The burden of providing

First Nephi 16

The event of the broken bow as detailed in chapter 16 shows yet another example of a trial that was impossible, except someone should have faith.  Just like with the brass plates, they were unobtainable without the actions of faith.  In this case, the entire camp might have died of hunger if it weren't for Nephi's faith.  Nephi was the last one standing.  And what could be more stressful than being depended on to provide food to a hungry extended family, because if you don't, no one else will.

Text messages from God

First Nephi 16:9-10, 16, 26-29

After gathering seeds and getting married, it was finally time to leave the valley of Lemuel.  When Lehi is told to leave the valley, he wakes up to find "a round ball of curious workmanship".  Interestingly, Nephi never actually calls it the Liahona in his writings, but it's name is later revealed by Alma in Alma 37:38.
Nephi says that this is an example of how "small means the Lord can bring about great things"

We can speculate where it came from, or who made it, but that's not it's most interesting aspect.  Even if it was hand made by some wise man traveling from far, or delivered from the courts on high by an angel, the most interesting aspect is not it's physical qualities, or mode of arrival.  Those are the "small means".  The most interesting part is that  it receives communications from God.  The spindles aren't a traditional compass - they point the way this particular company should travel.  In addition, God's words are physically written on the ball, and changed from time to time.  Even our most sophisticated smart phones don't have that app.

Eternal Marriage

First Nephi 16:7-8

I have a feeling that, in addition to the amazing visions, Nephi was talking about his marriage when he said he had been blessed exceedingly.  It is also interesting that the marriage ceremonies took place before they began their journey into the wilderness.

Ask me in Faith

First Nephi 15:1-11

Nephi returned from his vision to find his brethren disputing about the things Lehi had said.
The dialog between Laman and Lemuel and Nephi here can teach us lessons about ourselves as well.  They said "We cannot understand" to which Nephi could have done one of two things, he could continue their disputations by offering his own opinion, or he could show deference to the One who could help them all understand.  "Have ye inquired of the Lord?" was his response.  What a novel idea it must have been to them, to actually see the Lord as the source of knowledge, and as an entity that could join their conversation and end their disputes.  But isn't it also the most natural reaction?  When we are confused, who do we ask?  Why not ask God - about anything?  Shouldn't He know?  If anybody knows, it's Him, right?  Of course.  Yet it requires faith, and diligence.  Ask as though you will get and answer - "believing you will receive"

Nephi says these words came from the Lord - perhaps Lehi relayed them to his sons during their discussion on his vision of the tree of life.  Laman and Lemuel should have known them already.  It is apparent that Nephi knew these words, and was probably thinking about them when he desired to receive the same revelation as his father.  

Nephi faints

First Nephi 15:1-6

It seems that visions are physically draining - After Nephi witnesses such an amazing vision, he is brought sharply back to earth when he sees the same old contention, disputing, and lack of faith of his brethren.  Perhaps after witnessing the destruction of his seed, and the forever division his children will have from the children of his brothers, he is reminded that he is in the presence of the begining of it all: Laman and Lemuel.  His description of being "overcome" is similar to what Moses experienced on the mount, when he fell to the earth for many hours (Moses 1:9-10) and what Joseph Smith experienced when he fainted while crossing the field fence after a night of visits from the Angel Moroni.

Easy to the understanding of all men

First Nephi 14:18-27

More than 600 years before the apostle John wrote the book of Revelation, Nephi saw him, and what we would write about.  Nephi wasn't the only one to see the things that he saw in his vision.  But he was only allowed to write a "small part" of the things that he saw (v.28).  Others have seen them as well, and written them (v.26).  But their accounts are not available to us, they are sealed up for now.  The only surviving account we have a copy of is that of the apostle John as he wrote it in the book of Revelation in the Bible.  But this account might still remain fragmentary and lacking it's original clarity after his words were sifted and changed by unholy people (13:26).  Note how the angel says when they were written, they "were plain and pure, and most precious and easy to the understanding of all men".  This sounds like what Nephi wrote in the four previous chapters (11-14) - plain, pure, precious, easy to understand.  But it doesn't sound like what "all men" would say concerning our present day Book of Revelation.  Maybe the plain and precious parts haven't been restored yet so that we can use faith, prayer, work, and personal revelation to demonstrate to God our desire to understand, which demonstration will earn those most precious things.

