1 Nephi Flashcards
What is the promise located in 1 Nephi 2:20-21? This promise is located 34 times throughout the Book of Mormon.
“And inasmuch as he shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper in the land.”
[BoM Study Guide p. 15]
How can we liken Laman and Lemuel’s murmuring to issues in our day? How does Satan use murmuring to lead people down a path of disobedience?
One way to liken Laman and Lemuel’s murmuring to our day would be if we find ourselves or someone else murmuring (or complaining) about a commandment or church standard. Elder H. Ross Workman of the Seventy said, “murmuring consists of three steps, each leading to the next in the descending path to disobedience. First, when people murmur, they use their own judgement and begin to question the teachings of the living prophets. They question first in their own minds and then plant questions in the minds of others. Second, those who murmur begin to rationalize and excuse themselves from doing what they have been instructed to do… Thus, they make an excuse for disobedience. The third step inevitably follows: slothfulness in following the commandments of the Master. [Book of Mormon Study Guide p. 15]
In Lehi’s time, many prophets were telling the people of Jerusalem to repent or the city would be destroyed. Lehi was concerned for the people, therefore what did he do?
He prayed for them with all of his heart. He was then shown a vision of what would happen if the people did not repent. He also saw many great and marvelous events that would happen. He praised God for the goodness and mercy that he shows to those who repent.
[1 Nephi 1:4-15]
T or F
In Lehi’s time, many prophets were telling the people of Jerusalem to repent or be destroyed. Lehi was concerned about the people therefore he prayed for them with all of his heart. As Lehi prayed, a pillar of fire appeared on a rock in front of him.
True- Lehi then saw and heard many things that made him shake and tremble. Lehi then returned home and laid on his bed. Jesus Christ then appeared to him in a vision and gave Lehi a book that told what would happen if the Jews did not repent. He also read about many great and marvelous events that would happen. Lehi praised God for the goodness and mercy he shows to those who repent.
[1 Nephi 1:4-15]
Describe Lehi’s vision of the tree of life. Where in the Book of Mormon is this vision located?
While in the wilderness, Lehi had a very important dream. In this dream, a man wearing a white robe told Lehi to follow him. Lehi followed the man into a dark and dreary wilderness. After traveling in the darkness for many hours, Lehi prayed to Heavenly Father for help. He then saw a tree with white fruit to “exceed all the whiteness” he had ever seen. Lehi then went to partake of the fruit , and beheld that it was “most desirable above all other fruit.” As he ate, he was filled with “great joy.” Because of this, he wanted his family to partake of the fruit also. He saw his family and called to them. Sariah, Nephi, and Sam came and ate the fruit. He then saw Lam and Lemuel, but they refused to come eat the fruit. Lehi then saw a “rod of iron,” which was next to the “strait and narrow path.” This path led directly to the tree of life. Lehi then saw many people who we’re trying to get on the path that led to the tree. Lehi also beheld that there arose a “great mist of darkness.” Because of this mist, many people who were on the path did wander off and get lost. Other people did catch hold of the iron rid and held tightly and we’re able to make it to the tree and partake of the fruit.
[1 Nephi 8]
How did Sariah react when The Lord commanded Nephi and his brothers to return to Jerusalem to obtain the brass plates? Do you think her testimony was weakened or strengthened through the ordeal?
We are told by Nephi, in 1 Nephi 5:1, that his mother “truly had mourned” for her sons while they were gone. Verse 2 tells us that she had eventually assumed that they had died in the wilderness and that she complained rather bitterly against her husband, accusing him of leading them away from the comforts of home, getting their sons killed in the wilderness, and that they too would die.
[BoM made easier p. 14-15]
According to 1 Nephi 5:4-6, Lehi was able to “comfort” Sariah somewhat, but when their sons actually returned safe, she was indeed comforted! In fact, her testimony that they were working under the direction of the Lord thus became a “surety,” and we never hear another complaint nor lack of support from her again. Such a firm testimony is priceless, and the whole journey back to Jerusalem would have been well worth it, if only to provide noble Sariah with such strength and knowledge.
Why do you think Lehi took none of his gold or silver or precious things with him when he and his family fled into the wilderness? What did he take?
Because he wouldn’t need those things where they were going. He took nothing but his family, provisions, and tents. The Lord probably commanded him in this.
[1 Nephi 3:4]
Who was older, Nephi or Sam?
Sam
[BoM study guide p.12]
Describe Lehi’s first vision that is spoken of in the Book of Mormon. It is found in 1 Nephi chapter 1.
