1 Nephi 4:36 - 5:2

1 Nephi 4:36 Now we were desirous that he should tarry with us for this cause, that the Jews might not know concerning our flight into the wilderness, lest they should pursue us and destroy us.

It was crucial that Zoram make this covenant with the boys. If Zoram was let go and did return to Jerusalem he would obviously be questioned about the death of Laban. He might then reveal who was responsible. He would probably tell where the killers had gone and be pursued by the authorities.

So it was imperative that any witnesses not be around to reveal what had happened. And since Zoram would be missing as also the plates, he would be suspected alone with the boys. I’m sure that someone in Laban’s household would remember that the boys had been there and were asking for the plates.

1 Nephi 4:37 And it came to pass that when Zoram had made an oath unto us, our fears did cease concerning him.

Zoram could now see the advantages to throwing in with Lehi’s family, so he gave his word to go with the boys down to their father’s camp. The giving of one’s word must have been held incarnate with people of the time. When people gave their word, they felt duty bound even unto death to live up to their oaths. Anyway the boys were now satisfied that Zoram would no longer be a threat to them.

Lying in the Book of Mormon was a crime under their laws. We will read about this later. People who would lie were dangerous to the health and safety of the people in general and to individuals as well. Society was at risk, if no one could be depended on to tell the truth.

Just a side note: Wonder what was the reaction of Laman and Lemuel when they heard about Nephi decapitating Laban. It had to impress them as to the dedication of Nephi to carrying out the mission. One would hope that when all the details of the events surrounding the getting of the plates would impress the older boys as to the power of the Lord, but as events show, I guess not.

1 Nephi 4:38 And it came to pass that we took the plates of brass and the servant of Laban, and departed into the wilderness, and journeyed unto the tent of our father.

With what they came for and with an additional soul, they return to the tent of their father in the desert.

1 Nephi 5:1 And it came to pass that after we had come down into the wilderness unto our father, behold, he was filled with joy, and also my mother, Sariah, was exceedingly glad, for she truly had mourned because of us.

Apparently, the boys may have been gone a bit longer than their mother had thought the mission should have lasted. Upon their return and the successful completion of their assignment, both parents were relieved and happy.

1 Nephi 5:2 For she had supposed that we had perished in the wilderness; and she also had complained against my father, telling him that he was a visionary man; saying: Behold thou hast led us forth from the land of our inheritance, and my sons are no more, and we perish in the wilderness.

Because the length of time the boys had been away she started complaining that something must have happened to her boys. She started complaining to Lehi that it was all his fault that they were now stuck in the desert and had lost their four sons back in Jerusalem.

She, in addition, was condemning his visions and his supposedly spiritual bent. I guess saying that he had his mind to much in places that were of no use in this life because his manifestations had cost the lives of her sons, as she supposed.

Although no daughters are mentioned by name and only in passing a little later in the text, I can only imagine the concern that Sariah had knowing they could not return to their homes and safety and that the families only protection would be their father, with no younger males to help.