1 Nephi 6:1 - 6:5

1 Nephi 6:1 And now I, Nephi, do not give the genealogy of my fathers in this part of my record; neither at any time shall I give it after upon these plates which I am writing; for it is given in the record which has been kept by my father; wherefore, I do not write it in this work.

Nephi makes an editorial notes stating that he will not rewrite the genealogy in his record. They are available on the brass plates. I guess if anyone gets hold of them they will have power to read them and read for themselves Lehi’s genealogy.

1 Nephi 6:2 For it sufficeth me to say that we are descendants of Joseph.

Nephi says it is enough to say that he is a descendent of Joseph. With my patriarchal bless I know I am a descended of Joseph too, which makes Nephi and I cousins.

I assume that is important for us to know so as to show that the prophecies about Joseph is “a fruitful bough ...whose branches run over the wall” (Genesis 49:22) is being fulfilled at least partially by the family.

1 Nephi 6:3 And it mattereth not to me that I am particular to give a full account of all the things of my father, for they cannot be written upon these plates, for I desire the room that I may write of the things of God.

Nephi is also not going to record the events in Lehi’s life particularly the struggles in the desert and their journey to the land of promise. Nephi wants only record spiritual events not historical happenings.

This is a journal of the blessing he and his family received. It will be more of a record of how the Lord supported him in his efforts to be obedient in spite of the obstacles he came across. This is Nephi only desire. A historical narrative is not is aim with his record. They are probably recorded on other records Nephi kept.

No can only wonder at what other hardships they people faced in crossing the desert which is called the empty quarter and the ocean to get to the promise land. Just because a person is going to get something worthwhile in the future does not mean they will not endure hardship to receive it. This is probably the case so we can first know we did get something great and second appreciate it after we have obtained it.

1 Nephi 6:4 For the fulness of mine intent is that I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved.

Nephi’s purpose for what he has written is to help the reader to know the importance of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is only interested in helping people to obtain the joy that can only come through living it teachings and commandments. All other systems, philosophies, or tenants' will not bring the desired result of happiness that last forever with family and friends.

1 Nephi 6:5 Wherefore, the things which are pleasing unto the world I do not write, but the things which are pleasing unto God and unto those who are not of the world.

The world or namely the people who are worldly are interested in only in ways to be happy without the restrictions, as they see them, of the commandments of God. They are not pleased to see their pet ideas on the way to live, denounced by others. Their pride is being touted and they do not like it.