Lehi had been praying to God for his people when a pillar of fire came down upon a rock before him. He saw and heard many things which made him shake and tremble. Overcome by the Spirit, Lehi returned home and lay on his bed. Then Jesus Christ appeared to him in a vision. Jesus gave Lehi a book that told what would happen to the Jews if they did not repent. As Lehi read the book, he was filled with the Spirit of the Lord. He learned that many people would be killed and others would be taken captive when Jerusalem was destroyed. He also read about many great and marvelous events that would happen. Lehi praised the Lord for the goodness and mercy He show to those who repent.
[1 Nephi 1:5-20]
After Lehi has his first vision spoken of in the Book of Mormon (located in 1 Nephi 1) where he see’s the Savior, what does he do?
He went to preach to the people, the Jews. He prophecied of the things which he had seen and heard. He also prophecied about the coming of the Savior. He spoke truthfully about their wickedness and abominations.
[1 Nephi 1:18-19]
Once Lehi had preached to the Jews and they sought to take away his life, what does The Lord command Lehi to do?
Lehi was commanded by The Lord to take his family and flee into the wilderness. They left all of their wealth and earthly possessions behind.
[1 Nephi 2:1-2]
Why did the people of Jerusalem mock and seek to kill Lehi? Why did Lehi rejoice?
Because Lehi was obedient to God and prophesied of the coming destruction of Jerusalem, the people mocked and sought to kill him. Lehi was shown many great and marvelous works of The Lord. Lehi rejoiced in the Lord’s mercy and power of deliverance.
[1 Nephi 1]
Lehi learned from the brass plates that he was a descendant of who?
Lehi was a descendant of Joseph. The same Joseph who was the son of Javob, who was sold into Egypy and who was preserved by the hand of the Lord, that he might preserve his father Jacob, and all his household from perishing with famine.
[1 Nephi 5:14]
Describe Lehi’s vision of the tree of life. Where in the Book of Mormon is this vision located?
While in the wilderness, Lehi had a very important dream. In this dream, a man wearing a white robe told Lehi to follow him. Lehi followed the man into a dark and dreary wilderness. After traveling for many hours, Lehi prayed to Heavenly Father for help. He then saw a tree with white fruit “to exceed all the whiteness” he had ever seen. Lehi went to partake of the fruit , and beheld that it was most “sweet” and he knew it was “most desirable above all other fruit.” As he ate, he was filled with “great joy.” Because of this, he wanted his family to partake of the fruit. He then called to his family, and Sariah, Nephi, and Sam came also and ate the fruit. He then saw Laman and Lemuel, but they refused to eat the fruit. Lehi then saw a “rod of iron” which was next to a “strait and narrow path.” This path led directly to the Tree of Life. Lehi then saw many people who were trying to get on the path that led to the tree. Lehi also beheld that there arose a “great mist of darkness.” Because of this mist, many people who were on the path did wander off and get lost. Other people did catch hold of the iron rod and held tightly and were able to make it to the tree and partake of the fruit. There was also a “great and spacious building” on the other side of the river. There were people in this building who began to mock the people who were eating the fruit. Some of the people who were eating the fruit became ashamed and “fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.” Later, Nephi asked the angel to show him the meaning of the tree, he saw the birth and ministry of the Savior. The fruit represents the gift of eternal life. Lehi saw that, because of his love for us, would be crucified for our sins therefore that we might repent and gain eternal life.
What about the great and spacious building??
[1 Nephi 8]
Even after an angel of The Lord rebukes Laman and Lemuel for smiting (hitting) Nephi and Sam with a rod, Laman and Lemuel still murmur about having to obtain the brass plates from Laban. What did they say?
1 Nephi 3:31- And after the angel had departed, Laman and Lemuel again begin to murmur, saying: How is it possible that The Lord will deliver Laban into our hands? Behold, he is a mighty man, and he can command fifty, yea, even he can slay fifty; then why not us?
When Lehi goes to preach to the Jews about their wickedness, and their coming destruction if they do not repent, what do they do? (Lehi also told them of the Savior who would come to redeem the world)
The Jews were angry with him, and sought to take away his life.
[1 Nephi 1:20]
What happened when Nephi and his brothers made their second attempt to retrieve the brass plates from Laban?
They went back to their house and gathered all of their precious things (gold, silver, etc). They went to Laban’s house and offered it all to him in exchange for the records. When Laban saw it, and saw that it was “exceedingly great” he then “thrust them out” and sent his servants after Nephi and his brothers to try and slay them and obtain their property. Fortunately, they were able to flee to the wilderness and hide in the cavity of a rock (probably a cave).
[1 Nephi 3:22-27]
How did Sariah react when The Lord commanded Nephi and his brothers to return to Jerusalem to obtain the brass plates? Do you think her testimony was strengthened or weakened through the ordeal?
