“Nephi Stretches His Hand and the Lord Shocks the Brothers”

Monte S. Nyman

Lehi had previously spoken to Laman and Lemuel with such power of the Spirit that “their frames did shake before him,” and they were confounded (1 Nephi 2:14). The shock coming from Nephi’s hand brought a result that had not been obtained before. They acknowledged the Lord and his power was with Nephi (v. 55). Before they had submitted to Lehi, Nephi, and even an angel of the Lord (1 Nephi 3:29), out of fear; they knew the Lord was with them. Before, when they saw the power of God in Nephi, they “did plead with (him) that he would forgive them” (1 Nephi 7:20). Now, they “were about to worship [him].” On both occasions he turns their attention to the Lord to seek his forgiveness and to worship him (v. 55). This time, Nephi adds an admonition to “honor thy father and mother, that thy days may be long in the land” (v. 55). Nephi is quoting the 5 of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12). Tying his admonition to his previous warnings, those who honor their parents will not become “ripe in iniquity,” nor be destroyed as a nation (vv. 35–38). Laman and Lemuel were left without excuse for their future actions.

Book of Mormon Commentary: I Nephi Wrote This Record

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