1 Nephi - Lesson 6: 1 Nephi 19-22 (to be discussed December 14)
Day 1: Read 1 Nephi 19:1-8
[Note: 1 Nephi 19 sets up the reader for the two chapters of Isaiah that follow. Themes include the promised Messiah, the scattering and gathering of Israel and the covenants of the Lord.]
1. To whom does Nephi seem to be writing in this chapter?
2. List four things from 1 Nephi 19:1 Nephi included in his firs record, or large plates (“these plates” refers to the small plates; see “A Brief Explanation About the Book of Mormon,” following the introduction and testimonies at the beginning of the book).
3. Nephi says he makes historical, instructional and theological records, but that they all contain “sacred” writings. What does “sacred” mean and how does it apply to all his writing?
Day 2: Read 1 Nephi 19:9-24
4. Why did Jesus suffer the indignities of mortality?
5. List details about the Savior’s mission that Nephi learned from Zenock, Zenos and Neum. How might the history of the world have been different if we had these writings in all religious canon?
6. Nephi writes to persuade his people to “remember the Lord their Redeemer” (v.18). Why did he read them the writings of Isaiah?
7. What does Nephi say will give us hope?
Day 3: Read 1 Nephi 20 (see handout with outlines of chapters 20 and 21)
8. What evidences does Isaiah give in this chapter that witness of the power and integrity of the Lord?
9. Isaiah begins and ends chapter 20 with images of water. Compare the water in verses 1, 18 and 21 with the fountain of living waters described in Lehi’s dream (see 1 Nephi 11:25).
a. How had ancient Israel (and Laman and Lemuel) rejected the living waters of baptism? How do we?
b. How is peace like a river and righteousness like waves?
c. How was ancient Israel sustained by living waters in the desert? What happens when we forget or
ignore the tender mercies of the Lord?
10. From verses 12-20, what is Israel called to do?
Day 4: Read 1 Nephi 21:1-12; 1 Nephi 22:10-12; D&C 86:7-11
11. Why, according to 1 Nephi 21:1, was Israel scattered?
12. According to 1 Nephi 21:3, who is the “me” whom the Lord has called from the womb? As with much of Isaiah, there are multiple interpretations. Are the prophecies in verses 1-12 fulfilled in other ways or by other people?
13. Many people believe 1 Nephi 21;4-6 refer specifically to Ephraim. Assuming this interpretation, list the things Ephraim is called to do in the latter days.
14. From 1 Nephi 21:14, 21 and 24, list Israel’s three “objections” or excuses for her lack of faith in the Lord’s promises. How do we use these objections today?
15. Nephi gives an interpretation for 1 Nephi 21:9-12 in 1 Nephi 22:10-12. Using these passages together, who might be the prisoners Israel is to free, and in what way(s) will they be brought out of darkness? (see also D&C 45:28; D&C 86:7-11)
Day 5: Read 1 Nephi 21:13-26 (see footnote to v.24); 1 Nephi 22:6-9; D&C 45:9
16. What did the Lord say would always remind him of his people? What helps you remember Him? (Note: replace the word “walls” with “lives” in v. 16.)
17. Nephi had seen in vision the future of his descendants and the restoration of the gospel in the latter days on the American continents. He quoted the prophecies of Isaiah with a hope that 1) his brethren would catch that vision 2) his descendants (and theirs) would recognize who they were, and 3) we (latter-day Israel) would continue in the marvelous work of the gathering.
According to Nephi’s interpretation in 1 Nephi 22:6-9 and modern revelation in D&C 45:9, what is the “standard” mentioned in 1 Nephi 21:22?
18. In what way(s) have kings and queens nurtured Israel in the latter days?
19. What does it mean to “wait” for the Lord?
Day 6: Read 1 Nephi 22:1-16
20. How can we understand the teachings of Isaiah?
21. Are Isaiah’s writings temporal or spiritual?
22. What will happen to those who fight against Israel?
Day 7: Read 1 Nephi 22:17-31
23. Why do the righteous have nothing to fear?
24. In 1 Nephi 22:23, again substitute the word “organizations” for “churches.” List four main goals of the kingdom of the devil.
25. How will Satan be bound during the millennium?
BOOK OF MORMON STUDY GUIDES
Showing posts with label 1 NEPHI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1 NEPHI. Show all posts
Monday, March 5, 2007
1 Nephi 16-18
1 Nephi – Lesson 5: 1 Nephi 16-18 (to be discussed at next class, December 7)
Day 1: Read 1 Nephi 16:1-20
1. According to Nephi, who takes the truth to be hard? Look back in chapter 15 of 1 Nephi and list what “hard things” Nephi had said.
