Come Follow Me Manual
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—and where you are going—in your personal journey to know the Savior and feel His love. President Boyd K. Packer taught: “You may think that Lehi’s dream or vision has no special meaning for you, but it does. You are in it; all of us are in it (see 1 Nephi 19:23). 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, 2).
One way to study 1 Nephi 8 could be to fill out a chart like the one shown here. To understand the meaning of the symbols, it is helpful to refer to the vision that Nephi had when he prayed to understand his father’s vision—see especially 1 Nephi 11:4–25, 32–36; 12:16–18; and 15:21–33, 36. As you study Lehi’s vision, consider what the Lord wants you to learn.
Symbol from Lehi’s vision
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Meanings
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Questions to ponder
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Tree and its fruit (1 Nephi 8:10–12)
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What am I doing to invite others to partake of the love of God?
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River (1 Nephi 8:13)
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Rod of iron (1 Nephi 8:19–20, 30)
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Mist of darkness (1 Nephi 8:23)
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Great and spacious building (1 Nephi 8:26–27, 33)
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See also David A. Bednar, “Lehi’s Dream: Holding Fast to the Rod,” Ensign or Liahona, Oct. 2011, 33–37.
Scriptures
CHAPTER 8
Lehi sees a vision of the tree of life—He partakes of its fruit and desires his family to do likewise—He sees a rod of iron, a strait and narrow path, and the mists of darkness that enshroud men—Sariah, Nephi, and Sam partake of the fruit, but Laman and Lemuel refuse. About 600–592 B.C.
1 And it came to pass that we had gathered together all manner of seeds of every kind, both of grain of every kind, and also of the seeds of fruit of every kind.
2 And it came to pass that while my father tarried in the wilderness he spake unto us, saying: Behold, I have dreamed a dream; or, in other words, I have seen a vision.
3 And behold, because of the thing which I have seen, I have reason to rejoice in the Lord because of Nephi and also of Sam; for I have reason to suppose that they, and also many of their seed, will be saved.
4 But behold, Laman and Lemuel, I fear exceedingly because of you; for behold, methought I saw in my dream, a dark and dreary wilderness.
5 And it came to pass that I saw a 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.
9 And it came to pass after I had prayed unto the Lord I beheld a large and spacious field.
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 round about, 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.
14 And I looked to behold from whence it came; and I saw the head thereof a little way off; and at the head thereof I beheld your mother Sariah, and Sam, and Nephi; and they stood as if they knew not whither they should go.
15 And it came to pass that I beckoned unto them; and I also did say unto them with a loud voice that they should come unto me, and partake of the fruit, which was desirable above all other fruit.
16 And it came to pass that they did come unto me and partake of the fruit also.
17 And it came to pass that I was desirous that Laman and Lemuel should come and partake of the fruit also; wherefore, I cast mine eyes towards the head of the river, that perhaps I might see them.
18 And it came to pass that I saw them, but they would not come unto me and partake of 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.
21 And I saw numberless concourses of people, many of whom were pressing forward, that they might obtain the path which led unto the tree by which I stood.
22 And it came to pass that they did come forth, and commence in the path which led to the tree.
23 And it came to pass that there arose a 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.
24 And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree.
25 And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed.
26 And I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building; and it stood as it were in the air, high above the earth.
27 And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit.
28 And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.
29 And now I, Nephi, do not speak all the words of my father.
30 But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.
31 And he also saw other multitudes feeling their way towards that great and spacious building.
32 And it came to pass that many were drowned in the depths of the fountain; and many were lost from his view, wandering in strange roads.
33 And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building. And after they did enter into that building they did point the finger of scorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also; but we heeded them not.
34 These are the words of my father: For as many as heeded them, had fallen away.
35 And Laman and Lemuel partook not of the fruit, said my father.
36 And it came to pass after my father had spoken all the words of his dream or vision, which were many, he said unto us, because of these things which he saw in a vision, he exceedingly feared for Laman and Lemuel; yea, he feared lest they should be cast off from the presence of the Lord.
37 And he did exhort them then with all the feeling of a tender parent, that they would hearken to his words, that perhaps the Lord would be merciful to them, and not cast them off; yea, my father did preach unto them.
38 And after he had preached unto them, and also prophesied unto them of many things, he bade them to keep the commandments of the Lord; and he did cease speaking unto them.
