I love all of the guests who are featured on your program, but I think Dr. Hilton is possibly my favorite. He is a master teacher, and I love the way he engages Brother Smith and Brother Bytheway in sharing their insights. Because honestly, either Brother Smith or Brother Bytheway could teach the podcast by themselves with their knowledge and experience, but they always graciously dedicate the time to their featured guests. Adding to his great knowledge and insights, Dr. Hilton has a beautiful way of engaging THEIR thoughts, experiences and knowledge and making it a fuller, more meaningful learning experience for me. Thank you so much, Dr. Hilton.
I think maybe the nation that will have dwindled is our current nation, Nephi needed the brass plates in order to properly teach his people, which leads to several hundred years of stories ie the Book of Mormon, which leads to Joseph Smith getting the gold plates, which brings us to now, and I think all of us who know the Book of Mormon are particularly grateful for it at this time in our current world. It was after all written for our day.
I too came to this conclusion and was ready to point it out. It was not just Lehi’s family that would have suffered spiritually, but all the nations that the Book of Mormon has touched. Without it, we would be missing a second witness, another testimony of Christ.
In Omni 1:17 the verse talks about the remnants of the people mosiah discovers and they did not survive because they had brought no record with them. I've always loved this little gem in little Omni!
You know, the tender mercies of the Lord are on full display even in the slaying of Laban! He was guilty of capitol offenses for sure! But has anyone noticed that Laban was completely anesthetized by being passed out from drunkenness and therefore, was spared the trauma of such a gruesome death! Love you guys and I tell everyone about you every chance I get. Thank you!!!
Se que el Libro de Mormon es verdadero. No hay duda. No hay mayor sentimiento de paz al entender que fue escrito para nosotros y que sus historias nos permiten avanzar de regreso a la presencia del Padre.
Para mí tambien es un milagro. Aunque hay mucho que no entiendo, nunca he tenido razón de sentir remordimiento por vivir de acuerdo con las enseñanzas del Libro de Mormon. Ha sido siempre la clave y la roca de mi fe en Jesucristo.
It's almost midnight here in the Philippines but i don't feel sleepy at all listening to the three of you. Love the insights and your personal testimony. Thank you much guys for sharing all this heavenly knowldge.
I love what President Howard W. Hunter said about testimony. “Merely saying,accepting,believing are not enough. They are incomplete until that which they imply is translated into dynamic action of daily living. This, then, is the finest source of personal testimony. One knows because he has experienced.
I learned something this week that John Welch taught: he said in exodus, 21:13 were reasons why you could slay somebody that was justified to the Lord. It said if God delivers him onto you, and if you were not pre-planning to slay that person.
Didn't start the beginning of the year with the benifets of this podcast. I have started going back to the beginning. When you talk about a nation dwindling in unbelief It is interesting that Nephi probably didn''t think that his small family would become a mighty nation.
I LOVE that you emphasized that doing anything is better than doing nothing! I’ve been listening to Atomic Habits again to start the new year, and he says again and again that “you have to standardize before you can optimize.” Practice showing up until it’s second nature, then up your game little by little. And man, it’s so helpful to know I don’t have to be perfect or do a TON in order to be successful!
I’m so thankful that you touched on our children and their agency and I loved the comment of being “thankful “ your children are living good gospel lives rather than “blessed” with that! Obviously I picked up on that because I have one in both categories and it’s breaking my heart and all I can do is have faith for him. I have struggled for years about how I should have done things differently with him! I love that it was pointed out that Lehis dreams for his sons and their posterity weren’t fulfilled during his lifetime-thanks so much for being sensitive to this situation-it was a definite tender mercy for me!
"My father dwelt in a tent" has a much deeper meaning to me after this past year. Because of CIRS/lyme I am very sensitive to mold. I was so sick and we discovered mold in my home. For 452 days during a nightmare remediation I lived in a tent in my backyard in utah. I chose to stay in a tent so I could be close to my 6 kids and husband that lived in our home still. I've been back inside for 3 months now. I look back in gratitude for time I dwelt in a tent. I learned that I didn't need any of the "stuff". I was healthier outside, I had my family nearby, and my needs met with a heater inside and a lantern. During those nights on my own, and struggles I faced I became closer to God. I also learned that I could do hard things and whatever challenges came I could endure them.
Loved these episodes! Thank you. When I read Nephi's story, I can't help but wonder what Sam's experience was. He saw the angel. He saw miracles. He saw first hand Laman and Lemuel's rebellions. He helped build the ship. I wish we had his journal!
Love you two, and the wonderful guests you have. I have loved the Books of Mormon from my childhood and never tire of its spirit. This year I will try and receive more insight in its pages. Thank you! Carol
In a recent tough time in my life, I came across/ was led to a scripture in, surprisingly, Lamentations. It tells of the compassions and mercies of the Lord being new EVERY morning. That was such a comfort to me EVERY morning, and still does bring me peace.
I want to thank your guest host, Dr. John Hilton III for sharing his thoughts about the use of the phase "and my father dwelt in a tent"! I am one of those who asked myself over and over..."What is the significant to the phrase... and my father dwelt in a tent!" It makes so much sense as he explained it! Thank you. I'm looking forward to this year of scripture study and your podcast and guests!
