1 Nephi 17&18 Scripture Study

The reasoning Nephi uses in 1 Nephi 17 is classic to the scriptures. So many prophets cite the Lord's miracles He has preformed in the past. Don't believe me? Check out Hebrews 11 and Ether 12. Hebrews 11 and Ether 12 are examples of teaching the principle of faith through stories from the past.

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things

not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared

an ark to the saving of his house; by the whcih

he condemned the world, and became heir

of the righeousness which is by faith.

Hebrews 11:5

For is was by faith that Christ showed himself

unto our athers. after he had risen from the dead;

and he showed not himself unto them until after

they had faith in him; wherefore, it must needs

be that some had faith in him, for he

showed himself not unto the world.

Ether 12:7

1 Nephi 17 is a little bit different though from Hebrews 11 and Ether 12. This time, Nephi uses stories from the past to warn his brothers about the ramifications of turning from God. Nothing like instilling a little fear to get people moving. It worked for at least a little while (1 Nephi 17:55).

And notwithstanding they being led, the Lord 

their God, their Redeemer, going before them, 

leading them by day and giving light unto 

them by night, and doing all things for them which 

were expedient for man to receive, they hardened 

their hearts and blinded their minds, and reviled
against Moses and against the true and living God. 

And it came to pass that according to his word 

he did destroy them; and according to his word 

he did lead them; and according to his word he 

did do all things for them; and there was 

not any thing done save it were by his word.

1 Nephi 17:30-31

This chapter reminds me of the importance of preserving God's word and stories of saints throughout all ages. If God sent Nephi and company all the way back for the brass plates, if He had Joseph Smith risk his life to bring forth the Book of Mormon, and if our prophets exhort us to read the scriptures and keep our own records, then they must be important! Nephi set a great example of "[likening] all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning" (1Nephi 19:23). However, first we need to know what's in those scriptures. So, pull out your sticks (Ezekiel 37), get to readin', and then consciously apply what you learn!