We are told by Nephi, in 1 Nephi 5:1, that his mother “truly had mourned” for her sons while they were gone. Verse 2 tells us that eventually she assumed that they had died in the wilderness and that she complained rather bitterly against her husband, accusing him of leading them away from the comforts of home, getting their sons killed in the wilderness, and that they too, would die. According to 1 Nephi 5:4-6, Lehi was able to comfort Sariah somewhat, but when their sons actually returned safe, she was indeed comforted! In fact, her testimony that they were working under the direction of the Lord thus became a “surety,” and we never hear another complaint nor lack of support from her again. Such a firm testimony is priceless, and the whole journey back to Jerusalem would have been well worth it if only to provide noble Sariah with such strength and knowledge.
[BofM made easier p. 14-15]
After Lehi had the vision where he saw the Savior and the coming destruction of Jerusalem, what did he do? What did he say?
Lehi went and preached among the people of Jerusalem of what he had seen and heard. He also told them of the Savior who would come to redeem the world. He also spoke truthfully about their wickedness and abominations.
[1 Nephi 1:18-19]
How do you think Nephi could have “seen many afflictions” yet also be “highly favored” of The Lord all of his days?
In spite of the many afflictions which Nephi faced in his days, he focused on the great blessings which he had received from the Lord. Nephi tells us in 1 Nephi 1:20 “that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.”
[1 Nephi 1]
What happened the third time that Nephi and his brothers attempt to retrieve the gold plates from Laban?
Nephi goes to Laban’s house and finds him drunk with wine. Nephi is commanded by The Lord to kill him, but Nephi does not want to. The Lord tells Nephi, “Behold The Lord slated the wicked to bring forth his righteous purposes. It is better that one man should perish than that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief.” Nephi obeys and kills Laban then puts on his clothes. Nephi fools Zoram (a servant of Laban) into thinking that he is Laban. Nephi gets the brass plates and even gets Zoram to follow him. When Nephi’s brothers see him, they think he is Laban and they flee. Nephi calls out to them, and Zoram realizes that Nephi was not Laban. He then tries to flee but Nephi stops him and is able to convince him to stay with them in the wilderness.
[1 Nephi 4]
When did Lehi and his family live in Jerusalem?
About 600 BC
When did Lehi’s prophecy about Jerusalem being destroyed actually happen? Who captured the city?
About 587 BC, King Nebuchandnezzar of Babylon captured the city of Jerusalem. Many people were killed or taken captive into Babylon.
[BofM made easier part #1, p. 3]
What information and books of scripture were contained in the brass plates that Nephi obtained from Laban?
They contained the first five Books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy). Also, they contain a record of the Jews and the prophecies of the holy prophets from the beginning down to the commencement of the rule of Zedekiah, king of Judah (in other words, down to about 600 BC). Basically, the words of the prophets, including those in our Old Testament up to and including much of Jeremiah. Also, the genealogy of Lehi and his fathers (ancestors).
[BofM made easier, part #1, p. 27-28]
Where are the plates that Nephi obtained from Laban now?
They traveled with Lehi and his family to the promised land, but we do not know where they are now. We know from 1 Nephi 5:19 that they do still exist. They have been preserved by The Lord, no doubt, and that someday the faithful will see them.
[BofM made easier, part #1, p. 27-28]
What happened when Nephi and his brothers first attempted to get the brass plates from Laban?
They cast lots to see who would go into Laban’s house to try and retrieve the plates. The lot fell on Laman. Laman went into Laban’s house and talked with him. Laban became angry and would not give him the records. He accused Laman of being a robber and said he would kill him. Laman was able to get away and tell the others what had happened. Nephi’s brothers wanted to return to their family in the wilderness. Nephi, however, was completely determined to keep the commandments of The Lord. Nephi said, “As The Lord liveth, and as we live, we will not go down unto our father in the wilderness until we have accomplished the thing which The Lord hath commanded us.”
[1 Nephi 3:10-15]
When The Lord commanded Lehi in a dream to take his family into the wilderness and flee Jerusalem, Laman and Lemuel murmured against God’s commands. What did Nephi do?
Nephi sought a confirming witness. This is an important lesson. Some people ask whether or not it is wrong to doubt or wonder about matters related to the gospel. Since individual agency is a gift from God, the answer has to be No! It is what we do about doubts when they arise in our hearts. When Laman and Lemuel have doubts, they chose to murmur and rebel. A careful reading of 1 Nephi 2:16 may indicate that Nephi also had doubts in his heart, because he tells us that The Lord “did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father.” Nephi humbly prayed to The Lord until he received the sweet reassuring answer about the truthfulness of his father’s revelations.
