;;;Book of Mormon Seminary Student Study Guide 34187 Prepared by the Church Educational System Published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Salt Lake City, Utah Pages 84--85, 87, 99, 102, 104, 106, 110, 113, 132--33, 135, 137, 142, 145--46, 149, 151, 158, 202: Drawings from The Book of Mormon Story Copyright 1966 Ronald K. Crosby. Copyright 2000 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved Updated 2004 Printed in the United States of America English approval: 6/04 ;;;Table of Contents How to Use This Manual 1 Studying the Scriptures 2 Book of Mormon Reading Chart 7 Welcome to the Book of Mormon 8 Introductory Pages to the Book of Mormon 9 Title Page How and Why the Book of Mormon Was Written 9 Introduction, Testimonies, a Brief Explanation, and the Names and Order of the Books 9 The First Book of Nephi 13 1 Nephi 1 The Prophet Lehi Is Called to Warn the Jews 13 1 Nephi 2 "I Did Cry unto the Lord; and Behold He Did Visit Me" 15 1 Nephi 3--4 Having Faith the Lord Will Help 16 1 Nephi 5--6 The Importance of Sacred Records 17 1 Nephi 7 Ishmael Joins Lehi in the Wilderness 18 1 Nephi 8 Lehi's Dream 19 1 Nephi 9 Two Sets of Plates 20 1 Nephi 10 The Prophecies of Lehi 21 1 Nephi 11--12 Nephi Learns of Christ and His Mission 22 1 Nephi 13 A Vision of the Latter Days 23 1 Nephi 14 Nephi's Vision of the Gentiles in the Latter Days 25 1 Nephi 15 Nephi Teaches His Brothers 26 1 Nephi 16 A Miraculous Ball and a Broken Bow 27 1 Nephi 17 "Thou Shalt Construct a Ship" 28 1 Nephi 18 The Journey to the Promised Land 29 1 Nephi 19 "That I Might More Fully Persuade Them to Believe in the Lord" 30 1 Nephi 20--21 Messages from the Prophet Isaiah 31 1 Nephi 22 Events of the Last Days 33 The Second Book of Nephi 35 2 Nephi 1 "Awake, My Sons" 35 2 Nephi 2 Free to Choose Because of the Atonement 36 2 Nephi 3 Joseph Prophesies about Another Joseph 38 2 Nephi 4 Nephi's Psalm 39 2 Nephi 5 A Divided Family 39 2 Nephi 6 Jacob Teaches the People from the Writings of Isaiah 40 2 Nephi 7 The Lord Helps Those Who Trust in Him 41 2 Nephi 8 "Awake, Awake!" 42 2 Nephi 9 "O How Great the Plan of Our God!" 42 2 Nephi 10 The Fulfillment of the Lord's Covenants 43 2 Nephi 11 Three Witnesses of Jesus Christ 44 2 Nephi 12 Come to the Mountain of the Lord 45 2 Nephi 13--14 "The Daughters of Zion" 46 2 Nephi 15 Sins and Consequences 47 2 Nephi 16 Isaiah Sees the Lord 47 2 Nephi 17--19 Prophecies of the Messiah 48 2 Nephi 20 The Enemies of God's People Are Destroyed 50 2 Nephi 21--22 The Great Day of the Lord 50 2 Nephi 23--24 The Fall of Babylon 51 2 Nephi 25 "Believe in Christ" 52 2 Nephi 26 Nephi Prophesies about His Descendants 53 2 Nephi 27 The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon 54 2 Nephi 28 Sins and Traps of the Latter Days 55 2 Nephi 29 "A Bible! A Bible! We Have Got a Bible" 56 2 Nephi 30 The Power of the Book of Mormon 57 2 Nephi 31 The Doctrine of Christ 57 2 Nephi 32 Nephi Continues Teaching the Doctrine of Christ 58 2 Nephi 33 Nephi's Final Testimony 59 The Book of Jacob 60 Jacob 1 A Prophet's Duty 61 Jacob 2--3 Jacob Teaches the People in the Temple 61 Jacob 4 Be Reconciled to God through the Atonement of Christ 62 Jacob 5--6 The Allegory of the Olive Tree 63 Jacob 7 The Learning of Men versus the Power of God 66 The Book of Enos 67 Enos 1 The Power of Forgiveness 67 The Book of Jarom 68 Jarom 1 Keep the Commandments and Prosper 68 The Book of Omni 69 Omni 1 A Summary of the Kings from Omni to Benjamin 69 The Words of Mormon 71 Words of Mormon 1 A Word of Explanation 71 The Book of Mosiah 72 Mosiah 1 The Importance of Sacred Records 73 Mosiah 2 Service to God 73 Mosiah 3 Prophecy of Christ 74 Mosiah 4 Receiving and Retaining a Remission of Our Sins 75 Mosiah 5 Becoming the Children of Christ 76 Mosiah 6--7 Limhi's People in Bondage 78 Mosiah 8 What Is a Seer? 79 Mosiah 9--10 The Beginning of Zeniff's Record 79 Mosiah 11--12 Wicked King Noah and the Prophet Abinadi 81 Mosiah 13--14 Abinadi Challenges the Wicked Priests 82 Mosiah 15--16 Abinadi Teaches of Jesus Christ and Explains Who Will Be Saved 83 Mosiah 17--18 Alma Believes Abinadi 85 Mosiah 19 The End of Wicked King Noah 87 Mosiah 20 Limhi's People Fight to Defend Their Families 88 Mosiah 21--22 Bondage and Deliverance 88 Mosiah 23--24 Bondage and Deliverance for Alma's People 90 Mosiah 25 Alma Organizes the Church of God 91 Mosiah 26 Apostasy in the Rising Generation 92 Mosiah 27 The Conversion of Alma the Younger 93 Mosiah 28 King Mosiah, the Seer 95 Mosiah 29 The End of the Kings and the Beginning of the Judges 96 The Book of Alma 97 Alma 1 Alma and Nehor 97 Alma 2--3 The Rebellion of the Amlicites 98 Alma 4 Alma Gives Up the Judgment Seat 99 Alma 5 A Mighty Change of Heart 100 Alma 6--7 Alma Preaches in Gideon 102 Alma 8 Alma Meets Amulek 103 Alma 9 Alma Preaches Repentance to the People of Ammonihah 103 Alma 10 Amulek's Testimony 104 Alma 11 The Resurrection "Shall Come to All" 105 Alma 12 Alma Teaches the Plan of Salvation 106 Alma 13 The Priesthood of God 107 Alma 14 The Gospel Message Angers the Wicked 107 Alma 15 Mission to the Land of Sidom 109 Alma 16 The End of the City of Ammonihah 109 Alma 17 A Mission to the Lamanites 110 Alma 18 The Conversion of King Lamoni 110 Alma 19 King Lamoni's Wife and Others Are Converted 111 Alma 20 Ammon Meets Lamoni's Father 112 Alma 21 Aaron and His Brethren Teach the Lamanites 113 Alma 22 Aaron Teaches the Lamanite King 113 Alma 23 The Anti-Nephi-Lehies 114 Alma 24 A Covenant Kept 115 Alma 25 Prophecy Fulfilled 116 Alma 26 "In His Strength I Can Do All Things" 116 Alma 27 A New Home for the Anti-Nephi-Lehies 117 Alma 28 The Nephites Defend the People of Ammon 118 Alma 29 "O That I Were an Angel" 119 Alma 30 Korihor, the Anti-Christ 119 Alma 31 A Mission to the Zoramites 120 Alma 32 An Experiment with the Word 121 Alma 33 The Words They Should Plant 122 Alma 34 The Eternal Plan of Redemption 123 Alma 35 Zoramite Converts Flee to Jershon 124 Alma 36 Alma Teaches Helaman about His Conversion 124 Alma 37 "Learn Wisdom in Thy Youth" 125 Alma 38 Alma Counsels His Son Shiblon 126 Alma 39 The Serious Nature of Sexual Sin 127 Alma 40 The Spirit World and the Resurrection 128 Alma 41 "Wickedness Never Was Happiness" 128 Alma 42 Mercy and Justice 129 Alma 43 The Nephites Defend Their Families, Freedom, and Religion 130 Alma 44 Nephite Victory 131 Alma 45 Alma's Farewell 132 Alma 46 The Title of Liberty 132 Alma 47 The Man Who Wanted to Be King 133 Alma 48 Captain Moroni, a Man of God 134 Alma 49 Nephite Victory 135 Alma 50 The Lord Prospers His Obedient Children 135 Alma 51 The King-Men's Rebellion 136 Alma 52 Nephite Victory 136 Alma 53 The 2,000 Stripling Soldiers 137 Alma 54 An Exchange of Letters 138 Alma 55 Nephite Prisoners Are Freed 138 Alma 56 The 2,000 Stripling Soldiers in Battle 139 Alma 57 The 2,000 Stripling Soldiers Escape Death 139 Alma 58 Nephites Capture the City of Manti 140 Alma 59 Moroni Sends for Help 140 Alma 60 Moroni's Letter to Pahoran 141 Alma 61 Pahoran's Reply to Moroni 142 Alma 62 Moroni Marches to Help Pahoran 142 Alma 63 Nephite Migrations into the Land Northward 143 The Book of Helaman 144 Helaman 1 War in Zarahemla 144 Helaman 2 The Gadianton Bands 145 Helaman 3 A Time of Prosperity and Growth 146 Helaman 4 Wickedness and Its Consequences 146 Helaman 5 Nephi and Lehi in Prison 147 Helaman 6 Prosperity Leads to Wickedness . . . Again! 148 Helaman 7 Nephi Declares Repentance to His People 149 Helaman 8 A Prophecy of Murder 149 Helaman 9 A Murderer Is Discovered 150 Helaman 10 Nephi Is Granted Great Power 151 Helaman 11 Nephi Exercises His Power in Behalf of the People 151 Helaman 12 "And Thus We See" 152 Helaman 13 Samuel the Lamanite Prophesies to the Nephites 153 Helaman 14 Signs of Christ's Birth and Death 154 Helaman 15 "Except Ye Repent . . ." 155 Helaman 16 Reactions to Samuel's Preaching 156 Third Nephi: The Book of Nephi 157 3 Nephi 1 "On the Morrow Come I into the World" 157 3 Nephi 2 Wonders amidst Wickedness and War 158 3 Nephi 3--4 Gadianton Robbers Threaten the People 158 3 Nephi 5 An Explanation and Testimony from Mormon 159 3 Nephi 6 From Righteousness to "Awful Wickedness" 160 3 Nephi 7 A Great Division 161 3 Nephi 8 Destruction and Darkness 161 3 Nephi 9--10 The Voice of Jesus Christ Pierces the Darkness 162 3 Nephi 11 The Savior Appears! 163 3 Nephi 12 The Sermon at the Temple, Part 1 165 3 Nephi 13 The Sermon at the Temple, Part 2 166 3 Nephi 14 The Sermon at the Temple, Part 3 167 3 Nephi 15--16 The Law of Moses and "Other Sheep" 167 3 Nephi 17 "My Joy Is Full" 168 3 Nephi 18 The Savior Introduces the Sacrament 169 3 Nephi 19 Jesus Prays with and for the People 170 3 Nephi 20--22 Prophecies about the Children of the Covenant 171 3 Nephi 23 The Importance of the Written Word 172 3 Nephi 24--25 The Prophecies of Malachi 173 3 Nephi 26 A Test for People in the Latter Days 174 3 Nephi 27 "This Is My Gospel" 174 3 Nephi 28 Special Desires of the Twelve Disciples 175 3 Nephi 29--30 Mormon's Warnings 176 Fourth Nephi: The Book of Nephi 177 4 Nephi 1 Four Generations of Peace 177 The Book of Mormon 178 Mormon 1 The Young Man Mormon 179 Mormon 2 A Mighty Leader amid Great Wickedness 180 Mormon 3 Another Chance, Another Rejection 181 Mormon 4 "It Is by the Wicked That the Wicked Are Punished" 181 Mormon 5 The Purpose of Mormon's Record 182 Mormon 6 "The Destruction of My People" 182 Mormon 7 Mormon's Testimony to His People 183 Mormon 8 Moroni Sees Our Day 184 Mormon 9 "I Know That Ye Shall Have My Words" 185 The Book of Ether 186 Ether 1 The Jaredites at the Tower of Babel 187 Ether 2 The Jaredites Build Barges 187 Ether 3 A Sacred Vision 188 Ether 4 Repent, and Come unto Christ 189 Ether 5 A Promise of Three Witnesses 190 Ether 6 The Jaredites Cross the Ocean 190 Ether 7 The Sons of Orihah 191 Ether 8 Secret Combinations Begin 192 Ether 9 The Effect of Those Seeking Power and Gain 192 Ether 10 The Jaredite Kings 193 Ether 11 The Prophets Warn of Destruction 193 Ether 12 The Importance of Faith, Hope, and Charity 194 Ether 13 The New Jerusalem 195 Ether 14 A Time of Great War and Destruction 195 Ether 15 The End of the Jaredite Society 196 The Book of Moroni 197 Moroni 1--3 The Authority of the Priesthood 197 Moroni 4--5 The Sacrament Prayers 198 Moroni 6 The Church Should Meet Together Often 199 Moroni 7 The Spirit of Christ Is Given to Everyone 199 Moroni 8 Baptism and Little Children 200 Moroni 9 Little Hope for the Nephites 201 Moroni 10 A Testimony of the Book of Mormon 202 Possible Book of Mormon Sites (in Relation to Each Other) 203 Book of Mormon Chronology Chart 204 ;;;How to Use This Manual As the title of this manual suggests, this is a guide to your study of the scriptures. It contains several sections to help increase your understanding of what you read. A B C ;;;A. Introduction Beneath the chapter headings, which are printed on pictures of metal plates, are introductions to the chapters of scripture you are assigned to read. This section contains the following kinds of information: -- The historical setting -- An explanation of how the scripture block relates to chapters before or after it -- Questions and ideas to think about before or during your reading that will help you concentrate on the message of the block ;;;B. Understanding the Scriptures The "Understanding the Scriptures" section provides help for difficult words and phrases and commentary to help you understand ideas and concepts contained in the scriptures. The commentary often includes statements by General Authorities of the Church. ;;;C. Studying the Scriptures The "Studying the Scriptures" section contains questions and activities to help you discover, think about, and apply the principles of the gospel found in the scriptures. There is not room to write in the manual, so you will need to do these activities in a notebook or on your own paper. The following steps will help you as you study the scriptures: -- Begin with prayer. -- Read the introduction to the chapter you will be studying, and consider other "Before Reading" study skills (see pp. 3--4). -- Read the assigned chapter, referring to the appropriate "Understanding the Scriptures" section for help. Use "During Reading" study skills (see pp. 4--5). Write notes and questions in your notebook. Also write about feelings or impressions that are important to you. -- Do the activities in the "Studying the Scriptures" section for the chapter you are studying. Sometimes you will get to choose which activities to complete. If you want to learn more, complete all of the activities. Home-Study Seminary Program If you are in a home-study seminary program, the reading chart on page 7 shows you what you should read each week of seminary. Remember that seminary is a daily religious education program, that prayerfully reading your scriptures should be a daily practice, and that you will need to work on your seminary assignments each school day even though you will not attend seminary each day. If you have more or less than 36 weeks in your seminary year, your teacher will tell you which chapters you should read in a week and which assignments to complete. Reading the scriptures and using this study guide should take 30 to 40 minutes each school day you do not attend seminary class. Each week you should give your teacher the pages from your notebook that contain your thoughts about the scriptures and the study guide activities you completed for that week. Your teacher will read and respond to them and return your notebook to you. You might choose to have two notebooks and use them every other week. You could also write in a loose-leaf binder and turn in the pages you did that week. When your teacher returns the pages, put them back into the notebook. Daily Seminary Program If you are in a daily seminary program, you will use this study guide as instructed by your teacher. Studying the Scriptures This study guide has been prepared to help you read, study, and understand the scriptures. Since most of your study time will be spent reading and thinking about the scriptures, this section has been included to help you make it more effective. Elder Howard W. Hunter, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, gave Church members valuable counsel on scripture study, which is summarized below. You may want to write his ideas on a card and put the card in a place where you can see it while you study. -- Read carefully to understand the scriptures. -- Study every day. -- Set a regular time every day when you will study. -- Study in a place where you can concentrate without distractions or interruptions. -- Study for a period of time rather than reading a certain number of chapters or pages. -- Have a study plan. (See Conference Report, Oct. 1979, 91--93; or Ensign, Nov. 1979, 64--65.) Using the study helps found in the Latter-day Saint editions of the scriptures, along with good study skills, will benefit your scripture study. Study Helps in the Latter-day Saint Editions of the Scriptures Cross-References A cross-reference is a scripture reference that will lead you to additional information and insight on the topic you are studying. For example, read Ether 13:10 and notice footnote 10a. By finding and reading the scripture referred to in the footnote, what additional insights do you gain about those who will be made clean through the Savior's Atonement? Topical Guide and Bible Dictionary References The Topical Guide (TG) contains an alphabetical list of hundreds of topics with scripture references in all four standard works of the Church. The Bible Dictionary (BD) gives definitions and explanations for many biblical names and subjects. Although not referenced in the footnotes, you may want to check the index for the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price for additional