“1 Nephi 16–18: The Liahona: A Guide in the Wilderness,” Book of Mormon Student Manual (2024)
“1 Nephi 16–18: The Liahona: A Guide in the Wilderness,” Book of Mormon Student Manual
1 Nephi 16–18
The Liahona: A Guide in the Wilderness
Do you ever feel lost and confused about what you should be doing or focusing on in life? How might your life be different if you were better able to recognize direction the Lord was trying to give you? Not long after Lehi’s family left Jerusalem, the Lord provided them with increased direction through the Liahona. This lesson can help you recognize and follow the Lord’s guidance in your life.
A guide in the wilderness
Examine a few of the depictions of the miraculous tool given to Lehi not long after he led his family from Jerusalem.
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What do you know about the item being depicted in these images? (see 1 Nephi 16:10).
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What was its purpose?
After being directed by the Lord to travel farther into the wilderness, Lehi woke up to find a miraculous tool, or instrument, provided by the Lord. The Liahona was “a brass ball with two pointers that gave directions—as a compass—and also spiritual instruction to Lehi and his followers when they were righteous” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Liahona,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
Imagine what it would be like to wake up one morning and find next to your door an instrument like the Liahona that you could use to guide you throughout your day.
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What might be different in your life if you had something like the Liahona to guide you?
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What are some circumstances you are currently facing for which you would like extra direction and guidance?
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles described one reason we should seek to better understand how the Liahona worked. Note that the phrase “type and a shadow” refers to objects, events, stories, or people that represent something else.
The description in the Book of Mormon of the Liahona, the director or compass used by Lehi and his family in their journey in the wilderness, specifically was included in the record as a type and a shadow for our day and as an essential lesson about what we should do to enjoy the blessings of the Holy Ghost. (David A. Bednar, “That We May Always Have His Spirit to Be with Us,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2006, 30)
Similarities between the Liahona and the Holy Ghost
In your study journal, make a chart like the following. Consider listing some of the similarities between the Liahona and the Holy Ghost that you already know. As you study, consider what you are learning that helps you understand the Holy Ghost better and how you can better use this gift in your life.
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Characteristics of the Liahona |
Similarities to the Holy Ghost |
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Read the following scripture references, and record details about the Liahona in the left column of your chart. These may include how the Liahona worked, why it was provided, and what happened to cause it to stop working. Then prayerfully consider how these details about the Liahona relate to or symbolize the workings of the Holy Ghost. Record the similarities in the right column of your chart. For example, in 1 Nephi 16:10, we learn that the Liahona pointed the way Lehi and his family should go in the wilderness. Similarly, the Holy Ghost can point the direction that we need to go in life.
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Answer the following questions in your study journal:
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What are two or three of the most important truths you learned about the Holy Ghost by comparing it to the Liahona?
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When have you or others experienced one or more of these truths about the Holy Ghost?
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How could seeking to recognize and follow direction from the Holy Ghost impact your relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
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Take a moment to reflect on your ability to receive guidance from the Holy Ghost and the influence this has on the choices you make. Consider recording any thoughts or impressions you may have.