Although the round ball found by Nephi is not named here, it is later called the “Liahona” (Alma 37:38). It was, as stated earlier, an instrument through which revelation was received. The revelations were written and were “plain to be read” (v. 29). This strongly implies the revelations were in sentences. The writings were not given until faith and diligence were exercised by the receiver. The messages were changed on the same basis. It seems the Prophet Joseph followed the same process in using the “urim and thummim” in translating the Book of Mormon. In a revelation concerning Martin Harris, “Joseph was told, God had given thee sight and power to translate,” (D&C 3:12). Oliver Cowdery was given the opportunity to translate and was told:
8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.
9 But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me. [D&C 9:8–9]
It was a sight process that required faith and diligence just as did the Liahona. The expression, “thus we see” introduces the precept that Nephi wants us to learn from their travels in the wilderness thus far: “that by small means the Lord can bring about great things” (v. 29). In light of the miraculous nature of the round ball, the “small means” must refer to being small from the world’s point of view, not the Lord’s. To believe revelation is given through such an instrument is diametrically opposed to the world’s concept of reasoning and rationalization. On the other extreme, the devil has his counterfeits through such means as crystal ball reading, palm reading, astrology, and the like. Nephi’s small means were not limited to the Liahona. The Lord has given us several small means to bless our lives. While a comparison was made to the “urim and thummim,” the use of it was limited to the prophet or his close associates. Our guidance will come from a few minutes each day reading the Book of Mormon or other scriptures; attending the temple a few hours each week or so, as our time and geographic location permits; receiving and periodically reading our patriarchal blessings for guidance in our decisions; enrolling in seminary, institute, or university religion classes; and the many other small means the Lord has provided in this dispensation. The Liahona worked for Lehi, and brought direction and great joy to the entire traveling group (vv. 16, 30–32). The small means the Lord has provided for us in this dispensation will also bring direction to our lives and great joy and happiness.