1 Nephi 13:9 - 13:13

1 Nephi 13:9 And also for the praise of the world do they destroy the saints of God, and bring them down into captivity.

Because of their life styles of the rich and the famous, they have no toleration for those who criticize their show of extravagance even when so many are in poverty.

1 Nephi 13:10 And it came to pass that I looked and beheld many waters; and they divided the Gentiles from the seed of my brethren.

Nephi is now shown those who carry the label of the great and abominable by viewing the countries in Europe - their governments and churches. They all exhibit the traits as motioned in the previous two verses.

This means that they do try to destroy anyone who is critical of their life styles and/or doctrines. Those who speak up for the poor and those of other religious persuasions are immediately dealt with and often imprison or murdered.

1 Nephi 13:11 And it came to pass that the angel said unto me: Behold the wrath of God is upon the seed of thy brethren.

Changes are now in the works to bring down this corruption of religious and governmental suppression. Heavenly Father is going to start to put into place people and events to change everything. In addition, He is angry with the descendants of the Lamanites and is going to bring them down too.

1 Nephi 13:12 And I looked and beheld a man among the Gentiles, who was separated from the seed of my brethren by the many waters; and I beheld the Spirit of God, that it came down and wrought upon the man; and he went forth upon the many waters, even unto the seed of my brethren, who were in the promised land.

This all starts with one man who is in Europe. This man (Columbus) is under the heavy influence of angels and he feels inspired to go try to find a way to get to China for the spices and trade. He was not looking for the Lamanites as he did not know that American even existed, but he did find it.

He will bring forces and events that will bring the wrath of God upon them. It will be in the nature of diseases and fortune hunters who will kill anyone who gets in their way. As I have seen the way these ancient peoples of the Americas live I can see why God had had enough and they were ripe for destruction. With human sacrifices and continual inter tribal warfare, it was time to put an end to all this horror. And it started with one man being inspired to look for pepper to put on his eggs in the morning.

1 Nephi 13:13 And it came to pass that I beheld the Spirit of God, that it wrought upon other Gentiles; and they went forth out of captivity, upon the many waters.

Not only was the man in the previous verse ‘wrought upon’ but many others. They are referred to as being in captivity. I guess that refers to their having little chance for growth under the kings and queens that rule the countries in Europe. Not having a chance to better ones condition should be class as being in bondage.

This land of the Americas is definitely a place where one can work hard and become rich. This was not easy with the rulers owning all the resources so that a person could not get their hands on some of it to better their lives. America is therefore always referred to as the land of opportunity.

I think to key word is ‘upon other Gentiles.’ Does this mean that every person that ever came to this country was inspired by the Spirit of God. I think it means exactly that not matter where they came of their own efforts or were carried here in bondage. I also believe that it refers to those who are coming across our bounders, even illegally, are also wrought upon. No one is where he is without being influence to go there. I even think that my being here in Olympia, Washington is the result of being wrought upon. There is a reason for one being where he finds himself and it is the will of God that it is so.