There are many similarities between Lehi and Moses which Nephi mentions in his record, especially near the end of his father’s life. Being recognized as "a prophet like unto Moses" added authority to religious leaders in the minds of ancient Israelites. Consider a few of the similarities between Moses and Lehi:
- Both of them left a civilization—a place of wickedness—and crossed a wilderness to a Promised Land.
- Both suffered afflictions.
- Both had their people enter into covenants with the Lord.
- Some in their company wanted to go return to that place, while some were faithful.
- Both prophets had great visions; Lehi saw a pillar of fire, and Moses saw the burning bush. In each case, both saw God and were called to be prophets through these visions.
- They both had the law of the Lord. Lehi ensured that he had the brass plates which contained the five books of Moses. Moses received the law from on high.
- Moses and Lehi both crossed a sea by the power of God.
- They both believed in temple worship and had temple ordinances.
- They both knew of the need for atonement and protection by the blood of the Lamb.
Further Reading
Book of Mormon Central, "Why Is Lehi Depicted as Similar to Moses? (2 Nephi 3:9–10)," KnoWhy 268 (January 30, 2017).
