“Rejoice in the Lord for Nephi and Sam, Fear for Laman and Lemuel”

Monte S. Nyman

Lehi’s mixed reaction represents two great extremes. Rejoicing over Nephi and Sam (v. 3) reminds us of what John the Beloved wrote: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 1:4). In contrast, “the heavens wept” over Lucifer’s fall (D&C 76:26–27). How painful it must be to see your own children in jeopardy of their salvation, as represented by Laman and Lemuel being in “a dark and dreary wilderness” (v. 4).

Book of Mormon Commentary: I Nephi Wrote This Record

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