1 Nephi 3:27 - 3:31

1 Nephi 3:27 - And it came to pass that we fled into the wilderness, and the servants of Laban did not overtake us, and we hid ourselves in the cavity of a rock.

The boys were forced to flee into the desert in order to allude Laban’s men. They hid in a cave.

1 Nephi 3:28 - And it came to pass that Laman was angry with me, and also with my father; and also was Lemuel, for he hearkened unto the words of Laman. Wherefore Laman and Lemuel did speak many hard words unto us, their younger brothers, and they did smite us even with a rod.

After the danger had passed, Laman now reacted to his life nearly being taken with anger against Nephi. Lemuel joined in with Laman as he always seem to side with his older brother on most issues confronting the family. The older brothers took out their anger by beating on their younger brother Nephi with clubs.

1 Nephi 3:29 - And it came to pass as they smote us with a rod, behold, an angel of the Lord came and stood before them, and he spake unto them, saying: Why do ye smite your younger brother with a rod? Know ye not that the Lord hath chosen him to be a ruler over you, and this because of your iniquities? Behold ye shall go up to Jerusalem again, and the Lord will deliver Laban into your hands.

As they were thus engaged in beating on Nephi, and angel suddenly appeared to them. I bet that they were shook up over that! (I can only wonder how I would react if an angel appeared me.) The angel then asked them why they are hitting their brother Nephi?

I think it is interesting that the angel asked Laman and Lemuel why they were beating up their little brother. I sure the angel knew why but he wanted them to say why. Sometimes when we are asked why we are doing something, particularly if it is problematic, our minds take over from our emotions and we begin the process of analyzing just what the heck are we doing.

Nephi was told he would eventually be the leader of the clan in a previous vision but it was not made known to the others by revelation. But now it is. The boys are not happy with this declaration, but they realize they cannot rebel against. The boys now knew that there was angels on the other side of the veil who are watching events and will intercede when necessary. That even could be to applying force to see things through to the conclusion the Lord has in mind.

In addition, the angel gives witness from on high that Nephi is to be their leader. Up to this time, it was their observation that Nephi seem to be trying to take over. That did not set will the older boys who felt they should be the head of the clan when their father passed away. Did they not know that the Lord has chosen Nephi to be a ruler over them.

The reason the Laman was not the leader was because of his wickedness. I guess the older boys should have figured it out that they were not held in very high esteem by the Lord because of their attitudes.

I wonder if the older boys could remember the scriptures were there were repeated instances of the younger boys set apart to rule over the older ones by the Lord. A good example is Joseph, son of Jacob who was more favored and bless than the older sons.

Anyway the boys were commanded to return again to Jerusalem. The way would be opened up to them to accomplish their mission. They were not to worry, Laban would actually be delivered into their hands. I'm sure Laman and Lemuel were not convinced.

1 Nephi 3:30 - And after the angel had spoken unto us, he departed.

After the angel finished with his massage, he return to the other side of the veil. This shows that we are indeed being watch by angels from beyond the veil that covers our eyes to the Spirit world and beyond. It suggest that our sins are being observed as well. I'm sure our thoughts are monitored as well. That should shake up everyone. That is where most of us have our greatest weakness, that is, our thoughts.

Along with this concept, is the idea that what we are experiencing is being allowed by the angels. Whatever happens to us is allowed by the Lord. As difficult as some seem to be there must be some benefit if they are allowed. That does not mean they are condoned only that are allowed. But it is at least comforting to know that these seeming difficult events are being monitored by angels. When they get to be beyond our capacity to endure, help will come from the other side of the veil.

1 Nephi 3:31 - And after the angel had departed, Laman and Lemuel again began to murmur, saying: How is it possible that the Lord will deliver Laban into our hands? Behold, he is a mighty man, and he can command fifty, yea, even he can slay fifty; then why not us?

Well in spite of this probably startling visitation, the older boys are still doubting the mission. It seems that when you have little faith, there is nothing that can convince you to act even if there is supernatural help available. Anyway they are doubting that the Lord can deliver Laban into their hands. After all, they say, Laban is a man with a large personal body guard of fifty men. And he has the force to even kill fifty invaders if he is attacked. They are only four. How are they to overcome fifty well armed men? It seem miracles do not mean much to the unfaithful or the doubting.