“I, Nephi, Had Spoken These Words Unto My Brethren”

Brant Gardner

Whether by coincidence, divine irony, or Nephi’s literary recasting, Nephi’s story continues to parallel that of his ancestor Joseph. Like Joseph he is younger than his brothers over whom, like Joseph, he is predicted to rule. Also, like Joseph, he arouses his brothers’ anger. Nephi’s brothers appear to have the same designs upon him as Joseph’s brothers did before they sold him to the Midianites. In this case, however, the outcome of the brotherly conflict is different, though Nephi (again like Joseph) will end up ruling in a foreign country.

Second Witness: Analytical & Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 1

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