spiritual complacency with no desire to rise above themselves and commune with the Infinite. If they would open their hearts to the refining influence of this unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost, a glorious new spiritual dimension would come to light. Their eyes would gaze upon a vista scarcely imaginable. They could know for themselves things of the Spirit that are choice, precious, and capable of enlarging the soul, expanding the mind, and filling the heart with inexpressible joy” (in Conference Report, Apr. 2003, 27; or Ensign, May 2003, 27).
  1 Nephi 17:45

  Examine this verse and identify different ways the Lord may speak at different times.

1 Nephi 18:9. Dancing and Singing

• Some may erroneously conclude from 1 Nephi 18:9 that the Lord does not approve of dancing or singing. Nephi said twice that they erred when their dancing and singing led them “to speak with much rudeness” (1 Nephi 18:9). The word rude refers to being harsh, vulgar, or coarse. The Lord has stated that He approves of proper dancing and singing (see Psalm 149:1–4; D&C 136:28). Note from these scriptures that we may praise the Lord through dancing and singing. Satan can use dancing or music, however, as a means of corruption and loss of the Spirit. This is why Church leaders caution us about the kinds of music we listen to and how we dance. The First Presidency has counseled:
  “Choose carefully the music you listen to. Pay attention to how you feel when you are listening. Don’t listen to music that drives away the Spirit, encourages immorality, glorifies violence, [or] uses foul or offensive language. …
  “Dancing can be fun and can provide an opportunity to meet new people. However, it too can be misused. When dancing, avoid full body contact with your partner. Do not use positions or moves that are suggestive of sexual behavior. Plan and attend dances where dress, grooming, lighting, lyrics, and music contribute to a wholesome atmosphere where the Spirit of the Lord may be present” (For the Strength of Youth: Fulfilling Our Duty to God [2001], 20–21).
  

1 Nephi 18:25. Horses

• There was controversy regarding horses in the Western Hemisphere before Columbus arrived. However, modern archaeological discoveries have shed new light on the subject: “‘Fossil remains of true horses, differing but very slightly from the smaller and inferior breeds of those now existing, are found abundantly in deposits of the most recent geological age, in almost every part of America, from Escholz Bay in the north to Patagonia in the South. In that continent however, they became quite extinct, and no horses, either wild or domesticated, existed there at the time of the Spanish conquest, which is the most remarkable as, when introduced from Europe the horses that ran wild proved by their rapid multiplication in the plains of South America and Texas that the climate, food, and other circumstances were highly favorable for their existence. The former great abundance of Equidae in America, their complete extinction, and their perfect acclimatization when reintroduced by man, form curious but as yet unsolved problems in geographical distribution.’ (New Americanized Encyclopedia, Vol. 5, p. 3197.)” (Joy M. Osborn, The Book of Mormon—The Stick of Joseph, 2nd ed. [2001], 164).

Points to Ponder

• What qualities made Nephi someone the Lord could depend on?
• Why would asking your parents for counsel strengthen your relationship with them and with the Lord?
• Why is it dangerous to ignore or become “past feeling” to the promptings of the Holy Ghost?

Suggested Assignments

• Write a paragraph describing the purpose of the Liahona and the principles it worked by.
• Identify a doctrine or principle found in each of the following references:
  1 Nephi 16:28 ______________________________________________________________________________________.
  1 Nephi 17:13–14 ___________________________________________________________________________________.
  1 Nephi 17:45–46 ___________________________________________________________________________________.
  1 Nephi 18:15–16 ___________________________________________________________________________________.
• Compare Nephi’s previous experience of deliverance in 1 Nephi 7:16–18 with 1 Nephi 18:11–20. Then answer the following questions:
  1. Even though this is the same righteous person with the same faith, why do you think Nephi was delivered immediately the first time and not until after four days on the second occasion?
  2. What had to happen in 1 Nephi 18 before Nephi was delivered?