[BofM made easier, part #1, p. 11-12]
Describe Lehi’s first vision that is spoken of in the Book of Mormon. It is found in 1 Nephi 1.
Lehi had been praying to God for his people when a pillar of fire came down upon a rock before him. He saw and heard many things which made him shake and tremble. Overcome by the Spirit, Lehi returned home and lay on his bed. Then Jesus Christ appeared to him in a vision. Jesus gave Lehi a book that told what would happen to the Jews if they did not repent. As Lehi read the book, he was filled with the spirit of The Lord. He learned many people would be killed and others would be taken captive when Jerusalem was destroyed. He also read about many great and marvelous events that would happen. Lehi praised God for the goodness and mercy he shows to those who repent.
[1 Nephi 1: 5-20]
Once Lehi has preached to the Jews and they sought to take away his life, what does The Lord command Lehi to do?
Lehi is commanded by The Lord to take his family and flee into the wilderness (leaving all wealth and worldly possessions behind).
[1 Nephi 2: 1-2]
Describe Lehi’s second vision (or the vision of the tree of life) that is spoken of in the Book of Mormon. Where in the Book of Mormon is this vision located?
While in the wilderness, Lehi had a very important dream. In this dream, a man wearing a white robe told Lehi to follow him. Lehi followed the man into a dark and dreary wilderness. After traveling in the darkness for many hours, Lehi prayed to Heavenly Father for help. He then saw a tree with white fruit “to exceed all the whiteness” he had ever seen. Lehi went to partake of the fruit, and beheld that it was “most sweet” and he knew that it was “most desirable above all other fruit.” As he ate, he was filled with “great joy.” Because of this, he wanted his family to partake of the fruit. He then called to his family, and Sariah, Nephi, and Sam came also and ate the fruit. He then saw Laman and Lemuel, but they refused to eat the fruit. Lehi then saw a “rod of iron,” which was next to the “strait and narrow path.” This path led directly to the Tree of Life. Lehi then saw many people who were trying to get on the path that led to the tree. Lehi also beheld that there arose a “great mist of darkness.” Because of this mist, many people who were on the path did wander off and get lost. Other people did catch hold of the iron rod and held tightly and were able to make it to and partake of the fruit.
[1 Nephi 8]
After the second failed attempt of Nephi and his brothers to retrieve the brass plates from Laban, how did Laman and Lemuel react?
Laman and Lemuel were angry with Nephi and with their father. Laman and Lemuel spoke many hard words to Nephi and Sam and they even began to “smite” them with a rod. An angel then appeared and asked them why they would smite their younger brother with a rod. The angel also said “know ye not that The Lord hath chosen him to be a ruler over you.” The angel then told them to go back to Jerusalem and that The Lord would deliver Laban into their hands.
[1 Nephi 3:28-29]
After Laman and Lemuel see an angel of The Lord who tells them to return to Jerusalem to obtain the plates, they murmur and say, “How is it possible that The Lord will deliver Laban into our hands? Behold he is a mighty man, and he can command fifty, yea, even he can slay fifty; then why not us?” What is Nephi’s response?
“And it came to pass that I spake unto my brethren, saying: Let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of The Lord; for behold he is mightier than all the earth, then why not mightier than Laban and his fifty, yea, or even than his tens of thousands?”
[1 Nephi 4:1]
Who was king of Judah when Lehi was preaching repentance to the Jews in Jerusalem? Was he a righteous or a wicked king?
King Zedekiah- He is a 21 year old wicked king (see 2 Kings 24:18-19). He will reign for 11 years during which time, among other evil deeds, he will imprison the prophet Jeremiah in a miserable dungeon with a deep mire (see Jeremiah 38-39).
[BofM made easier, part #1, p. 3]
Laman and Lemuel were very angry at Nephi after the second failed attempt to retrieve the brass plates. They spoke many hard words to Nephi and Sam and also did “smite” them with a rod. What does The Lord do to stop this and protect Nephi and Sam?
An angel appeared and said, “Why do ye smite your younger brother with a rod? Know ye not that The Lord hath chosen him to be a ruler over you, and this because of your iniquities?” The angel then told them to go back to Jerusalem and that The Lord would deliver Laban into their hands.
[1 Nephi 3:28-29]
T or F
During Lehi’s time in Jerusalem, there were many prophets preaching repentance to the Jews.
True
Name them…
Jeremiah, Obadiah, Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah
[BofM made easier, part #1, p. 3]
[Book of Mormon Student Manual Chapter 2]
During Lehi’s time, were there other prophets (other than Lehi) who preached to the people of Jerusalem that they must repent or the great city of Jerusalem would be destroyed? If yes, who were they?