Wonderful insight as always. Nephi is an incredible example of how to let God prevail in our lives. Along with my studying the Come Follow Me manual, here are some questions I usually like to ponder anytime I study this section of 1st Nephi: Why did the Lord specifically request Laman and Lemuel to go to help get the plates? Were Laman and Lemuel tempted to return to Jerusalem and stay there? Why did they choose the practice of casting lots? Was Laman's attempt part of the Lord's plan? Why or Why Not? Was trying to trade their inheritance part of the Lord's plan? Why or Why Not? Why was Laban so drunk? Why was killing Laban not a sin? Would not killing Laban have been a sin? Was Laban's death relevant to the future destruction of Jerusalem? Was Zoram part of the Lord's plan? What is the significance of Laban's sword, and why was it among the relics buried with the Golden Plates?
Re: Nephi slaying Laban: Exodus 21: 12-14 gives the law of excusable homicide, the one narrow exception, and that seems to be the scripture the angel is quoting to Nephi. I find that interesting.
Thank you, I am so excited my Sister shared your podcast with me! Even more excited it’s the Book of Mormon I want this year to be the year I feel the Power in my life because of daily reading and studying.
I love it so much when it is the 3 of you doing a podcast. Brother Hilton you are so humble in your teaching and make everything so relevant that the pages come to life. I love this podcast series so much. Episode 1 and 2 of last weeks podcast was AMAZING. I feel so blessed that we have the scriptures broken down with such wonderful insight into them. Thank you both John and Hank!
Thank you all again for this wonderful lesson! When I think of Nephi confronting Laban, I think of many young men in the army, that might have the same conflict in themselves about killing someone . It was a war between Nephi and Laban. I don’t have a big problem with Nephi, especially since he was ordered by an Angel. I hope that I am not out of line there! Thank you all again!❤🇨🇦
I’ve often wondered why the first two attempts to get the plates failed and the one that was successful Nephi never would have necessarily come up with on his own. I think it was a wonderful opportunity for Nephi to hear and act on spiritual promptings (the successful attempt came through the direction and urging of Spirit of the Lord) but I also think it was so that he would understand the miracles and power of God. It would have been easy to attribute their success to their own wisdom and power had the other attempts been successful but God is the one who made all of the Laban experience happen. And Nephi knows it. I wonder how that affected his prompt and faithful response to the command to build a boat. He already KNEW what God could and would do. So maybe our “failures” lead us to the God-directed answer and outcome so we will have more personalized knowledge of the Lord’s power and how it allows us to accomplish things we never imagined we could (on our own.)
Wow. I am getting a lot of nuggets from you guys. I've been pausing and typing down notes all through out the podcast. Thank you so much guys. I also served in Philippines Baguio Mission as well Brother John Bytheway.
Love your insights. Thank you so much! I, too, have noticed and loved the many times Nephi says his father dwelt in a tent. I think it's beautiful that he recognizes and acknowledges the sacrifices of his father and it is meaningful to him. Meanwhile, Laman and Lemuel lament that their father gave up their gold and possessions (because it's definitely theirs, not his).
Nephi and laban were cousins. They grew up together. Nephi knew what Laban sounded like. And Nephi's voice may have sounded somewhat like Laban. Genetics!
When you talked about Lehi dwelling in a tent, I thought about Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail. The Lord can work with us in whatever circumstances we might be in and make it a sanctifying experience.
John and John and Hank, what an OUTSTANDING lesson this was! I was just enlightened and excited to learn more, by this week's podcast. Thank you, sincerely, for giving of your time. What a blessing you are to do this podcast every week, on top of your family, your jobs, and your callings...I'm in SLC for a month and love knowing that I'm within such a short distance from the prophet, general authorities, and even you two. 😀 Really, you are a blessing to all of us. I always love coming here where there are LDS book stores, etc., and listening now from SLC seems extra special. 😊
I feel strongly that Nephi was inspired to try and buy the Brass Plates because it gave Laban the opportunity to make the right choice. But he didn't. Sometimes when we feel inspired to do or say something things don't turn out like we expected. That doesn't mean we weren't inspired. It just means others have used their agency.
I’m so excited to do a deeper study this year of the Book of Mormon and to do so with you two and your awesome guests. Thank you for all of your preparation, the insights you share, and the spirit you bring.
I am a convert, to me Nephi killing Laben is not something I struggle with. Unfortunately some people in life have to do hard things, police officers, soldiers at war. I am so thankful that those men and women choose to do the hard things for my freedom and protection and Nephi had the same thing to face. I am sure just like all of them he struggled with having to do that.
16:58 I am a convert to the church. I never had a problem with Nephi slaying Laban. Moses killed two Egyptians and buried them in the sand. Yet he became the great Exodus prophet and leader of the Israelite people. Later on... he (Moses) caused around 3,000 Israelites to be slain Exodus 32:25-29. How many times did Moses speak "face to face" with the Lord and yet had 3,000 Israelites in the camp slain? How could it be wrong if he was allowed to continue to be a prophet? Some people complain about the history of the church and walk away from it. I would ask them "how far back did you look into the history of the church... did you go all the way back to Moses?". Yeah, Nephi slays Laban... doesn't bother me now, didn't bother me when I first read it before I was baptized.
Dwelling in a tent may not have been the step down you imagine. While serving as a chaplain, with the Marines, in Desert Shield/Storm, I encountered many families who, based on the vehicles they drove, were clearly wealthy, in the desert, living in tents. It is actually much cooler at night and far less humid in the day, out in the desert instead of in a large town or along the coast.
Hugh Nibley tells the story of the first time he had Arabs in his Book of Mormon class. He was curious how they'd react to the cultural side of the Book of Mormon. They didn't have objection to anything presented, but did get hung up on one little point. To Nibley's surprise, they found it hard to believe that Nephi would take so long in cutting off Laban's head.
