2 Nephi 5: Lamanites are Cursed

                Because of the continued anger from Laman, Lemuel and their families over Nephi being their ruler… Nephi was warned from the Lord that they sought to take away his life and that he should depart into the wilderness with everyone who believed on his words. Nephi departed into the wilderness and traveled many days with those who believed on his words.

Nephi and his people stopped in an area that they called Nephi and the people named themselves the ‘People of Nephi’; “…we did observe to keep the judgments, and the statutes, and the commandments of the Lord in all things, according to the law of Moses.” (2 Nephi 5:10)

                Nephi and his people began to prosper in the land, because the Lord was with them. Nephi took the sword of Laban and did make many swords like unto it as defense in case the Lamanites returned to kill the Nephites, because of their great hatred toward them. Nephi taught his people; “…to build buildings, and to work in all manner of wood, and of iron, and of copper, and of brass, and of steel, and of gold, and of silver, and of precious ores, which were in great abundance.” (2 Nephi 5:15)

Nephi and his people even built a temple like the Temple of Solomon; “…the manner of the construction was like unto the temple of Solomon; and the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine.” (2 Nephi 5:16)

Because of their prosperity, the people of Nephi desired that he be their king. However, Nephi desired that they have NO king! Nephi explains that because the Lamanites disobeyed God, they were cut off from His presence and; “…the Lord God did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them.” (2 Nephi 5:21)

Because Nephi and his people followed the commandments of God, they; “…lived after the manner of happiness.” (2 Nephi 5:27)

Nephi explains that he writes the things that are desirous of God; “And I [Nephi] engraved that which is pleasing unto God. And if my people are pleased with the things of God they will be pleased with mine engravings which are upon these plates.” (2 Nephi 5:32) Essentially, if you believe in the Lord and have faith on Him… you will believe in all His words… including the Book of Mormon.