The first question asked by Laman and Lemuel, does “it speak of the things which are temporal ?” (v. 31), is typical for them and typical of questions still being asked today about scriptures and other spiritual experiences. Nephi’s answer was appropriate for them and is still appropriate for us today, “It was (or is) a representation of things both temporal and spiritual” (v. 32). Furthermore, his warning regarding the filthy not being able to dwell in the kingdom of God because no unclean thing can enter into the kingdom of God, and “the final state of the souls of men” is to dwell in the kingdom of God or be cast out (vv. 33–35) is not only still appropriate, but also much needed in our society today. His final message, also a part of the previous discussion, is worth repeating. The fruit of the tree of life “is most precious and most desirable above all other fruits” (v. 36). Eternal life “is the greatest of all the gifts of God” (D&C 14:7).
Nephi’s commentary proves most helpful to understand the allegory of the house of Israel (Jacob 5), the vision of the tree of life shown to his father (1 Nephi 8), and the importance of our obtaining the fruit of the tree or eternal life (v. 36).