According to Verneil Simmons, as Nephi approached the treasury he had the good fortune to meet Laban's steward who carried the keys to the room. Nephi described Zoram as the "servant of Laban" (1 Nephi 4:20) but we know at once that he was not a slave or a hired servant. He not only had the keys to the most important chamber in the house (1 Nephi 4:20) but he was also informed about the political situation in the city, and Laban's position of authority in it (1 Nephi 4:22,27). He immediately questioned Nephi, thinking him to be his master, concerning the business that had taken Laban out at night to consult with certain Jewish leaders (1 Nephi 4:22). Zoram must have been the trusted steward who had charge of Laban's household, one who was treated as a near-equal since he felt free to question Laban about his secret affairs. The role and position of the steward in a wealthy household is well documented by many ancient texts. [Verneil W.Simmons, Peoples, Places and Prophecies, pp. 68-69] [See the commentary on 1 Nephi 4:35; 5:13]