In a September 1976 Ensign article, Elder Holland gives a masterful and detailed treatise into the question of Nephi killing Laban. He explains things in his plain and simple, but powerful way and I would recommend it to anyone who would like to know more about this subject.
A couple things occurred to me as I listened to this wonderful presentation. Joseph Smith, as he was imprisoned in the Liberty Jail received some important revelations. Also can't help but wonder how Nephi and the brothers are getting along on the other side of the veil?
If you think about it, the story about obtaining the plates not only includes the death of Laban at the hands of Nephi, but Nephi is also commanded to take plates that technically don't belong to him. That's 2 potential stumbling blocks that require a witness of the Spirit in order to reconcile it.
I always wondered why Lehi's dwelling in a tent was repeated many times and was important. Then I read 1 Chronicles 17:4-5. I understand that Lehi's tent was an extension of the temple of God and was a place for only him to receive revelation and prepare the sacrifices.
I've always felt that Nephi chose to go back for Lehi's wealth and use it to buy the plates specifically because Laban accused Laman of being a robber. Nephi's thinking then might have included something along the lines of, "well if asking for them without offering payment in return is robbery, then I guess we have to try to buy them".
Somewhere in our Old Testament year, a scholar on a podcast spoke about the law of Moses and compared it to our modern laws. We have killing classified in different categories such as murder, 1st degree, 2nd degree, manslaughter, self defense, killing during defense or country etc. The law of Moses also had different classifications and what constitutes a justification for killing another person. I don’t remember all he said but that one was justified if “the Lord delivered them unto your hands”. He said that if we read the Book of Mormon in the context of the Law of Moses, Nephi/the Lord is telling us that under the law, the killing of Laban would have been justified. I thought it was on the podcast but now I can’t remember where I listened to it. I would love to have someone with expertise comment.
1Nephi 4:3 stood out to me as I was reading it today. This is after the angel has appeared to them and stopped Laman and Lemuel from beating Nephi and Sam, and told them to return and that Laban would be delivered into their hands. Nephi is encouraging them by retelling about the children of Israel being led out of Egypt. Verses 1,2, and then in verse 3 Nephi says “ Let us go up; the Lord is able to deliver us, even as our fathers, and to destroy Laban, even as the Egyptians.” I don’t think Nephi realized that that was exactly what was going to happen when he crept into the city.
I had the the thought that Laban was so drunk because he was out celebrating because of the wealth he just gained, by stealing all of Lehi's gold, silver, and precious things. So, without knowing it, it seems Nephi set the stage to obtain the plates :)
What I have never understood was how Nephi and Sam were beat with a rod. Nephi described himself, and one has to believe Sam was well endowed physically, as well. Why didn’t they fight back against their elder brothers?
God is just. God is always just. Nephi and his brothers offered a generous price to purchase the plates. Laban took the offering but withheld the plates. Justly at that moment the plates become the rightful property of Lehi. We must also remember that for one man to perish is only to end this mortal life. Laban will still have any opportunity determined by a just God in the life to come.
I had a thought on Nephi killing Laban the way that he did. Perhaps Laban was wearing his armor, I think it states Nephi “did gird on his armor”. I’m thinking that perhaps two things. If he was wearing armor, maybe there wasn’t a good place to stab Laban that would kill him quickly, which leads to the other thought. Had Nephi tried to kill him any other way, there was a chance that Laban could have cried out and Nephi then may have found himself in a position of being caught and killed himself. By cutting off Labans head, it was quick and quiet. Just a random thought from someone who has no idea 😂
The father of Lamoni basically said Nephi robbed Lamon and Lemuel of their property (Alma 20:13). We know Nephi took the Liahona, the brass plates and the sword of Laban when he fled. Had Lamon been successful in getting the plates then the tradition of feeling robbed might have merit. Had Lehi's property allowed them to get the plates, based on the Jewish laws off inheritance, they might have a point. Because Nephi was the sole agent in actually securing the plates and the sword of Laban it removed the plausibility of the argument that Nephi took them from Laman and Lemuel when he fled. I believe Laman had to have a chance and fail, that Laban had to steal the property and threaten their lives without giving them the plates, and that Nephi had to succeed "on his own" so that he could justifiably take the plates (and the sword of Laban) with him when he fled. The Liahona.....I don't know.... Thank you and your guests for the years of helping to fill my commute with thoughtful and spiritual experiences.
@20:50 Dr. Hilton speaks of Nephi impersonating Laban's voice and how that could happen. I always wondered if he looked similar to Laban and sounded similar since they are related. Those genetic traits can be strong. Nephi was large in stature. I thought it was interesting that his stature needed to be said at all since the Lord could make this work out regardless of his stature. But maybe there was another reason his stature was mentioned. Maybe Laban was also large in stature which made it easier for Nephi to impersonate him. Another alternative is that the Lord can lend Nephi Laban's voice if he needed. Just my thoughts.
