1 Nephi 3

Just FYI, here is a new tool to assist us in our study of the Book of Mormon.  It may come in handy.  And here is a comprehensive study tool that looks very promising.  (Thanks to my brother for sharing)  And before I forget, here is the LDS Class Member Study Guide and the Gospel Doctrine Teacher's Manual for the Book of Mormon.  There are many other good outside sources to consider in our study of the Book of Mormon (see some suggestions here), but don't let outside resources, my comments, or any other materials interfere with direct engagement with the text, and more importantly, with the Holy Spirit that undergirds the text.

This reminds me, however, that there is one other study tool that I have found especially useful and enlightening.  It is a slim volume by Elder Jay E. Jensen called Treasure Up the Word.  I highly recommend it.  Here is a brief sample of what the book contains that teaches an important principle:

"Looking at the scriptures is like looking at a favorite tree, one half of which is above ground and has always been open to study and examination, either close up (micro) or from a distance (macro). But now you realize that one half of the tree is hidden beneath the ground - the roots. These life-giving extremities of a tree send nourishment to all that is visible above ground. What we can see of the tree above ground can be likened to reading and studying. Like the tree that can be examined close up or at a distance, the scriptures written in columns, verses, sentences, paragraphs, words, and so forth, can be examined either close up or at a distance. However, the roots under the ground are hidden to the mortal eye. It is so also with the scriptures: much is hidden to the mortal eye. Only by searching, pondering, likening, and prayerful reflection will we discover hidden truths. / Until we discover in the scriptures the full tree- roots, trunk, branches, and leaves- we have yet to find the promised height, breadth, and depth in those holy books. It is a truth that some of the most precious truths in the scriptures are hidden the deepest and with the greatest care. The Prophet Joseph Smith reminded us that 'the things of God are of deep import; and time, and experience, and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only find them out' (TPJS, p. 137)"

Precious, hidden truths.  That's something well worth pondering.

It will be a long time before any of us "see" the whole tree, but in the mean time we can do our best to appreciate as much of the tree as we can.

There is just too much to comment on in 1 Nephi 3, but one thing that is perhaps noteworthy is Nephi's commitment, with an oath, to obtain the plates of brass.  Nephi knew exactly what the Lord had commanded them to do, and he wasn't about to turn back before accomplishing the commandment that the Lord had given them.  "As the Lord liveth, and as we live," Nephi promised, "we will not go down unto our father in the wilderness until we have accomplished the thing which the Lord hath commanded us." (v. 15)  He then exhorted his brothers (and us), to be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord.  Nephi knew that they were on the Lord's errand, and that therefore they would succeed in the Lord's way and time.  This is a valuable reminder for all of us when things don't seem to work out as planned after a first attempt, or even a second and a third attempt.  

Click here for some very pertinent observations on 1 Nephi 3 from professor Daniel Peterson at Patheos.