“A Wise Purpose”

Although Nephi had already begun a record of the secular history of his people, the Lord inspired him to make a second record containing the religious history of his people. The following list clarifies the differences and similarities between the two accounts:

1. Verses 1–5 in 1 Nephi 9 are an account taken directly from the small plates.
2. When Nephi used the term these he was referring to the small plates.
3. When Nephi used the term those or other he was referring to the large plates.
4. The large plates were first made about 590 B.C.
5. The small plates were made 20 years later, about 570 B.C.
6. Nephi’s explanation of why the Lord commanded him to make a second record (the small plates) is in 1 Nephi 9:5.
7. The large plates cover a period from 570 B.C.–A.D. 385 and cover the account of kings, wars, and history.
8. The small plates cover a period from 570–130 B.C. and give an account of the Nephite ministry.

Although Nephi did not know the reason for the duplicate record, he trusted that it was “for a wise purpose” (1 Nephi 9:5) that was known to the Lord (see commentary for Words of Mormon 1:7 on page 134).

1. Verses 1–5 in 1 Nephi 9 are an account taken directly from the small plates.
2. When Nephi used the term these he was referring to the small plates.
3. When Nephi used the term those or other he was referring to the large plates.
4. The large plates were first made about 590 B.C.
5. The small plates were made 20 years later, about 570 B.C.
6. Nephi’s explanation of why the Lord commanded him to make a second record (the small plates) is in 1 Nephi 9:5.
7. The large plates cover a period from 570 B.C.–A.D. 385 and cover the account of kings, wars, and history.
8. The small plates cover a period from 570–130 B.C. and give an account of the Nephite ministry.

Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915–94) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles observed that we can obey as Nephi did, even when we do not understand the reason: “Sometimes when we are asked to be obedient, we do not know why, except the Lord has commanded. Nephi followed instructions even though he didn’t fully understand the wise purpose. His obedience resulted in blessings to mankind all over the world. By not obeying our present-day leaders, we plant our seeds in stony places and may forfeit the harvest” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1978, 76; or Ensign, Nov. 1978, 51).