Lehi searched the newly acquired records (v. 10). The definition of search in this instance is to explore deeply. It is one thing to know that a record is true, but only through searching that record can one find the contents of truth. The contents of the plates were important and are summarized below:
- The five books of Moses (v. 11) are the first five books of the Old Testament referred to today as the Pentateuch or “The Law.” It was originally canonized separately and was regarded as the most authentic of Hebrew scriptures. Its designation as the books of Moses adds credence to the traditional Mosaic authorship that is refuted by many modern scholars. Other passages in the Book of Mormon also support Mosaic authorship (see 2 Nephi 3:17; 3 Nephi 15:4–5; also see Moses 1:40).
- The record of the Jews down to Zedekiah, king of Judah, about 600 B.C. (v. 12), would include the historical books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings to the time of Zedekiah or Lehi. There may have been other books. These books are known as the Former Prophets in the Hebrew publication. The arrangement of the Hebrew Bible is different than the King James Version and other versions.
- The prophecies of the holy prophets including many of Jeremiah’s prophecies (v. 13). In the Hebrew Bible these are known as the Later Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel) and the Twelve Minor Prophets (Hosea through Malachi). Obviously many of these had not been written at the time of Lehi (Ezekiel, and several of the Twelve Prophets), but there were many other prophet’s writings included in the brass plates that have been lost (Zenos, Zenoch, Neum, and others. See 1 Nephi 19:10). The Jews continued to keep records after the plates of brass were taken. Evidence of this can be found in the records included in many of today’s Bibles.
- A genealogy of Lehi’s fathers (vv. 14–16) was not a separate section, or at least in today’s Bibles they are interspersed throughout the other books. Knowing he was a descendant of Joseph, who was sold into Egypt, (v. 14) was undoubtedly a strengthening factor for Lehi as he faced his impending mission. The Lord had used Joseph to accomplish his purposes, and Lehi in turn gained confidence that the Lord was using him to preserve a remnant of the seed of Joseph. As we learn later in the Book of Mormon, Lehi read of the great covenants made to Joseph of a righteous branch being broken off from his seed and preserved (see 2 Nephi 3). As the latter day branch of Joseph, to whom that covenant was also made, we too should be strengthened by the knowledge of this covenant.
Laban most likely lost his assignment to keep the records because of his unworthiness. While there may have been duplicate records, there was probably only one permanent record, the plates of brass. Lehi being a direct descendant of Joseph was entitled to the record (v. 16). Lehi’s prophecy that the plates of brass would yet go forth to the people of his seed (v. 18) implies that they will eventually be translated. Faith as a principle of power was exercised by Lehi and his ancestors. They believed the brass plates would be preserved by the power of the Lord (v. 19). Today we continue to exercise this faith as we look forward to the plates of brass being translated and going forth to the seed of Joseph.
