1 Nephi 5-6: The Importance of Sacred Records

Book of Mormon Student Study Guide, (2000), 17–18

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.

Activity A iconWrite a Diary Entry

  1. 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:

  1. a.

    What she complained about

  2. b.

    What Lehi said to her

  3. c.

    What happened that strengthened her testimony

  1. 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.

Activity B iconMake a List

  1. 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):

  1. a.

    The plates contained the five

    ____________________
    .

  2. b.

    And also a record of from

    ____________________
    down to the reign of <textInput textFormat="singleLine"/>.

  3. c.

    And also the prophecies

    ____________________
    , including many from .

  4. d.

    Also a genealogy of

    ____________________
    , which told him he was a descendant of .

  1. 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?

Activity C iconFollow Nephi’s Example

  1. 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. 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).