Yes- Jeremiah, Nahum, Habakkuk and Zephaniah
[BofM made easier, part #1, p. 3]
After Nephi and his brothers are able to retrieve the brass plates from Laban they are commanded by The Lord to go back to Jerusalem for something else. What was it? Do Laman and Lemuel murmur this time?
They are commanded by The Lord to return to Jerusalem to get wives. They are told to bring Ishmeal and his family down into the wilderness. It is not mentioned that Laman and Lemuel murmured this time :)
[BofM made easier p.36]
[1 Nephi 7:1-3]
How were Nephi and his brothers able to convince Ishmeal and his family to return with them to the wilderness?
They did gain favor with Ishmeal by speaking the words of God unto them. It is also mentioned The Lord did soften the heart of Ishmeal and his family.
[1 Nephi 7:4-5]
What prophecy is fulfilled by Lehi’s sons marrying the daughters of Ishmael? *Another interesting note is that the Prophet Joseph Smith informed us that Lehi had two older daughters who had already married into Lehi’s family. This information was contained in the record of Lehi which was first translated then subsequently stolen.
Erastus Snow said, “The prophet Joseph informed us that Ishmael was of the lineage of Ephraim, and that his sons married into Lehi’s family, and Lehi’s sons married Ishmael’s daughters, thus fulfilling the words of Jacob upon Ephraim and Manasseh in the 48th chapter of Genesis, which says: ‘And let my name be named upon them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Issac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the land.’ Thus these descendants of Manasseh and Ephraim grew together upon this American continent.”
[BofM made easier part #1, p. 30-32]
The Prophet Joseph Smith informed us that Lehi had two older daughters that had already married into Ishmael’s family. Where was this information contained since there is no mention of it in the Book of Mormon? By this we can see the Lords hand in providing exactly what was needed before these families were to set off towards the promised land.
Elder Erastus Snow said, “The prophet Joseph informed us that the record of Lehi, was contained on the 116 pages that were first translated and subsequently stolen, and of which an abridgment is given us in the first book of Nephi…and that [Ishmael’s] sons married into Lehi’s family, and Lehi’s sons married Ishmael’s daughters.”
[BofM made easier part #1, p. 30]
After Nephi and his brothers are able to convince Ishmael and his family to journey with them in the wilderness, some of them choose to rebel. Who does it and what do they want to do? Who stays obedient?
Laman, Lemuel, two of Ishmael’s daughters, and Ishmael’s two sons and their families choose to rebel. They want to return to Jerusalem. They probably do not think it will be destroyed, even though many prophets had warned that it would be. Nephi, Sam, Ishmael and his wife, and three of his other daughters choose to be obedient
[1 Nephi 7:6-7]
How do you think that Laman and Lemuel who had had such a strong witness of The Lord’s great power and goodness (seeing an angel, slaying Laban, obtaining the brass plates) still chose to harden their hearts and rebel while traveling in the wilderness?
One answer may be by forgetting past blessings from The Lord. Remembering past blessings can keep our testimonies strong during new difficulties and trials that will come.
[BofM made easier, part #1 p. 32]
Another answer may be that if we are not fully converted, no miracle or sign will ever be enough to convince us of the truthfulness of the gospel.
After convincing Ishmael and his family to join their family in the wilderness, Laman and Lemuel choose to rebel (and convince others to as well). They want to return to Jerusalem. Nephi asks how they could be hard in their hearts, and how they could of forgotten such wonderful past blessings (such as seeing an angel, to name one thing). They got very angry with Nephi. What do they do?
They took him and bound him with cords. They wanted to take away his life by leaving him in the wilderness to be devoured by wild beasts.
[1 Nephi 7:6-16]
When Nephi is bound by cords in the wilderness by Laman and Lemuel, what does he do?
Nephi prayed to The Lord asking to be delivered from the hands of his brothers and to be given strength to burst the bands by which he was bound. And he then he stood up and the bands were loosened from his hands and feet.
[1 Nephi 7:16-18]
When Nephi and his brothers are traveling with Ishmael’s family back to their parents in the wilderness, Laman and Lemuel rebel and bind Nephi with cords. Nephi prays to God and the bands are loosened. What then happens?
Laman and Lemuel are angry again! They try again to lay hands upon him. One of the daughters of Ishmael and her mother pled with them to stop trying to take Nephi’s life. They did soften Laman and Lemuel’s hearts. In fact, they were so sorrowful that they did bow down before Nephi and plead for his forgiveness.
[1 Nephi 7:7-20]
In Lehi’s vision of the tree of life, what do the following represent?