My question with 1 Nephi 4:12 is why did God need Nephi to slay Laban. God could easily have taken Laban's breath away. Was it a test? Did God need Nephi's obedience or to show his commitment? I just wondering. I know God has a reason for everything he does, I wanted to hear your thoughts. 😮😮❤❤
My opinion with respect to Laban being killed was that he would have gone after Nephi and his family and endangered their lives had Nephi been able to take the plates without slaying him. Laban had two other incidents with the sons of Lehi with respect to their wanting to have Laban give them the Plates of Brass … he would have known that Levi’s family would be responsible for taking them and so him being spared would have very likely been a risk of Lehi and his family and greatly endangered the Lord’s plan for them. That is my opinion 😊
I like that thought, that Laban would have been to dangerous to Lehi's family. And I do think that the Lord asks us all to show or 'prove' our willingness to obey. Did Abraham know that he would be exempt from sacrificing Isaac? Did Nephi really understand what he would have to actually do when he promised to 'go and do'? Did we really understand all the challenges that we would wrestle with here in our 2nd estate? I think no. But the hard things, the unexpected heartbreaking wrestles of life are the ones that have the power to root our faith deep.
As I study the slaying of Laban, I consider the Law of Justification for takin a life given in D&C 98:23-31. This law is, no doubt, a law God respected in Nephi s time. This law requires 3 “testimonies” or incidents when an enemy attempts to take your life then are you justified in taking his. In 1Nephi 3:13 we have one incident. In 1Nephi 3:25 we have a further incident. I wonder, was there a first incident earlier involving Laban and Lehi? Had Lehi asked previously for the records? Was this the reason Lehi’s life had been threatened? If so, then Nephi would have been justified under the law in taking Labans life. I ponder the questions, “Who was Laban that he would have these records? What political and/or religious positions did he hold? What was his relationship to Lehi? Had he obtained them wrongfully? Had he withheld them from Lehi wrongfully? I believe that the Lord was displeased with Laban on many counts previous to his withholding the records from Nehi and his brethren.
Do not agree with going to bishop or whomever to question. Where is faith? Where is spirit? There is NEVER a question if you are directed! If you receive communication, you know! without doubt what it is.
Still need to have a sounding board of, as they say in here, "Does this break a commandment?" Heavenly Father wants you to study good books and surround yourself with good people... for good reason. We all need help (not helpless and must get advise on everything).
I have no Problem accepting Nephi to slay Labon, I know Lamon and Lemuel knew Nephi slayed Labon, and They Never called Nephi a murder, that says a lot about Them accepting this because they (the two brothers) understand the Law of Moses, and accepted the out come of Labon, yet they still hated Nephi because he was over them because of their hard hearts.
That law is found in Deuteronomy 19:16-21 under Jewish law, those who bare false witness against any man, to testify against him, the punishment is- to do to him as he would have done to you.
Hi John Bytheway and John Hilton, would you guys please study into the Jewish law deeper to find out if the three key points that Nephi was contemplating were justified by the Jewish law for him to be able to kill Laban legally and lawfully? Because Laban truly was the thief and the robber who took all of their worldly possessions and kept them for himself. And it was true that he was not following the Commandments of the Lord. It was also true that Laban threatened Nephi's life as well as his brothers and Laban had his servants run after them to try to kill them. So in the Jewish law, when somebody is trying to kill you, and your family members, and trying to steal and Rob you of all of your worldly possessions, there must be some kind of Provisions in the Jewish law to have given Nephi justification by the law. I will leave that to you Scholars to research it for all the rest of us, to let us know what the Jewish law stated about thieves, robbers and people who threatened to kill you. Your podcast today was absolutely fantastic! Thank you so much John Hilton III for all of your research into the voices of The Book of Mormon! The scriptures are the language of the Holy Spirit and as we delve into the scriptures we begin to hear and understand the voice of the Holy Spirit working with us. As well as the voice of Our Savior Jesus Christ and our Father in Heaven.
I’ve often wondered why the first two attempts to get the plates failed and the one that was successful Nephi never would have necessarily come up with on his own. I think it was a wonderful opportunity for Nephi to hear and act on spiritual promptings (the successful attempt came through the direction and urging of Spirit of the Lord) but I also think it was so that he would understand the miracles and power of God. It would have been easy to attribute their success to their own wisdom and power had the other attempts been successful but God is the one who made all of the Laban experience happen. And Nephi knows it. I wonder how that affected his prompt and faithful response to the command to build a boat. He already KNEW what God could and would do. So maybe our “failures” lead us to the God-directed answer and outcome so we will have more personalized knowledge of the Lord’s power and how it allows us to accomplish things we never imagined we could (on our own.)
I love all of the guests who are featured on your program, but I think Dr. Hilton is possibly my favorite. He is a master teacher, and I love the way he engages Brother Smith and Brother Bytheway in sharing their insights. Because honestly, either Brother Smith or Brother Bytheway could teach the podcast by themselves with their knowledge and experience, but they always graciously dedicate the time to their featured guests. Adding to his great knowledge and insights, Dr. Hilton has a beautiful way of engaging THEIR thoughts, experiences and knowledge and making it a fuller, more meaningful learning experience for me. Thank you so much, Dr. Hilton.
I love the "Know/Do - Do/Know" concept of 1 Nephi!
I think maybe the nation that will have dwindled is our current nation, Nephi needed the brass plates in order to properly teach his people, which leads to several hundred years of stories ie the Book of Mormon, which leads to Joseph Smith getting the gold plates, which brings us to now, and I think all of us who know the Book of Mormon are particularly grateful for it at this time in our current world. It was after all written for our day.
I too came to this conclusion and was ready to point it out. It was not just Lehi’s family that would have suffered spiritually, but all the nations that the Book of Mormon has touched. Without it, we would be missing a second witness, another testimony of Christ.
The Book of Mormon is in many ways a type for our day. That is one of the reasons it resonates so strongly with those who study and know it.
