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| Laman and Lemuel plot against Nephi, as Nephi and those who will follow him prepare to flee into the wilderness with their tents, flocks, and belongings. They brought along the sword of Laban, the Liahona, and the Brass Plates (scriptures.) |
2 Nephi 5
Laman and Lemuel became angry toward Nephi, because of his position in the family. In this traditional patriarchal society, the elder brother is supposed to be the ruler. Long before the death of their father, Laman and Lemuel had given up this birthright by refusing to follow the commandments of their father and God 2 Nephi 4:13; 5:3. Laman and Lemuel sought to kill their brother, Nephi, as a result of their increasing anger 2 Nephi 5:2, 4. This anger is in sharp contrast with Nephi’s earlier efforts to control his anger 2 Nephi 4:27–29. Because anger leads to contention, a tool of the adversary, there is danger in allowing increasing anger to dwell in our hearts. To be peacemakers in the home, the community, and the Church we should attempt to take on the mantle of Charity and give others the benefit of a doubt 1 Corinthians 13. Additionally, we should follow the second great commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves Matthew 22:39.
“We need a more peaceful world, growing out of more peaceful families and neighborhoods and communities. To secure and cultivate such peace, ‘we must love others, even our enemies as well as our friends.’ … We need to extend the hand of friendship. We need to be kinder, more gentle, more forgiving, and slower to anger. We need to love one another with the pure love of Christ. May this be our course and our desire” Howard W. Hunter, Ensign, May 1992, 63.
Understandably, Nephi sought the counsel of God, when of his brothers' anger became dangerous 2 Nephi 5:1. Interestingly, Nephi wasn't told to stay but to leave, to flee from evil, with whomever would go with him 2 Nephi 5:5. Earlier the Lord told Nephi that if his brothers didn't change their ways that Nephi would be their ruler and they would be cut off from God. This happened here. Because they would not allow Nephi to be the patriarch or ruler, he left with the scriptures. They were no longer led by a prophet.
Without the scriptures and a prophet to guide them, which things would allow them to understand gospel principles and commandments, they were truly cut off from God. This was their curse and not the darkening of their skin as some suppose. The darkening was only a sign and not the curse itself. Any who follow the Lord, regardless of skin color, are fair and delightsome people.
Those that went Nephi were blessed and “lived after the manner of happiness” 2 Nephi 5:27. When the people of Nephi kept the commandments, prepared to defend themselves, preserved the records that were on the plates of brass, built a temple, and worked together their happiness was full 2 Nephi 5:10–17. We can follow the Nephites’ example and strive to live “after the manner of happiness.” One thing that has been a question for me lately is the idea of war. It is crystal clear to me after reading this chapter. We don't seek war and flee violence if possible, however, we do prepare to defend ourselves, our families, and our homes if need be. We don't prepare with a doomsday attitude but industriously continue along after the manner of happiness as we prepare every needful thing.
“Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God” Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 134–35.
