1 Nephi 17

1 Nephi 17

1 Nephi 17: 1-13

wade through affliction.................................................the journey through the desert is difficult
bear without murmuring............................................the women become tough like men, enjoy the journey
fulfilled...............................................................the Lord's blessing make the life of journeying enjoyable
8 years.........................................................the journey is slow and tedious.
Land of Bountiful.............................................the end of the desert journey situated in a very fruitful place
many waters......................................................edge of the Indian Ocean
voice of the Lord......................................................Nephi instructed by the Lord
construct a ship..........................................................the migrants are to build a ship according to a divine design
whither for ore........................................................Nephi realizes that he does not have resources necessary
Lord told me................................................................the question is answered.
2 stones for fire.............................................................Nephi breaks the tradition of having no fire
not make much fire.......................................................generally the group had gone without cooked food
led.........................................................................their instructions were to move when instructed, listening to the Lord

A long journey takes place across the desert. The object is not speed, but rather safety.  So the group must move slowly, cautiously.  Once arriving at the sea shore, they settle down for a good rest.  This is ended when Nephi is instructed to make a ship.  He learns from the Lord where and how to do this.

1 Nephi 17: 14-22

delivered you........................................................the Lord was filling them with faith for their even greater journey.
exhort brethern.........................................Nephi teaches his brothers about what they must do
brother is a fool..............................................they find his intentions laughable and mock him
made tools................................................Nephi makes the necessary metal tools
not labor........................................................brothers not convinced.  Do not see it a good enterprise
rejoice over him..........................................a haughty attempt to put Nephi down for foolishness
like our father..............................................equate Nephi's visionary attitude with their father's dreams
would have enjoyed................................the brothers are angry over the loss of the family fortune
they are righteous.....................................the brothers are incredibly wrong about the people left behind
murmur and complain..................................the situation turns into a nasty confrontation

The duty of the family is made more known.  Nephi has no luck trying to convince his brothers to help in th endeavor.  In fact, they accuse his of foolishness and express their disdain.

1 Nephi 17: 23-31

Another leading away...................................Nephi compares their flight with that of those from Egypt
commanded Moses..........................................Moses had been instructed, they were to follow
brought out of bondage................................the Israelites were taken out of slavery
Lord used power to lead them.........................fire and protection
red sea............................................................the highway is given to escape
drowned...........................................................they were protected.  and the enemy destroyed.
manna.............................................................Lord provided the needs
water...................................................................when thirsty, the lord provided
still reviled Moses..............................................they turned on the leader, Moses.  Accused him.
Lord destroyed the revilers................................consequences for those who cannot acknowledge the help

Nephi recounts to his brothers the history of their people, reminding them that they also had received the same kinds of divine assistance and protection.  He warns them about their nasty revilings.

1 Nephi 17: 32-42

crossing Jordan..............................................the help of God continues.  They receive their Land
people there good? no..........................................Lord did not spare the people there, ie Canaanites
all men equal......................................................Lord helps all people
favored.............................................................those who listen to the Lord receive greater blessings
raiseth and destroyeth nations................................the Lord works with the destinies of nations
wicked destroyed...........................................those who turn away from God live under a curse
leads the righteous......................................the Lord will let good people take over the land of the wicked
ruleth........................................................regardless what we think, God is in charge of all
loveth them.....................................................the Lord has always favored those who listen and obey him
straitened them..................................................they journeyed to become purer.
tested them with fiery serpents..................................they needed even more instruction.  He tested them
they reviled Moses................................................again, despite unbelievable blessings, they rejected Moses

Another story told.  The Lord blesses some and destroys others.  His favor is with the obedient.  And when men turn on him, he straitens them.

1 Nephi 17: 43-55

about to be destroyed........................................Their contemporaries have again reached that state
captivity.........................................................promised enslavement for the survivors
murderers in your hearts.......................................your behavior and acts are similar to the Israelites
He can change things............................................God can and will change things
Spirit.................................................................Nephi so inspired that he feels the power of the Lord
touch me not................................................brothers incensed.  Want to kill him.  Lord gives Nephi power
work............................................................commanded to help Nephi.  To work
I can do it......................................................The faith of Nephi
confounded.......................................................the brothers are strongly shaken by the Spirit, Humbled
durst not.......................................................still angry, but they at least assist
stretch forth...................................................Lord commands Nephi to frighten them.  Lord shocks them
surety..........................................................they knew the Lord was with Nephi
worship him..............................................it is not Nephi who will be worshiped .  It is the Lord

The Lord is expecting the brothers to assist and to give diligence to the migration.  Nephi works with the Lord to give them a sign, since it is the only way to get their attention.

1 Nephi 17

The nature of the journey of Lehi's family is similar to the exodus of Israel from Egypt.  The Lord explains how the righteous are led and how the wicked are destroyed.  If men do as they are told, and pray, they are given the favor of the Lord.