We have already considered at length the portrait of Nephi, son of Helaman. Let us also examine the character of Nephi’s younger brother, Lehi, and his remarkable ministry. Lehi, the youngest son of Helaman, is, along with his older brother, privileged to receive inspired counsel from a righteous father. Thus the two young men “[begin] to grow up unto the Lord” (Helaman 3:21). In due course, Lehi, as companion to Nephi, achieves remarkable success throughout his life as a minister and missionary among the Nephite and Lamanite peoples. Both Lehi and Nephi hearken faithfully to the counsel of their father to live up to the example of their namesakes by following in the footsteps of the prophets down through the generations. Both young disciples of the Lord make remembrance and obedience the operating principles of their lives. “And they did remember his [their father’s] words; and therefore they went forth, keeping the commandments of God, to teach the word of God among all the people of Nephi” (Helaman 5:14).
Mormon gives this characterization: “And behold, Lehi, his brother, was not a whit behind him as to things pertaining to righteousness” (Helaman 11:19). From the devotion and valor of Lehi—“who knew concerning the true points of doctrine, having [like Nephi] many revelations daily” (Helaman 11:23)—we come to understand more fully the sacred obligation of honoring one’s righteous heritage and preparing a noble endowment of truth and exemplary service for our posterity. Lehi’s ministry begins around 30 BC, the year that his older brother Nephi steps down as chief judge in Zarahemla so that the two brothers can devote their lives to building up the kingdom of God (see Helaman 5:1). Thereafter, they go from city to city preaching repentance and reclaiming souls for Christ. Together they are responsible for bringing “the more part of the Lamanites” into the fold of Christ (see Helaman 5:50). Subsequently, Lehi accompanies his brother to the land northward, and they continue their ministry (see Helaman 6:6,) Lehi later carries on his service at Zarahemla (see Helaman 11:23). Of Lehi’s final days the Book of Mormon is silent, but his example of devotion and loyalty to the cause of righteousness lives on.