For further study I've copied the sections from the Student Manuals for the Book of Mormon from Seminary and Institute. Sometimes these contain quotes, further explanations and insights into what you are reading. (All these can be found in the Gospel Library App or on the Church's website, but for those who want it all in one spot- maybe this will help. Though reading in the app, the Church has now embedded Book of Mormon videos in the scriptures via a picture icon in the margin that gives a great visual for what is happening and the ability to take notes)
Seminary Student Manual
1 Nephi 8:1–18
Lehi partakes of the fruit of the tree of life and invites his family to do the same
Think about a time in your life when you felt the Lord’s love for you personally. Consider how the choices you make affect your closeness to the Lord and your ability to feel His love. As you study 1 Nephi 8, look for what it teaches you to do and what you should avoid to come closer to the Lord and feel His love more powerfully in your life.
Read 1 Nephi 8:2, and identify what Lehi experienced while in the wilderness. Read 1 Nephi 8:5–12, looking for what appears to be the central image or focal point of Lehi’s dream.
After identifying the central image, list some of the words and phrases Lehi used to describe the fruit in 1 Nephi 8:10–11.
The Lord often uses objects we are familiar with as symbols to help us understand eternal truths. To help you identify what the tree and fruit in Lehi’s dream represent, read the following statement from Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “The tree of life … is the love of God (see 1 Ne. 11:25). The love of God for His children is most profoundly expressed in His gift of Jesus as our Redeemer: ‘God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son’ (John 3:16). To partake of the love of God is to partake of Jesus’ Atonement and the emancipations [freedom from restraint or sin] and joys which it can bring” (“Lessons from Laman and Lemuel,” Ensign, Nov. 1999, 8).
To help you identify a gospel principle being illustrated in 1 Nephi 8:10–12, underline in your scriptures what Lehi did with the fruit in 1 Nephi 8:11, and underline the results in 1 Nephi 8:12. Think about ways you could “partake” of the Atonement like Lehi “partook” of the fruit.
Lehi’s experience shows that coming to Jesus Christ and partaking of His Atonement brings happiness and joy.
- Answer the following question in your scripture study journal: When has the Savior’s Atonement brought happiness and joy into your life?
Ponder why we, like Lehi, should desire that our family and friends experience the blessings of the Atonement after we have experienced them. Read 1 Nephi 8:3–4, 13–18, and look for how members of Lehi’s family reacted to Lehi’s invitation to partake of the fruit of the tree of life.
We cannot decide whether others will choose to partake of the love of God. However, like Lehi, we can invite and encourage them. Consider how you could invite and encourage someone you know to come unto Christ and receive the blessings of His Atonement.
1 Nephi 8:19–35
Lehi sees the success of some and the failure of others as they move toward the tree of life and partake of the fruit
Later in 1 Nephi you will read about how Nephi was also shown the vision of the tree of life. He recorded what the various symbols and images in the vision mean. Use the following chart to identify the symbols and their interpretations. Search your scriptures to complete the following exercise. You have already studied and learned the interpretation of the first two symbols.
Symbol from Lehi’s Dream
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The Interpretation of the Symbol Given to Nephi
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The tree (see 1 Nephi 8:10; it is called the tree of life in 1 Nephi 15:22)
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The love of God (see 1 Nephi 11:25)
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The fruit of the tree (see 1 Nephi 8:10–12)
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The greatest of God’s gifts—the blessings of the Atonement of Jesus Christ (see 1 Nephi 15:36)
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The river of (filthy) water (see 1 Nephi 8:13)
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(see 1 Nephi 12:16; 15:27)
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The rod of iron (see 1 Nephi 8:19)
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(see 1 Nephi 11:25; 15:23–24)
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The mist of darkness (see 1 Nephi 8:23)
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(see 1 Nephi 12:17)
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The great and spacious building (see 1 Nephi 8:26)
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(see 1 Nephi 11:36; 12:18)
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It may be helpful to mark your scriptures by writing the interpretation of each symbol (the answers in the second column of the chart above) next to the verse or verses where the symbol is mentioned (the verses in the first column of the chart).
As you read the following quotation from President Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, underline what he said about why it is important for us to study Lehi’s dream:
“You may think that Lehi’s dream or vision has no special meaning for you, but it does. 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” (“Finding Ourselves in Lehi’s Dream,” Ensign, Aug. 2010, 22).
As you study the remainder of 1 Nephi 8, consider how what you are learning can help you “understand the test of life.” Read 1 Nephi 8:21–33 looking for how the river, the mist of darkness, and the great and spacious building prevented the people in Lehi’s dream from eating or enjoying the fruit of the tree of life. You might consider marking in your scriptures key words and phrases that refer to these obstacles and the effect they had on people.
