When the brothers speak with Ishmael, they told him of the Lord’s hand in their mission. There is no indication that Ishmael received his own revelation on this point, but his heart was softened and he made the incredible decision to abandon all he had known to join his family with Lehi’s in the wilderness.
In Doctrine and Covenants 46:13-14, we learn: "To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world. To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful."
Lehi and Nephi had the gift of revelation. They knew through divine communication that it was Jehovah’s will for Ishmael to join with Lehi. As with Ishmael, most of his family do not have direct revelation, but must believe on the words of others who have. Fortunately, we are told that the ultimate reward is the same.
Verse 5 ends with the phrase “to the tent of our father.” Mentioning the “tent of our father” continues to mark internal divisions in the text. In this case, it marks the transition from the successful trip to speak with Ishmael to the events of the return. It was clearly important that family units be formed, but Nephi spends very little time on that part of the journey, either now or in the future. Having families was important, but of greater importance to his narrative are the conflicts with his brothers.
Thus, “to the tent of our father” is the transition between the end of the story of acquiring families, and the beginning of a new conflict with his brothers, this time augmented by their wives.