1 Nephi 21

1 Nephi 21

Parallel to Isaiah 11

1 Nephi 21: 1-5

rod out of the stem of Jesse..........................................refers prophetically to Jesus Christ.  House of David

Spirit of the Lord.............................................the promised Messiah, to have the necessary attributes to act as Savior

judge..........................................................the position of ruler.  How Christ will judge.  Spiritual Judge

to bless and to curse....................................those who live right under trial are blessed.  Those who do harm are cursed

righteousness and faithfulness................................what motivates the savior.  All things done correctly

Isaiah prophesies the attributes and mission of Christ, both temporally and eternally.  As the great leader he will be the ultimate judge, and he will judge according to the spirit.

1 Nephi 21: 6-11

wolf and lamb.................................................Christ's position will lead to harmony

child and the asp................................................the enmity between man and the serpent will be completely dissolved

shall not hurt...................................................The great mission of heaven is to bring men together

ensign................................................................the people will be given a sign to aspire to.  Christ.

second time................................................Christ will start a work to recover all his people

The mission of Christ is to bring men to harmony.  He will work with people of different ages to recover them and to bring them into his eternal kingdom

1 Nephi 21: 12-16

gather from four corners.....................................the gospel message will be offered to all people.  Those who accept it will be gathered to his kingdom

14...................................................................The nations of the earth will be overruled to make it possible to hear the gospel

dry shod..........................................................the powers of the earth will be tempered to allow the gospel message

a highway.......................................................another way to describe the facilitating of teaching the gospel

The gospel teaching of the last days will be unstoppable.  The Lord will open the highways for acceptance in his time in all the four corners of the earth.

1 Nephi 21

Christ manifests to Isaiah that he will accomplish his work of recovering his people.  It will begin with his earthly mission and his teaching while in life, but it will continue after his death and at the right time will go forward all around the earth to open the way for all to accept the message and come into his kingdom.  

1 Nephi 20

1 Nephi 20

1 Nephi 20: 1-6

Isaiah Chapter 48

waters of Judah...............................................early reference to baptism in Old Testament?
swear not in truth...........................................People are members of the religion in name only, break promises
of the Holy City...............................................claim to belong to the Kingdom of God
Lord of Hosts....................................................In a kingdom, the people follow the king
thou art obstinate.............................................a difficult people to motivate and to lead
I showed them thee.....................................a teacher of the gospel
Mine idol...........................................................mocks the belief systems that are not based on divine leadership
Heard and declare...................................................those who hear the gospel should teach it to others

Isaiah addresses the people, explaining how he attempting to motivate the people and how he would have them follow the Lord instead of other ways that distract from righteousness

1Nephi 20: 7-11

idols do not create...............................................an idol of any kind is inadequate for leadership and guidance
knew of treachery...............................................the prophet even understands the nature of the luke-warm follower
cut thee not off....................................................patiently works with the people, even when in violation
furnace of affliction..............................................removal of the spirit leaves the person in trouble
 .......................................................the affliction could be a trial and test.
name not polluted............................................the Lord will teach.  The message is sacred.

There is a grave danger of replacing God with some distraction.  These other ways provide not guidance or help in the troubles of life.

1 Nephi 20: 12-18

Israel my called...............................................the Lord begins his message to those who have listened
Mine hand.......................................................the Lord is the Creator of the earth, complete authority
he sends the message.....................................the Lord decrees sovereignty over all nations.
called him to declare..........................................pertains to all who speak in his name.  Especially Christ
not in secret.................................................nothing new in this message
I sent him..................................................the servant of God is on a mission from God.  Listen.
peace as a river...........................................the promise of internal peace.  God strengthens the man

The authority of Christ and the prophets is to act as direct messengers from God.  He sends and he teaches. If we listen, he will give us peace.

1 Nephi 20: 19-22

seed as the sand...........................................we have another challenge.  Raising children in the way.
go forth of.....................................................a message to keep a distance from the religions of others
Lord has redeemed his servant...............................the favor of God goes to the servants who listen to him
waters.............................................................the live of the gospel goes out to the true children
no peace for the wicked....................................those who do not receive the Spirit do not have internal peace

The Lord promises help in raising children.  He also warns about distractions.

1 Nephi 20

This resubmission of Isaiah lets us today know that we operate under the same principles.  We are to follow the Lord in life, receive his guidance, and enjoy his peace.