In Omni 1:17 the verse talks about the remnants of the people mosiah discovers and they did not survive because they had brought no record with them. I've always loved this little gem in little Omni!
You know, the tender mercies of the Lord are on full display even in the slaying of Laban! He was guilty of capitol offenses for sure! But has anyone noticed that Laban was completely anesthetized by being passed out from drunkenness and therefore, was spared the trauma of such a gruesome death! Love you guys and I tell everyone about you every chance I get. Thank you!!!
Fantastic point!
Se que el Libro de Mormon es verdadero. No hay duda. No hay mayor sentimiento de paz al entender que fue escrito para nosotros y que sus historias nos permiten avanzar de regreso a la presencia del Padre.
Para mí tambien es un milagro. Aunque hay mucho que no entiendo, nunca he tenido razón de sentir remordimiento por vivir de acuerdo con las enseñanzas del Libro de Mormon. Ha sido siempre la clave y la roca de mi fe en Jesucristo.
It's almost midnight here in the Philippines but i don't feel sleepy at all listening to the three of you. Love the insights and your personal testimony. Thank you much guys for sharing all this heavenly knowldge.
Didn't start at the beginning of the year with this,, so I'm going back to the beginning. Great as always.
I love what President Howard W. Hunter said about testimony. “Merely saying,accepting,believing are not enough. They are incomplete until that which they imply is translated into dynamic action of daily living. This, then, is the finest source of personal testimony. One knows because he has experienced.
I learned something this week that John Welch taught: he said in exodus, 21:13 were reasons why you could slay somebody that was justified to the Lord. It said if God delivers him onto you, and if you were not pre-planning to slay that person.
What a great man!!!!!! I'm a huge fan!
Didn't start the beginning of the year with the benifets of this podcast. I have started going back to the beginning. When you talk about a nation dwindling in unbelief It is interesting that Nephi probably didn''t think that his small family would become a mighty nation.
Hey, me too! These episodes are great. 👍
I took your advice and began further study with Dr. Hilton. Thanks to all who join you.
I'm glad you've joined the master class!
I LOVE that you emphasized that doing anything is better than doing nothing! I’ve been listening to Atomic Habits again to start the new year, and he says again and again that “you have to standardize before you can optimize.” Practice showing up until it’s second nature, then up your game little by little. And man, it’s so helpful to know I don’t have to be perfect or do a TON in order to be successful!
I love the book Atomic Habits!
Thank bro Hank, John, and John!!! Another fantastic lesson!
I’m so thankful that you touched on our children and their agency and I loved the comment of being “thankful “ your children are living good gospel lives rather than “blessed” with that! Obviously I picked up on that because I have one in both categories and it’s breaking my heart and all I can do is have faith for him. I have struggled for years about how I should have done things differently with him! I love that it was pointed out that Lehis dreams for his sons and their posterity weren’t fulfilled during his lifetime-thanks so much for being sensitive to this situation-it was a definite tender mercy for me!
Thank you so much 😍👏
"My father dwelt in a tent" has a much deeper meaning to me after this past year. Because of CIRS/lyme I am very sensitive to mold. I was so sick and we discovered mold in my home. For 452 days during a nightmare remediation I lived in a tent in my backyard in utah. I chose to stay in a tent so I could be close to my 6 kids and husband that lived in our home still. I've been back inside for 3 months now. I look back in gratitude for time I dwelt in a tent. I learned that I didn't need any of the "stuff". I was healthier outside, I had my family nearby, and my needs met with a heater inside and a lantern. During those nights on my own, and struggles I faced I became closer to God. I also learned that I could do hard things and whatever challenges came I could endure them.
Wow this is an incredible experience...wow! Thank you for sharing and I'm glad that you're back inside now.
Loved these episodes! Thank you. When I read Nephi's story, I can't help but wonder what Sam's experience was. He saw the angel. He saw miracles. He saw first hand Laman and Lemuel's rebellions. He helped build the ship. I wish we had his journal!
I enjoy listening to each episode. Thank you all for doing your part in making this podcast happen.
WOW! I have read and studied the BofM innumerable times! There were STILL NEW INSIGHTS and discoveries from this podcast. Thank you!
Love you two, and the wonderful guests you have. I have loved the Books of Mormon from my childhood and never tire of its spirit. This year I will try and receive more insight in its pages. Thank you! Carol
I love this week's study so much! Thank you all for enriching my scriptures study so much more this week!
Thank you again for a great lesson. We love your podcast!
I'm so appreciative that this podcast always helps me to see and learn new insights in the scriptures! Thank you!!!!!!
In a recent tough time in my life, I came across/ was led to a scripture in, surprisingly, Lamentations. It tells of the compassions and mercies of the Lord being new EVERY morning. That was such a comfort to me EVERY morning, and still does bring me peace.
One of the apostles said, "the light is always green unless it's red." I love this.....we go ahead and if it's wrong, He'll let us know!
I want to thank your guest host, Dr. John Hilton III for sharing his thoughts about the use of the phase "and my father dwelt in a tent"! I am one of those who asked myself over and over..."What is the significant to the phrase... and my father dwelt in a tent!" It makes so much sense as he explained it! Thank you. I'm looking forward to this year of scripture study and your podcast and guests!
Thank you so much for puttig this together. I love listenig to your insights.
Wonderful insight as always. Nephi is an incredible example of how to let God prevail in our lives. Along with my studying the Come Follow Me manual, here are some questions I usually like to ponder anytime I study this section of 1st Nephi:
Why did the Lord specifically request Laman and Lemuel to go to help get the plates?
