Nephi is commanded to build a ship—His brethren oppose him—He exhorts them by recounting the history of God’s dealings with Israel—Nephi is filled with the power of God—His brethren are forbidden to touch him, lest they wither as a dried reed. About 592–591 B.C.
This chapter contains yet another example of the difference
between Nephi and his brethren. He is obedient to the Lord, his brethren are
obedient to him (Nephi), but only after some “divine persuasion.” I believe we
also see a subtle change in the family dynamics. I don’t know if Lehi is at all
diminished in his health or status as prophet, but it’s interesting to note
that when it comes time to build the boat, the Lord comes directly to Nephi. Up
through the last chapter it was always Lehi who received revelation for the
family. The story of the broken bow is a good example of that. After Nephi
fashioned the new bow, he went to his father for direction, even though Lehi
had been one of the murmurers. In this chapter, the Lord reveals His will
concerning the boat directly to Nephi. It seems the mantle has been passed on
from Lehi to Nephi, even though there is no real mention of that happening. In
the next chapter the revelation of when to leave comes to Lehi, but still, I
think this chapter marks a subtle change in the order of things.