1 Nephi 18

1 Nephi 18

1 Nephi 18: 4

timbers of curious workmanship............................................the ship is made in a strange but competent way
not after man's manner.................................................Nephi follows inspiration, making ship as God led him
went and prayed oft...........................................Nephi spends considerable time praying for guidance
they did humble themselves..................................even the brothers are astounded by the ship

Nephi uses prayer and revelation to start and to complete the building of the ship.

1 Nephi 18: 5-8

voice of the Lord...........................................the Lord sends his message to leave to Lehi
provisions...........................................................the group prepares the provisions that they had amassed
what we brought...........................................not only necessary things, but personal items are loaded
Jacob and Joseph.........................................Lehi has two more sons during the desert passage
put forth......................................................Once the party has loaded the ship, they get on board

The message comes from God to leave the Old World.  The party loads the ship and cast off

1 Nephi 18: 9-19

many days...................................................they are on the ocean for a long time
make merry............................................negative sense.  They are partying boisterously
much rudeness.................................................the partying is offensive and inappropriate
fear exceedingly........................................because of the depravity, Nephi fears offending God
we will not that........................................a firm decision not to follow Nephi's leadership
bind with cords.............................................Nephi is bound and restrained and mocked
compass did stop working..............................the Liahona fails the group as a result of the bad behavior
terrible tempest...........................................the ship goes off course.  terrible hurricaneor typhoon
driven back.........................................the ship so much off course, that it is being blown back
judgements of God....................................the group deserves the testing they are receiving
praise God...................................................Nephi keeps his faith, and he prays
threatenings................................................the brothers are angry with Nephi, blaming him for the mess
parents stricken........................................Lehi and his wife are sick with the terrible confrontation
watery grave............................................the parents are almost to the verge of death
soften the heart..........................................the brothers are so bombarded with the other's supplications that they relent
loosed....................................................the brothers let Nephi go

The brothers forget that they are expected to cross the ocean with faith and with determination to obey the Lord.  As they sink into debauchery they become very hostile to Nephi, binding him.  As this is done, the Lord strikes the ship with terrible fury.  After a long battle, the brothers eventually relent and allow the journey to proceed as it was supposed to go.

1 Nephi 18: 20-25

Only repent when about to be swallowed.............................these are very hard characters, but they have a breaking point.
Nephi takes compass.....................................................Nephi seeks guidance immediately
prayer.............................................................................Nephi immediately prays
many days..................................................................still a long voyage.
arrive.....................................................................the land of promise reached
blessed.........................................................................once landed, they plant seeds and they prosper
many animals...........................................................cows and horses mentioned.  Often mocked by anti-Mormons.
all manner of ore.....................................................the party finds a lot of metal

Upon arrival, the group worships God and begins to prosper in abundance in the new promised land.

1 Nephi 18

This chapter summarizes the actual ocean voyage.  Few details are given as to anything the group saw or experienced except a very nasty confrontation between the older brothers and the rest of the group. Some thinkers believe that the group named native animals with old world names, because they were outside their experience.

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.

1 Nephi 16

1 Nephi 16

1 Nephi 16: 1-4

declared hard things...............................................feel personally attacked, offended
the wicked...........................................the guilty, those who know better.
justified...........................................take the side of those who meet the qualifications, who get it right
cutteth to the center.....................................very difficult to accept when it is stated bluntly
diligence..................................................work harder, no excuse for idleness

When Nephi has delivered his message, the brothers accuse him of getting too personal.  He let's them know that they have exposed their personal value systems, and they are not congruous with a believer.

1 Nephi 16: 5-8

great hopes.......................................this time the brothers appear to accept his critiques
the tent.......................................still in the first stage of their migration.
took wives........................................the families match up well for the intermarriage of brothers and daughters

Before the direction to begin on their migration, the brothers and Nephi make a kind of peace.  Nephi believes there might be a change of heart.

1 Nephi 16: 9-17

on the morrow....................................When the time to move comes, it is quite immediate
ball...................................................a device for direction is left for them
gathering...........................................all preparations are made for the migration, food, provisions
4 days............................................the family moves across the peninsula
bows and arrows................................procurement of fresh food
direction of the ball..................................instructions given.
another camp..........................................the move is strenuous, must rest up

The journey begins.  In this case Lord fives the family a Liahona to direct their journey and to give them protection.  What is it?

