After several days of traveling, the provisions accumulated from stop to stop are likely either exhausted or low and the group is actually suffering “much for the want of food.” It is no surprise to see Laman and Lemuel complaining, but why is Lehi, a prophet and the leader of this divinely directed expedition, beginning to murmur?
While it is not possible to know Lehi’s mind, one reason may be that Lehi perceives himself as helpless. Lehi knows that the family has obeyed Yahweh’s instructions; nevertheless, they now find themselves in dire straits. Lehi is not a hunter, has had no revelation about how to solve the problem, and feels responsible. His frustration is understandable.
Why should Yahweh leave his prophet in the dark about the way in which salvation will come? Because it will not come through him. The story of the Lehite exodus is the record of Nephi’s rise to leadership. This problem is not Lehi’s to solve, but one that Yahweh gives to Nephi.