1 Nephi 7-9:
to be discussed October 8
As you read this passage, please look for doctrines of Christ. Underline, note, or record as you read key doctrines.
1. Read 1 Nephi 7:1-7. If Laman and Lemuel complained about going back to Jerusalem to find wives, we have no record of such complaints. How did the Lord prepare Ishmael to leave his home and travel with Lehi in the wilderness?
2. Read 1 Nephi 7:8-15. In the wilderness, after Ishmael and his family had joined Nephi and his brothers, who joined Laman and Lemuel in their rebellion? What did Nephi ask them to remember? What were they promised if they were faithful?
BONUS: Lehi was from the tribe of Manasseh (Alma 10:3) and Ishmael from Ephraim (Journal of Discourses 3:184). Erastus Snow (JD 23:184-185) suggests that the choice of Ishmael and his family fulfilled a prophecy by Jacob in Genesis 48:14-16. In what way(s) did the union of Lehi’s and Ishmael’s families fulfill this prophecy?
3. Read 1 Nephi 7:16-22. For what did Nephi pray in 1 Nephi 7:17? Who eventually convinced Laman and Lemuel to stop trying to kill Nephi?
4. Read 1 Nephi 8:1-12. In Lehi's dream, how long did he travel in darkness? What did he pray for as he was in this state? How was his prayer answered?
5. Read 1 Nephi 8:13-20. Where were Sariah, Sam and Nephi standing when Lehi first saw them in his dream? What did he invite them to do?
6. Read 1 Nephi 8:21-38. What did the large group of people in Lehi's dream have to do to get to the tree of life? Were they safe after they had eaten the fruit? Why or why not?
7. Read 1 Nephi 9:1-6 and "A Brief Explanation About the Book of Mormon" (found just before the table of contents). Was there more to Lehi's dream than the details Nephi recorded? Cross-reference 1 Nephi 9:6 with 2 Nephi 9:10. How has the Lord prepared the way in your life, so that his works might be accomplished?
Links to Related Articles:
"My Iron Rod," Katie Maudsley, August 2015 Ensign
"Stay by the Tree," Kevin W. Pearson, May 2015 Ensign
"Joy in the Journey," S. Michael Wilcox, January 2004 Ensign
"Lehi's Dream and You," Boyd K. Packer, January 2015 New Era (From a BYU Devotional, 2007)
"Lehi's Dream: Holding Fast to the Rod," David A. Bednar, October 2011 Ensign
"If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear," L. Tom Perry, November 1995 Ensign
"In the Strength of the Lord," David A. Bednar, BYU Devotional, October 2001
The tree of life is the love of God.
The Iron Rod - Holst
Quote: "I feel that the wisest, noblest, and most significant thing we can ever accomplish as children of Heavenly Father is to discover His will and do it. Obedience to the Lord’s will has always brought peace and rest, fulfillment and joy." - S. Michael Wilcox, January 2004 Ensign