1 Nephi 16: 18-28

breaks bow...............................................an expensive bow breaks.  Leaves the family in trouble since the others had alread become obsolete
want of food........................................fresh food has become a dire problem
murmur exceedingly....................................the brothers are unusually angry and complaining.  They do not see the justice of their complaints.
afflicted............................................they take no personal responsibility.  They place it all on Nephi
reminder...................................................Nephi again recounts and exposes the wrongness of their behavior
makes a wooden bow..........................Nephi finds his own solution and he respects the leadership of his father
humble themselves.................................the brothers are willing
chastened.................................................even Lehi had lost faith,  chastened by the lord.
consult the ball............................................the family had not looked where they were supposed to
faith and diligence.....................................the power of the ball is tied to the worthiness of the group

The situation of the family becomes perilous.  There are many of them, and they are hungry.  Nephi goes to the Lord for help, and he follows the correct path for respect.  Lehi is chastened for not following the commandments.  The family is set straight and told to follow the Liahona

1 Nephi 16: 29-

the mountain........................................since Nephi was seeking, he is the one given the answer
obtained food.........................................the food is easily obtained
traveled.....................................................the journey recommenses
Ishmael died, Nahum..........................................Nahum:  a place of sorrow
murmur...........................................................Ishmael loved, family begins to complain and gets nasty with Lehi
desirous to return..............................................the solution was to go back to Jerusalem.  Attacks on Lehi and Nephi
let us slay......................................................the brothers want to be rid of Nephi and Lehi.  They are willing to kill them rather than follow them
he says......................................................accuse Nephi of spinning the truth and of using trickery
Voice of the Lord came.................................the brothers chastised.  In some way they learn through divine means that they are completely wrong.
repent.......................................................the brothers accept this divine message and they abandon their murderous plot

The death of Ishmael forces the whole family to come to a better commitment towards the migration.  The Lord's voice settles the issue.  Their is a history of vacillation with the brothers.

1 Nephi 16

This chapter is a strong message about group cooperation, demonstrating those who help and those who hinder.  The stakes are elevated by the complaining, and by the crises that arise.  In the end, it is the Lord who heals the family, giving them the incentive to continue.  The vacillations indicate, that even with divine help, many differences continue to threaten the well being of the group.

1 Nephi 15

1 Nephi 15

1 Nephi 15: 1-4

brothers disputing...........................................they are not united in their understanding of Lehi's dream
a man should enquire....................................why dispute.  Man has prayer and can come to a divine understanding
hardness of hearts.........................................did not listen to the commandment to pray and seek
what would come to pass.................................Nephi disturbed.  He knows his brother's descendants will survive, but not his own
beheld their fall...............................................the vision included the demise of the Nephites

1 Nephi 15: 5-12

afflictions................................................Nephi full of grief.  Unable to deal with his emotions
we cannot understand.......................................the acknowledge an inability
Have ye?..........................................................Nephi confronts them directly and bluntly
Lord maketh not..............................................they claim no direct communication with God
commandments-perish..........................................to find salvation in the Lord a man must follow God
process..............................................................they have been taught to follow prayerful searches
parable of the olive...............................................a parable taught to the family of Lehi, to guide them

Nephi confronts his brothers who have not followed the commandment to pray about the teachings of Lehi.  He believes, but they do not.  They claim that they cannot receive revelation

1 Nephi 15: 13-18

overview................................................Nephi briefly summarizes Lehi's sermon
come to knowledge......................................a day of conversion will fall on all the descendants of Lehi
rock of salvation............................................these people will accept Christ, the Messiah
grafted in...............................................although a lost tribe, these people will become part of the House of Israel
scattered...............................................Lehi told the family that their children would be smitten and scattered by the Gentiles
whole house of Israel...............................the curse of apostasy would affect the whole House of Israel,  the opportunity will come to repent and restore itself to God

After a period of scattering and destruction after the coming of the Gentiles, the House of Lehi would become again the House of Israel, after accepting Christ.

