Nephi says that after he had smitten off Laban’s head “with his own sword, [he] took the garments of Laban and put them upon [his] own body; yea, even every whit; and [he] did gird on [Laban’s] armor about [his] loins” (1 Nephi 4:19). Now if Nephi was holding Laban by the hair while cutting the drunken man’s head off, Nephi would have had a difficult time avoiding blood being splattered all over not only his own person, but all over Laban’s as well. With Laban passed out in front of him, Nephi probably had time to ponder just what he would have to do in order to take full advantage of the situation. Anticipating the blood, Nephi might have stripped the clothes off Laban before he cut off his head. Then, Nephi could have discarded his own blood-soaked clothes and put on the garments of Laban. Thus, the idea of Nephi putting on the garments of Laban fits into the picture in a very practical way.
But more than the practical aspect of this narrative, one should appreciate the covenant symbolism here. Raymond Treat says that in his book, The Miracle of the Scarlet Thread, Richard Booker outlines the steps ancient Hebrews typically followed in making a covenant. They exchanged robes and belts, … . A man’s robe was symbolic of all his material possessions… . The ancient belts were weapons belts. Therefore, the message of giving one’s belt was “all the power I have I now give to you. If necessary, I will defend you to the death.” (Raymond C. Treat, “Understanding Our Covenant,” in Recent Book of Mormon Developments, Vol. 2, pp. 34-35)
So the story of what happened to Laban might be representing the symbolic loss of covenant blessings through unrighteousness, and the bestowing of those blessings upon Nephi, who kept the covenant. Much of this covenant symbolism is highlighted in the textual headings that accompany The Covenant Story, however for the benefit of the reader, a quick review of the textual story from a covenant perspective is in order:
Nephi desires to know the mysteries of God and obediently desires the way of his father. He cries unto the Lord and the Lord visits him (1 Nephi 2:16-18). The Lord covenants with Nephi and promises that if he is obedient he will be led to a promised land (1 Nephi 2:19-24). Nephi returns to the tent of his father who is waiting for him with an errand from the Lord. Nephi is to return to Jerusalem to obtain the word of the Lord (the plates of brass). Nephi and Lehi, the Lord’s servants, are obedient to their covenants and seek first to obtain the Lord’s word. Nephi “knows” because of the covenants he has previously made with the Lord that the Lord will provide a way that he might accomplish this task. Nephi returns to Jerusalem where they are initially rejected by Laban (1 Nephi 3:1-18). Nephi is willing to give all that he possesses in order to be faithful to his covenants with the Lord. He gathers up his gold and silver and precious things to exchange for the plates of brass but once again Laban rejects them and seeks their lives (1 Nephi 3:19-27). Nephi’s brethren rebel against Nephi, but an angel appears to proclaim Nephi’s covenant calling to be a ruler over his brethren (1 Nephi 3:28-30). Like Moses, Nephi is willing to give his life, if necessary, to honor the covenants he has made with the Lord. The Lord’s way is mightier than all the earth. Nephi travels in darkness with only the spirit of the Lord to guide him (1 Nephi 3:31--4:5). Nephi comes across a “fallen” and “drunken” Laban. He is “constrained by the Spirit” to kill him but he hesitates. He is reminded of covenant law and Christ’s covenant with his people. Nephi slays Laban “with his own sword” (1 Nephi 4:6-18) Nephi clothes himself with Laban’s covenant responsibilities regarding the records of Joseph (see above). He speaks in Laban‘s voice to Laban’s servant. Nephi obtains the plates (1 Nephi 4:19-29). Nephi promises with an oath to Laban‘s servant that those who hearken to the Lord’s servant will have place with him. Nephi returns to the tent of his father (1 Nephi 4:30-38). Upon witnessing Nephi’s return, Lehi and Sariah confirm the covenant way to the promised land by offering their testimony and their sacrifices and burnt offering unto the Lord (1 Nephi 5:1-9). Lehi and Nephi search the scriptures. They testify of their fathers. The scriptures are of great worth in their journey through the wilderness towards the promised land (1 Nephi 5:10-22).
[Alan C. Miner, Personal Notes]