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Lesson 7: “I Know in Whom I Have Trusted”
Our Sunday School readings in 2 Nephi chapters 3-5 continue with the words, of Lehi, go forward with the response and writings of Nephi, and give us the last glimpse of a narrative story that we will have until the book of Jacob. Here is an overview of what we are dealing with:
Lehi’s having previously spoken to his older sons and Jacob, now directs his words to his youngest son Joseph. Lehi spends much of time speaking of the biblical Joseph, son of Jacob, who was sold into Egypt. He quotes some words of Joseph which must have been on the brass plates, but somehow did not survive, because the do not appear in the present-day Bible. Joseph prophesies of another prophet who will come forth and be instrumental in bringing to light “the covenants which [the Lord] has made.” He then gives a clue regarding his identity: “And his name shall be called after me; and it shall be after the name of his father.” Based on this, we assume that he is refering to Joseph Smith Jr., and his father Joseph Smith Sr. Thus in 2 Nephi 4, we have a total of 4 people mentioned named “Joseph.”
Nephi’s words in 2 Nephi 4:15–35 are commonly referred to as Nephi’s Psalm. Nephi, doubtless educated in Hebraic literary styles, follows the format and substance of a personal lament to God, similar to many of David’s psalms, such as the 69th. In it, Nephi praises the Lord’s goodness, acknowledges his weaknesses, pleads for strength, and bemoans his sins. One might wonder how someone like Nephi, who we regard as a pillar of righteousness, could have such significants self doubts regarding his virtue. One insight might come from a statement by Joseph Smith:
“The nearer man approaches perfection, the clearer are his views, and the greater his enjoyments, till he has overcome the evils of his life and lost every desire for sin; and like the ancients, arrives at that point of faith where he is wrapped in the power and glory of his Maker and is caught up to dwell with Him” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 51).
Following Lehi’s death, tensions increase between the camps of Nephi and Laman. The Lord warns Nephi to gather his followers and leave their land of First inheritance. Nephi obeys, and we see the fateful schism between what come to be known as the Nephites and Lamanites. The Nephites travel “for the space of many days,” and arrive at a land they call the “Land of Nephi.” Aware of their hostile kin, the people of Nephi make swords and prepare themselves for defensive combat. Nephi takes the lead, is appointed King, establishes a community, builds a temple, instructs his people righteously, and appoints his brothers Jacob and Joseph to be religious teachers among the people.
These events lay the framework for much of the remainder of the Book of Mormon. The Nephites value their religious, their freedoms, and their peace; the Lamanites abandon much of it, and their hostility against the Nephites only increases.