The immediate future - wars and rumors of wars

Parts 1-3 are posted separately below

First Nephi 14 part 4

Fourth

To recap: the saints of God are scattered upon all the face of the earth, the great mother of abominations gathers together multitudes to fight against the Lamb of God, the power of the Lamb of God descends to arm the saints.  So first there was an offensive, initiated by the church of the devil.  Then defensive measures provided to the saints by God.  Now there is a counter-offensive - a terrible reckoning for the great and abominable church.  Earlier in Nephi's vision, he witnessed the scattering and smiting of the seed of his brethren by the Gentiles.  The angel described it as the wrath of God (13:11,14).  The above verse indicates that the wrath of God will be poured out in these last days.  As could be said about each item in these few verses, these wars and rumors of wars may be in progress; however, note that it says "among all nations and kindreds of the earth".  The day this happens is the day that preparing for the fulfillment of the covenants commences.  The rest of Nephi's vision, (he says he only wrote a small part) is written by John the Apostle in the book of Revelation.

The immediate future - The power of the Lamb of God

First Nephi 14 - part 3

Third

The preceding act of aggression in v.13, namely the gathering of multitudes to fight against the Lamb of God as directed by the "great mother of abominations", prompts the above defensive response.  The power of the Lamb of God descends to protect and arm the saints.  Certainly we can say this is already happening, but I believe it will be more pronounced when this prophecy is fulfilled to completion.  Remember that it occurs after the multitudes gather to fight.  It will occur in stark contrast, a defense proportional to the threatened offensive.  The power of God in great glory will be apparent.

The immediate future - fighting against the Lamb of God

First Nephi 14 part 2

Second

Just as specific events such as Columbus, the revolutionary war, and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon are described previously in Nephi's vision, there is no reason for us not to take the above verse literally.  It is describing something that, once we are either going through it or have gone through it, we will recognize as easily and plainly as the other historical events Nephi described.

Imagining mobs of people, upon all the face of the earth, among all nations is not difficult.  Earlier in Nephi's vision he described the multitudes of the earth, the house of Israel specifically, gathering to fight against the twelve apostles (11:34-36).  But imagining multitudes fighting against the Lamb of God, who is not on the earth, is more difficult.  The conditions for a worldwide protest against Jesus Christ, as directed by the church of the devil, have not been met yet.  How will they fight against Him?  Perhaps they will fight against his teachings, against the idea that he really existed, maybe even against his Church.

It is easy to wonder if we are currently experiencing this event, at least in some degree.  Surely we can say that multitudes are currently fighting against the teachings of Jesus Christ, against his divinity, and against his church.  Perhaps they (we?) gather together ignorantly.  Perhaps in movie theaters and night clubs, they unknowingly participate in the fight against holiness and virtue, against their conscience, the Light of Christ.  Perhaps they are multitudes gathered together online?  Gathered to a particular way of thinking?  Are we part of the fight against the Lamb of God or His teachings in our daily activities?  Do we fight against the whisperings of the Holy Ghost?  If so, let us put down our weapons and follow righteousness.

The immediate future - the saints of God

First Nephi 14 part 1

In hindsight, it is easy to see historical events as Nephi described them in his vision.  Events in the life of Christ, events in the establishment of America, Columbus, the revolutionary war, the restoration, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon - these events are plain to understand now that we are beyond them in time.  Nephi's vision points us yet forward, for a little way, before it is abruptly cut off and assigned to the Apostle John to write.  There are 4 specific occurrences that are either in the process of happening now, or will happen in the future.  The angel sets the stage by reminding Nephi twice about the covenants of the Lord unto the house of Israel.   By the end of these 4 events however, the angel says that it will be the day for the commencement in preparing the way for the fulfilling of the covenants.  The angel also sets the stage by describing that the great and marvelous work will divide men one way or another (v7), and the main actors on the stage are the church of the Lamb of God and the church of the devil, a.k.a. the great whore of all the earth, who has dominion over all the earth, among all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people.  

First

There are several things here that we could say describe the Church as of this day - its numbers are few, its dominions upon the face of the earth are small.  And while it is in many nations, I don't know if it yet meets the condition of being upon "all the face of the earth".

To know the interpretation thereof

First Nephi 11-14

Nephi desired to see the things which his father saw, and to know the interpretation thereof.  Here is a list of symbols and their meaning as given to Nephi in his vision, also the event he saw that related to each symbol.  

The Tree:

The love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men.  It is the most desirable above all things. (11:21-22)  The interpretation was declared by Nephi after seeing the infant Savior with his mother, Mary.  

