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Book of Mormon Commentary
2 Nephi Chapter 1
(53). By "first" is doubtless meant his chief or more favorable blessing. All five of those named
could not each be the recipient of a first blessing in point of rank or degree.
When Jacob blessed his sons, Manasseh and Ephraim received Joseph's part. The right-hand
blessing, Joseph thought, should go to the older of his sons. When Jacob crossed his hands so that
his right hand rested on Ephraim's head, Joseph protested. Jacob assured him that he had acted
wisely because the seed of the younger should be greater (Gen. 48: 19-25).
2 Ne 1:55 And now, Zoram, I speak unto you: Behold, thou art the servant of Laban; nevertheless, thou
hast been brought out of the land of Jerusalem, and I know that thou art a true friend unto my son Nephi,
for ever.
1:55 It must have given Lehi much satisfaction to know of Zoram's faithfulness. As a result a
blessing was pronounced upon him and his seed. They were to be prospered upon the land on the
condition that they did not go into iniquity (57). It is observed that no mention is made of this
servant of Laban from the time he joined the group which carried the plates of brass (I N. 1:144)
into the wilderness until now, except mention is made of his marriage to Ishmael's oldest daughter
(I N. 5:7). Here is another case of a good man, the salt of the earth, who receives little attention or
historical mention because he "does the expected things. It is good to read that "the Lord hath
consecrated 'this land for the security of thy seed with the seed of my son" (58) .
2 Ne 1:61 Nevertheless, Jacob, my first born in the wilderness, thou knowest the greatness of God; and
he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain.
1:61 Lehi called Jacob “my first born in the wilderness." The afflictions referred to were due to
"the rudeness of thy brethren" (60). Since Jacob supported Nephi in the conflicts with Laman and
his followers, it is possible that Jacob suffered some of the kind of violence which Nephi met. Or
it may have been an emotional disturbance which reacted on his physical growth and health.
In his blessing Jacob is told that he shall "dwell safely with thy brother Nephi; and thy days shall
be spent in the service of thy God" (62). This assurance must have cheered the youth and
encouraged him to prepare for larger tasks and greater responsibilities which would be his in due
time.
2 Ne 1:63 Wherefore, I know that thou art redeemed, because of the righteousness of thy Redeemer:
for thou hast beheld, that in the fullness of time, he cometh to bring salvation unto men.
1:63 The patriarch Lehi could not have made these statements except under divine impulsion.
(Lehi was a patriarch because he was father of a large family or tribe. See note for II N. 2:11.) The
redemption of Jacob was not guaranteed by the righteousness of the Redeemer alone but because
of that spirit and obedience of Jacob to God's laws.
"Thou has beheld" (see also 64) seems to indicate that he had received a vision of the Messiah
who was to come with the gospel of salvation. Many of the great spiritual leaders received their
calls while still in their youth. Samuel, Timothy, and Joseph are examples. Youth is an age of
vision (Joel 2: 28).
Youth sees, age tests,
Youth soars, age rests.
While youth is out for detection
Old age is in for perfection.
And both are one, as flower and pod,
Both serving well the kingdom of God.