What might those obstacles Lehi saw be in our lives today? Underline any of the following obstacles you have seen prevent someone from coming to the Savior and feeling joy: pornography, seeking the acceptance or praise of others, addictions, selfishness, greed, being envious of others, failing to pray and study the scriptures, excessive use of electronic entertainment, excessive participation in any activity or sport, dishonesty, and following what everyone else does. Think of some other modern-day examples of these obstacles.
The following gospel principle is one way of summarizing what you can learn from studying the obstacles in 1 Nephi 8:21–33: Pride, worldliness, and submitting to temptations can keep you from receiving the blessings of the Atonement.
- In your scripture study journal, write the above summary and your feelings about its truthfulness and ways it can be applied in your life.
Ponder how the filthiness of the world, Satan’s temptations, and the pride of the world may be preventing or slowing your spiritual progress.
Search 1 Nephi 8:21–33 again. This time look for answers to the following questions:
- How was the iron rod (the word of God—which includes the scriptures, the inspired words of prophets and other Church leaders, and personal revelation) essential to those who successfully partook of the fruit?
- What phrase in 1 Nephi 8:30 describes what we must do in order for the word of God to safely lead us to the tree of life?
- Write in your scripture study journal how the word of God can guide and keep us safe from temptation.
These verses teach the following gospel principles: If we hold fast to the word of God, it will help us overcome temptation and worldly influences. Holding fast to the word of God helps us grow closer to the Lord and receive the blessings of the Atonement.
- To help you see evidence of these principles in your life, answer one or both of the following questions in your scripture study journal:
- When has the word of God guided you and kept you safe from temptation, pride, or worldliness?
- When has the word of God helped you come closer to the Savior?
Lehi urged his family “with all the feeling of a tender parent, that they would hearken to his words” (1 Nephi 8:37). He wanted them to experience the joy and blessings of the Atonement of Jesus Christ as he did.
- In your scripture study journal, write a goal for improving your study of God’s word.
As you follow and hold fast to the word of God, you can overcome obstacles that would prevent you from partaking of the Atonement and receiving true joy.
Institute Book of Mormon Student Manual
1 Nephi 8:4–35. Vision of the Tree of Life
- The following chart identifies some of what Nephi learned about his father’s dream:
Symbol from Lehi’s Dream (1 Nephi 8)Interpretation Given to Nephi (1 Nephi 11–12)The tree with white fruit (see verses 10–11)The rod of iron (see verse 19)The word of God, which leads to the tree of life (see 11:25)The mist of darkness (see verse 23)The temptations of the devil, which blind people so they lose their way and cannot find the tree (see 12:17)The great and spacious building in the air (see verse 26)People who start on the path to the tree but are lost in the mist (see verses 21–23)Nephi saw the following kinds of people in the dream:- Multitudes who heard Jesus but “cast him out” (11:28)
- People who crucified Jesus even after He healed the sick and cast out devils (see 11:31–33)
- Multitudes who gathered together in a large and spacious building to fight against the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb (see 11:34–36)
- Nephites and Lamanites who were gathered together to battle and were slaughtered in war (see 12:1–4, 13–15)
- Nephites who, because of pride, were destroyed by the Lamanites and dwindled in unbelief (see 12:19–23)
People who make it to the tree (and taste the fruit) by holding onto the rod but fall away when they are mocked (see verses 24–25, 28)People who desire the great and spacious building more than the tree (see verses 26–27, 31–33)People who held onto the rod and partook of the fruit; they ignored the mockers and did not fall away (see verses 30, 33)Those who partake of the greatest of all of God’s gifts—eternal life (see 15:36)
1 Nephi 8:10–12; 11:8–25. The Tree of Life as a Symbol of Jesus Christ and His Atonement
- Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that the tree of life represents the Savior and His Atonement: “The Spirit made explicit that the Tree of Life and its precious fruit are symbols of Christ’s redemption” (Christ and the New Covenant: The Messianic Message of the Book of Mormon [1997], 160).Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles further emphasized that partaking of the love of God means partaking of the blessings of the Atonement. The tree of life is a symbol of God’s love and Christ’s Atonement: “The tree of life … is the love of God (see 1 Nephi 11:25). The love of God for His children is most profoundly expressed in His gift of Jesus as our Redeemer: ‘God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son’ (John 3:16). To partake of the love of God is to partake of Jesus’ Atonement and the emancipations and joys which it can bring” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1999, 6; or Ensign, Nov. 1999, 8).
