1 Nephi 18:3 - 18:7
1 Nephi 18:3 And I, Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and I did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things.
During the construction of the ship, Nephi goes to the mountain often to receive further instructions. He is shown many great things.
Probably the answers to his questions on the boat and on the future of his people. Also as I would do about the universe, history and what happens after death. This is a Temple experience for him, I feel sure.
This mountain must have been close by the camp. Wonder if others went with him like his wife or the other righteous members of the family. Still wonder because he calls it “the mountain” if it was the one he was transported to by the angel when he was shown the interpretation of his father’s dream?
1 Nephi 18:4 And it came to pass that after I had finished the ship, according to the word of the Lord, my brethren beheld that it was good, and that the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine; wherefore, they did humble themselves again before the Lord.
At long last the ship was finished and the workmanship was pronounced good by all. Because they all knew that it was the Lord that showed them how to build it to this level of quality, they felt to thank the Lord again. They realized, at least, at this time they were not using their own intellect to put this craft together.
1 Nephi 18:5 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came unto my father, that we should arise and go down into the ship.
The Lord now tells them it is time to leave for the land of promise and commence the voyage. It was probably when the winds on the ocean would be blowing in the correct direction so they have the wind at their backs.
1 Nephi 18:6 And it came to pass that on the morrow, after we had prepared all things, much fruits and meat from the wilderness, and honey in abundance, and provisions according to that which the Lord had commanded us, we did go down into the ship, with all our loading and our seeds, and whatsoever thing we had brought with us, every one according to his age; wherefore, we did all go down into the ship, with our wives and our children.
Provisions were put on board consisting of dried fruits, meals and much honey. They probably were stock piling as the ship was being built. Wonder if they had any idea about the length of the voyage? I guess there was no hurry to get there. They could take their time. I sure they had to stop from time to time for water and fresh provisions. They also took materials to start farming when they arrive in the land of promise such as seeds. The provisions were suited for each age group. There were babies and I’m sure provisions and diapers for them were among the supplies.
1 Nephi 18:7 And now, my father had begat two sons in the wilderness; the elder was called Jacob and the younger Joseph.
Lehi has had two more children of his own while on the trip. They were named Jacob and Joseph, Joseph being the youngest.
