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1 Nephi 4

Summary: Nephi gives a pep talk to Laman and Lemuel about trusting in God. Then he just leaves them behind and goes to get the plates himself (ha ha!). Nephi scores his first kill, but first he admires the hilt of the sword and its precious steel. Nephi does his best Laban impression and manages to score some brass plates. Zoram gets punked. Nephi, Zoram, and brothers all make the trip back to Lehi's tent. It's been a successful day of decapitation and stealing some plates and dressing up in a dead guy's clothes.

V. 2 and 3- "Therefore, let us go up. Let us be strong like unto Moses."

Nephi tries to motivate his brothers by hearkening them back to Moses and the incredible story of crossing through the Red Sea. A fairly common practice, right? The scriptures are full of amazing stories of faith and the fruits of that faith, stories that can motivate us and inspire us to trust in the Lord and do what He asks. Every talk in General Conference seems to follow a formula in which personal experiences are shared, experiences are connected to scripture, and the scriptures are applied to us in our day.

V. 3- "Wherefore can ye doubt?"

No room for doubt!

V. 10- "And it came to pass that I was constrained by the Spirit that I should kill Laban. But I said in my heart, 'Never at any time have I shed the blood of man.' And I shrunk and would that I might not slay him."

It is interesting that Nephi, for a brief moment, doubts the Spirit (immediately after saying "Wherefore can ye doubt?") That's how difficult a decision this was, and I imagine a pretty pivotal turning point in Nephi's life, teaching him the importance of obedience. There's no reason to blame him either. I'm sure we would've all hesitated.

On the other hand, is it blasphemous to have an argument against the decision to kill Laban? Is it wrong for God to supersede his own commandments (thou shalt not kill)? Does that reduce his perfection in some way to you? Or is it completely justifiable that killing this one man means an entire nation of people will have the scriptures?

V. 18- "I smote off his head with his own sword."

I had an atheist co-worker once ask me if I would kill someone if the prophet commanded it (he was referencing this story). Would you?

V. 32- "And it came to pass that I spake with him, that if he would hearken unto my words... we would spare his life."

Nephi ready to kill Zoram if he didn't do what Nephi asked? This guy's on a mission.

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