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

Book of Mormon Commentary
1 Nephi Chapter 5
5:186 There was real occasion for serious contemplation. Previous experience had taught them
that God's favor was withdrawn when the colony was disobedient. The revelers forgot "by what
power they had been brought thither" (183). Nephi feared that unless they repented of their
iniquity they would be “swallowed up in the depths of the sea" (185). When he rebuked them, they
responded, as do most rebellious people, by becoming angry. Again they raised .the cry, "We will
not that our younger brother shall be a ruler over us" (187). (See 1:56; 5:48-52; II N. 1:40-51)
Laman and Lemuel bound Nephi with cords and treated him harshly (188).
1 Ne 5:189 Nevertheless, the Lord did suffer it, that he might shew forth his power, unto the fulfilling
of his word which he had spoken concerning the wicked.
5:189 It may seem strange that no one would raise a hand to protect Nephi from such unjust
treatment. Not all of the group had become indulgent and wicked; some had no occasion for
shame nor anger. The explanation is found in the clause, "the Lord did suffer [permit] it unto the
fulfilling of his word." Had the innocent interfered, and met violence with violence, they would
have thwarted God's plan and purpose. It was necessary £or His power to be demonstrated.
The first manifestation of His power was that the "compass" did not function (190), and they did
not know which way to steer the ship (191).
Next a great storm arose, and the boat was driven back £or three days (192). This was no ordinary
adverse wind, but a "great and terrible tempest." They feared lest the ship should sink and all
would be drowned.
The fourth day of the storm was even worse, and the rebellious began to see that "the judgments of
God were upon them" (197).
1 Ne 5:198 Wherefore, they came unto me and loosed the bands which were upon my wrists, and
behold, they had swollen exceedingly; and also mine ankles were much swollen, and great was the
soreness thereof.
5:198 Convinced that their rashness had brought them near destruction, they loosed the cords and
set Nephi free. By this time his wrists and ankles "had swollen exceedingly," and were very
painful. He did not murmur but praised the Lord. Lehi and Sariah, now of advanced age, were
sickened with grief as a result of the rebellion. Lehi had remonstrated with his two sons and the
sons of Ishmael, but they threatened him and anyone else who would speak favorably of Nephi
(200).
Lehi and his wife were sick near unto death. The children were left without proper care and
nourishment while the storm raged. These things £ailed to move the rebels. It was only when they
began to fear for their own miserable lives that they relented, and the power of God could soften
their hearts (207).
THEY REACH THE PROMISED LAND, VER. 209-213
1 Ne 5:209 And it came to pass after they had loosed me, behold, I took the compass, and it did work
whither I desired it.