1 Nephi 2: Lehi Leaves Jerusalem

The Lord God speaks to Lehi in a drew and commands him that he should depart from Jerusalem and take his family into the wilderness.

“…it came to pass that he was obedient unto the word of the Lord, wherefore he did as the Lord commanded him… he departed into the wilderness. And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness.” (1 Nephi 1:3-4)

After three days of traveling Lehi and his family (Sariah – his wife, Laman, Lemuel and Sam – his sons) pitched tents near a river river, near the border of the Red Sea. Lehi calls the river ‘Laman’ and speaks to Laman saying; “…O that thou mightest be like unto this river, continually running into the fountain of all righteousness! And he also spake unto Lemuel: O that thou mightest be like unto this valley, firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord!” (1 Nephi 1:9-10)

Lehi spoke to his two sons Laman and Lemuel because of their stiffneckedness, for their murmurings [complaining] because they did not want to leave Jerusalem, which was the land of their inheritance. They also did not want to leave behind worldly possessions such as gold and silver. Laman and Lemuel believed that their father was a foolish man who follows the foolish imaginations of his heart. They complained to their father; “…because they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them. Neither did they believe that Jerusalem, that great city, could be destroyed according to the words of the prophets. And they were like unto the Jews who were at Jerusalem, who sought to take away the life of my father.” (1 Nephi 1:12-13)

Lehi, being overcome with the Spirit of the Lord did confound them that they did not wish to murmur against their father again. Nephi explains that he believed his father, but that he had some doubt and prayed to the Lord to help him understand and remove any doubt he had about his father. Nephi explains;

“…I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers.” (1 Nephi 1:16)

Nephi speaks to his younger brother Sam and tells him everything that he had seen, and he did believe on the words of Nephi. Laman and Lemuel however did not believe the words of Nephi. Nevertheless, Nephi prays to God that they might come to the same knowledge that he had obtained and believe on the words of his father Lehi. The Lord responds to Nephi’s prayer; “…Blessed art thou, Nephi, because of thy faith, for thou hast sought me diligently, with lowliness of heart… inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper, and shall be led to a land of promise; yea, even a land which I have prepared for you; yea, a land which is choice above all other lands.” (1 Nephi 1:19-20)

The Lord promises Nephi that if he continues to have faith and keep the commandments of God that he would be led to the Promised Land. The Lord also promises that Nephi would be delivered from his brothers if they tried to hurt him.