< 1 Nephi 2 >
v. 6: river of water
What other type of rivers are there? In the desert where Lehi's family was traveling, rivers were often referred to as dry wadis which are seasonal stream beds that only carried water briefly after it rained. So a river of water was something a little different, a proper river, flowing, not just a dry river bed that is typically seen.
What other type of rivers are there? In the desert where Lehi's family was traveling, rivers were often referred to as dry wadis which are seasonal stream beds that only carried water briefly after it rained. So a river of water was something a little different, a proper river, flowing, not just a dry river bed that is typically seen.
v. 12 And they did murmur because they knew not the dealings of God who had created them.
v. 13 Niether did they believe that Jerusalem, that great city, could be destroyed according to the words of the prophets.
Why did they murmur?
1) They knew not the dealings of God (v. 12)
2) They did not believe the words of the prophets (v.13)
1. Later in the chapter, they express their doubts that God can help them with Laban, they don't know God's dealings! Yet, in chapter 4, Nephi quotes the story of Moses as proof that God has power to deliver them. So one way to know the dealings of God is by studying and understanding the scriptures. Scripture power! We understand God when we understand His word. Thus, less murmuring.
2. In 1 Nephi 15:3 it says that they did harden their hearts and so they did not pray to God. Another way we know the dealings of God is to pray. Nephi prayed and God revelaed him his dealings. Laman and Lemuel did not pray so they did not know the dealings of God. IN 15:11 God promises us that is we don't harden our hearts, are diligent, and ask in faith, He will reveal the truth to us.
v. 13 Niether did they believe that Jerusalem, that great city, could be destroyed according to the words of the prophets.
Why did they murmur?
1) They knew not the dealings of God (v. 12)
2) They did not believe the words of the prophets (v.13)
1. Later in the chapter, they express their doubts that God can help them with Laban, they don't know God's dealings! Yet, in chapter 4, Nephi quotes the story of Moses as proof that God has power to deliver them. So one way to know the dealings of God is by studying and understanding the scriptures. Scripture power! We understand God when we understand His word. Thus, less murmuring.
2. In 1 Nephi 15:3 it says that they did harden their hearts and so they did not pray to God. Another way we know the dealings of God is to pray. Nephi prayed and God revelaed him his dealings. Laman and Lemuel did not pray so they did not know the dealings of God. IN 15:11 God promises us that is we don't harden our hearts, are diligent, and ask in faith, He will reveal the truth to us.
v. 12 And they did murmur because they knew not the dealings of God who had created them
Gods ways are higher than our ways
Isaiah 55:8–9:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
1. God Sees the Whole Picture
• We see only a fragment of reality — the here and now.
• God sees the beginning from the end (Moses 1:6).
• His plans stretch into eternity, not just today or tomorrow.
2. God’s Purposes Are Eternal
• Our desires often focus on comfort, ease, or immediate success.
• God’s purposes focus on our eternal growth, salvation, and becoming like Him.
• That means He may allow trials that feel painful but are shaping us into something greater (Hebrews 12:6–11).
3. God’s Wisdom Is Perfect
• Human wisdom is limited by culture, time, and personal bias.
• God’s wisdom is infinite, flawless, and rooted in pure love and justice.
4. God Uses Different Measures of Value
• We value wealth, status, and outward success.
• God values humility, faith, love, and righteousness (1 Samuel 16:7).
5. God Knows What We Need, Not Just What We Want
• Like a loving parent, He gives us what will truly help us grow, not just what makes us happy in the moment.
• Sometimes His “higher ways” mean saying no to prayers that would actually harm us long-term.
1. God Works Through Prophets
• Laman and Lemuel resisted following their father, Lehi, and their younger brother, Nephi.
• They didn’t grasp that God chooses His servants (often the humble or unexpected) to lead His people.
2. God Requires Faith Before Proof
• They wanted evidence and signs before believing.
• God’s dealings usually ask us to act in faith first, then receive confirmation (Ether 12:6).
3. God Tests His People Through Hardship
• The journey in the wilderness wasn’t punishment but preparation.
• They saw trials as unfair suffering, instead of seeing them as refining experiences from a loving God (Mosiah 23:21).
4. God Delivers Miracles and Mercy
• They forgot the Red Sea parting for Israel, the angel stopping them from harming Nephi, and the Liahona’s guidance.
• They didn’t recognize that God’s pattern is to deliver and guide His covenant people.
5. God’s Purposes Are Eternal, Not Just Immediate Comfort
• They focused on losing Jerusalem’s riches and the difficulties of travel.
• They didn’t understand that God’s covenant plan was to preserve a righteous branch of Israel and bring forth scriptures and Christ’s ministry.
Gods ways are higher than our ways
Isaiah 55:8–9:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
1. God Sees the Whole Picture
• We see only a fragment of reality — the here and now.
• God sees the beginning from the end (Moses 1:6).
• His plans stretch into eternity, not just today or tomorrow.
2. God’s Purposes Are Eternal
• Our desires often focus on comfort, ease, or immediate success.
• God’s purposes focus on our eternal growth, salvation, and becoming like Him.
• That means He may allow trials that feel painful but are shaping us into something greater (Hebrews 12:6–11).
3. God’s Wisdom Is Perfect
• Human wisdom is limited by culture, time, and personal bias.
• God’s wisdom is infinite, flawless, and rooted in pure love and justice.
4. God Uses Different Measures of Value
• We value wealth, status, and outward success.
• God values humility, faith, love, and righteousness (1 Samuel 16:7).
5. God Knows What We Need, Not Just What We Want
• Like a loving parent, He gives us what will truly help us grow, not just what makes us happy in the moment.
• Sometimes His “higher ways” mean saying no to prayers that would actually harm us long-term.
1. God Works Through Prophets
• Laman and Lemuel resisted following their father, Lehi, and their younger brother, Nephi.
• They didn’t grasp that God chooses His servants (often the humble or unexpected) to lead His people.
2. God Requires Faith Before Proof
• They wanted evidence and signs before believing.
• God’s dealings usually ask us to act in faith first, then receive confirmation (Ether 12:6).
3. God Tests His People Through Hardship
• The journey in the wilderness wasn’t punishment but preparation.
• They saw trials as unfair suffering, instead of seeing them as refining experiences from a loving God (Mosiah 23:21).
4. God Delivers Miracles and Mercy
• They forgot the Red Sea parting for Israel, the angel stopping them from harming Nephi, and the Liahona’s guidance.
• They didn’t recognize that God’s pattern is to deliver and guide His covenant people.
5. God’s Purposes Are Eternal, Not Just Immediate Comfort
• They focused on losing Jerusalem’s riches and the difficulties of travel.
• They didn’t understand that God’s covenant plan was to preserve a righteous branch of Israel and bring forth scriptures and Christ’s ministry.
v. 24 to stir them up in the ways of remembrance
The entire chapter revolves around remembering what God has done and trusting His word.
The entire chapter revolves around remembering what God has done and trusting His word.
Theme |
Verse |
"Way of Remembrance" |
Meaning |
God’s deliverance |
v. 1-4 |
Obedience to divine direction |
Remember He delivers |
Prophetic Counsel |
v. 11-13 |
Believe prophets |
Remember their warning and promises |
Personal revelation |
v. 16 |
Pray and seek to know |
Remember through communion with God |
Covenant Promises |
v. 19-24 |
Live faithfully |
Remember through obedience and covenant renewal |