1990
Traveling in the Wilderness
April 1990


“Traveling in the Wilderness,” Tambuli, Apr. 1990, 13

Traveling in the Wilderness

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Ishmael’s family

The Lord wanted Lehi’s sons to have wives who would teach their children the gospel. He told Lehi to send his sons back to Jerusalem to get Ishmael’s family. 1 Ne. 7:1–2

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Ishmael and family go with Lehi

Lehi’s sons returned to Jerusalem. They told Ishmael what the Lord wanted him to do, and Ishmael believed them. Ishmael and his family went with Lehi’s sons. 1 Ne. 7:3–5

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Some become angry

While they traveled in the wilderness, Laman and Lemuel and some of Ishmael’s family became angry. They wanted to go back to Jerusalem. 1 Ne. 7:6–7

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Nephi tells them to have faith

Nephi told them to have faith in the Lord and they would be led to a land of promise. He said that Jerusalem was going to be destroyed. They did not go back. 1 Ne. 7:8–13, 16–21

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Lehi’s sons marry Ishmael’s daughters

Later, Nephi, his brothers, and Zoram married Ishmael’s daughters. 1 Ne. 16:7

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The Liahona

The Lord told Lehi to continue his journey. In the morning Lehi found a brass ball outside his tent. It was called the Liahona, and it pointed the way. 1 Ne. 16:9–10

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They follow the directions of the Liahona

They gathered food and seeds and packed their tents. They traveled through the wilderness for many days, following the directions of the Liahona. 1 Ne. 16:11–12

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They hunt for food

Nephi and his brothers hunted for food as they traveled. 1 Ne. 16:14–15

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Nephi’s bow broke

Nephi’s steel bow broke, and his brothers’ bows lost their strength. They were not able to kill any animals. Laman and Lemuel were angry with Nephi. Everyone was hungry. 1 Ne. 16:18–21

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Nephi makes a wooden bow

Nephi made a wooden bow and asked his father where to hunt. Lehi prayed and received directions in the Liahona. 1 Ne. 16:23–24, 26–27

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The Liahona only worked when they were faithful

The Liahona worked only when they were faithful. It showed Nephi where to hunt. Nephi went to the top of a mountain and killed animals for food. 1 Ne. 16:28–31

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They thanked God for blessing them

Everyone was happy to get food. They were sorry that they had been angry, and they thanked God for blessing them. 1 Ne. 16:32

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Travel was not easy

Travel was not easy. Often they were tired. Sometimes they were hungry and thirsty. When Ishmael died, his daughters were sad. They complained against Lehi. 1 Ne. 16:33–35

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Some wanted to Lehi and Nephi

Laman and Lemuel also complained. They did not believe that the Lord spoke to their father. They wanted to kill Lehi and Nephi and return to Jerusalem. 1 Ne. 16:36–38

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Laman and Lemuel heard the voice of the Lord

Laman and Lemuel heard the voice of the Lord. He told them not to be angry with Lehi and Nephi. After hearing the voice of the Lord, Laman and Lemuel repented. 1 Ne. 16:39

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They continue their journey

They continued their difficult journey. God helped them and made them strong. Children were born. Lehi and Sariah had two more sons, named Jacob and Joseph. 1 Ne. 17:1, 3; 1 Ne. 18:7

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They arrive at the seashore

After traveling eight years in the wilderness, they arrived at the seashore. They found fruit and honey there. They called the place Bountiful. 1 Ne. 17:4–6

Illustrated by Jerry Thompson