2004
I Beheld a Tree
January 2004


“I Beheld a Tree,” Ensign, Jan. 2004, 44–47

“I Beheld a Tree”

Lehi’s dream of the tree of life is an ongoing source of inspiration to Latter-day Saints worldwide. The prophet Nephi writes of his father’s dream in 1 Nephi, chapter 8: “While my father tarried in the wilderness he spake unto us, saying: Behold, I have dreamed a dream; … I beheld a tree, whose fruit was desirable to make one happy. And … I did go forth and partake of the fruit thereof; and I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted. Yea, and I beheld that the fruit thereof was white. … And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit” (1 Ne. 8:2, 10–12).

On these pages are various artists’ depictions of this passage of scripture.

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Lehi’s Vision of the Tree of Life

Lehi’s Vision of the Tree of Life, by Wang Xiu, Chinese scroll

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Lehi’s Vision of the Tree of Life

Lehi’s Vision of the Tree of Life, by Diane Aposhian-Moffat, hand-knotted rug

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Tree of Life

Tree of Life, by LaMona Brown, hand-knotted rug

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A Vision of the Tree of Life

A Vision of the Tree of Life, by Carol Lind, watercolor on parchment

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Tree of Life

Tree of Life, by Charlotte Andersen, quilt

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Tree of Life

Tree of Life, by Carol Johnson, quilt

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Tree of Life

Tree of Life, by Marcus Alan Vincent, oil on linen

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Tree of Life

Tree of Life, by Mabel “Belle” Lara, oil on panel

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Tree of Life

Tree of Life, by Derek Hegsted, oil on canvas

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Tree of Life

Tree of Life, by Lucile C. Fish, tatting

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Lehi’s Dream

Lehi’s Dream, by Damaris Puga de Garcia, metal work