"the Lord did strengthen them"

In my previous post, I wrote that people in the Near East in the Bronze Age relied on their gods for literally everything of significance. For the Israelites, it was only one God and to the extent that they managed to keep the first two out of the 10 commandments (which was very often not the case) they similarly relied solely on Yahweh for everything. We see how this is played out in warfare for instance. The NRSV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible explains:

It is not proper to call this “holy war,” because in the ancient Near East there was no other kind of war. The divine warrior motif depicts the deity fighting and defeating the deities of the enemy. The gods empowered the king and fought before/ beside him. Warfare was a divine undertaking, because it was generally understood as a response to unrest. Deities were responsible for bringing rest and maintaining it for their people, so unrest had to be addressed. In Assyria, the god Nergal is the King of Battle, and Ishtar is viewed also as a war goddess. The Canaanite Baal and the Babylonian Merodach are divine warriors. In situations of impending battle, prayers would be made and omens asked to assure the god’s presence. Standards or statues of the deity were usually carried to symbolize their presence. Assyrian kings of the ninth and eighth centuries BC regularly refer to the divine standard that goes before them. The ark of the covenant, as Yahweh’s standard, represents the Lord as clearing the way before the Israelites and leading the armies into Canaan. Nearly every army in the ancient Near East included priests and diviners (as seen in the Mari tablets), prophets (cf. 2 Kings 3), and portable sacred objects (Assyrian annals of Shalmaneser III [858– 824 BC]). In this way, the god(s) could be consulted on the battlefield or invoked to lead the soldiers to victory. In this worldview, human warfare is simply a representation of warfare among the gods. The stronger god would be victorious regardless of the strengths or weaknesses in the human combatants. Therefore, if Yahweh fought on their behalf, the Israelites would be convinced that they would be victorious.

The view of all significant events personally and nationally as manifestations of divine will permeates the Old Testament. As a somewhat random example, see how Ruth 4:13 refers to her conception

So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bare a son. (Ruth 4:13)

Similarly, this is how Hannah's inability to conceive is explained

But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the Lord had shut up her womb. (1 Samuel 1:5)

Today, we explain conception in scientific terms. Whether you can or cannot conceive, there is a physiological reason and no need to drag God into it for the non-believer. What about the believers? We also know the scientific explanation and yet we may in certain circumstances both pray for a pregnancy and consider it a blessing when it happens. Still, scientific discoveries and increased knowledge about the natural world has had huge implications on our worldview, also as Christians. In "Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes, authors O'Brien and Richards explain

Through advances in mathematics, physics, astronomy and medical science, Western intellectuals learned more about the fixed rules or laws by which the universe operates. For some Western Christians, such discoveries increased their awe of and dependence upon the Creator God...Many other Western Christians, however, became convinced that the universe is a closed system in which God no longer plays an active role. On the whole, the Western world did not abandon the idea of a Creator until the nineteenth century. What changed first was our understanding of God’s relationship to the cosmos. Sure, God created the heavens and the earth. Before Darwin’s theory of evolution sparked humans to look at other aspects of the universe through the lens of natural law, most folks assumed God made the material world. However, Westerners increasingly assumed that God no longer tampered with the world he had made. He was a master watchmaker who skillfully creates a quality timepiece, winds it up and then lets it run on its own. No longer was God assumed to be the sustainer and maintainer of the universe. He was now a distant deity whose relationship to creation ceased after the event of creation. He left the world to operate according to rules and laws, which he prescribed. The God of the deists, whom we’ve been describing, was a creative genius, but he was not an engaged father. Increasing knowledge of the natural world did not, in general, inspire greater awe of and dependence upon God, but less.

A modern Westerner and Christian like myself will not find it problematic to accept the fact that God can and does intervene in our daily lives, even though most phenomena can also be explained by natural laws. God simply is the greatest scientist and perhaps takes advantage of natural laws himself in his dealings with his children. But to what degree he micromanages everything or sits back to observe his wound up clock run on its own is hard to tell. There is no doubt that development in the last few centuries have caused us to change our language. Few people would use expressions like "the Lord gave her conception" or "the Lord had shut up her womb" today, even if they are faithful church members.

But we see such language in the Book of Mormon as well reflecting this ancient worldview. The Lord is always taking a very active role in any event of significance. There are numerous examples of that and I will just give a few. For instance, the people of Alma-I had to flee the place Mormon after they had been discovered by the armies of king Noah.

And the Lord did strengthen them, that the people of king Noah could not overtake them to destroy them. (Mosiah 23:2)

For the modern reader it would be reasonable to ask how the Lord strengthened them. Did he descend in a cloud and touch their legs causing a miraculous instant muscle growth? Nothing in the text indicates such an event. Most likely, they simply managed to travel faster than the king's men or the king's men were unable to find and follow their tracks. For a non-believer at least, that has little to do with God. But for a Nephite in Alma's group or for Mormon abridging the plates, it had everything to do with God and the question about how the Lord strengthened them would probably seem strange and pointless. It happened so therefore God was behind it. How God performs his marvelous works is impossible for humans to understand anyway. 