2. What advice did Nephi give his brothers to help them be more receptive to the truth?
3. What trial caused even Lehi to murmur and become sorrowful? Why do you think this trial caused so much difficulty?
Day 2: Read 1 Nephi 16:21-39; Alma 37:38-45
4. How did Nephi solve the family’s food problem? Why do you think he went to Lehi for direction?
5. Why do you think Lehi and his family felt fear when they read the words on the Liahona? What might they have read?
6. The curious ball found by Lehi worked according to what three principles? Mark Nephi’s lesson in v. 29 that follows his words, “And thus we see…” Cross reference to Alma 37:6-8
7. What has the Lord provided that can give direction in our lives today?
BONUS: Note the two names given in this chapter for the places where Lehi’s family set up camp in the wilderness. Mark meanings of these names in each of the accompanying footnotes.
Day 3: Read 1 Nephi 17:1-22
8. Mark the IF/THE promise in 1 Nephi 17:3. Give blessings, promised if we keep the commandments of God.
9. Nephi states in v. 6 that his family “suffered many afflictions and much difficulty” on their journey, too many to list. Make a short list of the afflictions Nephi DID record.
10. What was Nephi’s reaction to the Lord’s injunction to build a ship? How did his brethren react to the news? Why?
11. From 1 Nephi 17:19-22, list all the incorrect statements Laman and Lemuel made. On what was their argument based?
Day 4: Read 1 Nephi 17:23-47; Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:14-16
12. 1 Nephi 17:23-47 contains Nephi’s response and counsel to his brethren. Why do you think he used the story of Moses leading Israel out of bondage as the basis for his response?
13. How was Lehi’s exodus like the exodus of the children of Israel with Moses? How were they different? How does Nephi’s address illustrate his mission statement in 1 Nephi 1:20?
14. In I Nephi 17:45, what problems does Nephi say Laman and Lemuel had? What do you think it means to “feel” God’s words? Can you think of a scripture you FELT as you read it?
Day 5: Read 1 Nephi 17:48-55
15. What was the reaction of Laman and Lemuel to Nephi’s address?
16. How did Nephi gain confidence?
17. On what was the testimony expressed in v. 55 based?
Day 6: Read 1 Nephi 18:1-16
18. How was Nephi able to build a sea-worthy ship? Why were Nephi’s brethren humbled?
19. Why did Laman and Lemuel bind their brother? Had they done this successfully before? Why did the Lord allow it? About how long was Nephi bound?
20. What was Nephi’s reaction after he was freed from the bonds?
Day 7: Read 1 Nephi 18:17-25
21. How did Lehi, Sariah, Jacob and Joseph suffer while Nephi was bound?
22. Why do you think their pleadings did nothing to soften Laman’s and Lemuel’s hearts?
23. What did you learn in this chapter about coming to Christ?
Day 1: Read 1 Nephi 16:1-20
1. According to Nephi, who takes the truth to be hard? Look back in chapter 15 of 1 Nephi and list what “hard things” Nephi had said.
2. What advice did Nephi give his brothers to help them be more receptive to the truth?
3. What trial caused even Lehi to murmur and become sorrowful? Why do you think this trial caused so much difficulty?
Day 2: Read 1 Nephi 16:21-39; Alma 37:38-45
4. How did Nephi solve the family’s food problem? Why do you think he went to Lehi for direction?
5. Why do you think Lehi and his family felt fear when they read the words on the Liahona? What might they have read?
6. The curious ball found by Lehi worked according to what three principles? Mark Nephi’s lesson in v. 29 that follows his words, “And thus we see…” Cross reference to Alma 37:6-8
7. What has the Lord provided that can give direction in our lives today?
BONUS: Note the two names given in this chapter for the places where Lehi’s family set up camp in the wilderness. Mark meanings of these names in each of the accompanying footnotes.
Day 3: Read 1 Nephi 17:1-22
8. Mark the IF/THE promise in 1 Nephi 17:3. Give blessings, promised if we keep the commandments of God.
9. Nephi states in v. 6 that his family “suffered many afflictions and much difficulty” on their journey, too many to list. Make a short list of the afflictions Nephi DID record.
