Nephi’s next older brother provides a stark contrast to Laman and Lemuel, the oldest of Lehi’s children. Nephi records: “And it came to pass that [Sam] believed in my words” (1 Nephi 2:17). This division of belief between Laman and Lemuel, on the one hand, and Nephi and Sam, on the other, continues from this time forward. It was to be confirmed to Lehi in his vision of the tree of life, for Sariah, Nephi, and Sam all partook of the fruit of the tree, but Laman and Lemuel refused to do so. Declared Lehi: “And behold, because of the thing which I have seen, I have reason to rejoice in the Lord because of Nephi and also of Sam; for I have reason to suppose that they, and also many of their seed, will be saved. But behold, Laman and Lemuel, I fear exceedingly because of you… .” (1 Nephi 8:3–4).
Just before passing beyond the veil, Lehi gives Sam a special blessing: “Blessed art thou, and thy seed; for thou shalt inherit the land like unto thy brother Nephi. And thy seed shall be numbered with his seed; and thou shalt be even like unto thy brother, and thy seed like unto his seed; and thou shalt be blessed in all thy days” (2 Nephi 4:11). After Lehi’s death, Sam joins Nephi and his group when they separate themselves from their murderous older brothers (see 2 Nephi 5:6). After the separation, Sam and his posterity remain united with the posterity of Nephi according to the blessing pronounced by Lehi.