Note* There is a repetitive theme in the books of First Nephi and Second Nephi concerning Laman and Lemuel's rejection of Nephi as their ruler, their teacher, and their king (see 1 Nephi 3:29; 16:37-38; 18:10; 2 Nephi 5:19). It is interesting to note that the Pharisees reacted the same way to Christ:
And they said unto him, We have the law, and the prophets; but as for this man we will not receive him to be our ruler; for he maketh himself to be a judge over us.
Then said Jesus unto them, The law and the prophets testify of me; yea, and all the prophets who have written, even until John, have foretold of these days. . . . (JST Luke 16:16-17)
[Notes from a talk by Matthew B. Hilton, December 31, 2000]