Were Laman and Lemuel tempted to return to Jerusalem and stay there?
Why did they choose the practice of casting lots?
Was Laman's attempt part of the Lord's plan? Why or Why Not?
Was trying to trade their inheritance part of the Lord's plan? Why or Why Not?
Why was Laban so drunk?
Why was killing Laban not a sin? Would not killing Laban have been a sin?
Was Laban's death relevant to the future destruction of Jerusalem?
Was Zoram part of the Lord's plan?
What is the significance of Laban's sword, and why was it among the relics buried with the Golden Plates?
Re: Nephi slaying Laban: Exodus 21: 12-14 gives the law of excusable homicide, the one narrow exception, and that seems to be the scripture the angel is quoting to Nephi. I find that interesting.
Thank you, I am so excited my Sister shared your podcast with me! Even more excited it’s the Book of Mormon I want this year to be the year I feel the Power in my life because of daily reading and studying.
I went immediately to JHIII’s Masterclass…so good!
I love it so much when it is the 3 of you doing a podcast. Brother Hilton you are so humble in your teaching and make everything so relevant that the pages come to life. I love this podcast series so much. Episode 1 and 2 of last weeks podcast was AMAZING. I feel so blessed that we have the scriptures broken down with such wonderful insight into them. Thank you both John and Hank!
Wonderful insights! Thank you!🙏
Another insightful and spiritual driven lesson. What greatness!
Thank you all again for this wonderful lesson! When I think of Nephi confronting Laban, I think of many young men in the army, that might have the same conflict in themselves about killing someone . It was a war between Nephi and Laban. I don’t have a big problem with Nephi, especially since he was ordered by an Angel. I hope that I am not out of line there! Thank you all again!❤🇨🇦
I’ve often wondered why the first two attempts to get the plates failed and the one that was successful Nephi never would have necessarily come up with on his own. I think it was a wonderful opportunity for Nephi to hear and act on spiritual promptings (the successful attempt came through the direction and urging of Spirit of the Lord) but I also think it was so that he would understand the miracles and power of God. It would have been easy to attribute their success to their own wisdom and power had the other attempts been successful but God is the one who made all of the Laban experience happen. And Nephi knows it. I wonder how that affected his prompt and faithful response to the command to build a boat. He already KNEW what God could and would do. So maybe our “failures” lead us to the God-directed answer and outcome so we will have more personalized knowledge of the Lord’s power and how it allows us to accomplish things we never imagined we could (on our own.)
Great discussion!!! thanks so much
Thank you!
Wow. I am getting a lot of nuggets from you guys. I've been pausing and typing down notes all through out the podcast. Thank you so much guys.
I also served in Philippines Baguio Mission as well Brother John Bytheway.
Wow good to know fellow filipino brother here in the comments. 🥰
I feeeeel the excitement 😊❤
Omgosh , sooo good! Thank you
Love your insights. Thank you so much! I, too, have noticed and loved the many times Nephi says his father dwelt in a tent. I think it's beautiful that he recognizes and acknowledges the sacrifices of his father and it is meaningful to him. Meanwhile, Laman and Lemuel lament that their father gave up their gold and possessions (because it's definitely theirs, not his).
Nephi and laban were cousins. They grew up together. Nephi knew what Laban sounded like. And Nephi's
voice may have sounded somewhat like Laban. Genetics!
There's a big possibility 😍 appreciate it🥰
When you talked about Lehi dwelling in a tent, I thought about Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail. The Lord can work with us in whatever circumstances we might be in and make it a sanctifying experience.
Great program. Thanks
John and John and Hank, what an OUTSTANDING lesson this was! I was just enlightened and excited to learn more, by this week's podcast. Thank you, sincerely, for giving of your time. What a blessing you are to do this podcast every week, on top of your family, your jobs, and your callings...I'm in SLC for a month and love knowing that I'm within such a short distance from the prophet, general authorities, and even you two. 😀 Really, you are a blessing to all of us.
I always love coming here where there are LDS book stores, etc., and listening now from SLC seems extra special. 😊
I feel strongly that Nephi was inspired to try and buy the Brass Plates because it gave Laban the opportunity to make the right choice. But he didn't. Sometimes when we feel inspired to do or say something things don't turn out like we expected. That doesn't mean we weren't inspired. It just means others have used their agency.
I’m so excited to do a deeper study this year of the Book of Mormon and to do so with you two and your awesome guests. Thank you for all of your preparation, the insights you share, and the spirit you bring.
Thank you so much. I'm watching from Thailand. I really appreciate.
I am a convert, to me Nephi killing Laben is not something I struggle with. Unfortunately some people in life have to do hard things, police officers, soldiers at war. I am so thankful that those men and women choose to do the hard things for my freedom and protection and Nephi had the same thing to face. I am sure just like all of them he struggled with having to do that.
Thank you again!! Excellent!!
16:58 I am a convert to the church. I never had a problem with Nephi slaying Laban. Moses killed two Egyptians and buried them in the sand. Yet he became the great Exodus prophet and leader of the Israelite people. Later on... he (Moses) caused around 3,000 Israelites to be slain Exodus 32:25-29. How many times did Moses speak "face to face" with the Lord and yet had 3,000 Israelites in the camp slain? How could it be wrong if he was allowed to continue to be a prophet? Some people complain about the history of the church and walk away from it. I would ask them "how far back did you look into the history of the church... did you go all the way back to Moses?". Yeah, Nephi slays Laban... doesn't bother me now, didn't bother me when I first read it before I was baptized.