1 Nephi 15: 19-29

restoration of the Jews..............................he also let them know about the Jews themselves
words of Isaiah.......................................Nephi knows and teaches the works of Isaiah
what meaneth..............................................They still don't get it.  Nephi becomes the teacher
tree................................................the tree of life
rod of iron...........................................word of God
hold fast............................................use it to hold onto and to help keep on the path
give heed and exhort...........................Nephi teaches his brothers and gives them a challenge
river of water....................................filth of the world, Satan, a destructive force that takes men backwards
gulf....................................................the filth keeps the imprudent from attaining to the tree of life
hell for the wicked............................symbolic separation from things that lead to Eternal Life

The brothers become students to Nephi, instead of seeking the knowledge themselves.  Nephi explains the items in Lehi's dream

1 Nephi 15: 30-

justice of God.................................there are divine laws that a man must listen to
temporal and spiritual..........................the law of God pertains both to the mortal and immortal aspects of life
probation........................................we are responsible for how we behave in life
die in wickedness.....................................people can lose their futures by dying spiritually
kingdom of God...................................not filthy, pure
place prepared.......................................the ones who fail will go somewhere.  Separated.
devil...................................................Satan is the author of the wickedness that destroys.
Tree of Life..................................the biggest and most important gift

God has firm rules to return to him.  The dream teaches people how to get to the destination.  It involves seeking the Tree of Life by following the path and holding firm to the Iron Rod.  Those who move away fall into the filth and can die spiritually.  This has everlasting consequences

Chapter 15

This chapter gives important keys for the understanding of the teachings of Lehi.  It contrasts with the beliefs of Nephi's brothers who find spiritually impossible.  Prayer is essential for understanding, and following the commandments is essential to obtain Eternal Life.

1 Nephi 14

1 Nephi 14

1 Nephi 14: 1-4

Gentiles in that day...........................................when the the prophecy comes true, these European peoples
shall manifest himself........................................a promise of Christ's presence, if worthy
stake away stumbling blocks..............................the obstacles that trip up the Gentiles removed
harden not hearts......................................willing to listen and accept the gospel
numbered with House of Israel................................they will be accepted as part of the House of Israel
blessed people forever........................................the people will have an opportunity of eternal blessings
pit digged.....................................................a serious impediment of growth, a trap
founded by devil and children...............................those who follow Satan
filled with those who dig it.....................................the very trap used to enslave will enslave the evil doers
justice...............................................................the Lord will hold them responsible for their evil

At the given time, the Lord will begin his work by giving the Gentiles the opportunity of accepting the gospel. The effect of the acceptance will result in a serious reversal of the wicked machinations of the evil one.

1 Nephi 14: 5-17

repenteth.................................................the blessings of Israel go to the accepting Gentiles
wo...........................................................if Gentiles reject the message they will fall under condemnation
great and marvelous work..........................the gospel will be brough forward, giving men a choice
choice......................................................men are responsible for the their choices, especially spirtiual choices
brought down..........................................those who reject will be part of those who will be caught in the pit
remember?.............................................Nephi asked to bring other things to mind
abominable church........................................the choice that will lie ahead.  This church is the Gentile way.
two churches.............................................2 choices.  one holy, the other evil
belongeth.................................................a man cannot belong to both.  Make a choice
whore of the earth.......................................the great Gentile evil will affect all nations in the last days
church of the Lamb.......................................much smaller in numbers, but protected by God
wickedness.................................................the righteous will need to endure the evil of that day
power from God.........................................divine help will elevate the Saints (Power from on high)
wrath poured out......................................the times of judgement descent.  the evil perish and the righteous stand
wars.....................................................the evil peoples will destroy themselves in continual warfare
wrath on the mother..........................................the central reason for the war will be the center of the war
work of the father.........................................as these wars commence and spread, the gospel goes world wide

Nephi prophecies about the nature of the teachings of the Gentiles.  The result will be disastrous, enveloping the whole world in warfare and great calamity.  The saints will flourish, but will be much smaller in numbers.  They will be upheld by divine assistance.

1 Nephi 14: 18-30

on of the 12............................................a special message from the great apostle
will write....................................................John will write down an apocalyptic message to the people
end of the world..........................................this apostle has the calling to warn the people, not Nephi's mission
in the book..........................................those things are written in the Bible and will be part of the Bible
what he saw and wrote...............................Nephi sees in vision the same things as John in the Bible
shalt not write.....................................Nephi may see it, but he is not to write any more
small part...............................................Nephi writes only what he is allowed, what his father say, not what John saw
make an end.............................................Nephi deeply affected by the vision.  Vision ends, but not where the record ends

The Lord gives Nephi a great vision about the future, but he withholds what he saw by commandment.  That message was given to John, and the current people have it from the the Eastern book, the Bible.

1 Nephi 14

Nephi is given a great vision of the future, and he sees our day.  He sees the big picture of the Gentiles, their divisions, the rising of the latter-day church, and the ultimate battles that will be waged.