“Lehi Leaves Jerusalem,” Friend, June 1989, 40
Lehi Leaves Jerusalem
The Lord was pleased with Lehi and spoke to him in a dream. He told Lehi to take his family and leave Jerusalem. Lehi obeyed the Lord. 1 Ne. 2:1–3
Lehi’s family packed food and tents. They left their house and their gold and silver in Jerusalem and traveled into the wilderness. 1 Ne. 2:4
Lehi’s wife’s name was Sariah. They had four sons, named Laman, Lemuel, Sam, and Nephi. 1 Ne. 2:5
After three days, they camped in their tents near a river. 1 Ne. 2:6
Lehi built an altar of stones and made an offering to God. He prayed and thanked God for saving his family from destruction. 1 Ne. 2:7
Lehi told Laman and Lemuel that he wanted them to be faithful in keeping God’s commandments. 1 Ne. 2:8–10
Laman and Lemuel thought that their father was foolish for leaving Jerusalem and their riches. They did not believe that Jerusalem would be destroyed. 1 Ne. 2:11–13
Nephi wanted to believe Lehi. He prayed to know if his father was doing the right thing by leaving Jerusalem. 1 Ne. 2:16
Jesus Christ visited Nephi and told him that Lehi’s words were true. Nephi believed and did not rebel as Laman and Lemuel did. 1 Ne. 2:16
Nephi told his brothers what Jesus had made known to him. Sam believed Nephi, but Laman and Lemuel would not believe. 1 Ne. 2:17–18
The Lord promised Nephi that because of his faith he would be blessed. He would become a leader over his brothers. 1 Ne. 2:19–22
Illustrated by Jerry Thompson