Lehites in Jerusalem and Arabia

Another Attempt at Getting the Brass Plates

1 Nephi 3:22–23

According to plan, the brothers stop by their old house, collect the valuables, and go back to Laban’s place.

And it came to pass that we went down to the land of our inheritance, and we did gather together our gold, and our silver, and our precious things. And after we had gathered these things together, we went up again unto the house of Laban.

1 Nephi 3:24

They present the valuables and propose an exchange for the brass plates.

And it came to pass that we went in unto Laban, and desired him that he would give unto us the records which were engraven upon the plates of brass, for which we would give unto him our gold, and our silver, and all our precious things.

1 Nephi 3:25

Laban takes the valuables, kicks the brothers out, and orders their deaths.

And it came to pass that when Laban saw our property, and that it was exceedingly great, he did lust after it, insomuch that he thrust us out, and sent his servants to slay us, that he might obtain our property.

1 Nephi 3:26–27

The brothers escape, dodge Laban’s hitmen, and hide in a cave.

And it came to pass that we did flee before the servants of Laban, and we were obliged to leave behind our property, and it fell into the hands of Laban. And it came to pass that we fled into the wilderness, and the servants of Laban did not overtake us, and we hid ourselves in the cavity of a rock.

1 Nephi 3:28

Furious at the failure of the plan, Laman and Lemuel begin to beat Sam and Nephi with a stick.

And it came to pass that Laman was angry with me, and also with my father; and also was Lemuel, for he hearkened unto the words of Laman. Wherefore Laman and Lemuel did speak many hard words unto us, their younger brothers, and they did smite us even with a rod.

1 Nephi 3:29–30

During the beating, an angel appears, reproves Laman and Lemuel, and promises that divine grace will attend them in their next attempt to get the brass plates.

And it came to pass as they smote us with a rod, behold, an angel of the Lord came and stood before them, and he spake unto them, saying:

“Why do ye smite your younger brother with a rod? Know ye not that the Lord hath chosen him to be a ruler over you, and this because of your iniquities? Behold ye shall go up to Jerusalem again, and the Lord will deliver Laban into your hands.”

And after the angel had spoken unto us, he departed.

1 Nephi 3:31

After the angel leaves, Laman and Lemuel, apparently indifferent to the angel’s providential promise, express their skepticism and cynicism.

And after the angel had departed, Laman and Lemuel again began to murmur, saying:

“How is it possible that the Lord will deliver Laban into our hands? Behold, he is a mighty man, and he can command fifty, yea, even he can slay fifty; then why not us?”