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

Book of Mormon Commentary
1 Nephi Chapter 5
were. The spindles were "within the ball." A spindle is an indicator which turns or spins. One of
the spindles pointed in the direction the caravan was to travel. It was a very timely and practical
gift.
1 Ne 5:14 And we did take seed of every kind, that we might carry into the wilderness.
5: 14 This is the second time that the carrying of grain and other seed has been mentioned (see
2:40). It was of great importance for their survival. Doubtless they had been in the valley of
Lemuel long enough to raise some crops, and it was from their own grain and vegetables that they
preserved the seed.
1 Ne 5:16 And it came to pass that we traveled for the space of four days, nearly a south, south-east
direction, and we did pitch our tents again; and we did call the name of the place Shazer.
5: 16 When they came to Shazer they pitched their tents again. One reason for stopping here was
to obtain supplies of food.
The name "Shazer" may have been the Hebrew chazer ( or chazier), meaning "grass." If it were an
oasis, it would likely be a good place to find game. And the grass would be inviting to the
herbivorous animals.
THE STEEL BOW BREAKS, VER. 17-30
1 Ne 5:17 And it came to pass that we did take our bows and our arrows, and go forth into the
wilderness, to slay food for our families; and after we had slain food for our families, we did return
again to our families in the wilderness, to the place of Shazer.
5:17 The hunt must have been successful, for soon they were ready to resume their journey as
directed by the spindle. This led along "the most fertile parts of the wilderness" (5:18, 20).
1 Ne 5:19 And it came to pass that we did travel for the space of many days, slaying food by the way,
with our bows and our arrows, and our stones and our slings;
5: 19 Besides the use of bows and arrows, the record says they used stones and slings. This time
they "traveled for the space of many days" before resting and replenishing their food supply. The
route took them into the fertile parts of the wilderness and avoided the cities (5:20).
1 Ne 5:22 And it came to pass that as I, Nephi, went forth to slay food, behold, I did break my bow,
which was made of fine steel; and after I did break my bow, behold, my brethren were angry with me,
because of the loss of my bow, for we did obtain no food.
5:22 The use of iron and steel by the Jaredites (E. 3:46) and Nephites (I N. 1:109) has been
questioned by critics of the Book of Mormon. It was used in making swords and bows. This
objection along with many others used to ridicule the book have been met as new light has come
to hand since 1830.