Zoram

What does it feel like to have your whole life upended? How do you adapt? How do you keep going?

Lehi’s family may not have been enthusiastic about leaving their home to travel in the wilderness, but they had some context for the decision, and they all chose to follow their father, however grudgingly. Things were different for one of Laban’s servants, whose whole world was disrupted instantly, in the middle of the night.

We don’t know much about Zoram, but we know enough to understand how momentous the events of that night were for him.

• He was a servant of Laban, specifically the one whom Laban had entrusted with “the keys of the treasury” (1 Nephi 4:20). Laban apparently had many servants, so it speaks well for Zoram that he had been given this responsibility.
• He was likely about the same age as Nephi and his brothers, maybe a little older, since he later married the oldest of Ishmael’s daughters. (See 1 Nephi 16:7.)
• He was talkative, at least when he was nervous. Nephi tells us that after Zoram retrieved the brass plates for him, he spoke “many times concerning the elders of the Jews” as they walked toward the walls of the city (1 Nephi 4:27).
• He wasn’t as strong as Nephi. At least, Nephi was able to overpower him as he tried to run away. (See 1 Nephi 4:31.)
• He was trustworthy. After he promised with an oath that he would stay with Nephi and his brothers, their “fears did cease concerning him” (1 Nephi 4:37). This was undoubtedly a reflection of cultural norms in their society, but they also clearly saw Zoram as a person they could trust.
• Finally, and surprisingly, he adapted to his new life. There is never any indication that he joined in when others murmured and complained throughout the journey. After they arrived in the promised land, Nephi’s father, Lehi, praised Zoram, saying, “I know that thou art a true friend unto my son, Nephi, forever” (2 Nephi 1:30).
• When Nephi was later warned to flee from his brothers, Zoram and his family were among those who accompanied him (2 Nephi 5:6).

Elder Carl B. Cook described Zoram’s adaptability and resilience in this way:

When Nephi obtained the brass plates, Zoram was faced with the choice to follow Nephi and his brothers into the wilderness or possibly lose his life.

What a choice! Zoram’s first inclination was to run, but Nephi held him and made an oath that if he would go with them, he would be free and have a place with their family. Zoram took courage and went with them.

Zoram suffered many afflictions in his new life, yet he pressed forward with faith. We have no indication that Zoram clung to his past or harbored resentment toward God or others. He was a true friend to Nephi, a prophet, and he and his seed dwelt in freedom and prosperity in the promised land. What had been a huge obstacle in Zoram’s path eventually led to rich blessings, due to his faithfulness and willingness to just keep going—with faith.

“Just Keep Going—with Faith,” General Conference, April 2023

Today, I will strive to follow the example of Zoram. When I face unexpected challenges or my circumstances change, I will adapt and be productive within my new constraints.