1 Nephi 8:20. The “Strait and Narrow Path”
- Jesus Christ taught that He is the only path or “the way” that will lead to the Father (see John 14:6). Elder Lowell M. Snow of the Seventy testified of the constant direction the Savior provides:“Life is full of many intersecting roads and trails. There are so many paths to follow, so many voices calling out ‘lo, here’ or ‘lo, there’ [Joseph Smith—History 1:5]. There is such a variety and volume of media flooding our personal space, most of it intent on herding us down a path that is broad and traveled by many.“When pondering which of these voices to listen to or which road among the many is right, have you ever asked yourself, as Joseph Smith did: ‘What is to be done? Who of all these [voices and roads is] right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?’ [Joseph Smith—History 1:10].“My witness to you is that Jesus Christ continues to mark the path, lead the way, and define every point on our journey. His path is strait and narrow and leads toward ‘light and life and endless day’ [Hymns, no. 195]” (in Conference Report, Oct. 2005, 100; or Ensign, Nov. 2005, 96).
1 Nephi 8:23–33. Are We Holding Fast to the Rod of Iron?
- Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained what it means to hold fast to the rod of iron:“Let me suggest that holding fast to the iron rod entails the prayerful and consistent use of all three of the ways of obtaining living water that we have discussed tonight [reading, studying, and searching].“… The regular use of all three methods produces a more constant flow of living water and is in large measure what it means to hold fast to the rod of iron. …“Are you and I daily reading, studying, and searching the scriptures in a way that enables us to hold fast to the rod of iron … ?” (“A Reservoir of Living Water” [CES fireside for young adults, Feb. 4, 2007], 10–11, www.ldsces.org).
- Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917–2008) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained not only the importance of “holding fast” to the rod but also explained how to get back if we lose our hold: “You must hold firmly to the rod of iron through the mists and darknesses, the hardships and trials of life. If you relax your grip and slip from the path, the iron rod might become lost in the darkness for a time until you repent and regain your grasp of it” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1989, 93; or Ensign, Nov. 1989, 74).
1 Nephi 8:26–27. “Great and Spacious Building”
- The great and spacious building stands in opposition to the Savior, who is the tree of life. Elder Glenn L. Pace of the Seventy contrasted the standards of God with the behaviors of the people in the great and spacious building:“To those of you who are inching your way closer and closer to that great and spacious building, let me make it completely clear that the people in that building have absolutely nothing to offer except instant, short-term gratification inescapably connected to long-term sorrow and suffering. The commandments you observe were not given by a dispassionate God to prevent you from having fun, but by a loving Father in Heaven who wants you to be happy while you are living on this earth as well as in the hereafter.“Compare the blessings of living the Word of Wisdom to those available to you if you choose to party with those in the great and spacious building. Compare the joy of intelligent humor and wit to drunken, silly, crude, loud laughter. Compare our faithful young women who still have a blush in their cheeks with those who, having long lost their blush, try to persuade you to join them in their loss. Compare lifting people up to putting people down. Compare the ability to receive personal revelation and direction in your life to being tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine. Compare holding the priesthood of God with anything you see going on in that great and spacious building” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1987, 49–50; or Ensign, Nov. 1987, 40).
- Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles warned that preoccupation with material possessions is a behavior typical of those people in the great and spacious building: “The current cries we hear coming from the great and spacious building tempt us to compete for ownership in the things of this world. We think we need a larger home, with a three-car garage and a recreational vehicle parked next to it. We long for designer clothes, extra TV sets (all with [DVDs]), the latest model computers, and the newest car. Often these items are purchased with borrowed money without giving any thought to providing for our future needs. The result of all this instant gratification is overloaded bankruptcy courts and families that are far too preoccupied with their financial burdens” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, 45; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 35).
© Clark Kelley PriceIn Lehi’s vision, the scorners and mockers ridiculed those who were partaking of the fruit—those who love God and want to serve Him. Elder Neal A. Maxwell reminded us to hold up the shield of faith when scorners can be seen and heard from the great and spacious building: “Let us expect that many will regard us indifferently. Others will see us as quaint or misled. Let us bear the pointing fingers which, ironically, belong to those finally who, being bored, find the ‘great and spacious building’ to be a stale and cramped third-class hotel (see 1 Nephi 8:31–33). Let us revile not the revilers and heed them not (see D&C 31:9). Instead, let us use our energy to hold up the shield of faith to quench the incoming fiery darts” (in Conference Report, Oct. 2003, 108; or Ensign, Nov. 2003, 102).
1 Nephi 8:37. “Feelings of a Tender Parent”
- Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that parents can follow Lehi’s example when dealing with wayward children: “We too must have the faith to teach our children and bid them to keep the commandments. We should not let their choices weaken our faith. Our worthiness will not be measured according to their righteousness. 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” (in Conference Report, Apr. 2004, 90; or Ensign, May 2004, 88).
Lehi eating the fruit of the tree of life. Tree of Life, by Marcus Alan Vincent
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