10. What was Nephi’s reaction to the Lord’s injunction to build a ship? How did his brethren react to the news? Why?
11. From 1 Nephi 17:19-22, list all the incorrect statements Laman and Lemuel made. On what was their argument based?
Day 4: Read 1 Nephi 17:23-47; Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:14-16
12. 1 Nephi 17:23-47 contains Nephi’s response and counsel to his brethren. Why do you think he used the story of Moses leading Israel out of bondage as the basis for his response?
13. How was Lehi’s exodus like the exodus of the children of Israel with Moses? How were they different? How does Nephi’s address illustrate his mission statement in 1 Nephi 1:20?
14. In I Nephi 17:45, what problems does Nephi say Laman and Lemuel had? What do you think it means to “feel” God’s words? Can you think of a scripture you FELT as you read it?
Day 5: Read 1 Nephi 17:48-55
15. What was the reaction of Laman and Lemuel to Nephi’s address?
16. How did Nephi gain confidence?
17. On what was the testimony expressed in v. 55 based?
Day 6: Read 1 Nephi 18:1-16
18. How was Nephi able to build a sea-worthy ship? Why were Nephi’s brethren humbled?
19. Why did Laman and Lemuel bind their brother? Had they done this successfully before? Why did the Lord allow it? About how long was Nephi bound?
20. What was Nephi’s reaction after he was freed from the bonds?
Day 7: Read 1 Nephi 18:17-25
21. How did Lehi, Sariah, Jacob and Joseph suffer while Nephi was bound?
22. Why do you think their pleadings did nothing to soften Laman’s and Lemuel’s hearts?
23. What did you learn in this chapter about coming to Christ?
1 Nephi 13-15
1 Nephi – Lesson 4: 1 Nephi 13-15
Note: Nephi’s vision is retold in chapters 11-14 of First Nephi. Chapters 11-12 contain Nephi’s prophecy regarding the Savior’s mortal ministry. Chapters 13-14 contain Nephi’s prophecy about the future of the promised land (the Americas) and the formation of two “churches.” The “great and abominable church” described in these chapters might more properly be called an abominable “kingdom” or “organization.” No specific church or denomination is implied.
Day 1: Read 1 Nephi 13:1-18
1. As your read 1 Nephi 1:1-9, list what Nephi said are the desires of those under the influence of Satan.
2. Read the article under “Gentile” in the Bible Dictionary. What are the two meanings of the word “gentile” as used in scripture? Which meaning do you think Nephi intended in these verses? How were they in captivity?
3. Give possible meanings for “many waters” (v.10); “a man among the Gentiles” (v. 12); “other Gentiles” (v.13); “mother Gentiles” (v.17)’ and “battle” (v.18 – in other words, which battle or war?).
Day 2: Read 1 Nephi 13:19-33
4. What do you think is represented by the book Nephi describes as being carried by the Gentiles, which “proceedeth out of the mouth of a Jew”?
5. What did Nephi see would happen to this book that would cause the Gentiles to stumble?
6. What were the promises to Nephi regarding his seed in vv. 30-33?
Day 3: Read 1 Nephi 13:34-42
7. How will we be blessed if we seek to bring forth Zion and endure to the end?
8. List some possible explanations or interpretations of the records Nephi saw which would come forth to restore plain and precious truths.
9. How will the first be last and the last first?
Day 4: Read 1 Nephi 14:1-14
10. 1 Nephi 14:1-3 contains multiple IF/THEN statements. What are the two “IF” parts of the promise? Now, list two “THEN” promises in verse one and three from vv. 2-3.
11. Using the Topical Guide heading in footnote 7a, what is the “marvelous work” foreseen by Nephi? How does this work sift people?
12. Substitute the word “organizations” or “kingdoms” for the word “churches” in v.10. How do our covenants protect us against wickedness?
Day 5: Read 1 Nephi 14:15-30; Revelation 17 and Revelation 18:2
13. What additional insight(s) regarding “the mother of harlots’ do you get from John the Revelator?
14. Why was Nephi forbidden to write further regarding his vision?
15 (BONUS) How was Nephi’s vision of the future of the Americas and the two churches instructive in interpreting Lehi’s vision of the tree of life?
