1 Nephi 3-4 The Lesson of the Brass Plates

This is a different take on this story in that it delves not so much into what Lehi’s sons did, but the pattern of their actions with regards to faithful living. Nephi’s declaration of faith to his father in 1 Nephi 3:7 is inspiring and comforting. The following events show the typical pattern we take when we try to achieve that ideal. It’s an opportunity for us to be wiser than the Nephites were.

Lehi’s sons make three attempts to get the plates from Laban. Laman and Lemuel do so, not because they expect success, but out of a respect to their father. They think he’s the one behind the mission. Nephi is going because he wants to be obedient to God’s commandments. Sam is invisible in this story, showing up only when Laman and Lemuel take out their frustration and anger by beating him and Nephi.

The first two attempts fail. The first is probably Laman’s idea. It’s a simple approach, he asks for them. Afterwords, Nephi rallies his brothers by preaching to them and reminding them of the Lord’s faithfulness to the obedient. Then, they do thing’s Nephi’s way, they try buying them. After that fiasco, Laman and Lemuel beat Nephi and Sam with a rod and are stopped only when an angel appears to them.

The third time, Nephi does things the Lord’s way. 1 Nephi 4:6 is the epitome of this… “I was led by the Spirit, not knowing before the things which I should do.. Nevertheless, I went forth…” This was still not an easy thing to do since Nephi is told to kill someone, something he’s never done before. He shrinks from it in horror, yet follows through with the deed after the Spirit reminds him what’s at stake.

This is the faithful living which the Book of Mormon teaches… doing your best while trusting God’s wisdom over your own. It’s living not in the comfort-zone but in the faith-zone.