After an unspecified amount of time, Nephi records: “Now all these things were said and done as my father dwelt in a tent in the valley which he called Lemuel” (1 Nephi 16:6). We at least know, however, that Lehi’s family dwelt in the wilderness of Arabia long enough for:
(1) Nephi & his brothers to return to Jerusalem to seek out Laban, make a round trip to their land of inheritance to obtain gold & silver, obtain the plates of brass, hide for some time in a cave, and then make the return trip to the valley of Lemuel.
(2) Lehi & Nephi to extensively read and ponder the plates of brass such that they knew and understood their content in depth.
(3) Nephi & his brothers to return to Jerusalem after Ishmael & his family. The time it took for Ishmael and his family to set their affairs in order is not recorded. The return trip to the valley of Lemuel was delayed by quarreling.
(4) Lehi & Nephi to be prepared by the Lord through visions and the understanding of those visions.
[Alan C. Miner, Personal Notes]