Thanks!
Dwelling in a tent may not have been the step down you imagine. While serving as a chaplain, with the Marines, in Desert Shield/Storm, I encountered many families who, based on the vehicles they drove, were clearly wealthy, in the desert, living in tents. It is actually much cooler at night and far less humid in the day, out in the desert instead of in a large town or along the coast.
Hugh Nibley tells the story of the first time he had Arabs in his Book of Mormon class. He was curious how they'd react to the cultural side of the Book of Mormon. They didn't have objection to anything presented, but did get hung up on one little point. To Nibley's surprise, they found it hard to believe that Nephi would take so long in cutting off Laban's head.
You know, sometimes we don’t interpret things correctly too:) maybe “slay him” was referring to his natural man:) and for a heart softening :)
In a September 1976 Ensign article, Elder Holland gives a masterful and detailed treatise into the question of Nephi killing Laban. He explains things in his plain and simple, but powerful way and I would recommend it to anyone who would like to know more about this subject.
I love my father dwelt in a tent ! Haha
I also see it so much as.. time to retreat and regroup and take a break and meditate ❤ especially when you’ve got frustrating teenage sons 😉🤣
A couple things occurred to me as I listened to this wonderful presentation. Joseph Smith, as he was imprisoned in the Liberty Jail received some important revelations. Also can't help but wonder how Nephi and the brothers are getting along on the other side of the veil?
If you think about it, the story about obtaining the plates not only includes the death of Laban at the hands of Nephi, but Nephi is also commanded to take plates that technically don't belong to him. That's 2 potential stumbling blocks that require a witness of the Spirit in order to reconcile it.
I always wondered why Lehi's dwelling in a tent was repeated many times and was important. Then I read 1 Chronicles 17:4-5. I understand that Lehi's tent was an extension of the temple of God and was a place for only him to receive revelation and prepare the sacrifices.
1:11. Every members house that I’ve been to has been like something out of HGTV.
I've always felt that Nephi chose to go back for Lehi's wealth and use it to buy the plates specifically because Laban accused Laman of being a robber. Nephi's thinking then might have included something along the lines of, "well if asking for them without offering payment in return is robbery, then I guess we have to try to buy them".
Somewhere in our Old Testament year, a scholar on a podcast spoke about the law of Moses and compared it to our modern laws. We have killing classified in different categories such as murder, 1st degree, 2nd degree, manslaughter, self defense, killing during defense or country etc. The law of Moses also had different classifications and what constitutes a justification for killing another person. I don’t remember all he said but that one was justified if “the Lord delivered them unto your hands”. He said that if we read the Book of Mormon in the context of the Law of Moses, Nephi/the Lord is telling us that under the law, the killing of Laban would have been justified. I thought it was on the podcast but now I can’t remember where I listened to it. I would love to have someone with expertise comment.
Time stamp 44:02
ua-cam.com/video/HlpAiXWGj98/v-deo.html=6mnKCJceVin1Jyxi
1Nephi 4:3 stood out to me as I was reading it today. This is after the angel has appeared to them and stopped Laman and Lemuel from beating Nephi and Sam, and told them to return and that Laban would be delivered into their hands. Nephi is encouraging them by retelling about the children of Israel being led out of Egypt. Verses 1,2, and then in verse 3 Nephi says “ Let us go up; the Lord is able to deliver us, even as our fathers, and to destroy Laban, even as the Egyptians.” I don’t think Nephi realized that that was exactly what was going to happen when he crept into the city.
I had the the thought that Laban was so drunk because he was out celebrating because of the wealth he just gained, by stealing all of Lehi's gold, silver, and precious things. So, without knowing it, it seems Nephi set the stage to obtain the plates :)
What I have never understood was how Nephi and Sam were beat with a rod. Nephi described himself, and one has to believe Sam was well endowed physically, as well. Why didn’t they fight back against their elder brothers?
God is just. God is always just. Nephi and his brothers offered a generous price to purchase the plates. Laban took the offering but withheld the plates. Justly at that moment the plates become the rightful property of Lehi.
We must also remember that for one man to perish is only to end this mortal life. Laban will still have any opportunity determined by a just God in the life to come.
I had a thought on Nephi killing Laban the way that he did. Perhaps Laban was wearing his armor, I think it states Nephi “did gird on his armor”. I’m thinking that perhaps two things. If he was wearing armor, maybe there wasn’t a good place to stab Laban that would kill him quickly, which leads to the other thought. Had Nephi tried to kill him any other way, there was a chance that Laban could have cried out and Nephi then may have found himself in a position of being caught and killed himself. By cutting off Labans head, it was quick and quiet. Just a random thought from someone who has no idea 😂
❤
💙💙
When you were talking about nephi talking like laben,I thought the gift of toungs
The father of Lamoni basically said Nephi robbed Lamon and Lemuel of their property (Alma 20:13). We know Nephi took the Liahona, the brass plates and the sword of Laban when he fled.
Had Lamon been successful in getting the plates then the tradition of feeling robbed might have merit. Had Lehi's property allowed them to get the plates, based on the Jewish laws off inheritance, they might have a point. Because Nephi was the sole agent in actually securing the plates and the sword of Laban it removed the plausibility of the argument that Nephi took them from Laman and Lemuel when he fled.
