Jacob 1 - That We Might Persuade Them to Come Unto Christ I'm taking an online economics class right now, which prompted me to think of the definition of economics in the context of the scriptures. Economics is the study of the allocation of scarce resources. In the case of Nephi and his successor Jacob, the plates upon which they engraved their record was a scarce resource. They were costly to make and difficult to engrave, and instilling a tradition of passing them through generations was surely cumbersome. Recognizing the great importance of spiritual things and the challenge of maintaining records, Nephi instructed Jacob to prioritize religious instruction saying, " if there were preaching which was sacred, or revelation which was great, or prophesying, that I should engraven the heads of them upon these plates, and touch upon them as much as it were possible, for Christ’s sake, and for the sake of our people" (Jacob 1:4). This priority was not only reflecte
In chapter 16 Lehi and his family have cause to murmur or complain against the Lord due to the trials they experienced: challenging teachings from the Lord, economic hardship, and the death of a family member. Chapter 16 illustrates the pattern of trials, complaining, chastisement, and humility that led them to repentance.
"For they had humbled themselves because of my words; for I did say many things unto them in the energy of my soul."
Hard Things
As Nephi shared his vision with his brothers, he taught them about the final judgement, the reward of the righteous, and the punishment of the wicked (1 Nephi 15:31-36). These teachings struck a chord with his brothers who responded, "Thou hast declared unto us hard things, more than we are
able to bear" (1 Nephi 16:1). Nephi explained that these teaching were only difficult for them to accept because of their personal feelings of guilt and the disconnect between these teachings and their own [beliefs] and behavior. "And now my brethren, if ye were righteous and were willing to hearken to the truth, and give heed unto it, that ye might walk uprightly before God, then ye would not murmur because of the truth, and say: Thou speakest hard things against us" (1 Nephi 16:3).
What is most surprising to me about this exchange is that after Nephi corrected them and "did exhort my brethren, with all diligence, to keep the commandments of the Lord," his brothers "did humble
themselves before the Lord; insomuch that [he] had joy and great hopes of
them, that they would walk in the paths of righteousness" (1 Nephi 16:4-5). Nephi was bold in his criticism of his brothers and accused them of wickedness, and somehow his brothers were able to accept and internalize his correction.
A Broken Bow
During their early journey Nephi's steel hunting bow broke and they are unable to procure food. Few challenges produce feelings of vulnerability and anxiety like economic hardship. Losing work and livelihood can undermine a sense of identity and self-worth, and in Lehi's case prompted feelings of resentment toward the Lord who had led them out of Jerusalam away form their comforts and wealth. Because they "suffered much for the want of food," they began to "murmur exceedingly" against the Lord (1 Nephi 16:20). Nephi intervenes again to correct and encourage his family members and "did speak much unto [his] brethren, because they had hardened their hearts again, even unto complaining against the Lord their God" (1 Nephi 16:22).
Despite Lehi's lapse in faith, Nephi still defers to his prophetic office. After making a new bow out of wood he asks his father "Whither shall I go to obtain food?" (1 Nephi 16:23). Because of the many things that Nephi told them "in the energy of [his] soul" Lehi and his sons "humbled themselves" because of my words and inquired of the Lord (1 Nephi 16:24). The voice of the Lord also came unto Lehi, "and he was truly chastened because of his murmuring against the Lord, insomuch that he was brought down into the depths of sorrow" (1 Nephi 16:25).
In this case, both Nephi and the voice of the Lord strongly urged Lehi and his sons to repent. This prompted them to be humble, and they were again able to procure food.
Ishmael's Death
Lastly, Ishmael passed away as they traveled in the wilderness. Ishmael's children were understandably distraught, they blamed Lehi for their hardships, and wanted to return to Jerusalem saying: "Our father is dead; yea, and we have wandered much in the
wilderness, and we have suffered much affliction, hunger, thirst, and
fatigue; and after all these sufferings we must perish in the wilderness
with hunger" (1 Nephi 16:35). Laman, Lemuel, and Ishmael's sons were so upset they actually plotted to kill Lehi and Nephi, but "the voice of the Lord came and did speak many words unto them, and did chasten
them exceedingly; and after they were chastened by the voice of the
Lord they did turn away their anger, and did repent of their sins,
insomuch that the Lord did bless us again with food, that we did not
perish (1 Nephi 16:39).
Even though Nephi corrected them with the energy of his soul, and the voice of the Lord spoke to them on two occasions, Lehi and his family "humbled themselves." Nephi does not attribute their change of heart to the external influence of his words or the voice of the Lord, but points the internal adjustment of their attitudes. Events in our lives and the invitation of others can prompt us to be humble, but ultimately the choice is ours to submit to God's will and see all people as equals.
Image Credit: Soo Hee Kim
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