- Dark and dreary wilderness
- Large and spacious field
- Tree of life
- Fruit of the tree
- River of filthy water (1 Nephi 12:16)
- Rod of iron
- Strait and narrow path
- Mists of darkness
- Great and spacious building
- This could symbolize the world without the gospel of Christ. It could also be symbolic of our desperate situation in our sins and imperfections without the Atonement of Christ to redeem us. [BofM made easier, part #1, p. 41]
- The world
- The tree of life could symbolize many things…Nourishment from God, the Savior
- Love of God
- Depths of Hell [1 Nephi 12:16]
- Word of God
- Path to heaven or celestial glory
- Temptations of the devil [1 Nephi 12:17]
- Vain imaginations and pride [1 Nephi 12:18]
What are the four different groups of people that are represented in Lehi’s vision of the tree of life? How are each of these groups manifest in people today?
- Those who start on the path but then become lost in the mist of darkness. (1 Nephi 8:21-23)
ex. - Those who start on the path, but fear or evil (Satan) overtakes them and they fall away. - Those who hold to the rod of iron until they reach the tree and partake of the fruit, then become ashamed and fall away. (1 Nephi 8:24-28) ex.-Those who say they want eternal life but are distracted by other things, such as material wealth or worldly pleasures.
- Those who hold to the iron rod until they reach the tree and partake of the fruit, and then who remain faithful. (1 Nephi 8:30)
ex. - strong and faithful Saints - Those who never start on the path but instead go “feeling their way” toward the great and spacious building. It states “great was the multitude that did did enter into that strange building.” Many of these people were drowned in the depths of the fountain (filthiness). Many wandered onto “strange” roads and were lost. (1 Nephi 8:31-33)
ex. - Those who do not desire the word of God, but instead material possessions, worldly pleasures, etc.
In Lehi’s vision of the tree of life, what kinds of roads did people travel when they let go of the iron rod or left the tree of life? What happens to those who follow such roads? What are some things we must do to stay on the strait and narrow path?
- “Forbidden,” “strange,” or “broad” roads [1 Nephi 8:28, 32; 12:17]
- They were lost.
- “Cling” to the word of God. Read and study scriptures and the words of modern day prophets and apostles. Head the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Live the gospel fully and faithfully.
What are some things that the mist of darkness might represent?
Why might Satan want our eyes to be blinded to the love of God?
- Fear, depression, sin, discouragement, low self- esteem, destruction of family, etc.
- Satan wants to trap us in sin, despair, and hopelessness so that we will not attain eternal life.
Why is it significant that the great and spacious building “stood…in the air?”
The building did not have a solid foundation. I also think of being lifted up in pride.
[BofM study guide p.13]
Pertaining to when Martin Harris, Joseph Smith’s scribe, lost the 116 pages of Book of Mormon, answer the following questions…
- What portion of the Book of Mormon was lost?
- Because God foresaw this happening, what did he do to make up for this error?
- Why didn’t God just tell Joseph Smith to re-translate the lost pages?
- How did we come out ahead even though Satan tried to destroy the efforts of Joseph Smith by engineering the theft of the 116 pages?
- The lost 116 manuscript pages were the written translation from the large plates of Nephi.
[BofM made easier, part one, p. 50]
It appears that the lost pages consisted of the first six books in the Book of Mormon (1 Nephi, 2 Nephi, Jacob, Enos, Jarom, and Omni) or up until the reign of King Benjamin.
[D&C 10:38-41] - In 1 Nephi 9:3-5, Nephi tells us that God commanded him to make two sets of plates. The large plates of Nephi contained more of a history of the Book of Mormon peoples. The small plates contained more of the spiritual matters and gospel teachings and less of the day-to-day history and secular doings of the people.
[BofM made easier, part one, p. 49] - Because whoever had stolen the 116 pages had plans to alter them. If Joseph Smith had retranslated the same work, they would show the 116 stolen pages and thus say that the work was different and therefore a fraud.
[D&C 10:42-44] - Because we ended up with the translation of the same time period, but with the more spiritual matters and gospel teachings.
[BofM made easier, part one, p. 51]
Where was Babylon located in relation to Jerusalem in biblical times? Where is that today?
What does Babylon often symbolize in the scriptures?
Babylon was a powerful enemy nation that was located about 500 miles east of Jerusalem. Basically where modern-day Iraq exists today.
Babylon is often symbolic of worldliness, wickedness, and Satan’s kingdom.
[Book of Mormon made easier, part #1, p. 52]
What does the olive tree in 1 Nephi 10 symbolize?
Why does God often use the Olive Tree often a symbol for peace?