references. For example, read 2 Nephi 15:10. As you do, you may wonder about the words bath, homer, and ephah. Notice footnote 10a, which refers you to "weights and measures" in the Bible Dictionary (pp. 788--89). In the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees, Zenos spoke of fruit that became corrupt. Read Jacob 5:42 and notice footnote 42a. Use the Topical Guide and find several scripture references that help explain what the corrupt fruit represents. Help with Words and Phrases Some words and phrases are labeled with the following notations: -- HEB: An alternate (substitute) translation from the Hebrew (the original language of the Old Testament). -- GR: An alternate translation from the Greek (the original language of the New Testament). -- IE: An explanation of idioms (words or phrases used in a specific way when the scriptures were written but not commonly used today) and difficult constructions. -- OR: A clarification of the meaning of archaic (old) expressions. What insight do you gain from knowing the meaning of the Hebrew word for "snatched" in Mosiah 27:29? The Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible The Lord commanded the Prophet Joseph Smith to study the Bible and seek revelation to obtain a more complete and true biblical translation (see D&C 37:1; 45:60; 73:3--4). Consequently, the Prophet Joseph Smith restored many important truths and made many significant changes in Bible passages that were possibly mistranslated, unclear, or incomplete (see Articles of Faith 1:8). This version with the inspired changes is called the "Joseph Smith Translation." The translation is abbreviated in the footnotes as "JST." Some Joseph Smith Translation changes are in the footnotes, while others are found in an appendix entitled "Joseph Smith Translation," which begins on page 797 of the Latter-day Saint edition of the King James Version of the Bible. Read Alma 13:14 and notice footnote 14a. What additional understanding do we gain about Melchizedek from the Joseph Smith Translation? Bible Maps and Photographs The Bible maps and photographs found in the appendix of the Latter-day Saint edition of the Bible are helpful in finding places referred to in the scriptures. Church History Chronology, Maps, and Photographs In 1999 the Church added new maps and photographs to the triple combination. These features are similar to the corresponding ones in the Latter-day Saint edition of the King James Bible. This section also includes a chronology of Church history events. Chapter Headings, Section Headings, and Verse Summaries Chapter and section headings and verse summaries explain or give important background information to help you understand what you read. For example, what helpful information do you get about the role of Jesus Christ by reading the chapter heading for Mosiah 15? Having the study helps found in Latter-day Saint editions of the scriptures is like having a small collection of reference books available to you---all in one place! Study Skills Nephi said we ought to "feast upon the words of Christ" (2 Nephi 32:3), and Jesus commanded the Nephites to "search [the scriptures] diligently" (3 Nephi 23:1). This kind of study involves more than just quickly reading through the scriptures. The following ideas and skills will help you learn more when you study. They are divided into three different categories: before reading, during reading, and after reading. Before Reading Prayer The scriptures were written by inspiration. Consequently, they are best understood when we have the companionship of the Spirit. In the Old Testament we learn about the priest Ezra, who "prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord" (Ezra 7:10). Prepare your heart to read the scriptures by praying each time you read. Get Background Information Understanding the historical background of the scriptures will help you gain greater insights as you read. The Bible Dictionary provides historical background and a brief overview of each book's content and main themes. The section headings in the Doctrine and Covenants provide a brief explanation of the historical background of the revelations. The index at the back of the triple combination also contains useful information. If you have time, you may also refer to other Church-produced books and manuals that have background on the scripture you are reading. Ask Questions Before you read it is helpful to ask yourself questions like "Who wrote these verses?" "To whom?" "Why is this teaching included in the scriptures?" "What do I want to know or learn as I read today?" and "What would the Lord want me to learn from these scriptures?" As you read the scriptures, look for answers to your questions. Remember that you can also use the study helps in the Latter-day Saint editions of the scriptures or look for answers in Church manuals and publications. Read the Chapter Headings and Verse Summaries Chapter headings and verse summaries are simple summaries of the main ideas in a chapter or section. Reading the chapter heading before you begin a chapter is not only a good study habit but will also help you prepare yourself to ask questions and look for answers as you read. During Reading Don't Be Afraid to Stop Most nuggets of gold are not found on the surface of the ground---you must dig for them. Your scripture study will be much more valuable if you will slow down or stop and do some of the activities that follow. Look up the Meanings of Words You Do Not Understand Use a dictionary. Sometimes looking up a word you think you already know can give you additional insight. The "Understanding the Scriptures" sections of this manual will help you understand many difficult words and phrases. Be aware that sometimes the Lord has inspired His prophets to include explanations in their writings that help us know the meaning of words and phrases. For example, read Mosiah 3:19 and find out what King Benjamin said it meant to become like a child. Use the Study Helps in the Latter-day Saint Editions of the Scriptures See the section "Study Helps in the Latter-day Saint Editions of the Scriptures" on pages 2--3. Liken the Scripture Using your own name in a verse helps make scriptural teachings more personal. For example, what difference does it make to use your own name in place of "ye" in 2 Nephi 31:20? Visualize Picture in your mind what is taking place. For example, when you read 1 Nephi 18:10--16, imagine how you might feel if your older brothers hated or were jealous of you and bound you and left you to suffer during a storm. At times, the scriptures tell us to visualize. Read Alma 5:15--18 and stop to do as Alma suggests. Take some time to write about how you felt as you visualized those verses. Look for Connecting Words Connecting words include and, but, because, therefore, and nevertheless. As you read these words, notice what they help you understand about two or more ideas. Sometimes they show how two or more things are similar or different. For example, if you think about what the word because indicates in Mosiah 26:2--3, you can learn an important truth about scripture study. Because indicates a cause-and-effect relationship between the people's disbelief and their inability to understand the scriptures and words of the prophets. Read Mosiah 29:12 and note how the word but shows a contrast between the judgments of God and the judgments of man. Look for Patterns In 2 Nephi 31:2, Nephi said that he wanted to write a few words about the doctrine of Christ. Then in verse 21 he bore his testimony that he had just explained the doctrine of Christ. Knowing that Nephi taught the doctrine of Christ between verses 2 and 21, we should go back and study Nephi's words further to find out what the doctrine of Christ is. Another example of finding patterns is to look for a prophet's explanation of cause and effect by watching for his use of the words if and then. In 3 Nephi 26:9--10, the promise is made that if the words Mormon wrote are believed by the readers, then greater things will be made known to them. Look for the consequences for those who do not believe the words. The repetition of a word or idea is another pattern to look for. For example, notice how many times the word baptize is found in 3 Nephi 11. Look for Lists in the Scriptures Lists help you understand more clearly what the Lord and His prophets teach. The Ten Commandments are a list (see Exodus 20). The Beatitudes in 3 Nephi 12:3--11 are easily seen as a list. Finding other lists may require a little more effort. For example, according to Mosiah 18:8--10, what promises do we make at baptism? What blessings has the Lord promised? Ask Questions Continue to ask questions as you were instructed to do in the "Before Reading" section. As you read, you may rephrase questions you asked before reading or you may come up with completely different questions. Seeking answers to questions is one of the most important ways we gain greater understanding from our scripture study. One of the most important questions to ask is "Why might the Lord have inspired the writer to include this in the scriptures?" Look for the obvious clues writers sometimes leave when they say something like "and thus we see." Answer Questions Given in the Scriptures Many times the Lord asks and then answers a question. He asked the Nephite disciples, "What manner of men ought ye to be?" He then answered, "Even as I am" (3 Nephi 27:27). On other occasions questions are asked but no answers are given---generally because the author thinks the answer may be obvious. Sometimes the writers do not give an answer, however, because the question asked may require some thinking and the answer may not be immediate. For example, read Alma 5:14--33 and answer the questions in those verses as if you were there. Look for Types and Symbolic Meanings Prophets often use symbols and imagery (types) to more powerfully communicate their messages. For example, parables are a way of telling a message simply and in a way that has a much deeper meaning. The story in a parable makes the lesson taught more memorable and meaningful. The following suggestions may help you understand symbols in the scriptures: 1. Look for an interpretation in the scriptures. For example, Lehi had a vision in 1 Nephi 8. Nephi later had a vision in which he saw what his father saw, along with the interpretations of the symbols in his father's vision (see 1 Nephi 11--14). Sometimes an interpretation can be found by using a cross-reference in the footnotes. 2. Think about the characteristics of the symbol and what the symbol might teach you. Alma used this skill in explaining the Liahona to his son Helaman (see Alma 37:38--47). 3. See if the symbol teaches you something about the Savior. The Lord told Adam that "all things bear record of [Him]" (Moses 6:63). For example, how do the different elements in the story of Abraham's sacrifice of his son Isaac testify of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ? (see Genesis 22:1--19; Jacob 4:5). Write Keep some paper or a notebook close by to write down ideas you want to remember, such as lists, special insights you get, or your feelings about something you read. To help you remember thoughts or insights the next time you read, you may want to write these ideas in the margins of your scriptures as well. Many people like to mark important words and phrases in their scriptures. There is no right or wrong way to do this. (You may not want to do it at all.) Some people circle the verse number or shade or underline important words and phrases that give special meaning to a verse. Another way to mark scriptures is to write a cross-reference to another scripture in the margin. Doing this to several verses that treat the same topic gives you a chain of scriptures on a specific topic that you can find by going to any one of the scriptures in the chain. Marking scriptures can often help you find important verses more quickly. After Reading Ponder To ponder is to think deeply about something, asking questions and evaluating what you know and what you have learned. Sometimes the scriptures call this "meditating" (see Joshua 1:8). There are several good examples in the scriptures where important revelations came as a result of pondering, especially pondering the scriptures (see D&C 76:15--20; 138:1--11). Liken the Scriptures to Yourself To liken the scriptures to yourself is to compare them to your own life. In order to liken the scriptures to yourself, you need to ask questions like "What principles of the gospel are taught in the scriptures I just read?" and "How do those principles relate to my life?" An important part of likening the scriptures to yourself is listening to promptings of the Spirit, who the Lord promised "will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13). For example, Nephi likened the scriptures to himself and his family by applying some of the principles Isaiah taught to their situation. He taught his brothers that they, like the children of Israel, had strayed from God---God had not strayed from them. He also taught them that if they would repent, the Lord would be merciful and forgive them (see 1 Nephi 19:24; 21:14--16). Nephi said that by likening the words of Isaiah to himself and his brothers, their belief in Jesus Christ as the Redeemer would increase (see 1 Nephi 19:23). Reread We do not understand everything in a passage of scripture the first time we read it. In fact, it takes a lifetime of study to truly understand the scriptures. Often, we begin to see patterns, visualize better, and more deeply understand the scriptures after two or three readings. You may want to look for new teachings or ask different questions as you reread. Trying to rewrite a story or just a verse or two in your own words may help you discover whether or not you understood what you read and help you understand the scriptures better. Write Some people keep a journal in which they write the main idea of what they read, how they feel about what they read, or how they think what they read applies to their life. If you are using this manual for home-study seminary, you are required to keep a notebook to receive credit. This notebook will be like a scripture journal. It is also good to talk with others about what you read. Writing down some notes so that you remember what you want to talk about and discussing what you learned will help you understand and remember more of what you read. Apply The real value of knowledge you gain from the scriptures comes when you live what you learn. Greater closeness to the Lord and feeling the peace He gives are just some of the blessings that come to those who live the gospel. In addition, the Lord said that those who live what they learn will be given more, while those who will not live what they learn will lose the knowledge they have (see Alma 12:9--11). "Feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do" (2 Nephi 32:3). ;;;Book of Mormon Reading Chart Days I Read Ten Minutes or More S M T W TH F S Assigned Chapters I Read This Week Week 1 "Studying the Scriptures" "Title Page of the Book of Mormon" "Introduction, Testimonies, …" 1 Nephi 1 2 Week 2 1 Nephi 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Week 3 1 Nephi 11 12 13 14 15 16 Week 4 1 Nephi 17 18 19 20 21 22 Week 5 2 Nephi 1 2 3 4 5 Week 6 2 Nephi 6 7 8 9 10 Week 7 2 Nephi 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Week 8 2 Nephi 25 26 27 28 29 30 Week 9 2 Nephi 31 32 33 Jacob 1 2 3 4 Week 10 Jacob 5 6 7 Enos 1 Jarom 1 Week 11 Omni 1 Words of Mormon 1 Mosiah 1 2 3 Week 12 Mosiah 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Week 13 Mosiah 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Week 14 Mosiah 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Week 15 Mosiah 26 27 