The Lord had told Nephi that he would “be made a ruler and a teacher over his brethren” because “thy brethren shall rebel against [the Lord]” (1 Nephi 2:22). Although he had been fulfilling this role since they had left the valley of Limhi, Lehi holds out hope and one more opportunity for his rebellious sons to obtain their blessings of birth. To Laman in particular, it was a chance to assume his leadership of the family, one merited in the pre-mortal life, in a new environment and situation. Lehi probably assumed that Laman would not rise to the occasion, but he apparently still felt it was possible.