In the 14th verse, father Lehi lays down a fundamental principle of “God science.” This is one of those verses people person might read over many times without ever comprehending its total implication. Elder John A. Widtsoe of the Council of the Twelve, who was a famous scientist in his own right, pointed out this verse and called it one of the basic keys to an understanding of the way the family of the Gods have organized the universe. In this verse, father Lehi says everything in existence is made out of two things -- two opposites -- something to act and something to be acted upon. Elder Widtsoe then called attention to Section 93 of the Doctrine and Covenants where it says the things which act are called intelligences whereas the things which are acted upon are bits of element or primal matter.
1 Brigham Young who was tutored by Joseph Smith said these bits of primal matter are capacitated to receive intelligence. And once these particles have been imbued with intelligences they can be commanded and organized into all of the marvelous things we see about us.
2 And Brigham Young also taught that while the intelligences provide the initiative or active ingredient in nature, it is only through the elements that intelligences can acquire their qualities and attributes of substance and glory.