Our study of the Book of Mormon now shifts away from the narrative of the Lehites’ travels and moves toward and exploration of the doctrine and teachings that were presented early on in their colonization of the New World. 2 Nephi chapters 1 and 2 contain the beginnings of Lehi’s final words and blessings. Lehi directs his words to several people or groups of people:

• To Laman and Lemuel:
  • Prophesies and teachings (2 Nephi 1:1–32)
• To Laman, Lemuel, Sam, and the Sons of Ishmael:
  • Concern and warning (2 Nephi 1:30–32)
• To Zoram:
  • Counsel and admonition (2 Nephi 1:30–32)
• To Jacob:
  • Teachings about Christ, salvation, and law (2 Nephi 2:1–13)
• To All His Sons:
  • Teachings about the purpose of life (2 Nephi 2:14–30)

While he tailored his messages to suit everyone’s circumstances, the overarching themes of agency, choice, and the necessity of freedom in God’s plan of salvation come through in all of his words.

As Lehi speaks to Laman and Lemuel, his care, concern, and love for them is apparent. He counsels them:

“Awake, my sons; put on the armor of righteousness.
Shake off the chains with which ye are bound,
and come forth out of obscurity, and arise from the dust.”

While he wanted the best for them, he knew that righteousness cannot be forced on anyone—each must choose on their own.

We catch a rare glimpse into Zoram’s place within the Lehite family. We remember that he joined the group under fairly forceful circumstances, but it seems that he established himself well, and developed positive relationships with Lehi and Ishmael’s families. Lehi says:

“Behold, thou art the servant of Laban; nevertheless, thou hast been brought out of the land of Jerusalem, and I know that thou art a true friend unto my son, Nephi, forever.”

The doctrine taught by Lehi in these chapters is very profound. Among other things, Lehi:

• Testifies of the saving power of Christ’s love
• Teaches of the blessing that come from following God’s commands
• Discusses the nature and ramifications of law
• Explains the need for opposition in all things

Lehi’s teachings concerning the freedom and agency of man come in the form of a discussion of the creation of man and the fall of Adam and Eve. Lehi explain’s that Adam and Eve’s (and thus all of humanity’s) journey truly began after making their first choice: that of partaking of the fruit. The Sunday School manual prepared a table showing the effects of before and after the fall.

The course of their (and our) lives after the fall consist of a series of choices. Each choice is coupled with a consequence. Some choice lead to freedom, and some do not. Knowing this, Lehi felt it imperative to include in his final words:

“Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy. And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.

“Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.”