I believe Laman had to have a chance and fail, that Laban had to steal the property and threaten their lives without giving them the plates, and that Nephi had to succeed "on his own" so that he could justifiably take the plates (and the sword of Laban) with him when he fled.
The Liahona.....I don't know....
Thank you and your guests for the years of helping to fill my commute with thoughtful and spiritual experiences.
@20:50 Dr. Hilton speaks of Nephi impersonating Laban's voice and how that could happen. I always wondered if he looked similar to Laban and sounded similar since they are related. Those genetic traits can be strong. Nephi was large in stature. I thought it was interesting that his stature needed to be said at all since the Lord could make this work out regardless of his stature. But maybe there was another reason his stature was mentioned. Maybe Laban was also large in stature which made it easier for Nephi to impersonate him. Another alternative is that the Lord can lend Nephi Laban's voice if he needed. Just my thoughts.
My question with 1 Nephi 4:12 is why did God need Nephi to slay Laban. God could easily have taken Laban's breath away. Was it a test? Did God need Nephi's obedience or to show his commitment? I just wondering. I know God has a reason for everything he does, I wanted to hear your thoughts. 😮😮❤❤
My opinion with respect to Laban being killed was that he would have gone after Nephi and his family and endangered their lives had Nephi been able to take the plates without slaying him. Laban had two other incidents with the sons of Lehi with respect to their wanting to have Laban give them the Plates of Brass … he would have known that Levi’s family would be responsible for taking them and so him being spared would have very likely been a risk of Lehi and his family and greatly endangered the Lord’s plan for them. That is my opinion 😊
I like that thought, that Laban would have been to dangerous to Lehi's family. And I do think that the Lord asks us all to show or 'prove' our willingness to obey. Did Abraham know that he would be exempt from sacrificing Isaac? Did Nephi really understand what he would have to actually do when he promised to 'go and do'? Did we really understand all the challenges that we would wrestle with here in our 2nd estate? I think no. But the hard things, the unexpected heartbreaking wrestles of life are the ones that have the power to root our faith deep.
As I study the slaying of Laban, I consider the Law of Justification for takin a life given in D&C 98:23-31. This law is, no doubt, a law God respected in Nephi s time. This law requires 3 “testimonies” or incidents when an enemy attempts to take your life then are you justified in taking his. In 1Nephi 3:13 we have one incident. In 1Nephi 3:25 we have a further incident. I wonder, was there a first incident earlier involving Laban and Lehi? Had Lehi asked previously for the records? Was this the reason Lehi’s life had been threatened? If so, then Nephi would have been justified under the law in taking Labans life.
I ponder the questions, “Who was Laban that he would have these records? What political and/or religious positions did he hold? What was his relationship to Lehi? Had he obtained them wrongfully? Had he withheld them from Lehi wrongfully?
I believe that the Lord was displeased with Laban on many counts previous to his withholding the records from Nehi and his brethren.
Do not agree with going to bishop or whomever to question. Where is faith? Where is spirit? There is NEVER a question if you are directed! If you receive communication, you know! without doubt what it is.
Still need to have a sounding board of, as they say in here, "Does this break a commandment?" Heavenly Father wants you to study good books and surround yourself with good people... for good reason. We all need help (not helpless and must get advise on everything).
I have no Problem accepting Nephi to slay Labon, I know Lamon and Lemuel knew Nephi slayed Labon, and They Never called Nephi a murder, that says a lot about Them accepting this because they (the two brothers) understand the Law of Moses, and accepted the out come of Labon, yet they still hated Nephi because he was over them because of their hard hearts.
That law is found in Deuteronomy 19:16-21 under Jewish law, those who bare false witness against any man, to testify against him, the punishment is- to do to him as he would have done to you.
Hi John Bytheway and John Hilton, would you guys please study into the Jewish law deeper to find out if the three key points that Nephi was contemplating were justified by the Jewish law for him to be able to kill Laban legally and lawfully? Because Laban truly was the thief and the robber who took all of their worldly possessions and kept them for himself. And it was true that he was not following the Commandments of the Lord. It was also true that Laban threatened Nephi's life as well as his brothers and Laban had his servants run after them to try to kill them. So in the Jewish law, when somebody is trying to kill you, and your family members, and trying to steal and Rob you of all of your worldly possessions, there must be some kind of Provisions in the Jewish law to have given Nephi justification by the law. I will leave that to you Scholars to research it for all the rest of us, to let us know what the Jewish law stated about thieves, robbers and people who threatened to kill you. Your podcast today was absolutely fantastic! Thank you so much John Hilton III for all of your research into the voices of The Book of Mormon! The scriptures are the language of the Holy Spirit and as we delve into the scriptures we begin to hear and understand the voice of the Holy Spirit working with us. As well as the voice of Our Savior Jesus Christ and our Father in Heaven.
I’ve often wondered why the first two attempts to get the plates failed and the one that was successful Nephi never would have necessarily come up with on his own. I think it was a wonderful opportunity for Nephi to hear and act on spiritual promptings (the successful attempt came through the direction and urging of Spirit of the Lord) but I also think it was so that he would understand the miracles and power of God. It would have been easy to attribute their success to their own wisdom and power had the other attempts been successful but God is the one who made all of the Laban experience happen. And Nephi knows it. I wonder how that affected his prompt and faithful response to the command to build a boat. He already KNEW what God could and would do. So maybe our “failures” lead us to the God-directed answer and outcome so we will have more personalized knowledge of the Lord’s power and how it allows us to accomplish things we never imagined we could (on our own.)
❤