Lehi’s sons taking their tents with them suggests that their journey was to be lengthy (v. 9). As the eldest son, Laman would be expected to be the spokesman, but the sons resorted to casting lots (v. 11). Although casting of lots was an ancient custom (see Joshua 18:6, 10: Acts 1:26), the way it was done is unclear. When the lot fell on Laman it gave the right to act to whom it rightfully belonged.
While there is no proof that Lehi was entitled to the records, they did contain his genealogy. The charge that Laman was a robber (v. 13) was without validity since he openly made his request. However, this accusation provided an excuse for Laban to legally slay Laman.