28 29 Alma 1 Week 16 Alma 2 3 4 5 6 7 Week 17 Alma 8 9 10 11 12 13 Week 18 Alma 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Week 19 Alma 21 22 23 24 25 26 Week 20 Alma 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 Week 21 Alma 34 35 36 37 38 Week 22 Alma 39 40 41 42 43 44 Week 23 Alma 45 46 47 48 49 50 Week 24 Alma 51 52 53 54 55 56 Week 25 Alma 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 Week 26 Helaman 1 2 3 4 5 6 Week 27 Helaman 7 8 9 10 11 12 Week 28 Helaman 13 14 15 16 3 Nephi 1 2 Week 29 3 Nephi 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Week 30 3 Nephi 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Week 31 3 Nephi 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Week 32 3 Nephi 27 28 29 30 4 Nephi 1 Mormon 1 2 Week 33 Mormon 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Week 34 Ether 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Week 35 Ether 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Week 36 Moroni 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ;;;Welcome to the Book of Mormon The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ You may have been asked, or perhaps even wondered yourself, "What is the Book of Mormon?" The Lord declared that the Book of Mormon "contains a record of a fallen people, and the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ" (D&C 20:9). He also said that the Book of Mormon proves that the Bible is true and that God calls and inspires prophets today just as He did anciently (see D&C 20:10--12). In 1982, to make it clear to the world what the Book of Mormon is, Elder Boyd K. Packer, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, announced: "By recent decision of the Brethren the Book of Mormon will henceforth bear the title 'The Book of Mormon,' with the subtitle 'Another Testament of Jesus Christ' " (in Conference Report, Oct. 1982, 75; or Ensign, Nov. 1982, 53). The fundamental role of the Book of Mormon is, first, "the convincing of the Jew and Gentile [everyone] that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations" (title page of the Book of Mormon). A second purpose of the Book of Mormon is to prove to the world that Joseph Smith is a true prophet of God and, therefore, the Church is true and succeeding prophets speak in the name of God (see D&C 20:8--12). A third purpose is to "persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved" (1 Nephi 6:4). What Can a Study of the Book of Mormon Mean to Me? Some people wonder why we need the Book of Mormon in addition to the Bible. President Ezra Taft Benson, then President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught: "The Book of Mormon, the record of Joseph, verifies and clarifies the Bible. It removes stumbling blocks, it restores many plain and precious things. We testify that when used together, the Bible and the Book of Mormon confound false doctrines, lay down contentions, and establish peace. (See 2 Nephi 3:12.) "We do not have to prove the Book of Mormon is true. The book is its own proof. All we need to do is read it and declare it! The Book of Mormon is not on trial---the people of the world, including the members of the Church, are on trial as to what they will do with this second witness for Christ. "I testify that the Book of Mormon is the word of God; and therefore Jesus is the Christ, Joseph Smith is a prophet, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true, with its authorized servants to perform the ordinances of salvation today" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1984, 7; or Ensign, Nov. 1984, 8). The Book of Mormon truly contains the "words of Christ" (see 2 Nephi 33:10--11; Moroni 10:26--27). As you begin your journey into this book, look for the Savior and feast on His words. You will find Him and be well fed. Pray and ponder. You will receive answers to your questions and concerns, either through inspired words that the Spirit will bring to your attention or through the unsurpassed spirit of the book itself, which will put you in harmony with the process of revelation. Give frequent heed to Moroni's promise that if you will "ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. "And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things" (Moroni 10:4--5). ;;;Introductory Pages to the Book of Mormon Title Page How and Why the Book of Mormon Was Written The title page of the Book of Mormon was written by Moroni, the son of Mormon. The Prophet Joseph Smith explained: "The title-page of the Book of Mormon is a literal translation, taken from the very last leaf, on the left hand side of the collection or book of plates, which contained the record which has been translated, the language of the whole running the same as all Hebrew writing in general; and that said title page is not by any means a modern composition, either of mine or of any other man who has lived or does live in this generation" (History of the Church, 1:71). The title page explains by what power the Book of Mormon was written and by what power it would come forth in the latter days. Moroni also gave several reasons why this sacred record was written and preserved to come forth in our day. Understanding the Scriptures Title page Abridgement---Shortened version Remnant---A remaining part Confounded---confused Title Page---What Is Meant by "House of Israel," "Jew," and "Gentile"? Jacob, the son of Isaac and the grandson of Abraham, was given the name Israel by the Lord (see Genesis 32:28). "The house of Israel" refers to his descendants (see Bible Dictionary, "Israel," "Israel, kingdom of," p. 708). "Jew" referred originally to a person belonging to the tribe of Judah, but has also come to mean anyone from the kingdom of Judah, even if he or she is not actually of the tribe of Judah (see Bible Dictionary, "Jew," p. 713). "Gentile" means "nations," and refers to those who are not of the house of Israel or those who do not believe in the God of Israel (see Bible Dictionary, "Gentile," p. 679). In the Book of Mormon the word Gentiles can also refer to those who lived in or came from nations outside the land of Israel, regardless of their lineage. Studying the Scriptures Do activity A as you study the title page of the Book of Mormon. A Find the Purposes In the first paragraph of the title page, Moroni explained that the Book of Mormon was "written by way of commandment, and also by the spirit of prophecy and of revelation." In the second paragraph he gave several purposes, or reasons why God commanded that these records be kept. Find as many of those purposes as you can and write them in your notebook. Circle one that is most meaningful to you. Introduction, Testimonies, a Brief Explanation, and the Names and Order of the Books These introductory pages contain valuable information to help you understand and appreciate the Book of Mormon. Do not skip over them. The insights contained in these pages will give you the foundation you will need for an understanding of the sacred record. Understanding the Scriptures Introduction Confounded the tongues (paragraph 2)---Confused the languages Precepts (paragraph 6)---Commandments, principles Divinity (paragraphs 7--8)---Being from God Introduction, paragraph 6---What Is a Keystone? The Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion. The Prophet Joseph Smith said that "the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion" (History of the Church, 4:461). He also said: "Take away the Book of Mormon and the revelations, and where is our religion? We have none" (History of the Church, 2:52). President Ezra Taft Benson explained: "A keystone is the central stone in an arch. It holds all the other stones in place, and if removed, the arch crumbles. "There are three ways in which the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion. It is the keystone in our witness of Christ. It is the keystone of our doctrine. It is the keystone of testimony. "The Book of Mormon is the keystone in our witness of Jesus Christ, who is Himself the cornerstone of everything we do. It bears witness of His reality with power and clarity. . . . "The Book of Mormon is also the keystone of the doctrine of the Resurrection. As mentioned before, the Lord Himself has stated that the Book of Mormon contains the 'fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ' (D&C 20:9). That does not mean it contains every teaching, every doctrine ever revealed. Rather, it means that in the Book of Mormon we will find the fulness of those doctrines required for our salvation. And they are taught plainly and simply so that even children can learn the ways of salvation and exaltation. The Book of Mormon offers so much that broadens our understandings of the doctrines of salvation. Without it, much of what is taught in other scriptures would not be nearly so plain and precious. "Finally, the Book of Mormon is the keystone of testimony. Just as the arch crumbles if the keystone is removed, so does all the Church stand or fall with the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. The enemies of the Church understand this clearly. This is why they go to such great lengths to try to disprove the Book of Mormon, for if it can be discredited, the Prophet Joseph Smith goes with it. So does our claim to priesthood keys, and revelation, and the restored Church. But in like manner, if the Book of Mormon be true---and millions have now testified that they have the witness of the Spirit that it is indeed true---then one must accept the claims of the Restoration and all that accompanies it" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 4--5; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 5--6). Introduction---Prophets Testify of the Book of Mormon President Marion G. Romney, who was a member of the First Presidency, said: "If we would avoid adopting the evils of the world, we must pursue a course which will daily feed our minds with and call them back to the things of the spirit. I know of no better way to do this than by daily reading the Book of Mormon" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1980, 88; or Ensign, May 1980, 66). All of the latter-day prophets have testified of the importance of studying the Book of Mormon. President Ezra Taft Benson said: "There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. The scriptures are called 'the words of life' (D&C 84:85), and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 6; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 7). President Gordon B. Hinckley said: "I would like to urge every man and woman . . . and every boy and girl who is old enough to read to again read the Book of Mormon during this coming year. This was written for the convincing of the Jew and the Gentile that Jesus is the Christ. There is nothing we could do of greater importance than to have fortified in our individual lives an unshakable conviction that Jesus is the Christ, the living Son of the living God. That is the purpose of the coming forth of this remarkable and wonderful book. May I suggest that you read it again and take a pencil, a red one if you have one, and put a little check mark every time there is a reference to Jesus Christ in that book. And there will come to you a very real conviction as you do so that this is in very deed another witness for the Lord Jesus Christ" (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [1997], 44). The Testimony of Three Witnesses Grace of God the Father---God's gifts and power Oliver Cowdery David Whitmer Martin Harris Testimony of Three Witnesses---What Does It Mean to "Rid Our Garments of the Blood of All Men"? Blood, as used in this phrase, is a symbol for sin. Those who receive a calling from the Lord to testify to the world are said to be clean from the blood of the world if they teach and testify faithfully. If they are not faithful in their calling, they will bear some of the responsibility for the sins of those they might have helped to learn the truth (see Jacob 1:18--19). The Testimony of Eight Witnesses Hefted---Lifted Testimony of Eight Witnesses---Why Did God Call So Many Witnesses? The Lord has declared that "in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established" (see 2 Corinthians 13:1). Elder Joseph Fielding Smith, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, explained: "[God's] word has always been proclaimed by the mouth of duly appointed witnesses who were appointed to testify of his work. The Book of Mormon could not come forth in any way other than the way it did, and fulfill the law. Their prophets declared that the Lord would raise up 'as many witnesses as seemeth him good,' [see 2 Nephi 27:12--14] to establish his work" (The Restoration of All Things [1945], 107). Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith Supplication (page 1, paragraph 2)---Asking, pleading Countenance (page 1, paragraph 5)---Appearance The source from whence they sprang (page 1, paragraph 7)---The place they originally came from Musing on the singularity (page 2, paragraph 2)---Thinking about the unusual nature Indigent circumstances (page 2, paragraph 4)---Poverty Attested by Divine affirmation (page 3, paragraph 8)---As God said it would be A Brief Explanation about the Book of Mormon Secular history (paragraph 2)---The history of kings, wars, and so on Abridgment (paragraph 3)---Shortened version Subsequently (paragraph 8)---Later Brief Explanation---How Are the Different Sets of Plates Represented in the Book of Mormon? The illustration on page 12 of this manual helps explain how the different sets of plates fit together to make up the Book of Mormon record. Notice that there was much more written than Mormon and Moroni were able to include on the plates of Mormon (see Helaman 3:14--15; Ether 15:33). Studying the Scriptures Do two of the following activities (A--F) as you study the introduction, testimonies, and brief explanation. A What Do They Mean to You? In the quotation from the Prophet Joseph Smith in paragraph 6 of the introduction are the following three principles about the Book of Mormon. In your notebook, explain how each principle is true and what it means to you. Use the information in the introduction and in the "Understanding the Scriptures" section to help you. 1. The Book of Mormon is "the most correct of any book on earth." 2. The Book of Mormon is "the keystone of our religion." 3. A person will "get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book." B Make a Keystone Arch Using wooden blocks or other suitable material, construct an arch (see the picture of an arch on p. 9). Label the keystone "The Book of Mormon." Take your arch to class and show how the keystone holds the arch together. C How Can I Know That the Book of Mormon Is True? Read the last two paragraphs of the introduction and, in your notebook, explain what you must do to receive a witness from the Spirit that the Book of Mormon is true. D What Did They Witness? 1. List what the Three Witnesses saw and heard and what the Eight Witnesses saw and touched. 