In this chapter we have the most amazing demonstration in scriptural history of the superiority of the word of God over the sword. It was in 30 B.C.that Nephi and Lehi decided to devote themselves exclusively to the preaching of the gospel. The first four verses describe their motivation.
No doubt Cezoram felt highly honored to be the new chief judge but they would never had guessed what would befall their family in the not too distant future. Meanwhile, Nephi and Lehi reflected on the instructions of Helaman, their father, who had died at the relatively young age of forty-two. He had said that no matter what happened during this age of wickedness, they must stay faithful to God. The record says:
“For they remembered the words which their father Helaman spake unto them. And these are the words which he spake: Behold, my sons, I desire that ye should remember to keep the commandments of God; and I would that ye should declare unto the people these words. Behold, I have given unto you the names of our first parents who came out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I have done that when you remember your names ye may remember them; and when ye remember them ye may remember their works; and when ye remember their works ye may know how that it is said, and also written, that they were good. Therefore, my sons, I would that ye should do that which is good, that it may be said of you, and also written, even as it has been said and written of them.”