1 Nephi 4-6:
to be discussed October 1
As you read this passage, please look for doctrines of Christ. Underline, note, or record as you read key doctrines.
1. Read 1 Nephi 4:1-11. What reasons did Nephi give for his faith in God's ability to provide a way, even in seemingly impossible circumstances?
2. Read 1 Nephi 4:12-27. Why do you think the Lord commanded Nephi to kill Laban, instead of the Lord striking Laban dead? Can you think of other examples of this in scripture? What do we know about Laban?
3. Read 1 Nephi 4:28-38. Compare 1 Nephi 4:32 with
1 Nephi 3:15. On what was Nephi's oath based in each case? How serious an oath was this? List the two parts of the covenant between Nephi and Zoram in 1 Nephi 4:32-35.
4. Read 1 Nephi 5:1-9. Why did Sariah murmur? How did Lehi respond to her complaints?
5. Read 1 Nephi 5:10-15. What did the brass plates of Laban contain?
BONUS: Read 2 Kings 25:8-21. What happened to brass artifacts in Jerusalem during the siege by Nebuchadnezzar, after Lehi and his family escaped?
6. Read 1 Nephi 5:16-22. According to 1 Nephi 5:17, how did the study of the scriptures affect Lehi? How did Lehi and Nephi show that they valued the scriptures?
7. Read 1 Nephi 6:1-6. Cross-reference 1 Nephi 6:4-6 with
1 Nephi 1:20. What is the fulness of Nephi's intent in writing?
Links to related articles:
"The Lachish Letters: Documents from Lehi's Day," Hugh Nibley, December 1981 Ensign
"Making Right Decisions," L. Tom Perry, November 1979 Ensign
"Lessons from Laman and Lemuel," Neal A. Maxwell, November 1999 Ensign
"The Sword of Laban as a Symbol of Divine Authority and Kingship," Brett L. Holbrook, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 2/1 (1993):39-72
"Learning to Recognize Answers to Prayer," Richard G. Scott, November 1989 Ensign
"As Good As Our Bond," Sheldon F. Child, May 1997 Ensign
Quote: "Ironically, many like Laman and Lemuel who are the first to demand signs are then the first to discount them. Some demand more miracles even while consuming a daily menu of manna and forgetting its remarkable Source....
"Hence Laman and Lemuel became rebels instead of leaders, resentful instead of righteous—all because of their failure to understand either the character or the purposes of God and His dealings with His children."
- Neal A. Maxwell, CR October 1999.