Day 6: Read 1 Nephi 15:1-18
16. Why was Nephi so burdened with grief?
17. Outline Nephi’s IF/THEN pattern for receiving revelation in v.11.
18. How is Israel like an Olive tree?
Day 7: Read 1 Nephi 15:19-36
19. How is the word of God like an Iron Rod?
20. Read John 1:1-5, 14. What is another meaning for the Word of God?
21. What is “the greatest of all the gifts of God” (v.36)?
22. Do you notice a difference in Nephi’s preaching to his brethren after he has seen the future of their sed in vision? If so, how is it different?
Note: Nephi’s vision is retold in chapters 11-14 of First Nephi. Chapters 11-12 contain Nephi’s prophecy regarding the Savior’s mortal ministry. Chapters 13-14 contain Nephi’s prophecy about the future of the promised land (the Americas) and the formation of two “churches.” The “great and abominable church” described in these chapters might more properly be called an abominable “kingdom” or “organization.” No specific church or denomination is implied.
Day 1: Read 1 Nephi 13:1-18
1. As your read 1 Nephi 1:1-9, list what Nephi said are the desires of those under the influence of Satan.
2. Read the article under “Gentile” in the Bible Dictionary. What are the two meanings of the word “gentile” as used in scripture? Which meaning do you think Nephi intended in these verses? How were they in captivity?
3. Give possible meanings for “many waters” (v.10); “a man among the Gentiles” (v. 12); “other Gentiles” (v.13); “mother Gentiles” (v.17)’ and “battle” (v.18 – in other words, which battle or war?).
Day 2: Read 1 Nephi 13:19-33
4. What do you think is represented by the book Nephi describes as being carried by the Gentiles, which “proceedeth out of the mouth of a Jew”?
5. What did Nephi see would happen to this book that would cause the Gentiles to stumble?
6. What were the promises to Nephi regarding his seed in vv. 30-33?
Day 3: Read 1 Nephi 13:34-42
7. How will we be blessed if we seek to bring forth Zion and endure to the end?
8. List some possible explanations or interpretations of the records Nephi saw which would come forth to restore plain and precious truths.
9. How will the first be last and the last first?
Day 4: Read 1 Nephi 14:1-14
10. 1 Nephi 14:1-3 contains multiple IF/THEN statements. What are the two “IF” parts of the promise? Now, list two “THEN” promises in verse one and three from vv. 2-3.
11. Using the Topical Guide heading in footnote 7a, what is the “marvelous work” foreseen by Nephi? How does this work sift people?
12. Substitute the word “organizations” or “kingdoms” for the word “churches” in v.10. How do our covenants protect us against wickedness?
Day 5: Read 1 Nephi 14:15-30; Revelation 17 and Revelation 18:2
13. What additional insight(s) regarding “the mother of harlots’ do you get from John the Revelator?
14. Why was Nephi forbidden to write further regarding his vision?
15 (BONUS) How was Nephi’s vision of the future of the Americas and the two churches instructive in interpreting Lehi’s vision of the tree of life?
Day 6: Read 1 Nephi 15:1-18
16. Why was Nephi so burdened with grief?
17. Outline Nephi’s IF/THEN pattern for receiving revelation in v.11.
18. How is Israel like an Olive tree?
Day 7: Read 1 Nephi 15:19-36
19. How is the word of God like an Iron Rod?
20. Read John 1:1-5, 14. What is another meaning for the Word of God?
21. What is “the greatest of all the gifts of God” (v.36)?
22. Do you notice a difference in Nephi’s preaching to his brethren after he has seen the future of their sed in vision? If so, how is it different?
1 Nephi 10-12
1 Nephi - Lesson 3: 1 Nephi 10-12
Day 1: Read 1 Nephi 10:1-11
1. In 1 Nephi 10:3, Nephi recounts Lehi’s prophecy regarding the destruction of Jerusalem. To what great capital city were the Jews taken captive? In what modern country would you find the ruins of this ancient city today?
2. List the important details of Christ’s first advent as shown to Lehi in 1 Nephi 10:4-11.
Extra Credit: Read BD entries “Babylon or Babel” and “Assyria and Babylonia” for more background.
Day 2: Read 1 Nephi 10:12-22
3. Who do the “natural branches of the olive tree” in verse 14 represent? How are they “grafted in”?
4. Do you think Nephi wanted to “see, and hear, and know” for himself because he didn’t believe Lehi’s vision? Why was it so important for him to have his own witness?
