“They Would Not Come”

Brant Gardner

Narrative analysis: When Lehi begins his recounting of the vision, the content of these two verses is what most impressed him, and at least in the text as we have it from Nephi, was the reason that Lehi related the vision to his family. After personally tasting of the goodness of the fruit, and having the added joy of sharing that with some of the members of his family, Lehi naturally looks for the remainder. In the text we have only that Lehi saw them, and that they would not come. We can surmise that Lehi did more than spy them. After calling to Sariah, Sam, and Nephi, he would have done no less for Laman and Lemuel. Rather than simply see them and watch them refuse the fruit, we must assume that Lehi tried with all of his might to catch their attention - to have them see him as well has he saw them. Only after Lehi could be sure that they saw, heard, and understood, could he understand that they "would not come unto me and partake of the fruit."

Multidimensional Commentary on the Book of Mormon

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