Later in the story of Alma's people, they are brought into bondage. We see another example of the Lord's active role in the narrative expressed with the exact same wording.

And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord. (Mosiah 24:15)

This sort of language is especially common in the war accounts.

Nevertheless the Lord did strengthen the hand of the Nephites, that they slew the Amlicites with great slaughter, that they began to flee before them. (Alma 2:18)

Compared to the explanation of ancient divine warfare in the first quote I shared, there is a slight deviation in the Book of Mormon, though. The Lamanites did not seem to have a god to fight the war for them. The Book of Mormon even seems to make a point of that.

Now, the Lamanites knew nothing concerning the Lord, nor the strength of the Lord, therefore they depended upon their own strength. Yet they were a strong people, as to the strength of men. (Mosiah 10:11)

Similarly, in periods of Nephite wickedness, they lose the divine favor that would otherwise keep them preserved and strengthened. They did not seem to substitute him for other gods either, and so they were left to their own strength. This detail seems unique in the Book of Mormon because in the Old Testament, people would only abandon God by replacing him by other gods. 

24 And they saw that they had become weak, like unto their brethren, the Lamanites, and that the Spirit of the Lord did no more preserve them; yea, it had withdrawn from them because the Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples—  

25 Therefore the Lord did cease to preserve them by his miraculous and matchless power, for they had fallen into a state of unbelief and awful wickedness; and they saw that the Lamanites were exceedingly more numerous than they, and except they should cleave unto the Lord their God they must unavoidably perish. 

26 For behold, they saw that the strength of the Lamanites was as great as their strength, even man for man. And thus had they fallen into this great transgression; yea, thus had they become weak, because of their transgression, in the space of not many years. (Helaman 4)

As mentioned in my previous post, it is easy to become arrogant about the apparent naivety of the ancients who knew little to nothing about natural laws and relied on God for all events of any importance. But perhaps we also have something to learn from this kind of faith. Our modern day challenge is to avoid letting science and our trust in the arm of flesh create a mist of darkness that prevent us from seeing "His hand in all things" (D&C 59:21).

The strength of the Lord

Sometimes different verses of scripture can supplement each other wonderfully and there is really not much need to comment. I think this is the case with the three passages in the Book of Mormon that I will share here

And it came to pass that we did go up in the strength of the Lord to battle. Now, the Lamanites knew nothing concerning the Lord, nor the strength of the Lord, therefore they depended upon their own strength. (Mosiah 10:10-11)

But Ammon said unto him: I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God. Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things (Alma 26:11-12)

And because of [...] their boastings in their own strength, they were left in their own strength (Helaman 4:13)

I will just leave it at that and keep the post short and sweet. 

 

 

Costly apparel versus clothing their nakedness

Clothing and nakedness with its symbolism has been discussed extensively on this blog before. The robe of righteousness or "clothed with glory/purity" and similar terms have deep symbolic meaning. But when actual physical clothing is described in the Book of Mormon, there might be some underlying symbolism as well. I just noticed that when the Nephite society is described and their clothing is mentioned, there are usually two alternatives:

1. A wicked society wearing fine/precious clothes coupled with pride
2. A righteous society where clothing is solely used to "cover their nakedness"

The price of the clothes we wear is not usually considered an indicator of our righteousness or wickedness in church today. It must have had a much more significant cultural and symbolic meaning among ancient Nephites. I cannot even begin to link all relevant previous posts touching on these concepts, but the idea of covering our nakedness is closely linked to the atonement (the Hebrew word for atonement means covering). The recurring theme of lifting yourself in pride has also been discussed extensively, and sometimes appears together with costly apparel. Perhaps this can be seen as a symbol of trying to cover your own sins instead of letting the atonement do it, similar to lifting yourself in pride instead of letting Christ lift you.

There are several examples supporting the pattern outlined above. 

For instance, in the Book of Mormon the wicked are often described as wearing costly apparel, and it is almost without exception coupled with pride.

because some of you have obtained more abundantly than that of your brethren ye are lifted up in the pride of your hearts, and wear stiff necks and high heads because of the costliness of your apparel (Jacob 2:13)

And now my beloved brethren, I say unto you, can ye withstand these sayings; yea, can ye lay aside these things, and trample the Holy One under your feet; yea, can ye be puffed up in the pride of your hearts; yea, will ye still persist in the wearing of costly apparel and setting your hearts upon the vain things of the world, upon your riches? (Alma 5:53)

And I know that ye do walk in the pride of your hearts; and there are none save a few only who do not lift themselves up in the pride of their hearts, unto the wearing of very fine apparel (Mormon 8:36)

Conversely, we see another pattern when clothing of a righteous people is described.

