2 Nephi 5: A Divided Family

Book of Mormon Student Study Guide, (2000), 39–40

Despite Lehi’s counsel to be united (see 2 Nephi 1:21), there was a division in the family because of Laman and Lemuel’s continued jealousy and anger toward their brother Nephi. But, just as Nephi testified in 1 Nephi 1:20, the Lord was merciful in delivering the faithful. As you read 2 Nephi 5, notice the difference in the way the two groups of people lived as a result of their attitudes and actions.

Understanding the Scriptures

2 Nephi 5

Sufficeth (vv. 4, 34)Is enough
Statutes (v. 10)Laws, rules
Sow (v. 11)Plant
Reap (v. 11)Harvest
Enticing (v. 21)Tempting, attractive
Loathsome (v. 22)Disgusting, hateful
Idle (v. 24)Lazy
Subtlety (v. 24)Sneakiness, trickery, cunning
Scourge (v. 25)Affliction, curse, torment
Consecrate (v. 26)Set apart for a sacred purpose

2 Nephi 5:20–25—“The Cursing” Was Not “a Skin of Blackness”

“The cursing” that the Lord caused to come upon the rebellious Lamanites was to be cut off from His presence (see 2 Nephi 5:20–21). The Lord caused “a skin of blackness to come upon them” so that the Nephites would not mix, or intermarry, with them and bring the curse upon themselves (see vv. 21–23).

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A as you study 2 Nephi 5.

Activity A iconIdentify the Differences

  1. 1.

    Draw a chart like the following in your notebook and fill it in with information you find in the references given:

Nephites

What to Look For

Lamanites

How did the leaders feel? What did they do? (see 2 Nephi 5:1–4, 12, 14–18, 26, 29, 31–32).

What did the people do? (see vv. 6–11, 15, 17, 20–22, 24–27).

What were the results? (see vv. 11, 13, 16, 20–22, 25–27, 34).

  1. 2.

    The Nephites “lived after the manner of happiness” (2 Nephi 5:27). Review 2 Nephi 5, use the index or Topical Guide to find other scriptures on “happiness,” and list three ways to live “after the manner of happiness.”