Nephi Was a Protector and Father Figure to Jacob

John W. Welch

In verse 10, anticipating Nephi’s impending death, Jacob went out of his way to ensure that his loyalty and close relationship with Nephi was clearly understood. I’m sure Jacob felt a great loss, just like Nephi did, when his father Lehi died. It should be remembered that Jacob was a fairly young man when Lehi died, and so it is understandable that Nephi, who was probably at least twenty years his senior, naturally became a protector and a strong father figure to him, defending his people and laboring for their welfare. In many ways, Nephi was seen as modeling good kingship and leadership.

John W. Welch Notes

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