13 And it came to pass that we traveled for the space of four days, nearly a south-southeast direction, and we did pitch our tents again; and we did call the name of the place Shazer.
I have often wondered why the Liahona had two spindles, and
whether the second one that Nephi didn’t describe in verse 10 was simply a
compass. This verse may give a clue to that idea. This is the first time Nephi
has given a direction as it would be read on a compass, “nearly a
south-southeast direction.” Previously, when Nephi gave directions for their
travels it was with landmarks (see 1 Nephi 2:4–5). I don’t know if it’s
conclusive, but it’s interesting that Nephi uses compass directions for the
first time after they get the
Liahona. I’m sure that part of the reason could be that they were heading into
a part of the wilderness they were not familiar with, but it just seems like
quite a coincidence that Nephi starts using compass directions right after
receiving the Liahona.
