God gave books to both Lehi and Ezekiel during visions in which they heard His voice. Why would He invite them to read when they had direct access to Him? To emphasize that we can hear His voice and feel His Spirit as we read His words.
One in Thine Hand
Ezekiel prophesied of the gathering of Israel using two sticks as an object lesson, one labeled "For Judah" and the other labeled "For Joseph." Book of Mormon prophets associated the gathering of people with the unification of scripture and foretold the uniting of their words with the Bible and with scripture from other nations.
Zedekiah and His Children
reveals that one of those sons escaped and migrated to the Americas. His descendants, the people of Zarahemla, lost their faith because they had no records. They regained their faith when they united with the Nephites.
It Meaneth Us
Nephi taught his brothers two things: how to place themselves inside the scriptural narrative and how to lengthen their perspective by identifying with their posterity. When he interpreted Isaiah 48 and 49 for them, he said, "It meaneth us in the days to come," indicating that their descendants would receive the promised blessings.
Hearing the Words of the Book
God warned Isaiah that the people wouldn't understand him because their ears would be heavy and their eyes shut. But Isaiah later prophesied that a book, which Nephi identified as the Book of Mormon, would overcome this spiritual blindness and deafness. Personal scripture study can help us to perceive and understand more accurately.
The Sealed Book
Isaiah illustrates the spiritual blindness of Israel with two examples: an educated man who can't read a book because it's sealed, and an uneducated man who protests that he isn't learned. In Nephi's version of the story, God helps the uneducated man read, affirming that He is able to do His work.
Ezra Had Prepared His Heart
Ezra prepared his heart to lead his people in renewing their relationship with God by (1) seeking to understand God's law, (2) following it, and (3) teaching what he learned. Book of Mormon prophets, including Nephi, Enos, and Alma, followed the same pattern: Learn, Act, Share.
Our Eyes Are Upon Thee
The books of Chronicles cover roughly the same period as 2 Samuel through 2 Kings, but with an emphasis on religious life in the kingdom of Judah, especially temple worship. Like Nephi and Mormon, the Chroniclers selected events that supported their purposes, and we can learn by observing their editorial decisions.
Josiah and the Book of the Law
Josiah led a spiritual revival among his people after discovering the book of the law. Lehi, who lived during Josiah's reign, prioritized carrying the written word of God to his new home. As a result, generations of his descendants were blessed and spiritually strengthened.
Bread Only
Moses explained that manna taught an important principle: We need more than physical food. Our spirits also need the word of God. Book of Mormon prophets taught the same principle, inviting us to "feast" on the word of God, by hearing, pondering, and acting.