The Lord’s house is always one of order. As the newly formed nation of Israel journeyed from Egypt to Palestine, each tribe was assigned its position in the order of march and in the place of encampment. As ranks were formed, a representative of each tribe would raise a standard or banner on a pole around which the tribes could rally and quickly find their places. (Numbers 2.)
This standard or ensign which was the ancient rallying point for Israel provides an excellent symbol for the gospel to which the lost and disordered tribes of Israel will return in the latter days. The promise that the Lord would again set up his standard among the people is the promise that the gospel will be restored and that Israel will rally to it (see D&C 45:9).
“A Round Ball of Curious Workmanship”
In the previous verse the Lord commanded Lehi to commence his journey into the wilderness the next morning. Singularly the Lord, who consistently unfolds the destiny of men in piecemeal fashion, did not give him the direction he should pursue. This undoubtedly became a matter of fervent prayer on Lehi’s part during the night hours.
We can but imagine his astonishment and pleasure the next morning upon finding in his doorway the brass ball of “curious” (i.e., skillful) workmanship which would become his compass throughout his journey to the promised land. This seeric device, later identified by Alma as the Liahona (Alma 37:38), was certainly not a compass in the conventional sense.
Rather than identify magnetic north, it pointed the direction that they should travel; at times writing would appear, giving directions or appropriate reproval for sin. Further, the Liahona proved to be a reflection of their faith, as it would provide direction only as they were faithful and obedient. (See Alma 37:38-45.)