- How many similarities or differences can you detect between the account of the Jaredite journey and the journey of Lehi’s family? Why might those comparisons be helpful to understand?
- The vessels are said to have been tight “like unto the ark of Noah.” How many other features of these vessels may have been like the ark? How much divine instruction and guidance did Noah or the Jaredites have to prepare their vessels? How much divine help did Nephi have to prepare his ship? How much divine help is available to us as we journey towards our “promised land?”
- It is clear that the Lord cared about the people having light during this long journey. Does this help us believe that he cares about bringing light to us when we sit in spiritual or existential darkness? How does this account help us identify what steps we can take to obtain that light?
- How long did the ocean part of the Jaredite journey last? What source of power drove the vessels? How did the people pass much of the time? How do those kinds of activities help us during times of trial?
- What can we derive from this statement by President Brigham Young?
We are on the old ship Zion. … [God] is at the helm and will stay there. … All is right, sing Hallelujah, for the Lord is here. He dictates, guides and directs. If the people will have implicit confidence in their God, never forsake their covenants nor their God, He will guide us right (Brigham Young, “Remarks,” Deseret News, Nov. 18, 1857, 291).
- Were the Jaredites justified in singing praises and songs of gratitude to the Lord? (See Elder Russell Ballard’s Talk, “Stay on the Boat and Hold On!” Ensign, October 2014.)
