1 Nephi chapter 16

1 Nephi 16: In this chapter Lehi and family continue their travel in the wilderness, the Liahona (“a round ball of curious workmanship” that would point “the way whither we should go”) is given unto them from the Lord. Nephi breaks his steel bow (vital in obtaining food) and Ishmael dies. The loss of the bow quickly leads to extreme hunger and afflictions which drive even Lehi to murmur and complain. Lehi humbles himself quickly, repenting with great sorrow. The others are chastened and their repentance lasts only until the next trial where they again plot to kill Lehi and Nephi blaming them for all their struggles and problems. Laman, Lemuel and those aligned with them concoct a wild scenario to explain all the miraculous things that have happened so they can deny the Lord’s existence and justify their murder of their father and brother. Ishmael’s death was particularly hard for his family (esp. Laman’s and Lemuel’s wives). They want to blame someone so they blame Lehi for bringing them out of Jerusalem and Nephi for keeping them in the wilderness--for of course (in their minds) IF ONLY they hadn’t left Jerusalem they would be fat, happy, rich, and their father wouldn’t have died


Application: Do I seek to learn the LORD”S WILL in all things? Or do I just want what I want when I want it? Do I recognize his hand in everything--the food on the table, our home, our health, event the very breath we breathe? Or do I deny him and praise the arm of flesh for providing these things. (I.e. I’ve worked hard all these years, I’ve strained, sweat lifted and gone to work every day! I have earned this by my labor! Or I’m so intelligent, I got my degree and this job, prestige and money.--aren’t I smart and aren’t I strong-- I did it by myself! It is hard not to accept the worlds doctrine that is constantly being pushed at us though TV, news, friends etc. We must be ever vigilant and we must truly have and express gratitude to our Heavenly Father for all that he provides for us