1 Nephi 1-5: “I Will Go and Do” (January 8-14)

Nephi didn’t enjoy leaving his home in Jerusalem any more than his brothers did. He tells us, “I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father” (1 Nephi 2:16, italics added). That investment of time to calibrate his attitude at the beginning of their journey made all the difference. While his brothers reacted, complained, and even resorted to violence, Nephi remained proactive and receptive to guidance from the Lord. He became “a ruler and a teacher” as the Lord promised, not because his brothers recognized him as a leader, but because he filled a leadership vacuum through intentional, faithful action. His commitment to “go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded” led him to accomplish far more than he could have by doing things his own way.

This week, we’ll study the beginning of this family’s journey, including their departure from Jerusalem and the securing of a spiritual record engraved on brass plates.

1. Lehi’s Vision: Nephi’s father, Lehi, learns by revelation that the destruction of Jerusalem is imminent. He is mocked and threatened for sharing what he has learned (1 Nephi 1).
2. The Journey Begins: God commands Lehi to “take his family and depart into the wilderness.” They camp beside the Red Sea, about three days’ journey south of Jerusalem (1 Nephi 2).
3. Returning for the Brass Plates: Lehi sends Nephi and his brothers back to Jerusalem to obtain the brass plates. They make two unsuccessful attempts, but succeed with God’s help on the third try (1 Nephi 3-4).
4. Lehi and Sariah: Meanwhile, their mother, Sariah, worries about the length of their absence. She is comforted when they return to camp, and Lehi learns much by studying the brass plates (1 Nephi 5).

1. Record-keeping is important. Nephi opens by explaining why he is keeping a record, and Lehi finds the brass plates to be “of great worth.” (See 1 Nephi 1:1, 1 Nephi 5:21.)
2. God sends “tender mercies,” small miracles which we may only recognize if we are watching for them. (See 1 Nephi 1:20.)
3. Hardened hearts result in poor decisions. (See 1 Nephi 2:16-18.)
4. We can look forward with optimism to our promised land, instead of obsessing over what we have left behind. (See 1 Nephi 2:20, 1 Nephi 5:5.)
5. God sometimes lights the path ahead of us one step at a time. Nephi was led by the Spirit, “not knowing beforehand the things which [he] should do” (1 Nephi 4:6).

1. Lehi’s account of seeing God on His throne has some parallels with visions of Isaiah and John the Revelator.
2. Nephi encouraged his brothers to make one more attempt to obtain the plates by reminding them that God led the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground. “Let us be strong like unto Moses” (1 Nephi 4:2-3), he said, comparing the Egyptian armies with Laban, who had tried to kill them.
3. While we don’t know the exact contents of the brass plates, there was clearly a lot of overlap with the Old Testament. Nephi says that they included the five books of Moses, the history of his people, and many of the words of the prophets. (See 1 Nephi 5:11-13.) They also likely contained at least some of the psalms and proverbs.

1. Seek revelation about how to bless our families, just as Lehi received specific instructions through dreams. (See 1 Nephi 2:1-2, 1 Nephi 3:1-5.)
2. Be where you need to be, and engage fully in your current activity. We can be successful at so many things by simply showing up and participating (going and doing). (See 1 Nephi 3:7.)
3. Avoid becoming defensive when you feel like you’re under attack. Respond calmly, with empathy and optimism, as Lehi did when Sariah expressed her fears. (See 1 Nephi 5:2-5.)
4. Learn more about your ancestors, just as Lehi found joy in studying his genealogy on the brass plates. (See 1 Nephi 3:3, 1 Nephi 5:16.)

• What Is the Significance of God’s Promise to Nephi?
• Why Were Laman and Lemuel Unable to Overcome Their Negativity?
• Why Did God Command Nephi to Kill Laban?

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