Rod of Iron: 

The word of God, which leads to the tree of life.  The interpretation was given after Nephi saw the Son of God going forth among the children of men, and many fall down at His feet and worship Him. (11:24-25)

Fountain of Living Waters:

The Love of God, or the tree of life.  The fountain of living waters is only mentioned once and has the same meaning as the tree.  The rod of iron leads to both (11:25)

Large and Spacious Building:

The world and the wisdom thereof; the pride of the world; vain imaginations and the pride of the children of men.  The interpretation was given in connection with the house of Israel - multitudes of the earth - fighting against the twelve apostles of the Lamb.  The interpretation was also given in connection with the destruction of the Nephites.  It falls, and the fall thereof is exceedingly great. (11:34-36; 12:15-19)

Fountain of Filthy Water, River and Its Depths:

The depths of hell.  The interpretation was given while Nephi saw his seed destroyed by the seed of his brethren.  (12:15-19)

Mists of Darkness:

The temptations of the devil, which blind the eyes and harden the hearts of the children of men, and leads them away into broad roads, that they perish and are lost.  The interpretation was given while Nephi saw his seed destroyed by the seed of his brethren.  (12:15-19)

Great and Terrible Gulf:

The word of the justice of the Eternal God.  It divides the large and spacious building from the tree of life.  The interpretation was given while Nephi saw his seed destroyed by the seed of his brethren.  (12:15-19)

Nephi's vision - 2,500 years of world history

First Nephi 11-14

Nephi's vision is mostly chronological, with events taking place on two continents until the events start overlapping. But this vision is not only the highlights of western history, it is also written as a perspective for our guidance today. It comes right up to our present time, perhaps a small way into the future. Within this framework, Nephi was given the meaning of the symbols of Lehi's dream. He then states that he cannot write more, but John the Apostle will (the Book of Revelation). Here's a rough outline:

Chapter 11: The Life of Christ (1BC - 33AD, Holy Land)
Chapter 12: The generations of Lehi's seed (~500BC - ~500AD, Americas)
Chapter 13:1-33 The Nations of the Gentiles (~100AD - 1830AD, Europe, America)
Chapter 13:34-14:4 The Restoration of the Gospel (1830AD - Present, World)
Chapter 14:5-17 The Covenants of the Father unto the House of Israel

 Nephi's writing ends on the day of the commencement of the work of the Father in preparing of the way for the fulfilling of His covenants unto the House of Israel (v.17). That day is a day of wars and rumors of war.  Nephi saw many more things which John also saw and wrote, and is forbidden to continue writing.  But this impressive vision was only a "small part" of what he saw.

Made white in the blood

First Nephi 12:9-12

The imagery of cleansing garments is used symbolically to describe the sanctifying and purifying our spirits go through when we have faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  The following verses note that during the Savior's post-mortal ministry to the Americas, many people exercised such faith required to have their garments "made white".  Note that it's not bleach that they are made white in, it's the Savior's blood.

Judged of the world

First Nephi 11:31-33

Nephi points out a great irony at the close of the Savior's ministry:

The Son of God, who is the Eternal Judge, was judged "of the world". An ignorant judgement that continues today. He who was without sin was condemned to death. The tables will turn when all the world will face Him at the final judgement. Hopefully he will be more merciful to us then the mercy he was and is given by the world.

Angels descending

First Nephi 11:29-30

A curious verse interupts Nephi's vision of the Savior's ministry. He sees the Twelve Apostles, who are then abruptly hidden from his view:

After this isolated scene, the vision continues on as if uninterupted. Although this verse could be referring to anything at the time, it could be referring to the the Mount of Transfiguration. Instead of my own comments, here is a quote from the Bible Dictionary, which sums it up:

"This very important event in the New Testament occurred about a week after the promise made to Peter that he would receive the keys of the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 16:13–18; 17:1–9). On the mount (probably Mount Hermon) the Savior, Moses, and Elias (Elijah) gave the promised keys of the priesthood to Peter, James, and John, which enabled these brethren to carry forth the work of the kingdom on the earth after the departure of Jesus. These keys were later given to all of the Twelve.

The transfiguration occurred in about October, some six months before the death of Jesus. The brethren saw the Lord in a glorified and transfigured state. They also saw a vision of the earth as it will appear in its future glorified condition (D&C 63:20–21); saw and conversed with Moses and Elijah, two translated beings; and heard the voice of the Father bearing witness that Jesus is his beloved Son, in whom the Father is pleased, and commanding the brethren to hear (obey) him. See also Mark 9:2–10; Luke 9:28–36; 2 Pet. 1:16–18.