2. What does it mean to you that 11 other men testified that the Prophet Joseph Smith did indeed have the gold plates and that three of them saw an angel and heard the voice of the Lord? E What Impressed You? After reading the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith, write at least one thing that impressed you about his testimony. F Prophets Speak Out on the Book of Mormon Make a chart with four columns. Label the first column "Promised Blessings," the second "Counsel about Reading the Book of Mormon," the third "What the Book Contains," and the fourth "Testimonies of the Prophets." Read "What is a Keystone?" and "Prophets Testify of the Book of Mormon" in the "Understanding the Scriptures" section. Look for statements that belong in one of the four categories and write them in the appropriate column. THE MAIN SOURCES FOR THE BOOK OF MORMON Some of the sources for the plates of Mormon The plates of Mormon that were given to the Prophet Joseph Smith (does not necessarily reflect the order of the books on the plates) Quoted in The Plates of Brass Quoted in The Plates of Ether The Small Plates of Nephi 1 Nephi 2 Nephi Jacob Enos Jarom Omni Mormon's explanation for including the small plates of Nephi The Large Plates of Nephi Lehi Mosiah Alma Helaman 3 Nephi 4 Nephi Mormon 1--7 Moroni's completion of his father's book The Book of Ether The personal writings of Moroni, including the title page Included unabridged Abridged by Mormon Abridged by Moroni The book of Lehi (part of Mormon's abridgement; the 116-page translation lost by Martin Harris) 1 Nephi through Omni The Words of Mormon Mosiah through Mormon 7 Mormon 8--9 Ether Moroni The Sealed Portion Translated by Joseph Smith The Book of Mormon ;;;The First Book of Nephi SOURCE The small plates of Nephi BOOKS 1 Nephi (between 600 and 570 B.C.) 2 Nephi (between 588 and 545 B.C.) Jacob (between 544 and 421 B.C.) Enos (between 544 and 421 B.C.) Jarom (between 420 and 399 B.C.) Omni (between 361 and 130 B.C.) What Do You Know about the Prophet Nephi? You probably know that Nephi was one of the writers of the Book of Mormon, but what else do you know about him? As you read 1 and 2 Nephi you will find out that Nephi was also a scholar, a great hunter, a blacksmith, a shipbuilder, a navigator, a goldsmith, a record keeper, a refugee, a temple builder, a king, a warrior, a prophet, and a seer. Do you think a man with that kind of experience could teach us something about life? Where and When Did Nephi Live? Nephi lived near Jerusalem, in the Southern Kingdom of Judah, about 600 years before the birth of Christ. The powerful nations of Babylon and Egypt were competing for control of that part of the world, and that small kingdom of the Jews was caught in the middle. Because of wickedness, the Northern Kingdom of Israel had been conquered and its people carried away captive by the Assyrians more than 100 years before. At the time of Nephi, wickedness was widespread, and the Jews were subject first to one foreign power and then another. Prophets such as Jeremiah and Nephi's father, Lehi, prophesied that the kingdom of Judah would also be destroyed if the people did not repent. The prophets Ezekiel and Daniel also lived about this same time. Great Sea (Mediterranean Sea) Egypt Nile River Red Sea Judah Israel Babylon Lower Sea (Persian Gulf) Why Did Nephi Write This Book? There are some specific truths that Nephi hoped we would learn by reading this book. His introduction gives a brief overview of his family and their travels and struggles (see the paragraph under the book title, before chapter 1). He wrote that he would show "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 1:20). He also explained that his purpose was to "write of the things of God" in order to "persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved" (1 Nephi 6:3--4; see also Jacob 1:1--4). As you read 1 Nephi, therefore, be aware that he is teaching us to come unto Jesus Christ and be saved. He uses the experiences of his family to demonstrate the Lord's power to save the faithful both in this life and in the life to come. 1 Nephi 1 The Prophet Lehi Is Called to Warn the Jews The events in 1 Nephi begin 600 years before the birth of Christ. At that time, the Jews, because of their wickedness, had fallen under the control of the powerful Babylonian empire. The prophet Jeremiah warned the Jews to submit to Babylon or be destroyed (see Jeremiah 27:12--13). The prophet Lehi was also called to warn them to repent (see 1 Nephi 1:18--19). The Jews, however, chose to listen to the counsel of false prophets who prophesied that Babylon, not Judah, would be destroyed (see Jeremiah 28:1--4). They rebelled against Babylon and about 586 B.C. the kingdom of Judah and its capital, Jerusalem, were destroyed and many Jews were taken captive into Babylon. Great Sea (Mediterranean Sea) Egypt Red Sea Arabian Desert Judah Israel Assyria Babylonia Caspian Sea Lower Sea (Persian Gulf) Babylon conquered Assyria and then went on to conquer all of Israel. Have you wondered how the Lord calls and prepares true prophets? We learn something about this in 1 Nephi 1 where Nephi told us how the Lord called his father, Lehi, to prophesy to the Jews. As you read it, note how the calling of Lehi was similar to how other prophets have been called. (For example, see Isaiah 6:1--8; Ezekiel 1:1--3, 26--28; 2; Revelation 10:1--2, 8--11; Joseph Smith---History 1:15--35). Understanding the Scriptures 1 Nephi 1 Mysteries of God (v. 1)---Truths that cannot be understood without revelation from God Numberless concourses (v. 8)---A large assembly Luster (v. 9)---Brightness Bade (v. 11)---Asked, commanded Wo (v. 13)---Sorrow, misery Abominations (vv. 13, 19)---Sins; thoughts and acts that are offensive in the sight of God Suffer (v. 14)---Allow Abridgment (v. 17)---Shortened version Redemption of the world (v. 19)---Deliverance of the world from sin through Christ's sacrifice 1 Nephi 1:2---In What Language Did Nephi Write on the Plates? Nephi referred to the "language of my father" and to the "language of the Egyptians." Toward the end of the Book of Mormon, Moroni described his and his father's writing as "reformed Egyptian" (Mormon 9:32). "It is unknown whether Nephi, Mormon, or Moroni wrote Hebrew in modified Egyptian characters or inscribed their plates in both the Egyptian language and Egyptian characters or whether Nephi wrote in one language and Mormon and Moroni, who lived some nine hundred years later, in another" (in Daniel H. Ludlow, ed., Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 5 vols. [1992], 1:179). Sample characters from the Book of Mormon plates 1 Nephi 1:20---What Did Nephi Want to Teach Us? In verse 20, Nephi told why he recorded the story of his family (see also "Why Did Nephi Write This Book?" on p. 13 of this manual). Watch for examples of this purpose as you read the two books he wrote. Studying the Scriptures Do two of the following activities (A--C) as you study 1 Nephi 1. A How Is Your Life Like Nephi's? To begin his record, Nephi introduced himself. 1. Carefully read 1 Nephi 1:1--3 and find key words and phrases that reveal what Nephi's life was like. You might want to mark these words in your scriptures. In your notebook, write a sentence or two that summarizes what Nephi told us about himself. 2. Explain at least one way in which your life is similar to Nephi's life. B Find the Pattern 1. Search 1 Nephi 1:5--20 and list what happened to Lehi. The following questions will help you find the major points: -- What did Lehi do first? (see v. 5). -- What did he see? (see vv. 6--10). -- What was he given? (see v. 11). -- What did he learn? (see vv. 13--14). -- What did he do with what he learned? (see v. 18). -- How did the people respond to his message? (see vv. 19--20). 2. Read the following scripture accounts and list words and phrases that show that other prophets have had experiences similar to the prophet Lehi's experience: Ezekiel 1:1--3, 26--28; 2; Revelation 10:1--2, 8--11; Joseph Smith---History 1:15--35. 3. What does this teach you about the calling of the Prophet Joseph Smith? C Write an Abridgment Nephi read the record of his father and then made an abridgment, or shortened version, on his own plates. To make his abridgment, Nephi selected those parts that he felt would help us better understand the Savior and His desire to help us. Writing an abridgment is challenging because the person making the abridgment has to decide what to include and what to leave out. Write an abridgment of three verses from 1 Nephi 1, abridging them to one sentence. Write it with the same purpose that Nephi had (see "Why Did Nephi Write This Book?" on p. 13 of this manual). 1 Nephi 2 "I Did Cry unto the Lord; and Behold He Did Visit Me" Lehi was not the only prophet who angered the Jews by teaching the truth. Jeremiah was also persecuted and imprisoned about this same time. In 1 Nephi 2 you will read what the Lord did to save Lehi and his family, not only from the angry Jews but also from the coming destruction of Jerusalem. What do you learn from the different ways Lehi's children responded to what the Lord asked Lehi to do? Understanding the Scriptures 1 Nephi 2 Stiffneckedness (v. 11)---Stubbornness, pride Murmur (v. 12)---Complain or disagree in a low voice Did confound them (v. 14)---Made them confused and not able to answer Durst not utter (v. 14)---Dared not speak Stature (v. 16)---Physical size Scourge (v. 24)---Affliction, curse, torment Jerusalem Lower Sea (Persian Gulf) Red Sea Bountiful (?) (1 Nephi 17:4) "Near the borders of the Red Sea" (1 Nephi 2:5) "In the borders near the Red Sea" (1 Nephi 16:14) "We did travel nearly eastward from that time forth" (1 Nephi 17:1) Ishmael died at a place "which was called Nahom" (1 Nephi 16:34) 1 Nephi 2:2--6---Where Was the Wilderness? Lehi led his family from Jerusalem to the Red Sea near the Gulf of Aqaba. The distance is about 180 miles (290 kilometers). It was a hot and barren country, known for thieves who waited to rob unprepared travelers. After reaching the Red Sea, Lehi turned south and traveled three more days before camping in a river valley. It could have taken Lehi's family about fourteen days to travel from the city of Jerusalem to this point. Remember the time and distances involved as you read about their trips back to Jerusalem. 1 Nephi 2:11---What Is a "Visionary Man"? Lehi was called a visionary man because he received visions, dreams, and other revelations from God. Most people would consider that to be a good quality, but Laman and Lemuel used the term to characterize Lehi as an impractical dreamer. Studying the Scriptures Do either activity A or B and then do activity C as you study 1 Nephi 2. A Write a News Report The Jews mocked and were angry with Lehi's public testimony against their wickedness. Pretend you are a newspaper reporter who went to see Lehi at his home and found that the whole family was gone. As you talked to the neighbors you learned the information in 1 Nephi 2:1--4. In your notebook, write a newspaper report describing the sudden disappearance of Lehi and his family. B Write a Note Nephi described Laman and Lemuel as "stiffnecked" because they were stubborn in their unrighteousness. They did not believe that their father was inspired by God and were angry because they left their lands and wealth in Jerusalem and were suffering in the wilderness (see 1 Nephi 2:11--13). Their brother Nephi was "grieved because of the hardness of their hearts [and] cried unto the Lord for them" (v. 18). Write a note to Laman and Lemuel about the importance of honoring their father and being humble so that they might know "the dealings of that God who had created them" (v. 12). C Compare the Actions and the Results Laman and Lemuel's reactions to their father's decision to leave Jerusalem were quite different than Nephi's. 1. Review 1 Nephi 2:11--14 and list at least three reasons why Laman and Lemuel rebelled. 2. Review verses 16--17 and describe what Nephi did that helped him not to rebel. 3. From what you have learned in these verses, what should a person do to keep from rebelling against God's commandments? 1 Nephi 3--4 Having Faith the Lord Will Help If you tried to perform a difficult task your father had given you and you failed, would you try again? If you were nearly killed in a second attempt and you still failed, would you quit then? Would it make a difference in how you approached the task if you knew the assignment came from your Heavenly Father instead of your earthly father? In 1 Nephi 3--4, Lehi's sons were given an assignment like that. Notice who had faith the task could be completed and why he had that faith. Notice also that having faith did not make the task easy, just possible to accomplish. Understanding the Scriptures 1 Nephi 3 Genealogy of my forefathers, genealogy of my father (vv. 3, 12)---The names and history of my father and other ancestors Engraven (vv. 3, 12)---Cut or scratched into metal Lust after (v. 25)---Uncontrolled desire, want Were obliged (v. 26)---Were forced Iniquities (v. 29)---Sins 1 Nephi 3:11---What Does It Mean to "Cast Lots"? Casting lots was used as a way of making a choice. The exact method is not known, but the modern practice of drawing straws or flipping coins are examples of the same idea. Anciently, however, it was believed the Lord determined the outcome (see Proverbs 16:33; Bible Dictionary, "lots, casting of," p. 726). 1 Nephi 3:3, 12--13, 23--27; 4:7--9, 12--13, 19--22---What Do We Know about Laban? One Latter-day Saint writer pointed out a few things we can learn about Laban from these chapters: "We learn in passing that he commanded a garrison of fifty, that he met in full ceremonial armor with 'the elders of the Jews' (1 Nephi 4:22) for secret consultations by night, that he had control of a treasury, that he was of the old aristocracy, being a distant relative to Lehi himself, that he probably held his job because of his ancestors, since he hardly received it by merit, that his house was the storing place of very old records, that he was a large man, short-tempered, crafty, and dangerous, and to the bargain cruel, greedy, unscrupulous, weak, and given to drink" (Hugh Nibley, Lehi in the Desert, and the World of the Jaredites [1988], 97). 1 Nephi 4 Hither and thither (v. 2)---Here and there Wroth (v. 4)---Very angry Constrained (v. 10)---Commanded, compelled, forced Dwindle (v. 13)---Fall gradually away, become weak Every whit (v. 19)---Every part of it Gird on (v. 19)---Put on Tarry (v. 35)---Stay 1 Nephi 4:10--18---Why Did Nephi Kill Laban? The Prophet Joseph Smith said: "That which is wrong under one circumstance, may be, and often is, right under another. "God said, 'Thou shalt not kill' [Exodus 20:13]; at another time He said, 'Thou shalt utterly destroy' [Deuteronomy 20:17]. This is the principle on which the government of heaven is conducted---by revelation adapted to the circumstances in which the children of the kingdom are placed. Whatever God requires is right, no matter what it is, although we may not see the reason thereof till long after the events transpire. If we seek first the kingdom of God, all good things will be added" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 256). Copyright 1966 Ronald K. Crosby 1 Nephi 4:30--38---The Power of an Oath in Nephi's Day "As the Lord liveth, and as I live" (1 Nephi 4:32) is an example of a solemn oath and was considered most sacred in the ancient Middle East. "To be most binding and solemn an oath should be by the life of something, even if it be but a blade of grass. The only oath more awful than that 'by my life' or (less commonly) 'by the life of my head,' is . . . 'by the life of God,' or 'as the Lord Liveth' " (Hugh Nibley, An Approach to the Book of Mormon, 2nd ed. [1964], 104). Notice how quickly Zoram calmed down at Nephi's words (see 1 Nephi 4:35) and how quickly the brothers trusted Zoram after he made an oath to go with them (see v. 37). In our day, when promises often seem to be considered less sacred, what happened between Nephi and Zoram is remarkable. See also 1 Nephi 3:15, where Nephi made an oath that they would get the brass plates. Studying the Scriptures Do two of the following activities (A--C) as you study 1 Nephi 3--4. A Scripture Mastery---1 Nephi 3:7 1. Read 1 Nephi 3:1--8, and then in your notebook write: I will _____ and _____ for I _____. Review verse 7 and write one word in each blank. Explain how this sentence summarizes why Nephi did not murmur like his brothers did. 2. Rewrite verse 7, substituting your own name in the place of the word Nephi. Then write about at least one time when you, like Nephi, had the faith and courage to do something difficult that the Lord asked you to do. 3. Summarize the meaning of 1 Nephi 3:7, writing it as a short, easily remembered statement, such as "Lengthen your stride" or "Every member a missionary." B What Can We Learn from That Mission? 