Day 3: Read 1 Nephi 11:1-11
5. Read D&C 76:19 and D&C 138:1-5, 11. What do Nephi, Joseph Smith and Joseph F. Smith have in common?
6. What was Nephi’s desire? Why was the Spirit willing to accommodate that desire?
7. Why do you think Nephi was taken to an “exceedingly high mountain”?
8. What was the first thing Nephi saw in vision? Read Revelation 22:1-2 and Ezekiel 47:12. Nephi didn’t have either of these prophetic descriptions. What do John the Revelator and Ezekiel say the leaves of the tree are for?
Day 4: Read 1 Nephi 11:12-25
9. In answer to Nephi’s desire to know the interpretation of the vision of the tree, what does the Spirit show him next?
10. What did Nephi learn about the “condescension of God”?
11. How did Nephi know the meaning of the tree?
12. How has the word of God helped you taste the joy that comes from God’s love?
BONUS: Read Abraham 5:8-10. Why do you think Abraham 5:9 is cross-referenced with 1Nephi 11:25?
Day 5: Read 1 Nephi 11:26-36
13. Circle, underline or box each time the word “look” appears in these verses (optional). How do these further visions help Nephi understand the condescension of God?
14. What did the great and spacious building represent? What happened to it?
Day 6: Read 1 Nephi 12: 1-10
15. Nephi and his family were probably still in the valley of Lemuel when he received this vision (see 1 Nephi 10:16). Why do you think he was shown his descendants in the land of promise?
16. List the key elements of the vision in 1 Nephi 12:1-10.
Day 7: Read 1 Nephi 12:11-23
17. What do the “mists of darkness” represent? List three things the mists do to the children of men.
18. All of chapter 12 can be organized into an inverse parallelism, or chiasmus. Verses 6-12 are at the center of the chiasmus. What great events are listed in this central portion?
EXTRA CREDIT: Find and mark verses that could be seen as the A, B and C of this chiasmus – and the corresponding A1, B1 and C1. Do not be limited by A, B and C – use as many letters to designate sections as you find appropriate.
Day 1: Read 1 Nephi 10:1-11
1. In 1 Nephi 10:3, Nephi recounts Lehi’s prophecy regarding the destruction of Jerusalem. To what great capital city were the Jews taken captive? In what modern country would you find the ruins of this ancient city today?
2. List the important details of Christ’s first advent as shown to Lehi in 1 Nephi 10:4-11.
Extra Credit: Read BD entries “Babylon or Babel” and “Assyria and Babylonia” for more background.
Day 2: Read 1 Nephi 10:12-22
3. Who do the “natural branches of the olive tree” in verse 14 represent? How are they “grafted in”?
4. Do you think Nephi wanted to “see, and hear, and know” for himself because he didn’t believe Lehi’s vision? Why was it so important for him to have his own witness?
Day 3: Read 1 Nephi 11:1-11
5. Read D&C 76:19 and D&C 138:1-5, 11. What do Nephi, Joseph Smith and Joseph F. Smith have in common?
6. What was Nephi’s desire? Why was the Spirit willing to accommodate that desire?
7. Why do you think Nephi was taken to an “exceedingly high mountain”?
8. What was the first thing Nephi saw in vision? Read Revelation 22:1-2 and Ezekiel 47:12. Nephi didn’t have either of these prophetic descriptions. What do John the Revelator and Ezekiel say the leaves of the tree are for?
Day 4: Read 1 Nephi 11:12-25
9. In answer to Nephi’s desire to know the interpretation of the vision of the tree, what does the Spirit show him next?
10. What did Nephi learn about the “condescension of God”?
11. How did Nephi know the meaning of the tree?
12. How has the word of God helped you taste the joy that comes from God’s love?
BONUS: Read Abraham 5:8-10. Why do you think Abraham 5:9 is cross-referenced with 1Nephi 11:25?
Day 5: Read 1 Nephi 11:26-36
13. Circle, underline or box each time the word “look” appears in these verses (optional). How do these further visions help Nephi understand the condescension of God?
14. What did the great and spacious building represent? What happened to it?
Day 6: Read 1 Nephi 12: 1-10
15. Nephi and his family were probably still in the valley of Lemuel when he received this vision (see 1 Nephi 10:16). Why do you think he was shown his descendants in the land of promise?
16. List the key elements of the vision in 1 Nephi 12:1-10.
Day 7: Read 1 Nephi 12:11-23
17. What do the “mists of darkness” represent? List three things the mists do to the children of men.
18. All of chapter 12 can be organized into an inverse parallelism, or chiasmus. Verses 6-12 are at the center of the chiasmus. What great events are listed in this central portion?
