Book of Mormon Commentary CofC - Odessa, Missouri Community ...

Book of Mormon Commentary
1 Nephi Chapter 1
LABAN REJECTS OFFER BUT COVETS THEIR PROPERIY , VER. 87-90
1 Ne 1:88 And it came to pass that when Laban saw our property, that it was exceeding great, he did
lust after it, insomuch that he thrust us out, and sent his servants to slay us, that he might obtain our
property.
1:88 At heart Laban was a robber and a murderer. He refused to exchange the plates for the
treasures offered by Lehi's sons, but drove them from the house and sent his servants to kill them
and to capture the wealth. Nephi and his brothers dropped the treasures so their flight would not be
impeded, and fled to save their lives.
AN ANGEL REBUKES LAMAN FOR STRIKING NEPHI, VER. 91-98
1 Ne 1:91 And it came to pass that Laman was angry with me, and also with my father, and also was
Lemuel; for he hearkened unto the words of Laman.
1:91 They doubtless felt they had suffered a great defeat which proved to them, that getting the
plates was a foolish mission.
1 Ne 1:94 Know ye not that the Lord hath chosen him to be a ruler over you, and this because of your
iniquities?
1:94 This had been revealed to Nephi (1:56), but now it was made plain to Laman and Lemuel;
because of their iniquities, they had been passed by.
1 Ne 1:98 Behold he is a mighty man, and he can command fifty, yea, even he can slay fifty; then why
not us?
1:98 In spite of the promise made by the angel, Laman and Lemuel doubted that they could
overcome such great odds.
THEY RETURN TO JERUSALEM, VER. 99-104
1 Ne 1:103 Now when I had spoken these words, they were yet wroth, and did still continue to murmur;
nevertheless they did follow me up until we came without the walls of Jerusalem.
1:103 Nephi's leadership is here demonstrated and recognized. No lots were cast this time. Nephi
went alone to the house of Laban as he was led by the Spirit.
LABAN DELIVERED INTO NEPHI'S HANDS, VER. 105-120
1 Ne 1:107 Nevertheless I went forth, and as I came near unto the house of Laban, I beheld a man, and
he had fallen to the earth before me, for he was drunken with wine.