1 Nephi 18:18 - 18:22
1 Nephi 18:18 Because of their grief and much sorrow, and the iniquity of my brethren, they were brought near even to be carried out of this time to meet their God; yea, their grey hairs were about to be brought down to lie low in the dust; yea, even they were near to be cast with sorrow into a watery grave.
Lehi and Sariah despondency over the rebellion and almost continuous murmuring has lead to their becoming so sick that they were unable to get around. They almost died because of the wickedness of their oldest sons.
1 Nephi 18:19 And Jacob and Joseph also, being young, having need of much nourishment, were grieved because of the afflictions of their mother; and also my wife with her tears and prayers, and also my children, did not soften the hearts of my brethren that they would loose me.
The sadness among their two new brothers and other members of the group such as Nephi’s wife and his children had no effect on Laman and Lemuel. These boys were so bitter and angry at the situation that they had absolutely no regard for the anyone but themselves. I am convinced that if it had not been for the storm, that they would have eventually murdered Nephi and those loyal to the Lord and him on the ship and thrown the bodies into the sea.
1 Nephi 18:20 And there was nothing save it were the power of God, which threatened them with destruction, could soften their hearts; wherefore, when they saw that they were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea they repented of the thing which they had done, insomuch that they loosed me.
It took a storm where they could see that their own lives were in danger to get them to release Nephi and cooperated with him. It is a shame, it seems, that many have to suffer because of the stupidity of others but it seems that this is the way the Lord tests the righteous and gives plenty of rope to the wicked. Both are benefited. The righteous become stronger and more loving and the wicked repent and try to better. But it is still tough.
1 Nephi 18:21 And it came to pass after they had loosed me, behold, I took the compass, and it did work whither I desired it. And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord; and after I had prayed the winds did cease, and the storm did cease, and there was a great calm.
Anyway Nephi is released and he takes the ball into his hands and it begins to work again. In addition, Nephi prays to the Lord for the storm to cease and it does.
1 Nephi 18:22 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did guide the ship, that we sailed again towards the promised land.
They resume the voyage to the land of promise. I feel sure that the older boys are taking among themselves what they will do when they finally get there. And I sure it won’t be to allow Nephi to be the leader of the group.