EXTRA CREDIT: Find and mark verses that could be seen as the A, B and C of this chiasmus – and the corresponding A1, B1 and C1. Do not be limited by A, B and C – use as many letters to designate sections as you find appropriate.
1 Nephi 6-9
1 Nephi - Lesson 2: 1 Nephi 6-9
Day 1 - Reading assignment: 1 Nephi 6; Genesis 49:22-26; Deuteronomy 33:13-17
1. The brass plates of Laban contained precious genealogical records along with the five books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy: The Pentateuch) and other histories and prophecies of Israel. Nephi knew he was a descendant of Joseph, the birthright son of Jacob. Use the passages in Genesis 49:22-26 and Deuteronomy 33:13-17 to list three of the blessings pronounced upon Joseph.
2. Cross-reference 1 Nephi 6:4-6 with 1 Nephi 1:20. What was Nephi’s intent?
3. Following Nephi’s example, list five things you might say as part of a testimony that would be “pleasing unto God and unto those who are not of the world.” Optional: Copy your testimony onto one of the blank pages at the beginning of the Book of Mormon.
Day 2 – Reading assignment: 1 Nephi 7:1-15
4. What was the condition of Ishmael’s heart? How did it get that way?
5. Who from Ishmael’s family rebelled? Read Alma 3:7 and 4 Nephi 1:38, then list the fruits of their rebellion.
6. Lehi was from the tribe of Manasseh (Alma 10:3) and Ishmael from Ephraim (Journal of Discourses 3:184). Erastus Snow (JD 23:184-185) suggests that the choice of Ishmael and his family fulfilled a prophecy by Jacob in Genesis 48:16. In what way(s) did the union of Lehi’s and Ishmael’s families fulfill this prophecy?
7. What is the phrase Nephi repeats three times in vv. 10-12. How does always remembering the Lord bless our lives?
Day 3 – Reading assignment: 1 Nephi 7:15-22
8. How does the story in vv. 16-18 illustrate Nephi’s thesis/mission statement found in 1 Nephi 1:20?
9. Why do you suppose Laman and Lemuel were angry with Nephi?
Day 4 – Reading assignment: 1 Nephi 8:1-12
10. In Lehi’s dream or vision, how long was he traveling in darkness? What is the significance of this traveling in darkness?
11. What did Lehi see after he entreated the Lord for mercy?
12. Describe the fruit of the tree in Lehi’s dream. What was his first desire after having partaken of the fruit?
Day 5 – Reading assignment: 1 Nephi 8:13-20
13. In v.13, Lehi sees a “river of water.” Symbolically, what does water represent to people traveling in a desert?
14. What kind of voice did Lehi use to call his family to the tree in v. 15?
15. Look up the word “strait” in the dictionary. What is the significance of the path being described as “strait” rather than “straight”?
Day 6 – Reading assignment: 1 Nephi 8:21-38
16. These verses describe four groups of people in Lehi’s dream. Give a brief description of each group:
a. vv. 21-23, 31-32
b. vv. 24-25, 28
c. vv. 26-27, 33
d. v. 30
17. List five verbs in vv. 37-38 that express Lehi’s response as a result of his dream.
Day 7 - Reading assignment: 1 Nephi 9 with introductory page titled, “A Brief Explanation About The Book of Mormon” (found just before the table of contents)
18. According to the chapter heading and the explanatory page, what kind of record is contained in Nephi’s small plates?
19. What kind of record did Nephi keep on his large plates?
20. From which plates was 1 Nephi translated?
Extra Credit Reading: “Lehi’s Family Tree,” New Era, January 2004. (Can be found online at http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll?f=templates$fn=default.htm. Click on the + sign next to “Magazines” in the column to the left; then click the + sign next to “New Era”; then click the + sign next to “2004” and finally the + sign next to “January 2004” – then scroll down and click on the article, “Lehi’s Family Tree.”)
Day 1 - Reading assignment: 1 Nephi 6; Genesis 49:22-26; Deuteronomy 33:13-17
1. The brass plates of Laban contained precious genealogical records along with the five books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy: The Pentateuch) and other histories and prophecies of Israel. Nephi knew he was a descendant of Joseph, the birthright son of Jacob. Use the passages in Genesis 49:22-26 and Deuteronomy 33:13-17 to list three of the blessings pronounced upon Joseph.
