The Lord often calls people in their youth for great missions. The Lord called Samuel when he was a child (see 1 Samuel 3:4–14). Mormon was “visited of the Lord” when only “fifteen years of age” (Mormon 1:15). John the Baptist “was ordained by an angel of God at the time he was eight days old,” and his father Zacharias prophesied that he would “go before the face of the Lord to prepare the way” (D&C 84:28; Luke 1:76 [57–80]). Of course, Joseph Smith was only fourteen years of age when he “saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description… . One of them calling [him] by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” (JS—H 1:7, 17).
Nephi’s cry unto the Lord (v. 16) is an example of faith as a principle of action. It was rewarded by a visit of the Lord ( v. 19). Lehi’s family probably followed him out of loyalty to a kind and loving father, a good provider. However, Nephi was not content to follow blindly. He desired his own witness. The Lord has said:
13 To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.
14 To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful. [D&C 46:13–14]
Those who desire to know that Jesus is the Christ are undoubtedly those to whom it is given to know. But all must eventually come to this knowledge if they attain eternal life. President Heber C. Kimball testified: “The time will come when no man nor woman will be able to endure on borrowed light. Each will have to be guided by the light within himself. If you do not have it how can you stand?” A person may believe on another’s word while he seeks to find his own witness. President Harold B. Lee stated: “To you who may not have that testimony, may I ask you to hold to my testimony until you have developed one for yourself. But work on it, study, and pray until you too can know with a certainty that these things are true.”
Nephi is a good example of what President Lee taught. He had cried unto the Lord, and the Lord softened his heart that he did believe (v. 16).
Sam’s belief is another example of faith as a principle of action (v. 17). He believed the words of Nephi and continued to exercise faith. President Howard W. Hunter noted:
Many who read the story of the great prophet Nephi almost completely miss another valiant son of Lehi whose name was Sam. Nephi is one of the most famous figures in the entire Book of Mormon. But Sam? Sam’s name is mentioned only ten times in the scriptures… .
Sam’s role was basically one of supporting and assisting his more acclaimed younger brother, and he ultimately received all the blessings promised to Nephi and his posterity. Nothing promised to Nephi was withheld from the faithful Sam, yet we know very little of the details of his service and contribution. He was almost an unknown in life, but he is obviously a triumphant leader and victor in the annals of eternity.
Laman and Lemuel would not hearken to Nephi’s words (v. 18). Although they had had a great manifestation of the power of the Spirit, unlike Nephi, they hardened their hearts instead of softening them. They were like the Pharaoh of Egypt, as described by Brigham Young and Willard Richard: “the Lord manifested Himself in so many glorious and mighty ways, that Pharaoh could not resist the truth without becoming harder” (History of the Church, 4:264).