The brother of Jared returns to the Lord after building the vessels in the way described. That left a major question unanswered. How were they to get light, or were they to cross the waters in nearly perpetual darkness?
The Lord asks the brother of Jared what he thinks should be done. Before requesting an answer, the Lord indicates the problem. Because the vessels will be sealed, and at times under water, they cannot have a fire within it. Importantly, in verse 24, the Lord tells them that “the winds have gone forth out of my mouth, and also the rains and the floods.” In verse 25 he reiterates that Jehovah must protect them against “the waves of the sea, and the winds which have gone forth, and the floods which shall come.” The implication is that Jehovah is behind them, and controls the elements and, therefore, He will be behind their travel and protect them all through it.
The Lord will provide them the direction needed, but not the solution to light. That solution, he leaves for Jared to determine. That also is the way the Lord works with us. In modern revelation, the Lord has clarified: “Wherefore, let them bring their families to this land, as they shall counsel between themselves and me. For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward” (Doctrine and Covenants 58:25–26).
That is what the brother of Jared was doing with the Lord. They were counseling together, but the Lord did not command in all things. Agency is important, but using our agency for our own benefit is extremely important.
This is not the end of a chapter in the 1830 edition of the Book of Mormon.