1. Nephi and his brothers tried three times to get the brass plates from Laban. The first two attempts are described in 1 Nephi 3:11--27. Draw a chart in your notebook like the one following. From your reading, fill in the boxes to tell what happened in the first two attempts and explain why you think those attempts failed. First Attempt Second Attempt Third Attempt Who went? What did they, or he, do? What happened? Why do you think it failed or succeeded? 2. Review 1 Nephi 4, fill in the boxes for the third attempt, and answer the following questions to help you think about what you studied: a. What differences do you notice between what Nephi's brothers trusted in to get the plates the first two times and what Nephi trusted in on the third try? (see 1 Nephi 3:11--13, 24; 1 Nephi 4:5--12). b. How can what you learned about the success of the third attempt help you succeed in the challenges you face? c. From the Lord's command for Nephi to kill Laban, what can you learn about the value He places on the scriptures? 3. Apply Nephi's experience to your own life. Describe at least one challenge you face where following Nephi's example could help you make the right choice. C Do Miracles Create Faith? After two failed attempts, Laman and Lemuel blamed Nephi for what happened and began to beat him and Sam with a rod. 1. Review 1 Nephi 3:28--31 and describe in your notebook what happened to stop them. 2. Even after what happened, the older brothers still did not have faith that God was more powerful than Laban (see v. 31). Write a short paragraph explaining why you think Laman and Lemuel refused to believe. 3. Review 1 Nephi 4:1--3 and write another paragraph explaining why you think Nephi had such strong faith. 1 Nephi 5--6 The Importance of Sacred Records How valuable are the scriptures? In 1 Nephi 4, Nephi learned that "it is better that one man should perish than that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief" (v. 13). In 1 Nephi 5 is an account of the emotional price it cost Lehi and Sariah to send their sons back for the scripture plates, as well as what Lehi found on those plates that showed their efforts and sacrifices were worthwhile. In 1 Nephi 6 you will read how Nephi felt about the scriptures he was writing. As you read these chapters, think about how valuable the scriptures are to you. Understanding the Scriptures 1 Nephi 5 Mourned (v. 1)---Been very sad Commencement (vv. 12--13)---Beginning Preserved (vv. 14--15)---Saved 1 Nephi 6 Sufficeth (v. 2)---Is enough Persuade (v. 4)---Convince 1 Nephi 6:3--6---Why Did Nephi Keep a Record? Most books are written to inform, persuade, or entertain, but their ultimate goal is to gain and please an audience. Nephi explained that his record was not written to please the world but to please God (see 1 Nephi 6:5). For more information on Nephi's purpose for writing, see 1 Nephi 9. Studying the Scriptures Do two of the following activities (A--C) as you study 1 Nephi 5--6. A Write a Diary Entry 1. After reading 1 Nephi 5, write a diary entry as if you were Sariah and explain how you think Sariah felt in verses 1--9. Include the following points: a. What she complained about b. What Lehi said to her c. What happened that strengthened her testimony 2. Write a paragraph explaining some experiences you have had that helped you know that God keeps His promises and blesses those who love and serve Him. B Make a List 1. Make a list of what Lehi found on the plates of brass by completing the following sentences in your notebook (see 1 Nephi 5:10--16): a. The plates contained the five _____. b. And also a record of _____ from _____ down to the reign of _____. c. And also the prophecies _____, including many from _____. d. Also a genealogy of _____, which told him he was a descendant of _____. 2. Review 1 Nephi 5:17--22 and tell what effect reading the scriptures had on Lehi. What effect does the Spirit have on you when you read the scriptures? C Follow Nephi's Example 1. From what you read in 1 Nephi 6, what did Nephi want to include in his record? What did he want to leave out? Why? 2. Following Nephi's example, list five things you might say as part of a testimony that would be "pleasing unto God and unto those who are not of the world" (v. 5). 1 Nephi 7 Ishmael Joins Lehi in the Wilderness Nephi and his brothers were directed to make another trip to Jerusalem. This time they were sent to bring Ishmael and his family to join them in the wilderness. Why did the Lord choose Ishmael's family? Why would Ishmael choose to join Lehi? How did Laman and Lemuel react to this assignment? As you read 1 Nephi 7, look for possible answers to these questions. Understanding the Scriptures 1 Nephi 7 Meet (v. 1)---Proper or wise Ceaseth (v. 14)---Stops Strive (v. 14)---Work hard Constraineth (v. 15)---Commands 1 Nephi 7:2---Why Did the Lord Choose Ishmael's Family? The Lord commanded Lehi to send his sons to Jerusalem and bring Ishmael and his family into the wilderness. Ishmael must have been chosen, at least in part, because he was willing to follow the Lord. Nephi wrote that they "did speak unto him the words of the Lord" (1 Nephi 7:4) and the "Lord did soften the heart of Ishmael" (v. 5). Studying the Scriptures Do activity A or B as you study 1 Nephi 7. A List What Happened List the major events in 1 Nephi 7. Especially consider verses 1, 4--6, 8, 16, 18--19, and 22. B Analyze and Apply What Happened 1. Review 1 Nephi 7:1--5 and explain why you think the Lord chose Ishmael and his family to join Lehi in the wilderness (see the "Understanding the Scriptures" section for additional help). 2. In verses 10--12, Nephi repeated the same phrase three times. What is the phrase? How could forgetting be a reason for Laman and Lemuel's rebellion? List at least three ideas or experiences from your life that could help you be more obedient if you always remembered them. 3. Write a short paragraph describing how 1 Nephi 7:16--19 gives an example of the "tender mercies" Nephi promised to show us when he began his book (see 1 Nephi 1:20). 1 Nephi 8 Lehi's Dream Lehi's inspired dream symbolically represents our life in mortality. We can find ourselves represented in it and can see where our lives are headed if we remain on our present path. Notice what brought Lehi joy and sorrow. Watch also for what Lehi's children did in the dream. Why were some of them in danger? Think about how Lehi might have felt as he pondered what the Lord revealed to him in this dream. Understanding the Scriptures 1 Nephi 8 Bade (v. 6)---Asked Beckoned (v. 15)---Signaled to come Strait (v. 20)---Narrow and direct (using two words that have similar meanings, strait and narrow, is a poetic form) Commence (v. 22)---Begin Scoffing (v. 28)---Making fun of, mocking Studying the Scriptures Do two of the following activities (A--C) as you study 1 Nephi 8. A Find the Key In his dream, Lehi found himself in a dark wasteland for many hours (see 1 Nephi 8:4--9). What did Lehi do to get out of the darkness? How is the darkness Lehi experienced like the world in which we live? How can what Lehi did to get out of darkness also help you? B Match the Scripture to a Phrase Lehi's dream helps us understand important principles about life and our efforts to live the gospel. The images in the dream are symbolic, and they represent real challenges that we face every day. Write out what Lehi saw, as listed below, and then, from your reading of 1 Nephi 8, choose the phrase that best describes the image. What Lehi Saw 1. "Dark and dreary wilderness" (v. 4) 2. "Man . . . dressed in a white robe" (v. 5) 3. "Large and spacious field" (v. 9) 4. A tree with wonderful fruit (see v. 10) 5. "River of water" (v. 13) 6. "Rod of iron" (v. 19) 7. Narrow path beside the river (see v. 20) 8. "Mist of darkness" (v. 23) 9. "Great and spacious building" (v. 26) Which Statement Best Describes It? a. A pleasant place b. A fearful place a. Helped Lehi feel at ease b. Increased Lehi's fear a. Also a dark and dreary place b. A neutral place a. The center of the dream b. The source of Lehi's concern a. A danger b. A blessing a. marked the path to the tree b. Protected travelers from the river a. Easy to follow b. Difficult to follow a. Made travel difficult b. Caused by the many people a. Stood by the tree of life b. Stood across the river C Write a News Interview Lehi told us that the fruit of the tree in his dream "was desirable to make one happy" (1 Nephi 8:10) and tasting the fruit filled him with "exceedingly great joy" (v. 12). In his dream, Lehi saw four groups of people that represent people in this life: -- Those who tried to get to the tree but were lost in the mist of darkness (see vv. 21--23) -- Those who made it to the tree but fell away when the multitudes mocked them (see vv. 24--25, 28) -- Those who desired the great and spacious building more than the fruit of the tree (see vv. 26--27, 31--33) -- Those who got to the tree and were not ashamed (see v. 30) 1. Imagine you are a news reporter and you interviewed a person from each of the four groups. From what you read about each group, write how you think each person would answer the following questions: a. Where were you trying to go? Why? b. Did you get to where you were going? Why, or why not? c. Do you like the place where you finished? Why, or why not? 2. Suppose you could interview those same people in the next life. Write how you think they would answer the last question from that point of view. 1 Nephi 9 Two Sets of Plates Nephi kept two sets of records. One was the secular history of his people (the large plates of Nephi); the second was a sacred record (the small plates of Nephi). As you read 1 Nephi 9, look for the reasons Nephi gave for keeping those two records. In the "Understanding the Scriptures" section you will learn what we know today about the reasons for his keeping two sets of plates. This event teaches us that the Lord has a plan that takes into account our failings as well as our successes. Understanding the Scriptures 1 Nephi 9 Reign (v. 4)---Rule Contentions (v. 4)---Disagreements, arguing 1 Nephi 9:3--6---For a Wise Purpose In 1828 the Prophet Joseph Smith was translating the Book of Mormon and had finished 116 handwritten pages. Martin Harris pled with Joseph several times to let him show the translation to his family. The Lord at first said no, but finally gave permission if Martin would promise to show them only to a chosen few. Martin Harris broke his promise and the 116 pages were lost. Joseph was heartsick, but through this experience he learned a valuable lesson about obedience and how impossible it is for the wicked to prevent Heavenly Father from accomplishing His work (see D&C 3:1--10). Copyright Robert T. Barrett The Lord knew what Martin Harris would do and planned for it more than 2,000 years in advance. The Lord told Nephi to make two sets of records covering the same time period. One, the large plates, contained the secular history of the Nephites. The other, the small plates, was reserved for their sacred history. Joseph Smith began translating from Mormon's abridgment of the large plates, so the 116 pages that Martin lost contained information on the secular history. The Lord also knew that the Prophet's enemies would change the stolen pages so that if Joseph translated the same material again they would say that he was not a prophet because he could not translate it the same way twice (see D&C 10:10--19). The Lord told Joseph not to translate that part again, but to translate the small plates of Nephi, which covered the same time period but contained the more important sacred record (see D&C 10:30--45; see also "The Main Sources for the Book of Mormon," p. 12). Studying the Scriptures Do activities A and B as you study 1 Nephi 9. A Make a Marginal Note In 1 Nephi 9, Nephi used the phrases "these plates" and "other plates" to refer to the two sets of plates the Lord commanded him to make. In the margin of your scriptures, write a note like the following to help you remember which set of plates he was referring to: these plates = small plates and other plates = large plates. B Apply It to Your Life Nephi obeyed the Lord and made two sets of plates even though he was not told why. How can Nephi's example of faith and obedience inspire you to live the commandments you may not fully understand? 1 Nephi 10 The Prophecies of Lehi Chapters 1--8 of 1 Nephi are largely Nephi's summary of the record of his father, Lehi, and chapter 9 is Nephi's explanation for keeping two sets of plates. In 1 Nephi 10, Nephi began a record of his own life and ministry (see 1 Nephi 10:1). He included a prophecy by his father concerning the future. As you read this prophecy, notice how much detail Lehi received by revelation concerning future events. Notice also the effect Lehi's words had on Nephi. Understanding the Scriptures 1 Nephi 10 Make himself manifest (v. 11)---Reveal Himself With one accord (v. 13)---Together in unity Remnants (v. 14)---Remaining parts Grafted in (v. 14)---Joined Expedient (v. 15)---Appropriate, desirable Probation (v. 21)---Trial or testing (meaning our life on earth) 1 Nephi 10:14---The Scattering and Gathering of Israel Lehi compared the house of Israel to an olive tree whose branches would be scattered all over the world because of their unbelief. He saw his own family as a part of that scattering. (See 1 Nephi 10:11--13.) He also prophesied that after the gospel had been taken to the Gentiles, the scattered branches of the house of Israel would be gathered again. Lehi then explained that to be "grafted in" to the tree, which represents the house of Israel, means to "come to the knowledge of the true Messiah" (v. 14). In other words, the way a person truly becomes a member of the house of Israel is to hear and accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. Studying the Scriptures Do activity A or B as you study 1 Nephi 10. A Read for the Answer In 1 Nephi 10:4--11 Nephi recorded Lehi's description of an event that would take place 600 years in their future. Read those verses to help you answer the following questions about the Holy One of Israel: 1. Why is there a need for a Redeemer? 2. What would happen to the Messiah? 3. How would the Gentiles learn of Christ? B Fill in the Blanks In 1 Nephi 10:17--22, Nephi shared his testimony of the power of the Spirit to help us understand the things of God. Summarize Nephi's testimony of the power of the Spirit and tell how it can apply to your life. 1 Nephi 11--12 Nephi Learns of Christ and His Mission What do you do when you read a passage of scripture or receive counsel from Church leaders that you know is important but you do not understand? In 1 Nephi 10:17--19, Nephi testified that we can understand the things of God through the power of the Holy Ghost, and he helped us understand what we must do. Nephi desired to "see, and hear, and know" (v. 17) what his father had been shown in an inspired dream. In 1 Nephi 11--14 is a record of how the Lord granted Nephi's desire and showed him not only what Lehi saw, but also gave him the meaning of many of the symbols. As you read chapter 11, notice what Nephi did to be ready to receive such a wonderful revelation. In chapter 12, look for ways that Nephi applied this revelation to his own people. Understanding the Scriptures 1 Nephi 11 Abide upon (v. 27)---Rested upon Ministering unto, minister unto (vv. 28, 30)---Serving, giving what is needed Tongues (v. 36)---Languages 1 Nephi 11:16--36---What Is the "Condescension of God"? "To condescend is literally to 'go down among.' The 'condescension of God' is to be understood . . . in two ways. The first aspect is the condescension of God the Father, meaning Elohim [see 1 Nephi 11:16--23]. 