The short description of Laban in 1 Nephi 3 is another evidence that the Prophet Joseph translated an ancient record. Latter-day Saint scholar Hugh Nibley explained: “Laban is described very fully, though casually, by Nephi, and is seen to be the very type and model of a well-known class of public official in the Ancient East. Everything about him is authentic … .
“One of the main functions of any governor in the East has always been to hear petitions, and the established practice has ever been to rob the petitioners (or anyone else) wherever possible” (Approach to the Book of Mormon, 120–21).