The event is important in many ways: Necessary priesthood authority was conferred upon Peter, James, and John; the significance of the Savior’s work was emphasized; and the unity of various dispensations and the close relationship of Jesus and his prophets was demonstrated. Few events in the Bible equal it in importance. A similar event occurred on April 3, 1836, in the temple at Kirtland, Ohio, where the same heavenly messengers conferred priesthood keys upon the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery (D&C 110)."

They cast him out

First Nephi 11:24-33

Nephi's vision of the Savior's ministry summarized a stark contrast that when placed in a single verse causes pause. Read the first part of this verse and imagine an appropriate reaction: "I beheld that he went forth ministering unto the people, in power and great glory; and the multitudes were gathered together to hear him..." How would you respond to such teaching? How did they respond? They cast him out. Could he have said anything that would have caused them not to cast him out? Could anyone teach with more power and glory? Let's not continue to cast him out from among us today.

The Mother of the Son of God

First Nephi 11 Nephi saw Mary in the city of Nazereth 600 years from his time, as shown unto him by an angel:

Notice how the Angel qualified the title "Mother of the Son of God" with the phrase "after the manner of the flesh." It is interesting to distinguish her by this - a subtle reminder that there is the Mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the spirit.

He spake unto me as a man speaketh with another

First Nephi 11:1-12

There are precious few scriptures describing the nature of the Holy Ghost. Nephi's vision is one of them. The Spirit is the third member of the Godhead. He has the form of a man, but no body. He was chosen in the premortal life to stand next to the Father and the Son and bear witness of them to us during our mortal journey. He is also called The Comforter. Through him, God's love and influence can be felt in more than one place at the same time. It is not inhibited by physical barriers. Actually, whether we feel his influence or not is more about us and less about the Spirit. Like the Father and the Son, he is constant, unchanging. His voice is always there, waiting to be heard and sought out. We are the ones who move, either toward his voice or away. We should cultivate a spiritual ear tuned to listen to his still, small promptings. Nephi was given a sacred experience: a personal face-to-face introduction to the voice he had been listening to.

Revelation = responsibility

First Nephi 11:7

The Spirit introduced the vision of the tree of life to Nephi. First, he confirmed that Nephi believed in the Son of God before promising that Nephi would see Him. But with that vision came an obligation: Nephi would bear record of the Son of God.

What does it mean to bear record? It means to tell others. For Nephi, he bore record by writing it. I am certain he also told others about it. What about us? Do we bear record of the revelations we have received? Do we share with others what the Holy Ghost has witnessed to us?

Prerequisites to Revelation

First Nephi 10:17-11:1
First Nephi 10:17:

Nephi shares some insight on how he received a great revelation by the power of the Holy Ghost. We should follow the same in order to receive similar. (click on the text for previous posts about these items)
1. "I was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost" (10:17)
2. "Believing that the Lord was able to make them know unto me" (11:1)
3. "I sat pondering in mine heart" (11:1)
First Nephi 11:1:

He that diligently seeketh shall find

First Nephi 10:17-22

Nephi nurtured the ability communicate with God, to receive revelations that taught him about his Heavenly Father. We have documented his spiritual growth starting with sincere prayer, the Holy Ghost softening his heart, hearing the Lord speak to him, seeing an angel, and having a real-time conversation with the Holy Ghost. Now he is about to see a vision. All of these events were created by Nephi's incredible faith.

"Fine" you might say, "Good for Nephi. That stuff can't happen to me." To which I ask, why not? Why wouldn't Heavenly Father want to reveal things to you? We receive revelations all the time. Do we recognize them as such? Answers to prayers, impressions from the Holy Ghost, a scripture that seems to be meant just for us, hearing the still small voice of the Spirit in our mind and in our heart; these are all forms of revelation. They are as sacred and serious as Nephi's revelations. The fact that they come to us is evidence of God's existence, and of His love for us. They are an invitation from Him to seek Him out to commune with Him and receive greater revelations. He desires for us to draw nearer to Him.

Physically Scattered, Spiritually Gathered

First Nephi 10

The context of Lehi leaving Jerusalem was that he was part of the "scattering" of the house of Israel. He knew this, and taught it to his children. In fact, Lehi wasn't the first to be broken off from the tree of Israel. This scattering had been prophesied by prophets of old and his fulfillment of those prophesies gave him great perspective. His teachings focused on the ultimate remedy of the scattering: gathering. This is fortunate for us who read it, because we are living in the time of the gathering.

