After Lehi’s dream and Nephi’s vision, the family was ready to resume their journey toward the promised land. The last seven chapters of 1 Nephi describe the rest of their journey and the subsequent teachings of Nephi to his brothers.
Lessons from the Journey (1 Nephi 16-18)
- On the morning that they left their camp, Lehi found a device of “curious workmanship,” a brass compass which pointed which way they should go. It was called the Liahona, and it worked only according to the faith, diligence and heed which they gave to it (1 Nephi 16:9-16).
- The family’s response to the hardship caused by a broken bow teaches us how to deal with disappointments and setbacks in our own lives (1 Nephi 16:17-32).
- The land of Bountiful reminds us not to become complacent, not to stop halfway through our journey toward a worthy goal (1 Nephi 17:6-8).
- Nephi’s response when the Lord commanded him to build a ship allowed him to demonstrate and develop the qualities of an effective leader (1 Nephi 17:7-55).
- Nephi’s patience and resilience when his brothers tied him up on the ship is a powerful example of how to respond when others threaten or attack us (1 Nephi 18).
Lessons from Nephi’s Teachings to His Brothers (1 Nephi 19-22)
- Here’s a summary and outline of Nephi’s teachings to his brothers.
- Nephi quotes two chapters of Isaiah (in 1 Nephi 20 and 21). Here are some thoughts about why Isaiah is quoted so much in the Book of Mormon and how Isaiah points us toward Christ.
- Isaiah 48 (quoted in 1 Nephi 20) teaches us that obedience will bring us peace and that there is no peace for the wicked.
- The beginning of Isaiah 49 (quoted in 1 Nephi 21) is one of Isaiah’s four “servant songs,” and it helps us see the Savior’s mission through His eyes. It can also help us overcome discouragement when our efforts seem to be in vain.
- Isaiah also prophesies of a time when underprivileged children will be carried by kings and queens. How can we help fulfill this prophecy?
- Moses had promised that an important prophet would come. Who was this “prophet?”
- Nephi taught that the words of the prophets are both temporal and spiritual in nature, and that we can therefore “liken them unto [ourselves].”
Blog Posts: January 28 – February 2
How Did Nephi Deal with Adversity?
I’ve written a lot on this blog about dealing with adversity, but I still have a lot to learn. Today, I’ve looked at Nephi’s response to specific challenges: the broken bow, the death of his father-in-law, the commandment to build a ship, and being tied up during their sea voyage. Here’s what I’ve learned: The…
How Can I Receive Guidance from God?
Today I reviewed 1 Nephi 16 through 18, searching for principles that will help me receive guidance from God. Here’s what I’ve learned: God gives us help along the way, not all at once at the beginning of the journey. As Lehi’s family traveled in the wilderness, the writing on the Liahona “was written and…
Will Ye Not Declare Them? – 1 Nephi 20:6
The very first passage from Isaiah which Nephi quotes opens with an indictment. The prophet addresses himself to the people who claim to be the covenant people of God but who aren’t acting like it: Hearken and hear this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth…
The Furnace of Affliction – 1 Nephi 20:10
After rebuking the children of Israel for hypocrisy and negligence, the Lord goes on to explain why He hasn’t disowned them. “Behold, I have refined thee,” He says, “I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction” (1 Nephi 20:10). (See also Isaiah 48:10.) Our trials can feel like a furnace. When we are experiencing…
For a Covenant of the People – 1 Nephi 21:8-10
Shortly after arriving on the American continent, Nephi shared the following passage from Isaiah with his brothers: Thus saith the Lord: In an acceptable time have I heard thee, O isles of the sea, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee; and I will preserve thee, and give thee my servant for…
“With a Voice of Singing” – 1 Nephi 20:20
Earlier this week, I discussed Isaiah’s admonition to acknowledge the hand of the Lord in our lives and share with others what we know. Near the end of the same chapter, Isaiah underscores the importance of this admonition by making a series of commands: “Go ye forth of Babylon” “Flee ye from the Chaldeans” “With…
Leave a Reply