The olive tree is a symbol of the gathering of Isreal in the last days [BofM made easier, part #1, p. 93]
The olive tree has been associated with peace for centuries. War and it’s effects (rape of the land, destruction, siege, and death) are hardly conductive to the cultivation of olive orchards that require many years of careful husbandry to bring unto full production.
When the dove returned to the ark, it carried an olive leaf in its beak, as though to symbolize that God was at peace with the earth once again. (Genesis 8:11). The olive branch was used in Ancient Greece and Rome to signify peace, and it is still used in that sense in the great seal of the United States where the American eagle is shown grasping an olive branch in its talons.
[Book of Mormon made easier, part # 1, p. 54]
What are some unique characteristic’s about the olive tree that give it significant symbolic significance?
If the green slip of an olive tree is merely planted and allowed to grow, it develops into the wild olive, a bush that grows without control into a tangle of limbs and branches producing only small, worthless fruit. To become the productive tame olive tree, the main tree of the wild tree must be cut back completely and a branch from a tame olive tree grafted into the stem of the wild one. With careful pruning and cultivating the tree will begin to produce its first fruits in about seven years, but it will not become fully productive for nearly fifteen years. After the olive tree becomes fully productive, it can produce fruit for centuries. As the tree finally grows old and dies, the roots send up a number of new green shoots that, if grafted and pruned, will mature into full grown olive trees. Thus, the root of the tree may go on producing fruit for millennia. It is believed that some of the ancient olive trees located in Israel today have come from trees that were ancient during Christ’s mortal ministry.
In other words, the olive tree cannot become productive by itself; it requires grafting by the husbandman (the farmer; symbolic of God) to bring into production. Throughout its history, Israel has demonstrated the remarkable aptness characterized by the symbol of the olive tree. When they gave themselves to their God for pruning and grafting the Israelites prospered and bore much fruit, but when they turned from Christ, the Master of the vineyard, and sought to become their own life and sustenance they became wild and unfruitful.
[Book of Mormon made easier, part # 1, p. 54]
Is the Holy Ghost able to manifest himself in the form of a man?
Yes.
[1 Nephi 11:11]
“The Holy Ghost, called also Spirit, and Spirit of The Lord, Spirit of God, Comforter, and Spirit of Truth, is not tabernacled in a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of spirit; yet we know that the Spirit has manifested Himself in the form of a man” (Talmage, Articles of Faith, p.38)
“That the Spirit of The Lord is capable of manifesting Himself in the form and figure of man, is indicated by the wonderful interview between the Spirit and Nephi, in which He revealed Himself to the prophet, questioned him concerning his desires and belief, instructed him in the things of God, speaking face to face with the man. ‘I spake unto him,’ says Nephi, ‘as a man speaketh; for I beheld that he was in the form of a man; yet nevertheless, I knew that it was the spirit of The Lord; and he spake unto me as a man speaketh with another.’” (Talmage, Articles of Faith, p. 144)
[BofM made easier, part#1, p. 60-61]
When Nephi desired to see the things that his father had seen (the vision of the tree of life), what did he do? How can we use his example when we are seeking revelation in our own lives?
It states in 1 Nephi 11:1, “For it came to pass after I had DESIRED to know the things that my father had seen, and BELIEVING that The Lord was able to make them known unto me, as I sat PONDERING in mine heart I was caught away in the Spirit of The Lord, yea, into an exceedingly high mountain, which I never had before seen, and upon which I had never before set my foot.”
In the Book of Mormon made easier (part#1, p. 58-59) it states, “Many of us who desire revelation and help from The Lord do pretty well at doing the first two things Nephi mentioned above. But when it comes to ‘pondering’ it seems that we don’t do well at taking the time or making the time to do so. In our fast-paced lives, many of us are out of the habit of providing peaceful, non-pressured time for the Holy Ghost to get a word in edgewise into our minds. Thus, we miss out on much personal inspiration which we would otherwise receive.”
Another thing we might note in verse 1 is the phrase ‘exceedingly high mountain.’ This is symbolic, among other things, of perspective. It is symbolic of seeing things as God sees them. Joseph Smith had several high mountain experiences such as the first vision, the visits from Moroni and other ancient prophets, the revelation on celestial marriage, liberty jail, and many others. The interesting thing about ‘high mountain experiences’ in our lives is that we have to come back down to earth, and live in a normal everyday world with the daily tasks and challenges which are the lot of all mortals. However, once we have been on some ‘high mountains,’ daily life can be much more meaningful and our ability to be patient and cope with trials and difficulties is much increased. We see this exemplified in the case of Joseph Smith and the Liberty jail. Something marvelous happens to the Prophet between the time he cries out in humble desperation at the beginning of section 121 and the ending of 123 (see verse 17). Without once being told that The Lord would have him out of his dungeon within three weeks, Joseph’s outlook changes completely. You will see how The Lord takes Joseph’s mind up into a “high mountain,” as it were, and thus changes everything important.