2. Cross-reference 1 Nephi 6:4-6 with 1 Nephi 1:20. What was Nephi’s intent?
3. Following Nephi’s example, list five things you might say as part of a testimony that would be “pleasing unto God and unto those who are not of the world.” Optional: Copy your testimony onto one of the blank pages at the beginning of the Book of Mormon.
Day 2 – Reading assignment: 1 Nephi 7:1-15
4. What was the condition of Ishmael’s heart? How did it get that way?
5. Who from Ishmael’s family rebelled? Read Alma 3:7 and 4 Nephi 1:38, then list the fruits of their rebellion.
6. Lehi was from the tribe of Manasseh (Alma 10:3) and Ishmael from Ephraim (Journal of Discourses 3:184). Erastus Snow (JD 23:184-185) suggests that the choice of Ishmael and his family fulfilled a prophecy by Jacob in Genesis 48:16. In what way(s) did the union of Lehi’s and Ishmael’s families fulfill this prophecy?
7. What is the phrase Nephi repeats three times in vv. 10-12. How does always remembering the Lord bless our lives?
Day 3 – Reading assignment: 1 Nephi 7:15-22
8. How does the story in vv. 16-18 illustrate Nephi’s thesis/mission statement found in 1 Nephi 1:20?
9. Why do you suppose Laman and Lemuel were angry with Nephi?
Day 4 – Reading assignment: 1 Nephi 8:1-12
10. In Lehi’s dream or vision, how long was he traveling in darkness? What is the significance of this traveling in darkness?
11. What did Lehi see after he entreated the Lord for mercy?
12. Describe the fruit of the tree in Lehi’s dream. What was his first desire after having partaken of the fruit?
Day 5 – Reading assignment: 1 Nephi 8:13-20
13. In v.13, Lehi sees a “river of water.” Symbolically, what does water represent to people traveling in a desert?
14. What kind of voice did Lehi use to call his family to the tree in v. 15?
15. Look up the word “strait” in the dictionary. What is the significance of the path being described as “strait” rather than “straight”?
Day 6 – Reading assignment: 1 Nephi 8:21-38
16. These verses describe four groups of people in Lehi’s dream. Give a brief description of each group:
a. vv. 21-23, 31-32
b. vv. 24-25, 28
c. vv. 26-27, 33
d. v. 30
17. List five verbs in vv. 37-38 that express Lehi’s response as a result of his dream.
Day 7 - Reading assignment: 1 Nephi 9 with introductory page titled, “A Brief Explanation About The Book of Mormon” (found just before the table of contents)
18. According to the chapter heading and the explanatory page, what kind of record is contained in Nephi’s small plates?
19. What kind of record did Nephi keep on his large plates?
20. From which plates was 1 Nephi translated?
Extra Credit Reading: “Lehi’s Family Tree,” New Era, January 2004. (Can be found online at http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll?f=templates$fn=default.htm. Click on the + sign next to “Magazines” in the column to the left; then click the + sign next to “New Era”; then click the + sign next to “2004” and finally the + sign next to “January 2004” – then scroll down and click on the article, “Lehi’s Family Tree.”)
1 Nephi 2-5
1 Nephi Lesson 1
Day 1: Read 1 Nephi 2:1-13
1. 1 Nephi 2 continues the thought begun in 1 Nephi 1:20. What kind(s) of “deliverance” is/are illustrated in 1 Nephi 2:1-2?
2. Why do you think Lehi was willing to leave worldly goods and everything familiar to face hardship in the wilderness?
3. From 1 Nephi 2:11-13, why did Laman and Lemuel murmur?
Day 2: Read 1 Nephi 2:14-24
4. Using 1 Nephi 2:16, what made Nephi different from his brothers?
5. What indication do we have in vv. 20-24 as to why the Lord allowed Laman and Lemuel to escape the destruction of Jerusalem and travel to the promised land?
6. Using map 2 or 3 (any map that shows Jerusalem and the Sinai Peninsula) in your scriptures, approximately how many miles is it from Jerusalem to Ezion-geber? If Lehi’s family traveled an average of 20 miles per day, and went three days’ journey past Ezion-geber (see 1 Nephi 2:6), how far did they go after leaving Jerusalem before camping at the valley of Lemuel?
Day 3: Read 1 Nephi 3:1-20
7. Using your answer to #6 above, if Lehi’s sons could travel 30 miles/ day, how long might it take them to make the round trip?