'The condescension of God lies in the fact that he, an exalted Being, steps down from his eternal throne to become the Father of a mortal Son, a Son born "after the manner of the flesh" ' ([Bruce R. McConkie,] The Mortal Messiah, 1:314). . . . "The second aspect of the condescension of God was that of the Son, meaning Christ [see 1 Nephi 11:24--32]. Jehovah---the father of heaven and of earth, the creator of all things from the beginning, the great I AM and God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob---would come to earth, leave his divine throne, take a body of flesh and bones, submit himself to the frailties of the flesh and the vile and vicious dispositions of humanity, and work out his own salvation as a mortal man; such is the doctrine of 'the condescension of God' " (Joseph Fielding McConkie and Robert L. Millet, Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, 4 vols. [1987--92], 1:78, 82). 1 Nephi 12 Tumultuous (v. 4)---Loud Rent (v. 4)---Tore apart Vapor (v. 5)---Fog or mist Gulf (v. 18)---Wide gap, deep place in the earth Dwindle in unbelief (v. 22)---Fall gradually away or become weak because of lack of faith 1 Nephi 11--12---What Did Nephi Learn about Lehi's Dream? The following chart summarizes some of what Nephi learned about his father's dream: Symbol from Lehi's Dream The tree with white fruit (see 1 Nephi 8:10--11) The river of (filthy) water (see 8:13) The rod of iron (see 8:19) The mist of darkness (see 8:23) The great and spacious building in the air (see 8:26) People who start on the path to the tree but are lost in the mist (see 8:21--23) People who make it to the tree by holding on to the rod but fall away when they are mocked (see 8:24--25, 28) People who desire the great and spacious building more than the tree (see 8:26--27, 31--33) People who held on to the rod, fell down at the tree, and partook of the fruit; they ignored the mockers and did not fall away (see 8:30, 33). The Interpretation Nephi Was Given The love of God, which He showed by giving His Son to be our Savior (see 1 Nephi 11:21--25; called the "tree of life" in 15:22) The depths of hell into which the wicked fall (see 12:16; called "filthiness" in 15:27) The word of God, which can lead us safely to the tree (see 11:25) The "temptations of the devil," which blind people so they lose their way and cannot find the tree (see 12:17) The pride and vain imaginations of the world (see 11:36; 12:18) Nephi did not identify specific people with all of the multitudes in the dream, but he saw the following kinds of people: -- People who heard Jesus but "cast him out" (see 11:28) -- People who crucified Jesus even after He healed the sick and cast out devils (see vv. 31--33) -- People who gathered together "in a large and spacious building" to fight against the Twelve Apostles (see vv. 34--36) -- Nephites and Lamanites who were "gathered together to battle" (see 12:1--4, 13--15) -- Nephites who, because of pride, were destroyed by the Lamanites (see vv. 19--23) Those who partake of the greatest of all of God's gifts---eternal life (see 15:36) Studying the Scriptures Do activity A and one of the other two activities (B or C) as you study 1 Nephi 11--12. A Discover the Meaning of the Dream From your reading of 1 Nephi 11 and 12, answer the following questions to describe what Nephi learned about his father's dream. Use the "Understanding the Scriptures" section if needed. (You may want to write in your notebook the meaning of the symbols next to the matching verses in 1 Nephi 8.) 1. What characteristics or qualities does the tree with the delicious fruit have that make it an effective symbol for God's love for His children and the Atonement of Jesus Christ? 2. How is the word of God (the scriptures and the words of the prophets) like the iron rod that Lehi saw? 3. How has the word of God helped you "taste" the joy that comes from God's love? 4. How is temptation like "mists of darkness," and what is the key to not getting blinded and lost? 5. What is the difference between the people who made it to the tree and then fell away and those who made it to the tree and remained? B Find What Nephi Learned about Jesus When Nephi was shown the meaning of his father's dream, he learned many things about what Jesus would do when He came to earth nearly 600 years later. 1. Review 1 Nephi 11--12 and list at least eight events Nephi was shown about the life of the Savior. 2. What does this prophecy teach you about the accuracy of God's knowledge of the future? C Make a Warning Sign Make a diagram or a sign that shows the large and spacious building, the tree, and the gulf that separated them (see 1 Nephi 12:18). Label each symbol, and then write a slogan or warning message on the poster that would help convince others to avoid the building. Be creative and try to to use a new idea or approach with your poster. 1 Nephi 13 A Vision of the Latter Days The vision Nephi received in answer to his "pondering" about his father's dream is recorded in 1 Nephi 11--14. Chapters 11--12 contain a prophecy about Jesus Christ's mortal ministry, His Atonement, and His visit to the Nephites on the American continent. Nephi's vision continues in chapter 13 with a prophecy about what will happen on the American continent after Nephi's seed is destroyed. Notice how detailed and accurate this prophecy is. Notice also how much Nephi knew about the future of his people on the promised land before they even left the area around the Red Sea. Understanding the Scriptures 1 Nephi 13 Abominable (vv. 5--6)---Wicked, hateful Harlots (vv. 7--8)---Immoral persons or prostitutes Wrought upon (v. 12)---Influenced, inspired Smitten (vv. 14, 34)---Punished, afflicted Their mother Gentiles (v. 17)---The people in the countries they came from A book (v. 20)---The Bible Pervert (v. 27)---Change to evil Utterly (v. 30)---Completely Remnant (v. 34)---Remaining part Tidings (v. 37)---News, messages Other books (v. 39)---The Book of Mormon and other scripture Tongues (v. 40)---Languages 1 Nephi 13:3---What Are the "Kingdoms of the Gentiles"? Nephi used the word gentiles here to refer to all nations outside the land of Israel. For a more complete definition see the Bible Dictionary, "Gentile," 679. 1 Nephi 13:5--9---What Is Meant by the "Church Which Is Most Abominable"? It is incorrect to think that any particular church or denomination is the "great and abominable church" mentioned by Nephi. Any group of people that follows Satan's ways are part of the kingdom of the devil and are enemies of Christ and His Church (see 2 Nephi 10:16). They are like those who live in the great and spacious building seen in Lehi's dream. Copyright Greg K. Olsen 1 Nephi 13:12---Who Was the "Man among the Gentiles"? Nephi saw "a man among the Gentiles" whom the "Spirit of God" inspired to sail to where the descendants of Lehi would be in the promised land. Christopher Columbus is a remarkable match for the man Nephi described. Columbus wrote: "From my first youth onward, I was a seaman and have so continued until this day. . . . The Lord was well disposed to my desire, and He bestowed upon me courage and understanding; knowledge of seafaring He gave me in abundance. . . . Our Lord unlocked my mind, sent me upon the sea, and gave me fire for the deed. Those who heard of my [enterprise] called it foolish, mocked me, and laughed. But who can doubt but that the Holy Ghost inspired me?" (from Jacob Wassermann, Columbus, Don Quixote of the Seas, 19--20, 46; italics added; cited in McConkie and Millet, Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, 1:91). Studying the Scriptures Do any two of the following activities (A--C) as you study 1 Nephi 13. A Make a Comparison In 1 Nephi 13:1--9 Nephi described an "abominable church" whose goal was to destroy the Saints of God (see the "Understanding the Scriptures" section above). 1. As you read these verses, list what Nephi said are the desires of those under the influence of Satan. Then make another list of some of the blessings that are most important to members of the Church. 2. Write a short paragraph explaining why the blessings on the faithful member's list will bring greater happiness than what is written on the other list. Copyright 1977 Dan Thornton B Match a Headline to a Verse In 1 Nephi 13:10--19 is a record of Nephi's vision of the discovery of the American continents by European explorers. He also saw the conflicts the European settlers would have with the descendants of Lehi over their homelands. 1. Copy the following headlines into your notebook. Then, after each one, write a verse number from 1 Nephi 13:10--19 that could go along with the headline: -- Pilgrims Sail to New World for Religious Freedom -- Although Outnumbered, Revolutionary Armies Victorious -- Ships Cross 3,000 Miles of Atlantic Ocean -- Columbus Sails for New World -- Native Americans Driven from Their Homes -- Gentiles Prosper in the Americas 2. What do you know about the history of your country that shows the hand of the Lord in preparing it to receive the gospel? C Summarize the Prophecies Nephi was shown how the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and other scripture would come forth in the latter days. Summarize what Nephi saw by answering the following questions: 1. What did he see would happen to the Bible, after it was written by the prophets and apostles, that would cause the Gentiles to "stumble"? (see 1 Nephi 13:20--29). 2. What would the Lord do for Nephi's seed, or descendants, when the Gentiles came to the Americas? (see 1 Nephi 13:30--31). 3. What would the Lord do to help the Gentiles, the Jews, the descendants of Lehi, and members of His Church today learn the true gospel? (see 1 Nephi 13:32--41). 4. How does the message of verse 37 apply to you and your future decisions? 1 Nephi 14 Nephi's Vision of the Gentiles in the Latter Days Nephi's vision concludes in 1 Nephi 14. In it he was shown the struggle that would take place between the Church of the Lamb of God and the great and abominable church of the devil. Notice the promises the Lord makes to the Gentiles who accept the gospel in the latter days. Even though you may be of Israel, unless you are Jewish or a descendant of Lehi, you would be numbered with the Gentiles Nephi wrote about. As you read this chapter, look for what your role is in the latter-day work of the Lord. Understanding the Scriptures 1 Nephi 14 Confounded (v. 2)---Mixed with other people so that their identity can no longer be distinguished Abominable (v. 3)---Wicked, hateful Utter (v. 3)---Complete, total Great and marvelous work (v. 7)---This refers to the Restoration of the gospel and the Church Temporally (v. 7)---Physically Whore (v. 10)---The church of the devil is a whore in the sense that its people have forsaken God and followed after Satan. Dominion (v. 11)---Area of influence, stronghold 1 Nephi 14:7--10---Why Are There "Two Churches Only"? The "church of the devil" does not refer to a specific church but to any person, group, organization, or philosophy that works against the Church of Jesus Christ and the salvation of the children of God. Truth and goodness can certainly be found outside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but the fulness of the gospel, which is only found in the restored Church, is essential for the salvation our Heavenly Father desires for His children. The Restoration of the gospel, that "great and . . . marvelous work" (1 Nephi 14:7), as the angel told Nephi, would divide people, "either to the convincing of them unto peace and life eternal, or unto the deliverance of them to the hardness of their hearts and the blindness of their minds unto their being brought down into captivity, and also into destruction" (v. 7). Elder Bruce R. McConkie, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught: "There is only light and darkness; there is no dusky twilight zone. Either men walk in the light or they cannot be saved. Anything less than salvation is not salvation. It may be better to walk in the twilight or to glimpse the first few rays of a distant dawn than to be enveloped in total darkness, but salvation itself is only for those who step forth into the blazing light of the noonday sun (The Millennial Messiah: The Second Coming of the Son of Man [1982], 54). Studying the Scriptures Do any two of the following activities (A--C) as you study 1 Nephi 14. A Find the "If-Then" Promises In 1 Nephi 14:1--3, the angel told Nephi of conditional blessings available to the Gentiles, which includes us. These blessings are stated in "if-then" promises---if you do this, then God will do that. Find the promises and complete the following statements in your notebook. If: -- The Gentiles . . . -- And harden . . . Then: -- They shall be numbered . . . -- They shall be a . . . -- They shall be no more . . . -- And that great pit . . . B Find Evidence in a Newspaper In 1 Nephi 14:7--10, the angel told Nephi that people decide between two choices. 1. Review those verses and summarize what those two choices are (see also the "Understanding the Scriptures" section). 2. Look through the articles and advertisements in a newspaper and find at least two examples of people, groups, or philosophies that Satan wants us to trust in instead of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Explain why those things cannot bring us "peace and life eternal" (v. 7). C Write Your Own Test Questions At the end of his vision, Nephi saw the struggle that would take place between the "church of the Lamb of God" and the church of the devil. He also learned that another prophet would be given a similar revelation many years later. 1. Search 1 Nephi 14:11--30 and write from six to eight test questions that you think are important questions to answer from these verses. Be sure to also give the answers. 2. What did you learn in these verses about what your own future might be like? 1 Nephi 15 Nephi Teaches His Brothers In 1 Nephi 11--14 is an account of a marvelous vision Nephi received in answer to his desire to "behold the things which [his] father saw" (see 1 Nephi 11:3). Notice in 1 Nephi 15 what Nephi discovered about Laman and Lemuel when he returned from being instructed by angels. As you read this chapter, look for the reasons Nephi was able to walk by the light of divine revelation and his brothers stumbled in darkness. Notice also the additional explanations Nephi gave that help us understand the revelations he and his father, Lehi, received. Understanding the Scriptures 1 Nephi 15 Disputing, disputations (vv. 2, 6)---Arguing, arguments Manifested (v. 13)---Shown Confounded (v. 20)---Mixed with other people so that their identity can no longer be distinguished Pacified (v. 20)---Calmed Fiery darts of the adversary (v. 24)---Fierce attacks of Satan Faculty (v. 25)---Ability, power Ascendeth (v. 30)---Rises Days of probation (v. 31)---Time of testing and proving (meaning this earth life, mortality) Temporal (v. 31)---Physical Pertaining to (v. 33)---Having to do with, relating to 1 Nephi 15:13, 16---What Is Grafting? For an explanation of how the house of Israel is like a tree and an illustration of grafting see the "Understanding the Scriptures" section for 1 Nephi 10:14 (p. 21). Studying the Scriptures Do one of the following activities (A--C) as you study 1 Nephi 15. A Find the "If-Then" Pattern Nephi heard his brothers say they did not understand their father's dream. 