Lehi's Dream

Lehi’s Dream, by Steven Lloyd Neal

January 15–21

1 Nephi 6–10

“Come and Partake of the Fruit”

As you read 1 Nephi 6–10, consider what messages from Lehi’s vision apply to you. Record the spiritual impressions you receive in your scriptures, a notebook, or this resource.

Record Your Impressions

Lehi’s dream—with its iron rod, mists of darkness, spacious building, and tree with “most sweet” fruit—is an inspiring invitation to receive the blessings of the Savior’s love and atoning sacrifice. For Lehi, however, this vision was also about his family: “Because of the thing which I have seen, I have reason to rejoice in the Lord because of Nephi and also of Sam. … But behold, Laman and Lemuel, I fear exceedingly because of you” (1 Nephi 8:3–4). When Lehi finished describing his vision, he pleaded with Laman and Lemuel to “hearken to his words, that perhaps the Lord would be merciful to them” (1 Nephi 8:37). Even if you have studied Lehi’s vision many times, this time think about it the way Lehi did—think of someone you love. As you do, the security of the iron rod, the dangers of the spacious building, and the sweetness of the fruit will take on new meaning. And you will understand more deeply “all the feeling of [the] tender parent” who received this remarkable vision.

Integrated Curriculum Illustration

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

1 Nephi 6; 9

Why did Nephi make two sets of plates?

A “wise purpose” of the Lord in having Nephi create two records became clear centuries later. After Joseph Smith translated the first 116 manuscript pages of the Book of Mormon, he gave the pages to Martin Harris, who lost them (see Doctrine and Covenants 10:1–23). But Nephi’s second set of plates covered the same time period, and the Lord commanded Joseph Smith to translate these plates rather than retranslate what had been lost (see Doctrine and Covenants 10:38–45).

This second set of plates did more than just restore lost historical accounts. What do you learn from 1 Nephi 6 about Nephi’s desires for these plates?

1 Nephi 8

The word of God leads me to the Savior and helps me feel His love.

Lehi’s vision offers an invitation to reflect on where you are—and where you are going—in your personal journey to become like the Savior. President Boyd K. Packer said of this vision: “You are in it; all of us are in it (see 1 Nephi 19:23). Lehi’s dream or vision of the iron rod has in it everything a … Latter-day Saint needs to understand the test of life” (“Lehi’s Dream and You,” New Era, Jan. 2015, 2).

One way to study 1 Nephi 8 could be to fill out a chart like the one shown here. To understand the meaning of the symbols, refer to the vision that Nephi had when he prayed to understand his father’s vision—see especially 1 Nephi 11:4–25, 32–36; 12:16–18; 15:21–33, 36. As you study Lehi’s vision, consider what the Lord wants you to learn and do.

Symbol from Lehi’s vision	Meanings	Questions to ponder
Symbol from Lehi’s vision Tree and its fruit (1 Nephi 8:10–12)	Meanings	Questions to ponder What am I doing to invite others to partake of the love of God?
Symbol from Lehi’s vision River (1 Nephi 8:13)	Meanings	Questions to ponder
Symbol from Lehi’s vision Rod of iron (1 Nephi 8:19–20, 30)	Meanings	Questions to ponder
Symbol from Lehi’s vision Mist of darkness (1 Nephi 8:23)	Meanings	Questions to ponder
Symbol from Lehi’s vision Great and spacious building (1 Nephi 8:26–27, 33)	Meanings	Questions to ponder
Symbol from Lehi’s vision	Meanings	Questions to ponder

See also David A. Bednar, “Lehi’s Dream: Holding Fast to the Rod,” Ensign or Liahona, Oct. 2011, 33–37; Kevin W. Pearson, “Stay by the Tree,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 114–16.

Common Thread

The rod of iron represents the word of God. Common Thread, by Kelsy and Jesse Barrett

1 Nephi 10:2–16

Ancient prophets knew about Jesus Christ’s mission and testified of Him.

Why do you think the Lord would want Lehi’s family—and all of us—to know the truths found in 1 Nephi 10:2–16? Consider what you could tell your loved ones to invite them to turn to the Savior. After studying Lehi’s vision and teachings, what are you, like Nephi, inspired to learn “by the power of the Holy Ghost”? (1 Nephi 10:17).

1 Nephi 10:17–19

God will reveal truth to me if I diligently seek it.

How do you respond when you encounter a gospel principle that you don’t understand? Note the differences between the way Nephi responded to Lehi’s vision (see 1 Nephi 10:17–19; 11:1) and the way Laman and Lemuel responded (see 1 Nephi 15:1–10). What truths do you think Nephi understood that led him to respond as he did?

Is there a gospel principle you would like to understand better? How can you follow Nephi’s example?

See also 1 Nephi 2:11–19; Doctrine and Covenants 8:1–3.

Integrated Curriculum Illustration

Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Home Evening

1 Nephi 6:3–4.What are the “things of God” that we feel inspired to record? What has helped persuade us to “come unto [Christ], and be saved”? (1 Nephi 6:3–4).

1 Nephi 7:6–21.What impresses us about Nephi’s example in these verses? How is our family blessed when we “frankly forgive” each other? The video “The Lord Delivers Nephi from His Rebellious Brothers” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) could be helpful.

1 Nephi 8.Your family members might enjoy reenacting Lehi’s vision or drawing pictures and using their drawings to tell about it. Or you could show the pictures of Lehi’s vision that accompany this outline and invite family members to point out details and look for scriptures that describe what these things represent. The hymn “The Iron Rod” (Hymns, no. 274) goes well with this chapter, as does the video “Lehi Sees a Vision of the Tree of Life” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

For an interactive experience, download the Tree of Life AR app.

1 Nephi 8:10–16.Who could we invite to come closer to Jesus Christ and feel the sweetness of His love? What can we do to “[beckon] unto them”?

1 Nephi 9:5–6.When have we followed a commandment without fully understanding the reasons for it? How were we blessed?

For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.

Suggested song: “Search, Ponder, and Pray,” Children’s Songbook, 109.

Improving Our Teaching

How do the scriptures apply to our lives? After reading a passage of scripture, invite family members to share how the passage applies to them. For instance, when your family members read 1 Nephi 8:33, they might talk about how to give no heed to those who “point the finger of scorn.”

The Tree of Life

The Tree of Life, by Avon Oakeson