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

Book of Mormon Commentary
1 Nephi Chapter 3
1 Ne 3:67 And I saw many fall down at his feet and worship him.
3:66, 67 Jesus had reached his majority at the time of this vision. According to Hebrew custom
and law this was the age of thirty (Luke 3: 30). In his ministry of about three years he was
accompanied by his disciples. These were not the twelve only but "other seventy also" (Luke 10:1,
18). This vision may even have included his triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday
when the multitude paid him homage.
1 Ne 3:68 And it came to pass that I beheld that the rod of iron, which my father had seen, was the word
of God, which led to the fountain of living waters, or to the tree of life; which waters are a representation
of the love of God;
1 Ne 3:69 And I also beheld that the tree of life was a representation of the love of God.
3:68, 69 When God inspires a man through a vision, some truths are conveyed in symbolic form.
These may mean different things to different people, depending on the fund of experience which is
brought to bear on these truths. The Book of Mormon excels in the plainness which facilitates
understanding.
The word of God is like a rod of iron when one keeps a firm grip on it and moves forward where it
leads. "Love is the fulfilling of the law" (Rom. 13:10). The fruit of righteousness is manifested in
our love for God and our fellowmen.
1 Ne 3:70 And the angel said unto me again, Look and behold the condescension of God!
3:70 The voluntary act by which one serves those beneath his own rank, or discourses with those
who are inferior to him is condescension. God "gave his Only Begotten Son" for the redemption of
mankind. The Savior was "on all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Heb.4:15). Thus
he was able to minister to the needs of man, for he had passed through these human trials.
1 Ne 3:74 And after he was baptized, I beheld the heavens open, and the Holy Ghost come down out of
heaven and abode upon him in the form of a dove.
3:74 Nephi was shown the prophet, John the Baptist, who was to prepare the way for Jesus'
ministry. Doves are very common in Palestine. They were sold for sacrifices in the temple courts
(John 2:14). The dove is the symbol of gentleness and innocence (Matt. 10:14), as well as a
symbol of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:45).
1 Ne 3:75 And I beheld that he went forth ministering unto the people in power and great glory;
1 Ne 3:76 And the multitudes were gathered together to hear him;
1 Ne 3:77 And I beheld that they cast him out from among them.
1 Ne 3:78 And I also beheld twelve others following him.
3:75-78 This panoramic vision covers the early years of Jesus' mission in Galilee. Jesus was
rejected in his own village (Luke 4:24-30). He was led "unto the brow of a hill ...that they might
cast him down headlong"; however, a way of escape was provided.