8. Considering your answer to #7, with whom do you more closely identify, Laman or Nephi, in their reactions to the request to return for the brass plates? Now re-read 1 Nephi 3:7. Why was Lehi “exceedingly glad”?
9. Do you think the casting of lots in v. 11 was totally random? Why or why not?
10. List the reasons Nephi gives in vv. 19-20 for the importance of obtaining the plates.
Day 4: Read 1 Nephi 3:21-31
11. From 1 Nephi 3:25-26, what do we know about Laban?
12. Why do you think Laman was angry with Nephi? Why does v. 28 say Lemuel was angry?
13. What did Laman and Lemuel do after the angel left?
Day 5: Read 1 Nephi 4:1-17
14. The verses in 1 Nephi 4:1-3 are Nephi’s pep talk. On whom is Nephi’s faith based? How do you know?
15. (Personal) Re-read verse 6, then write down a time when you were led by the Spirit.
16. From vv. 7-12, list how the Spirit led Nephi.
17. What new insight did Nephi gain regarding the importance of obtaining the plates? Apply this to the importance of scripture study.
Day 6: Read 1 Nephi 4:18-38
18. List the miracles surrounding the obtaining of the brass plates.
19. Why do you think the Lord waited before intervening? That is, why not deliver the plates to Laman miraculously at his first visit?
20. List the two parts of the covenant between Nephi and Zoram in vv. 32-35.
Day 7: Read 1 Nephi 5
21: List Sariah’s complaints in v. 2 and Lehi’s response in vv. 4-5. What two things gave Sariah comfort?
22. What did the brass plates contain?
23. What effect did scripture study have on Lehi?
Day 1: Read 1 Nephi 2:1-13
1. 1 Nephi 2 continues the thought begun in 1 Nephi 1:20. What kind(s) of “deliverance” is/are illustrated in 1 Nephi 2:1-2?
2. Why do you think Lehi was willing to leave worldly goods and everything familiar to face hardship in the wilderness?
3. From 1 Nephi 2:11-13, why did Laman and Lemuel murmur?
Day 2: Read 1 Nephi 2:14-24
4. Using 1 Nephi 2:16, what made Nephi different from his brothers?
5. What indication do we have in vv. 20-24 as to why the Lord allowed Laman and Lemuel to escape the destruction of Jerusalem and travel to the promised land?
6. Using map 2 or 3 (any map that shows Jerusalem and the Sinai Peninsula) in your scriptures, approximately how many miles is it from Jerusalem to Ezion-geber? If Lehi’s family traveled an average of 20 miles per day, and went three days’ journey past Ezion-geber (see 1 Nephi 2:6), how far did they go after leaving Jerusalem before camping at the valley of Lemuel?
Day 3: Read 1 Nephi 3:1-20
7. Using your answer to #6 above, if Lehi’s sons could travel 30 miles/ day, how long might it take them to make the round trip?
8. Considering your answer to #7, with whom do you more closely identify, Laman or Nephi, in their reactions to the request to return for the brass plates? Now re-read 1 Nephi 3:7. Why was Lehi “exceedingly glad”?
9. Do you think the casting of lots in v. 11 was totally random? Why or why not?
10. List the reasons Nephi gives in vv. 19-20 for the importance of obtaining the plates.
Day 4: Read 1 Nephi 3:21-31
11. From 1 Nephi 3:25-26, what do we know about Laban?
12. Why do you think Laman was angry with Nephi? Why does v. 28 say Lemuel was angry?
13. What did Laman and Lemuel do after the angel left?
Day 5: Read 1 Nephi 4:1-17
14. The verses in 1 Nephi 4:1-3 are Nephi’s pep talk. On whom is Nephi’s faith based? How do you know?
15. (Personal) Re-read verse 6, then write down a time when you were led by the Spirit.
16. From vv. 7-12, list how the Spirit led Nephi.
17. What new insight did Nephi gain regarding the importance of obtaining the plates? Apply this to the importance of scripture study.
Day 6: Read 1 Nephi 4:18-38
18. List the miracles surrounding the obtaining of the brass plates.
19. Why do you think the Lord waited before intervening? That is, why not deliver the plates to Laman miraculously at his first visit?
20. List the two parts of the covenant between Nephi and Zoram in vv. 32-35.
Day 7: Read 1 Nephi 5
21: List Sariah’s complaints in v. 2 and Lehi’s response in vv. 4-5. What two things gave Sariah comfort?
22. What did the brass plates contain?
23. What effect did scripture study have on Lehi?
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