1. Review 1 Nephi 15:1--9 and explain what Nephi did, that the brothers did not do, to understand what their father had said. 2. In your notebook, finish the following statements to show the "If-Then" pattern for receiving revelation that Nephi gave in verse 11: If: -- Ye will not . . . -- And ask . . . -- With . . . Then: -- Surely these things . . . 3. Think about the "If" statements and what you could do to increase your readiness to receive answers from Heavenly Father. B Place the Statements in Order In response to his brothers, Nephi likened the house of Israel to an olive tree. Use 1 Nephi 15:12--20 to help you place the following statements in their proper order: -- The gospel goes to the Gentiles because the Jews and the Lamanites rejected it. -- The Gentiles will accept the gospel and be grafted into the olive tree representing Israel. -- The Nephites are a branch broken off from the tree of Israel. -- The tree will be restored to fulfill the promises made to Abraham. -- The descendants of Lehi will hear and accept the gospel. C Apply a Quotation Elder Neal A. Maxwell, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said: "Real disciples absorb the fiery darts of the adversary by holding aloft the quenching shield of faith with one hand, while holding to the iron rod with the other. . . . There should be no mistaking; it will take both hands!" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1987, 87; or Ensign, May 1987, 70). Carefully read 1 Nephi 15:21--36, and then write a paragraph telling how faith and holding on to the word of God can help you resist the temptations you face. 1 Nephi 16 A Miraculous Ball and a Broken Bow Have you ever noticed that when you are in tune with the Spirit it is much easier to deal patiently with the things that go wrong in your life? On the other hand, most people find that as the distance between them and the Lord grows, their control of their temper shrinks. In 1 Nephi 16 you will read about both kinds of experiences. Discover how the Lord sometimes uses adversity to teach important lessons. Understanding the Scriptures 1 Nephi 16 Hard things (vv. 1--2)---Truths difficult to accept Cutteth them to the very center (v. 2)---Exposes their guilt Exhort (v. 4)---Urge, encourage Provisions (v. 11)---Food and supplies Slings (v. 15)---Weapons used for hurling stones Much fatigued (v. 19)---Worn out, exhausted Chastened (v. 25)---Scolded, corrected Slings are still used in some places today. 1 Nephi 16:10---What Was the "Round Ball of Curious Workmanship"? Curious in this verse means carefully made, detailed, and intricate. The Lord prepared the ball to guide Lehi and his little colony in the wilderness. We learn from Alma that this ball, which served as a director or compass, was called Liahona (see Alma 37:38). Lehi and his family discovered that the Liahona had two spindles, or pointers, that showed them which direction to travel (see 1 Nephi 16:10). There was also a place on the ball where writing appeared and was miraculously "changed from time to time" (v. 29; see vv. 26--30). This director would only work according to their faith (see vv. 28--29). Studying the Scriptures Do activity C (activities A and B are optional) as you study 1 Nephi 16. A Write a Definition Nephi's brothers complained because Nephi spoke unto them "hard things" (1 Nephi 16:1). 1. Study verses 1--3 and explain what you think they meant by "hard things." 2. Explain why those same truths were not "hard things" to Nephi. B Draw a Picture Study 1 Nephi 16:10--30 and draw a picture of how you think the Liahona might have looked. Include a description of its features. C Summarize What Happened Lehi's family suffered in the wilderness when Nephi's bow broke. 1. Summarize what happened in each of the following passages from 1 Nephi 16, and then explain what you think Lehi's family might have learned from each experience: a. Verses 17--19 b. Verses 20--21 c. Verses 22--23 d. Verses 24--29 e. Verses 30--31 2. How could the experience of Nephi's broken bow help you if you suddenly lost a job that provided the necessary money to feed and clothe your family? 3. Even though Lehi murmured, why do you think Nephi went to him for counsel on where to hunt for food? 1 Nephi 17 "Thou Shalt Construct a Ship" Lehi's little colony finally ended their wilderness journey when the Lord guided them to a fertile place on the seashore, which they called Bountiful. In 1 Nephi 17, Nephi gave some details of their experience in the wilderness that he had not mentioned before. Look for how long they traveled in the wilderness, what they ate, and how they were able to survive on such a diet. Notice also why Laman and Lemuel started murmuring again. Photo: Warren Aston, courtesy Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies. Jerusalem Lower Sea (Persian Gulf) Red Sea Bountiful (?) (1 Nephi 17:4) "Near the borders of the Red Sea" (1 Nephi 2:5) "In the borders near the Red Sea" (1 Nephi 16:14) "We did travel nearly eastward from that time forth" (1 Nephi 17:1) Ishmael died at a place "which was called Nahom" (1 Nephi 16:34) Possible route of Lehi's travels in the wilderness Understanding the Scriptures 1 Nephi 17 Sojourn (vv. 3--4)---Stay for awhile Notwithstanding (v. 6)---Even though Molten (vv. 9, 16)---Melt Bellows (v. 11)---A device for blowing air on a fire to make it hotter Bellows Statutes (v. 22)---Laws, rules Bondage (vv. 24--25)---Slavery Laden (v. 25)---Loaded, burdened Reviled against (vv. 30, 42)---Spoke evil of, insulted Esteemeth all flesh in one (v. 35)---Considers all of His children equally Straitened (v. 41)---Disciplined, corrected Asunder (v. 45)---Apart Rent with anguish (v. 47)---Torn with great sorrow Consuming (v. 48)---Destroying Wither (v. 48)---Shrink, dry up Naught (v. 48)---Nothing Studying the Scriptures Do any two of the following activities (A--E) as you study 1 Nephi 17. A What Did Nephi Teach about the Wilderness Journey? 1. Review 1 Nephi 17:1--6, 12 and answer the following questions about the wilderness journey: a. How long did it take them to travel from Jerusalem to Bountiful? b. What did they mainly eat in the wilderness? c. Why do you think Nephi said, "Great were the blessings of the Lord upon us" (v. 2)? 2. Find the "thus we see" lesson by identifying the "If-Then" pattern in verse 3: If "the children of men _____ Then "He doth _____ and _____ and _____ provide _____. 3. You may not be wandering through a desert, but your life still has difficult challenges. Explain how you could apply that "thus we see" lesson in your life. B Describe a Modern Example The Lord told Nephi to build a ship---a task that was beyond his natural ability. Study 1 Nephi 17:7--11 and notice what the Lord did and what He required Nephi to do. Then write an account of a person today who is asked to do something difficult and must rely on the Lord to know how to accomplish it. C Compare the Brothers 1. Study 1 Nephi 16:1--3, 18--20, 37--38; 17:17--21, 48 and list reasons why Laman and Lemuel murmured, or were angry, and why they "did rejoice." 2. Study 1 Nephi 16:4--5; 17:19, 47 and list reasons why Nephi was joyful and why he was sorrowful. 3. What do you learn about the character of these men from the differences in the two lists? 4. Compare what Laman and Lemuel said they knew in 1 Nephi 16:38; 17:19, 22 with what they said they knew in 1 Nephi 17:55. What changed their understanding? 5. What have you learned from 1 Nephi 17 that can help you be more like Nephi and less like Laman and Lemuel? D Write It in Your Own Words Nephi reminded his brethren of the story of Moses leading the children of Israel out of Egypt and compared it to Lehi leading his family out of Jerusalem (see 1 Nephi 17:23--45). 1. Review those verses and list at least four similarities between what happened to Moses's people and what happened to Lehi's colony. 2. Read carefully 1 Nephi 17:45 and explain what you think it means to "feel" the words of the Lord, or tell of a time when you felt the scriptures speak to you. E Explain the Picture Nephi's brethren were not happy and only the power of the Lord could keep them from taking his life. At right is a depiction of a scene from 1 Nephi 17:48--55. Explain what is happening in the picture and tell which verses it represents. 1 Nephi 18 The Journey to the Promised Land Have you known people who were suffering because of their sins but did not want to change? Did they eventually repent? How much suffering did they endure before they changed their behavior? Who else was affected by their behavior? Laman and Lemuel had such an experience in 1 Nephi 18. Look for what finally motivated them to repent. Notice also the effect their stubbornness had on the rest of their family. Understanding the Scriptures 1 Nephi 18 Curious (v. 1)---Exceptional, unique Had begat (v. 7)---Became the father of Provisions (v. 8)---Food and other supplies Breathe out (v. 17)---Speak out Stricken in years (v. 17)---Old Studying the Scriptures Do two of the following activities (A--C) as you study 1 Nephi 18. A Interview a Character Lehi's family was ready to sail to an unknown land in a ship of unusual design (1 Nephi 18:1--7). If you were a reporter hired to interview the members of the family before their departure, what do you think they would say? Pick three members of Lehi's group and suggest two questions you might ask as a reporter. Then write what you think those people would say in answer to your questions. B Don't Miss the Details! The story of Lehi's family sailing to the promised land is interesting and contains some significant details that might easily be missed. After reading 1 Nephi 18, answer the following questions: 1. What two new members of Lehi's family are mentioned for the first time in this chapter? 2. Why do you think the Lord allowed Nephi to remain tied up for so long instead of freeing him miraculously as He did in 1 Nephi 7:18; 16:39; and 17:48? 3. What happened in this chapter that fulfills what the Lord prophesied in 1 Nephi 17:13? C Find the Lessons for Life The story of the voyage to the promised land can also be seen as a metaphor (symbol) for our earth life. For example, many people, such as Nephi's brethren in 1 Nephi 18:9, concentrate on earthly interests and forget God and their dependence on His power. Answer the following questions to explore how this story is like experiences we could have: 1. How is what Nephi did for his brothers in verse 10 like what our conscience (the light of Christ) does for us? 2. How are the non-working compass and the storm like what happens to us when we "bind" our conscience? 3. What could Nephi's being freed compare to in our lives? 4. What happened whenever Nephi prayed? How can you apply this to your life? (see especially vv. 1--3, 21--23). 5. How can Nephi's description of the rude behavior of his brethren, the sons of Ishmael, and their wives (see v. 9) apply to some of today's behavior and lack of respect for others? 1 Nephi 19 "That I Might More Fully Persuade Them to Believe in the Lord" Why do some people love the scriptures and find a wealth of comfort, hope, and encouragement in them, while others seem to have no interest in them or think of them as meaningless? Nephi told us that what he wrote would not be pleasing to the world but would be pleasing to God and to "those who are not of the world" (1 Nephi 6:5). Why do you think people who have their hearts set on the things of this life have little interest in the things of eternity? As you study 1 Nephi 19, look for what the Lord has done and is doing to encourage His children to come home and live with Him again. Understanding the Scriptures 1 Nephi 19 Transpired (v. 2)---Happened Err (v. 6)---Make a mistake Sepulchre (v. 10)---Burial place (often a tomb or cave) Rend (v. 12)---Tear apart Scourged (v. 13)---Afflicted, punished A hiss and a byword (v. 14)---A persecuted people 1 Nephi 19:1--6---Two Sets of Plates In 1 Nephi 9, Nephi wrote that he had made two sets of plates. The first set, the large plates of Nephi, contained a detailed account of his people; the second set, the small plates of Nephi, was a sacred religious record. In 1 Nephi 19, the phrase "first plates" or "other plates" refers to the large plates of Nephi and the phrase "these plates" refers to the small plates (see "The Main Sources for the Book of Mormon," p. 12). Nephi hoped that future generations would find these writings helpful in bringing them to Christ. 1 Nephi 19:10---Who Were Zenock, Neum, and Zenos? Nephi quoted Zenock, Neum, and Zenos as prophets of Old Testament times whose detailed prophecies of Jesus Christ were recorded on the plates of brass. Their testimonies are not found in the Old Testament we have today. Their writings are apparently some of the "plain and most precious" truths that were removed by the "great and abominable church" (1 Nephi 13:26). Without the Book of Mormon, we would know nothing about those three faithful prophets of Old Testament times or their prophecies. Studying the Scriptures Do any two of the following activities (A--C) as you study 1 Nephi 19. A List the "Plain and Precious Parts" The Lord commanded Nephi to include on his second set of plates (the small plates) many of the plain and precious parts that would be missing from the Bible (see 1 Nephi 19:3 and the "Understanding the Scriptures" section). 1. Review 1 Nephi 19:8--14 and list the truths Nephi learned about the birth, life, and death of Jesus Christ, and also what would happen to the house of Israel after His death. 2. For the truths you listed, identify those which Nephi said he learned from the angel and the ones he learned from the writings of Zenock, Neum, or Zenos. B Analyze How Things Might Be Different Think about the detailed prophecies about Jesus's life that the Book of Mormon restores (see 1 Nephi 19:8--14). How do you think the beliefs of the Jews and other Christians might be different if those truths were still in our Old Testament? C Scripture Mastery---1 Nephi 19:23 Nephi read many things to his family from the writings of the prophet Isaiah. Read 1 Nephi 19:22--24 and explain why Nephi wanted his family (and us) to know the words of Isaiah. 1 Nephi 20--21 Messages from the Prophet Isaiah Nephi read to his people from the prophecies of Isaiah to "more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer" (1 Nephi 19:23). In 1 Nephi 20--21 are recorded some of those important prophecies of Isaiah from the plates of brass, which are similar to those found in the Old Testament. As you read these chapters, look for what Isaiah taught about the house of Israel. Why has Israel been so afflicted over the centuries, and what is the Lord doing to bring His covenant people back to Him again? As part of the modern house of Israel, we can also apply Isaiah's words to our lives. Understanding the Scriptures 1 Nephi 20 Swear (v. 1)---Make covenants, promise Stay themselves upon (v. 2)---Rely on, depend on, remain faithful to Obstinate (v. 4)---Stubborn Treacherously (v. 8)---Dishonestly, without loyalty Transgressor (v. 8)---One who breaks the commandments Defer (v. 9)---Hold back, put off, postpone Refined (v. 10)---Purified Spanned (v. 13)---Reached across Seed . . . offspring of thy bowels (v. 19)---Descendants (children, grandchildren, and so forth) Clave (v. 21)---Split 1 Nephi 20:1---What Are the "Waters of Judah"? Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote: "Isaiah says that the 'house of Jacob' has 'come forth out of the waters of Judah' (Isa. 48:1), a statement of great interest to Latter-day Saints in view of the fact that his words as recorded on the brass plates added the phrase, 'or out of the waters of baptism' (1 Ne. 20:1), thus preserving in purity an Old Testament text about baptism" (Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [1966], 832). This is an excellent example of "plain and precious" truths being taken from the Bible (1 Nephi 13:29). 