1 Nephi 1-8

A few years ago, I journaled as I read the Book of Mormon, writing my own personal synopsis of each chapter, including whatever insights I gleened. I tried to then apply each chapter's message to myself and my life. I am trying to get it typed into the computer so I can print it out and thought that I would also post it here. I hope that you might gain some insight as I share and, in the very least, it is another place to safeguard my journal besides just on my hard drive.

A Book of Mormon Journey and Journal----by Deanna Steffler


This journal will contain thoughts, inspirations, applications and synopsizes derived from the reading of the Book of Mormon. I started on November 18, 1999 (and as is my style) layed aside and restarted, and layed aside and started again etc until I finally finished April 30, 2006.


1 Nephi 1: Nephi starts his portion of the record by recording an account of his father Lehi (a prophet) and the marvelous vision he had manifested as a pillar of fire on a rock. Lehi sees and hears much. Lehi returns home and is overcome by the spirit. He is then carried away in a vision and sees Christ and his apostles. He is shown the coming destruction of Jerusalem (if the people do not repent). Lehi goes forth and testifies to all Jerusalem, despite the persecutions and danger that accompanies his call to repentance. “When thou art converted-strengthen thy brethren.” and perhaps also “Where much is given, much is expected” is brought to mind. Also twice in this chapter it speaks of the Lord’s ‘tender mercies’ “I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.”

Application: Lehi and Sariah were “goodly parents” yet two of their sons were rebellious and become unbelievers and persecute their family that remain faithful. We must be ever vigilant in helping our children learn how to get their own answers and testimony. Also, Lehi’s experience with the Lord parallels and has many of the same descriptive markers of other prophets record of their interaction face to face with the Lord. A testimony of the truth of Joseph Smith’s description of his first vision.


1 Nephi 2: When Lehi is commanded by the Lord in a dream to leave Jerusalem, Lehi packed up his family and left into the wilderness. No negotiating or foot dragging. He took only his family and necessities (tents food etc.) and left. Leaving the rest of their property and wealth behind. Laman and Lemuel are rebellious and first Lehi speaks lovingly “O (Laman) that thou mightiest be like unto this river, continually running into the fountain of all righteousness” and “O, (Lemuel) that thou mightest be like this Valley--firm and steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord.” but as they continue to murmur and begin to plot to kill Lehi (“the were like unto the Jews who sought to take away the life of my father”). Then Lehi spoke unto them with great power insomuch that their very bones shook and they dared no say another word. On the other hand Nephi though upset at leaving sought the Lord for confirmation. The Lord answered Nephi and reveled much about Nephi and his posterities future. In addition, I have read that one scholar of the Middle East stated the Lehi’s reference to the VALLEY being unmovable (rather than a mountain) is unique to that geographical area. The shifting of the sands could form hills which could be gone tomorrow but the valley remains.

Application: Obey quickly and without murmuring . Seek confirmation don’t just complain and back bite. Have enough faith to seek your own answers and truth.


1 Nephi 3: Laman and Lemuel were the first asked to go get the brass plates, but they murmured and said it was a hard thing to do. Only after nephi came to his father to share his revelation did Lehi go around Laman’s “birthright” and ask Nephi to get the plates. Nephi’s vision has shown him God’s plan and power. He accepts willingly knowing God will provide a way. Laman and Lemuel have to be coaxed, coddled and pacified throughout the hourney. Even an angel is sent down to intervene and speak to them, but as soon as the angel left they started again to murmur.

Application: A sign will not convince or convert-only the willing, humble heart can be changed. The Lord will not force anyone to believe, they must choose for themselves. In Verse 28 we learn that Laman was the leader/instigator and that Lemuel went along with whatever Laman said or did. Do we subject ourselves to someone else’s will-just to be popular?