[Book of Mormon made easier, part#1, p. 58-59]
What can we learn from the tree of life from the following scriptures? Revelation 2:7, 22:1-6, 14; 2 Nephi 2:15; Alma 5:34
Revelation 2:7
7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
Revelation 22:1-6, 14
1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.
14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
2 Nephi 2:15
15 And to bring about his eternal purposes in the end of man, after he had created our first parents, and the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and in fine, all things which are created, it must needs be that there was an opposition; even the forbidden fruit in opposition to the tree of life; the one being sweet and the other bitter.
Alma 5:34
34 Yea, he saith: Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely;
Nephi desired to see the things that his father had seen in a vision (the vision of the tree of life). He states in 1 Nephi 11:1, “For it came to pass after I had DESIRED to know the things that my father had seen, and BELIEVING that The Lord was able to make them known unto me, as I sat PONDERING in mine heart I was caught away in the Spirit of The Lord, yea, into an exceedingly high mountain, which I never had before seen, and upon which I had never before set my foot.” What did Nephi see?
He first sees the tree of life. He then sees Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Mary. He sees Jesus Christ as a baby and then his ministry. He saw John the Baptist who prepared the way for Jesus. Nephi also sees Jesus being baptized and he saw the Holy Ghost descend in the form of a dove. He sees the twelve apostles following Christ and sees Jesus heal many people of sicknesses, afflictions, diseases, unclean spirits, and devils. Nephi then sees that Christ was taken by the people and judged by the world. He then sees Christs crucifixion. He then sees many people who gathered together to fight the twelve apostles. He then sees his descendants in the America’s and the terrible wars that took place among them. He saw a mist of darkness, lightnings, thunderings, earthquakes, and all manner of tumultuous noises, earth and rocks were torn, mountains tumbled to pieces, the plains of the earth were broken up, many cities that were sunk, and many were burned with fire, and many that tumbled to the earth. He saw the mist of darkness passed off the face of the earth (after three days of total darkness) and then the Lamb of a God descend from heaven and show himself to the people. He then sees twelve others (the Nephite Apostles) chosen and ordained of God. He sees three generations of righteousness on the American continents because of Christ. He then sees the pride of the Nephites, their battles with the Lamanites and because of temptations of the devil and pride the Lamanites ultimately destroy the Nephites. He sees that the Lamanites dwindle in unbelief and become a dark and loathsome people, full of idleness and all manner of abominations. Nephi is then shown the formation of a “great and abominable church” and what we refer to as the dark ages along with some incredible details concerning Christopher Columbus, the Pilgrims, the destruction among the Lamanites in the Americas, the thirteen American colonies, the Revolutionary War, and God’s help for the fledging colonies as they fought for independence against Great Britain. In addition, he will be shown that the Bible would be brought by them and that many “plain and precious things” had been taken out of it. He will be shown the establishment of the United States, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, the joining together of the Bible and the Book of Mormon, and then a very brief view of the last days.
1 Nephi 11-14
[BofM made easier, part#1 p. 58-91]
Nephi describes his vision that he had after asking to see the things which his father had seen (the vision of the tree of life) as a high mountain experience. Does God give us high mountain experiences as well? What do these high mountain experiences give us?
They give us, among other things, perspective. It is seeing things as God sees them. Joseph Smith had several high mountain experiences such as the first vision, the visits from Moroni and other ancient prophets, the revelation on celestial marriage, liberty jail, and many others. The interesting thing about ‘high mountain experiences’ in our lives is that we have to come back down to earth, and live in a normal everyday world with the daily tasks and challenges which are the lot of all mortals. However, once we have been on some ‘high mountains,’ daily life can be much more meaningful and our ability to be patient and cope with trials and difficulties is much increased. We see this exemplified in the case of Joseph Smith and the Liberty jail. Something marvelous happens to the Prophet between the time he cries out in humble desperation at the beginning of section 121 and the ending of 123 (see verse 17). Without once being told that The Lord would have him out of his dungeon within three weeks, Joseph’s outlook changes completely. You will see how The Lord takes Joseph’s mind up into a “high mountain,” as it were, and thus changes everything important.
[Book of Mormon made easier, part#1, p. 58
What does it mean when the scriptures say they “hardened their hearts?”
One definition of “hardened hearts” is lack of feeling, lack of concern about sin, lack of concern about the rights and needs of others.
[BofM made easier, part #1, p. 69]