1 Nephi 20:1--2---"They Call Themselves of the Holy City" As quoted in 1 Nephi 20:1--2, the prophet Isaiah chastised the house of Israel for claiming to follow the Lord without keeping His commandments. They felt that because they were His covenant people and lived in the holy city of Jerusalem, God would always protect them. Isaiah reminded them that it is not where you live but how you live that is important (see vv. 18--22). That same principle is true today. Jerusalem, the Ancient Holy City My Father's House Copyright 1993 Al Rounds 1 Nephi 20:3--8---"I Have Declared the Former Things. . . . I Have Showed Thee New Things" The Lord has given His children many evidences or reasons to believe His words and His prophets. In 1 Nephi 20:3--8, He cited some of those evidences and explained why those prophecies were necessary. From the beginning, God has revealed many events that would occur far into the future. One of His purposes in these long-range prophecies was to prevent wicked men from giving credit to idols or false gods for His marvelous works (see vv. 3--5). God has also revealed events that have occurred suddenly, so the wicked could not say, "I knew that" (see vv. 6--8). 1 Nephi 20:14--17---The Lord Sustains His Prophets The Lord loves His prophets and "will fulfil his word which he hath declared by them" (v. 14). In a modern revelation, the Lord declared, "Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same" (D&C 1:38). 1 Nephi 21 Pastors (v. 1)---Shepherds; in this case, the religious leaders of the Jews From the womb (v. 1)---Before I was born Quiver (v. 2)---Container for carrying arrows For naught and in vain (v. 4)---For nothing Abhorreth (v. 7)---Hate, detest Desolate heritages (v. 8)---Empty or barren inheritances Graven (v. 16)---Cut, scratched, or marked Too strait (v. 20)---Too small or narrow; when the Lord gathers His children to Zion, they will again be very numerous. To and fro (v. 21)---Back and forth 1 Nephi 21:1---An Important Restoration from the Plates of Brass The entire first sentence of Isaiah's prophecy quoted in 1 Nephi 21:1 is not found in the corresponding chapter in the book of Isaiah (see Isaiah 49:1). This material was evidently on the plates of brass that Nephi used but has been lost from our current Bible. Isaiah 49 (or 1 Nephi 21) tells about the coming of the Messiah, the gathering of Israel, and the taking of the gospel to the Gentiles. From the Book of Mormon version we learn that this message was particularly directed to those Israelites (like Lehi's family) who were broken off like branches from the main body of Israel and scattered abroad. We also learn that the reason for their scattering was the wickedness of their leaders in Jerusalem. 1 Nephi 21:1--9---Who Was the One That God Called before He Was Born? Verses 1--9 describe the Savior, Jesus Christ, who was called before His birth (see v. 1), whose words cut to the hearts of the wicked like a sharp sword (see v. 2), whose life is unblemished like a polished shaft (see v. 2), who is a light unto the Gentiles (see v. 6), and who is despised of men (see v. 7). Because the lives of prophets are sometimes seen as types, or examples, of the Savior, these verses could also properly be applied to Isaiah. They might also be applied to the Prophet Joseph Smith: -- He was foreordained. He testified: "Every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of heaven before this world was. I suppose I was ordained to this very office in that Grand Council" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 365; see also 2 Nephi 3:7--15). -- His words were sharp and his life a polished shaft. He said: "I am like a huge, rough stone rolling down from a high mountain; and the only polishing I get is when some corner gets rubbed off by coming in contact with something else, striking with accelerated force against religious bigotry, priestcraft, . . . lying editors, suborned judges and jurors, . . . backed by mobs, blasphemers, licentious and corrupt men and women---all hell knocking off a corner here and a corner there. Thus I will become a smooth and polished shaft in the quiver of the Almighty (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 304). -- He was sent to be a light unto the Gentiles. The Lord declared to him, "This generation shall have my word through you" (D&C 5:7--10; see also D&C 86:11). -- He was despised of men. The angel Moroni prophesied that both good and evil would be spoken about Joseph among all people (see Joseph Smith---History 1:33). Studying the Scriptures Do any two of the following activities (A--E) as you study 1 Nephi 20--21. A Find the Answers Isaiah saw the failings of the children of Israel. He called on them to repent so that they might carry out the work the Lord had given them and receive His blessings. Read 1 Nephi 20:1--11, 20 and answer the following questions: 1. What has the Lord done to prove to His people who He is? (see vv. 3--8; see also "Understanding the Scriptures" for 1 Nephi 20:3--8). 2. Why do you think Isaiah used the image of an iron neck (see v. 4) to describe the children of Israel? 3. Even though the people had been rebellious in the past, what did the Lord say He would do for them? Why? (see vv. 9--11). 4. What did the Lord say the people must do? (see v. 20; see also Mosiah 26:29--30). 5. How might these teachings of Isaiah apply to our time "for our profit and learning" (1 Nephi 19:23)? B Explain the Similes In 1 Nephi 20:11--17 the Lord declared His role as Creator and Savior. These verses also tell of His love and support for His prophets. In verses 18--22, Isaiah described what would have happened to the children of Israel had they been consistently obedient. He then called for them to repent. 1. Review 1 Nephi 20:18--22 and explain how the similes (comparisons using as or like) Isaiah used---a river, waves, sand, and gravel---describe the Lord's promises to the faithful. 2. Why do you think the wicked have no peace? (see v. 22). C Prophecy Can Be Fulfilled in More than One Way A characteristic of many of Isaiah's prophecies is that they can have more than one application and fulfillment. 1. Study 1 Nephi 21:1--10 and explain how these verses describe Jesus Christ. 2. Explain how these verses can also describe the Prophet Joseph Smith (see also the "Understanding the Scriptures" section). D How Do You Remember the Savior? 1. When the Lord could not bless Israel (Zion) because of the people's disobedience, what did the people feel had happened? (see 1 Nephi 21:14). 2. What did the Lord say would always remind Him of His people? (see v. 16). 3. Write a paragraph explaining what helps you remember the Savior, both at church and at other times. "Yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel" E Put the Ideas in Order In 1 Nephi 21:22--26 is Isaiah's promise that the Lord will save His people. Following are several important ideas from these verses. Rearrange them so they are in the order in which they appear in the passage. -- The Lord will deliver those who are in captivity to sin and wickedness. -- People of power and influence will support the work of the Church. -- Every person will know that Jesus Christ is the Savior. -- The Lord will battle those who fight against His Church. -- Those who trust in the Lord will not be ashamed of the gospel. -- The Lord will restore the Church among the Gentiles as a standard of righteousness for the world. -- Those who fight the Church will destroy themselves. 1 Nephi 22 Events of the Last Days Nephi knew that the words of Isaiah were difficult for some people to understand. In fact, Nephi's own family asked him to explain what he had quoted in 1 Nephi 20--21 (see 1 Nephi 22:1). As you read 1 Nephi 22, note Nephi's explanation of many of the important truths found in 1 Nephi 20--21. In particular, notice what Nephi said about the scattering of Israel and the role the Gentiles would play in Israel's gathering in the latter days. Remember that members of His Church today, even though we are of the house of Israel by lineage and by covenant, are included among the "Gentiles" mentioned in this chapter and have a role in the gathering of Israel. Understanding the Scriptures 1 Nephi 22 Manifest (v. 2)---Shown, made known Make bare his arm (v. 10)---Show His power Obscurity (v. 12)---A state of being unknown Ensnare (v. 14)---Trap, capture Execute judgment (v. 21)---Carry out judgment Dominion (v. 24)---Power, control, authority 1 Nephi 22:8---What Is the "Marvelous Work" the Lord Will Do in the Latter Days? For most of their long history, the children of Israel were unfaithful to that God who made them His chosen people. In spite of His blessings, they frequently preferred the ways of the world to the ways of God. As a result, most of them were scattered throughout the world and lost their identity. Lehi's descendants are an example of how one family was scattered and retained their identity. They knew who they were. The marvelous work of the latter days will be to gather as many of the descendants of scattered Israel as are willing to return to the Lord. Even though members of the Church today are of the house of Israel, Nephi referred to us as Gentiles because we come from gentile nations. Studying the Scriptures Do any two of the following activities (A--D) as you study 1 Nephi 22. A The Scattering of Israel: Who, Where, When, and Why? Isaiah's words concerning the scattering of Israel are found in 1 Nephi 21:1. Nephi explained more about that scattering in 1 Nephi 22:3--5. Summarize the additional information we learn about the scattering from Nephi. Be sure to explain who was scattered, when and where they were scattered, and why. B Match the Idea with the Verse In 1 Nephi 21:22, Isaiah spoke of the role of the Gentiles in gathering Israel. In 1 Nephi 22, Nephi gave us more information about that gathering. Copy each of the following statements in your notebook and after each one list the verse or verses from 1 Nephi 22:6--12 that contain that idea: -- The power of the Lord is necessary for the Gentiles to bless all people with the gospel. -- The wealth and prosperity of the gentile nations will be used to support the missionary work required to gather scattered Israel. -- Israel will be gathered by their coming to a knowledge of Jesus Christ as their Savior. -- A great gentile nation will scatter the descendants of Lehi. -- The Gentiles will bless the entire house of Israel by teaching them the gospel. -- The Lord will bring the gospel to the great gentile nation. That nation will in turn bless the descendants of Lehi by sharing the gospel with them. -- The covenants of the Lord will be revealed to the world through the power of the Lord. C Write a Newspaper Headline In 1 Nephi 22:13--18, Nephi described the judgment that would come on the wicked in the last days. For each of those verses, write a newspaper headline that summarizes the event Nephi described. D Make a Comparison Nephi explained some of the differences between what will happen to the righteous and what will happen to the wicked in the last days. 1. Study 1 Nephi 22:16--26 and list the promises to the righteous. Make another list of the punishments that will come upon the wicked. 2. Read 1 Nephi 22:28--31 and explain what Nephi wanted us to learn from what he wrote. ;;;The Second Book of Nephi Second Nephi begins many years after Lehi's family left Jerusalem and after their arrival in the land of promise. In the first four chapters Nephi recorded the final words of counsel his father gave before he died. As you read 2 Nephi, notice what happened to the family after Lehi died. 2 Nephi 1 "Awake, My Sons" Lehi's counsel in 2 Nephi 1 was especially directed to Laman and Lemuel. Before you read it, think of what you might want to say to Laman and Lemuel if you were their parent. Note what Lehi said and consider what effect you think it might have had on his sons. Understanding the Scriptures 2 Nephi 1 Rehearsed unto (v. 1)---Reminded, recited Notwithstanding our afflictions (v. 5)---Even though we have had challenges and trials Covenanted (v. 5)---Made a sacred promise Inheritance (vv. 5, 8--9)---Possession or family property Consecrated (vv. 7, 32)---Especially set aside or dedicated for sacred purposes Molest (v. 9)---Trouble, harm Dwindle (v. 10)---Fall gradually away Visitations (v. 12)---The sending of punishments; events that demonstrate God's judgment Redeemed (v. 15)---Saved; a more literal meaning is "purchased from bondage" Statutes (v. 16)---Laws, commandments, rules Anxiety (v. 16)---Worry Incur (v. 22)---Bring upon you Obscurity (v. 23)---A state of being unknown Sharpness (v. 26)---A rebuke Restrain (v. 26)---Hold back Utterance (v. 27)---Speech Studying the Scriptures Do activities A and B as you study 2 Nephi 1. A Finish These Sentences In 2 Nephi 1:5--12 are Lehi's words to his sons about the land of their inheritance, which includes North and South America. Complete the following statements that summarize these teachings of Lehi. Try to phrase them in your own words, but be sure your sentence fully covers what Lehi taught: 1. In addition to Lehi's descendants, the land is an inheritance to . . . (See vv. 5--7.) 2. If those who live in this promised land will serve God and keep His commandments, then . . . (See vv. 7, 9--12.) 3. The Lord kept other nations from knowing about the land at that time because . . . (See v. 8.) B "Be Men" Elder Carlos E. Asay, who was a member of the Presidency of the Seventy, related an experience he had as an 18-year-old priest in the Aaronic Priesthood when he refused to join a group of his peers in their inappropriate activities. He wrote: "As I walked away . . . , my companions taunted me by shouting, 'When are you going to grow up?' 'When will you stop being a sissy and a religious fanatic?' 'When are you going to be a man?' " (In the Lord's Service [1990], 46; see also Conference Report, Apr. 1992, 58; or Ensign, May 1992, 40). Lehi asked his sons to "be men" (2 Nephi 1:21), but he meant something quite different from what the young men in the story meant. For this activity complete number 1, and then do either 2 or 3. 1. Based on what Lehi taught in 2 Nephi 1:13--24, list at least five characteristics that Lehi associated with being a man of God. With each characteristic, write the verse in which it is found. 2. Write a paragraph about the differences between the characteristics you listed and how the boys in Elder Asay's story and many other worldly people would define what it means to be a man. 3. Review verses 13 and 15 and write a paragraph comparing the state of righteous men, like Lehi, with the state of worldly men, like Laman and Lemuel. Jesus Christ taught: "What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am" (3 Nephi 27:27). 2 Nephi 2 Free to Choose Because of the Atonement Jacob was the first of two children born to Lehi and Sariah in the wilderness (see 1 Nephi 18:7). Consequently, he experienced many trials while growing up---both from the difficulty of traveling and from the "rudeness of his brethren" (2 Nephi 2:1). Lehi's counsel in 2 Nephi 2 was especially for Jacob, and helps explain how it is possible to experience peace and joy in a world of misery and opposition. This is one of the chapters in the Book of Mormon that tells us much about Heavenly Father's plan of happiness. Understanding the Scriptures 2 Nephi 2 Tribulation (v. 1)---Suffering Consecrate (v. 2)---Set apart for a sacred purpose Redeemer (v. 3)---One who pays the price to save another from spiritual bondage (Jesus Christ) Justified (v. 5)---Shown to be free from sin or guilt, forgiven Contrite (v. 7)---Sorrowful for sin, humble Merits (v. 8)---Gracious and good wor