Lehi, along with all other prophets, held the Melchizedek Priesthood. 6 Lehi’s family had no Levitical or Aaronic Priesthood holders among them. Such priesthood functions as offering sacrifices (Hebrew corban), though usually executed under the direction of Aaronic or Levitical Priesthood in biblical times, could also be carried out by those who held the higher priesthood, which comprehends all lower powers (D&C 107:8). Lehi was authorized to perform sacrifices by virtue of the Melchizedek Priesthood he held.
Lehi built an altar of stones to make an offering and give thanks. It was an altar of unhewn stones as stipulated in Exodus 20:25. The wording is intentional, again showing the Book of Mormon to be translated from an ancient Semitic record. It was not a “stone altar,” which might allow for cut, fitted stones, but an “altar of stones.”
Lehi then began naming various geographical features around the camp. All hills, rock outcroppings, valleys, and other topographical details were and are given names in the Near East. The ancient Hebrew people loved imagery and figures of speech. The most powerful way to illustrate a truth was to find something in the human experience or conduct that corresponded to something in nature. If only Laman could be like this temporary river, or even better, like a perennial river, continuously flowing toward the source of righteousness! Many parents have wished that blessing for children experiencing difficulties. Likewise, the prophet Amos pleaded with northern Israelites to “let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty [or everflowing] stream” (Amos 5:24). The two prophets wished that their people would be more constant and stable in their devotion and loyalty to God and his purposes.