1 Nephi 4: A disturbing chapter where Nephi is commanded to kill Laban. This brings a conflict between my western ideological and Christian theological upbringing and the ancient Judaic laws of justice and God’s knowledge of the plan of salvation and death. Laban had committed several acts that would have condemned him to death under the Judaic law---theft and intent to commit murder among others and had those acts been brought to the attention of a righteous earthly judge he would have been condemned and executed. Laban’s death was justified by all the laws of his time and place. God is the final judge as to whether our lives and actions are righteous. He also has a knowledge of each of us and our immortality. Our time here on this earth is such a small moment and God will be fair and merciful in His judgments of His children and since Laban is-despite the errors of his ways-a son of God, I believe he will have opportunity extended to him in the eternities in the form of the gospel and the atonement. Nephi’s willingness to obey God’s command to do this thing which went against everything he felt or had been taught testifies of the faith and trust he had in the Lord and also his character and his determination to be obedient in whatsoever thing the Lord asked of him. It reminds me of Abraham being asked to sacrifice Isaac and his willingness to obey even such an incomprehensible command. It is counted as righteousness to be willing to obey all that we are commanded to do. The strength and power of an oath is illustrated in Zoram’s promise to accompany Nephi into the wilderness--“our fears did cease concerning him” they did not tie him up so he couldn’t escape or worry that he would murder them in their sleep. A man’s word was a bond.

Application: Do we honor and uphold the oaths and promises we have made? Do we live with exactness in regards to our baptismal, temple and family covenants? Do we seek to learn God’s will and then obey his commands?


I Nephi 5: In this chapter, Sariah falters in her faith and murmurs because of the tremendous fear she had concerning the welfare of her sons. But her fear and murmuring turn to praise of God and an experience that would build her testimony of God’s care. She rejoices and offers burnt offerings and vows to never doubt the Lord again. The obtaining of the brass plates was not the end of the commandments concerning them. Lehi immediately read and searched them. Lehi prophesied that the teachings of the brass plates will never dim but will be carried forth to all nations, tongues and people. The importance of genealogy and family history is put forth. Nephi states how important the plates are so “that we could preserve the commandments of the Lord unto our children.”

Application: Search the scriptures daily and keep a journal and seek out your family history.


1 Nephi 6: Nephi tells how the small gold plates are to be used to record the things of God for the good of men and his posterity. The things of the world will be/are recorded on other plates.

Application: By Nephi’s example we should keep two records. One of our spiritual dealings with God and our testimony. A record designed to uplift and bring the reader (our posterity) to God, and another journal that records our life and dealings with men.


1 Nephi 7: Lehi’s sons again return to Jerusalem to bring Ishmael and his family into the wilderness with them. Laman and Lemuel rebel again, this time convincing 2 of Ishmael’s son and 2 of his daughters to side with them against Nephi and their father Lehi. Nephi rehearses all that the Lord has done for them. He exhorts them to remember that the “Lord is able to do all things according to his will: if we have faith. He reminds them of the prophesies of the destruction of Israel. He emphasizes that they have a choice to follow God or to rebel against him. They choose to rebel and bound Nephi with strong cords and plot to kill him. Nephi prays to the Lord for strength and help. His bands are loosened and Ishmaels’s wife, a daughter and another son all plead for Nephi’s life. Hearts are softened and forgiveness sought. Nephi “frankly forgives them and the journey continues.

Application. I need to remember all my blessings and spiritual interactions with God and honor my children’s (other;s) choices, and forgive easily, quickly and freely.


1 Nephi 8:
This chapter records the vision of the Tree of Life and while I won’t go into the details, it is rich in symbolisms and insight into our life here on the earth--such as; the narrow path, the iron rod, the rich and spacious building and of course the Tree of Life with its most desirable fruit. As a parent, this vision really effects me. As I read of Lehi’s loving concern for his children and how he both beckons and calls to them to come and partake of the Tree of Life. And, how despite the marvelous vision, the sweetness of the fruit, etc., Lehi’s heart had to be broken to know that two of his eldest sons refused to be saved. Even though it was their choice not to come to the tree, it evokes such heart wrenching powerlessness in those that love them and deep heart searching to find if somehow there were things that as a parent he might have done differently to have influenced them to be more receptive. I also have had many dreams where in my young children were running towards a dangerous high precipice and all I could do I cry and beg them to stop and return before they would laughingly continue in a headlong rush over the edge without ever being aware of its presence (because they ignored all the counsel to the otherwise)

Application: Do both my actions and my words teach and testify of Christ and invite others to cling to the rod and follow the path to eternal life? As a parent do I truly take the time to teach my children the gospel and to rely on the Spirit so they can choose righteously?