The Book of Mormon prophets had the perspective that they were a branch of Israel, broken off and planted in another land. We are living in the era of gathering, spiritually, at least for now.

Grateful that Nephi kept the commandments

First Nephi 9

It's easy to forget about the lost 116 pages of the Book of Mormon. After all, they are lost. But we never really talk about their replacement, the small plates of Nephi.

Nephi didn't know why he was writing this second record - keep in mind he had already written his story in depth in his initial record, as the events occurred. The small plates were for the spiritual highlights of his life. The plates themselves were forged later - in the new world. It probably wasn't easy to make them, and to feel invested in writing things that were already written, but Nephi was obedient to God's commands, and for that I am grateful.
I am also grateful for the prophet Mormon. He wrote almost the entire Book of Mormon, an incredible accomplishment. But the book we have today is missing a significant portion of what he wrote. It's the 116 pages which were stolen from the Prophet Joseph Smith's scribe. It was a teaching moment for the young prophet, and the Lord provided a way to replace the missing pages, a way planned 2400 years in advance when he commanded Nephi to make the small plates. Not only did Nephi follow the promptings of the spirit when making the small plates, but Mormon also followed the spirit when he included them with his record. In the end, these plates of Nephi make up about 26% of the final version of the Book of Mormon. It could almost be called the Book of Nephi-Mormon.

Symbolism

First Nephi 8

Lehi's vision of the Tree of Life as first given is enhanced by the later interpretations taught to Nephi. It is a dream of symbols. The central conflict is the tree of life on one hand, and the great and spacious building on the other. The multitudes file off to proclaim their allegiance either way. Unfortunately because of the mists, they don't always make it to their destination. Actually everywhere but the tree is extremely life threatening. It seems the most terrible fate is getting lost, and the most common. Lehi describes it several times "they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost", "they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost", and "many were lost from his view, wandering in strange roads". So how do you and I avoid getting lost? First we have to find and hold onto the rod of iron. We learn later that the rod of iron is the word of God. But even that might not be enough - one group of people who made it to the tree via the rod of iron were ashamed because of the scoffing of those who were pointing the finger of scorn at them from the building. (v.28) "as many as heeded them had fallen away." (v34) However, one verse discribes a group of people who were successful at making it to the tree and staying there

How do you and I avoid getting lost in the mists of this world? Press your way forward. Hold fast to the word of God. Fall down at and partake of the fruit of the tree, and heed not what anyone else may say.

Two families united become one family divided

First Nephi 7
Ishmael's family chose to follow Lehi into the wilderness, after listening to his sons. We are given brief words about their choice, but can conclude it was a powerful spiritual experience not unlike the experiences of Lehi, Nephi, Sam, and Sariah. The Holy Ghost softened their hearts and motivated them to flee Jeruselum.

Unfortunately, they were joining a divided family - and Laman and Lemuel wasted no time in making them second guess their decision. In their rebellion, they were joined by two of Ishmael's daughters (future spouses of Laman and Lemuel?) and his two sons and their families. Three daughters and their parents remained committed to the cause.

Nephi wasted no time in going directly to the source of the rebellion and confronted Laman and Lemuel with words that were direct and frightening. For this, Laman and Lemuel tied him up to kill him by leaving him alone in the wilderness. Nephi exerted faith and escaped. As Laman and Lemuel sought to lay hands on him again, one of the daughters, (Nephi's future spouse?), one of the sons, and also their mother pleaded with them to stop.

After they came to their senses, they went completely the other direction emotionally, begging Nephi to forgive them. To Nephi's credit, he said he "frankly forgave them all that they had done". This whole experience gave Ishmael's family a good idea of what was in store for the rest of the journey.

What a sight it must have been for Ishmael's family: to set eyes upon the Valley of Lemuel for the first time. They must have seen Lehi's tent, the river of Laman, and the hand-crafted stone alter. Lehi, Sariah, and Zoram must have been anxiously awaiting them.  Two families becoming one under such circumstances could not have been easy, and the faithful must have relied a strong testimony from the Holy Ghost that Lehi had been directed by the Lord.  As when Lehi first came to the valley, and after Lehi's sons returned with the brass plates, we are again told they gave thanks unto the Lord, with burnt offerings and sacrifice.  An appropriate way to start to unite in following Lehi's spiritual leadership.

All things for His children

First Nephi 7:12

The Lord is able. In the verse previous to this, Nephi gives the example of getting the brass plates from Laban. Laman and Lemuel thought that Laban and his fifty were too powerful. To them it was an impossible task. Their failure to understand what Nephi understood ensured the impossibility of them ever succeeding in obtaining the plates: In order for the Lord to do all things for his children, they must first exercise faith in him.

