1 Nephi 3-5

1 Nephi 3
Lehi received revelation from the Lord that his sons should return to Jerusalem to the house of their cousin Laban and obtain the Brass Plates which contained the scriptures from Adam down to Isaiah and also the genealogy of Lehi’s family. Evidently, families at this time didn’t have copies of the scriptures but relied on the family record keeper to guard them. Scriptures written on metal plates must have been extremely valuable. Scrolls containing the scriptures were used by the priests or rabbis within the synagogues, but again, individuals didn’t have copies. Lehi knew that his family would not be able to remember all the things written in the scriptures; therefore, he was not going to continue their journey without the Brass Plates as commanded by the Lord. My testimony is based on the knowledge I have that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. Therefore, Joseph Smith is a prophet, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church of God on the earth. I hope all of my children and grandchildren will obtain their testimonies of the Book of Mormon by reading and praying to know it is true. I will go and do the things the Lord commands.
1 Nephi 4
Fresh from the experience of seeing an angel (and being beaten by Laman and Lemuel), Nephi exercised faith in the words of the angel. He told his brothers that they would be going back to Jerusalem to get the plates; the Lord would provide the way. When they arrived Nephi went alone into the city following the promptings of the Spirit. He didn’t know where those promptings would lead but he trusted them. When Nephi came upon Laban, drunk and passed out in the street, the Spirit told him to slay Laban saying that the Lord wanted it done now so that a whole nation would not perish in unbelief. Nephi wrestled with the instructions, but promptly drew Laban’s own sword and cut off his head. Then he took Laban’s robes and put them on. He then went to Laban’s home and, imitating Laban’s voice, told his servant to get the plates. Zoram was the servant’s name and he obeyed Nephi thinking it was his master. When they left the city with the plates and came upon his frightened brothers, Nephi called out to them, reassuring them of his identity. Then, Zoram panicked and tried to escape but Nephi grabbed him and held him. Into a frightened and struggling Zoram’s ear, Nephi spoke covenant words, promising Zoram’s safety and freedom. He must come with them or Lehi’s family would be discovered and killed. Zoram believed and accepted the words of the covenant Nephi made with him, covenanting to join the family and live out his life with them. He would prove to be a faithful friend to Nephi.
1 Nephi 5
While her sons were back at Jerusalem, Sariah, complained to her husband. She was afraid the boys had been killed and was uncertain her husband had received revelation regarding leaving Jerusalem. Lehi wisely agreed with his wife saying he was indeed a visionary man. Yet, he held firm speaking kindly and gently to her, demonstrating his tender love and compassion. When the boys returned, Sariah was overjoyed and rock solid in her faith in her husband’s revelations from the Lord. After giving thanks to the Lord and offering sacrifice, Lehi searched the plates finding the scriptures from Adam to Isaiah and a genealogy of the family. Notice that Lehi was a descendant of Joseph (sold into Egypt) and so was Laban, who Nephi slew. The plates had been kept in the family, most likely being passed from father to son.
I am sure that Jean, like Sariah, wondered what would come of our many moves. But she always showed support and never made me feel like we had made a mistake by going from place to place in our journey. I have always felt the deepest love and respect for Jean for her strength and courage, also her grace and common sense. Our years in Laramie were the most difficult for her. The cold and isolation were hard on her. But she loved our house and made the best of things. She was thrilled when she learned we could come back to Utah. This is our promised land. Many adventures still await us in our journey home.