Truly it was impossible...for Laman and Lemuel. It was impossible not because the Lord is not able, not because Laban was more powerful, but because Laman and Lemuel had no faith. For Nephi, it was possible. Because of Nephi's faith in the Lord, the Lord was able to help him.

The Lord can't do things for his children if they have no faith in Him. Not because the Lord doesn't have the ability, but because we don't have the currency: faith. Before we ask: "Is the Lord able to do this thing?" We should ask: "Do we have faith in him?" If so, then yes, if not, then no.

The fullness of mine intent

First Nephi 6:4-5

Nephi's reveals his intentions for writing his record: "to persuade men to come unto...God...and be saved." Then he reveals a truth about not only his writings, but the entire Book of Mormon: it is pleasing unto those who are not of the world. Many people will read the Book of Mormon, many will sincerely put effort into it. It is a great detector - those who are not of the world will find it pleasing.

A coming addition to the scriptures

First Nephi 5:10-22
The brass plates were "desirable", and "of great worth". Lehi wasted no time in searching them from the beginning - a good example of feasting upon the scriptures. Lehi also discovers his genealogy, another good example for us. After seeing all these things, he is filled with the Spirit. As you read the scriptures, or discover your genealogy, are you also filled with the Spirit? As he was, he prophesied something truly exciting for us today:

This prophesy has not yet been fulfilled. There are many nations, kindreds, tongues, and people of Lehi's seed that have yet to receive the brass plates, let alone those who are not of his seed. The day will come when we will have them in their entirety - larger than our current Old and New Testaments combined (1Ne 13:23). Are we ready to search them from the beginning?

Sariah's Testimony: "Now I know of a surety"

First Nephi 5:1-9
Sariah's faith in the necessity of Lehi's exodus was tested just like the rest of the family. She needed to make a choice, like Nephi, who's side she would be on - Laman or Lehi. After her sons returned to Jerusalem, leaving her and her husband alone in the wilderness to fend for themselves, her words sounded a lot like Laman and Lemuel - almost verbatim: "he was a visionary man...thou hast led us forth from the land of our inheritance, and my sons are no more, and we perish in the wilderness." Lehi knows she can be comforted with reassuring words, unlike his two eldest sons, who would only stop murmuring after Lehi confounded them by speaking in the power of the Spirit, until their frames shook before him.(1Ne2:14) He comforts her with his testimony "I know that the Lord will deliver my sons out of the hands of Laban, and bring them down again unto us in the wilderness."

When her sons do return, she considers it a sign, and is comforted by the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, who also gives her a testimony that what Lehi is doing is right. Her rhetoric switches from echoing that of Laman, to echoing that of Nephi in 1Ne 3:7

Nephi and the Road to Emmaus

First Nephi 4:19-27
Dressed in Laban's garments, armor, and sword, Nephi wasn't recognized by Laban's servant Zoram. A great disguise? I believe Nephi was given a spiritual gift. Nephi says he spoke "in the voice of Laban" and "I spake unto him as if it had been Laban", and "he, supposing that...I was truly that Laban whom I had slain". Zoram wasn't able to recognize Nephi, similar to the event that happened to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:13-32.

Growing in Revelation

First Nephi 4:6-18

Nephi's experience with revelation from God grew step by step, line upon line, as it were.
1. First, he cried unto the Lord regarding the teachings of his father, Lehi. "And behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart". 1Ne2:16
2. Then, after his brothers would not hearken to his words concerning his experience above, he cried unto the Lord for them. This lead to direct revelation. "The Lord spake unto me" 1Ne2:19
3. He and his brothers were visited by an angel who gave them directions. 1Ne3:31 Note the stark differences in the brothers' reactions to the Angel's message.
Nephi had no idea what he would eventually do to get the brass plates, but the Spirit led him to Laban's house. 1Ne4:6
4. When he saw Laban drunken before him, the next revelation came as a real time communication from the Spirit, where Nephi was basically having a conversation. Ponder for a minute how that happens. Their communication was beyond impressions and feelings - he was able to hear direct and specific words in response to the thoughts of his heart. The voice of the Spirit not only gave him a direct commandment, but reasoned with him as to why he should do it.
This event of revelation built on Nephi's previous experiences with the Spirit as well as made it easier for him to have greater revelations in the future, such as his vision of the tree of Life, where he actually saw the Spirit face to face.