And I did cause that the women should spin, and toil, and work, and work all manner of fine linen, yea, and cloth of every kind, that we might clothe our nakedness; and thus we did prosper in the land - thus we did have continual peace in the land for the space of twenty and two years. (Mosiah 10:5)

Notice how "prosper in the land", the promise of the Mosaic covenant, follows when their clothing was only used to cover their nakedness. A very similar statement is found in Helaman.

Behold their women did toil and spin, and did make all manner of cloth, of fine-twined linen and cloth of every kind, to clothe their nakedness. And thus the sixty and fourth year did pass away in peace. (Helaman 6:13)

...and in a rare period of righteousness and prosperity among the Jaredites

And they did have silks, and fine-twined linen; and they did work all manner of cloth, that they might clothe themselves from their nakedness. (Ether 10:24)

We see both of these patterns play out in Alma 1, where we are introduced to Nehor, who is described in verse 6

And he began to be lifted up in the pride of his heart, and to wear very costly apparel

Those who did not support him and belonged to the true church of God are described in verse 27

And they did impart of their substance, every man according to that which he had, to the poor, and the needy, and the sick, and the afflicted; and they did not wear costly apparel, yet they were neat and comely.

Interestingly, the next verses go on to relate that the members of the church became "far more wealthy than those who did not belong to their church" (Alma 1:31). Consequently, they could have afforded much more expensive clothes than those who did not belong to the church. Yet, those who did not belong to the church are described thus in verse 32:

For those who did not belong to their church did indulge themselves in sorceries, and in idolatry or idleness, and in babblings, and in envyings and strife; wearing costly apparel; being lifted up in the pride of their own eyes

While the prosperous, righteous people of the church were concerned with "not send[ing] away any who were naked" (Alma 1:30).

Another observation is the similarity between the righteous people of the church in Alma 1:29

And now, because of the steadiness of the church they began to be exceedingly rich, having abundance of all things whatsoever they stood in need—an abundance of flocks and herds, and fatlings of every kind, and also abundance of grain, and of gold, and of silver, and of precious things, and abundance of silk and fine-twined linen, and all manner of good homely cloth.

...and the great and abominable church in 1 Nephi 13:6-7

6 And it came to pass that I beheld this great and abominable church; and I saw the devil that he was the founder of it.
7 And I also saw gold, and silver, and silks, and scarlets, and fine-twined linen, and all manner of precious clothing; and I saw many harlots.

The phrases in bold are very similar but a noticeable difference is the description of the clothing. "all manner of good homely cloth" versus "all manner of precious clothing". 

 

Firm and steadfast and immovable

I have noticed before that Mormon sometimes alludes to a previous statement or theme in the Book of Mormon when describing something in his abridgment. Notice how he describes a group of Lamanite converts

in the thirtieth year the church was broken up in all the land save it were among a few of the Lamanites who were converted unto the true faith; and they would not depart from it, for they were firm, and steadfast, and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord. (3 Nephi 6:14)

Just reading how Mormon characterizes these descendants of Laman and Lemuel makes me impressed by them. But Mormon also seems to create a couple of interesting references. Compare with 1 Nephi 2:10, where Lehi speaks to Lemuel

And he also spake unto Lemuel: O that thou mightest be like unto this valley, firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord!

(As a side note, see this article on Lehi's use of desert poetry).

In 2 Nephi 4:5, Lehi speaks to the children of Laman (and later gives the same blessing to the children of Lemuel)

for behold, I know that if ye are brought up in the way ye should go ye will not depart from it.

Lehi wished that Lemuel were "firm and steadfast and immovable", but instead, he and his brother taught their children to hate the Nephites (See Mosiah 10:17). But Lehi blessed their children knowing that "their hatred is because of the iniquity of their fathers" (Jacob 3:7) and if they were taught differently, they would not depart from the truth. 

See what Mormon is doing in 3 Nephi 6? He knew about these promises and when describing a group of Lamanites that had been taught "the true faith" and become converted, he demonstrated this principle in practice by referring to these statements on the small plates of Nephi. He described the Lamanite converts as becoming like the valley of Lemuel and receiving the promises given to the children of Laman.

April 27–May 3. Mosiah 7–10: “In the Strength of the Lord”

Here are additional resources from this blog to help you in your Come, Follow Me studies this week.

Link to the Come, Follow Me lesson.


Mosiah 7 -- Physical deliverance in the scriptures as a metaphor for spiritual deliverance, The significance of 'east', "Cunning"


Mosiah 8 -- A note about long side stories, "Dry Bones," King Mosiah as a seer


Mosiah 9 -- A story told twice, A note about transitions to first person, Consistent geography


Mosiah 10 -- "Hard Hearts" and a lack of understanding, Laman's complaints

A hard heart leads to a lack of understanding.

Lately I've been thinking about these verses from Alma 12:

9 And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him.
10 And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full.

Part of "giving heed" to the word is having a teachable heart.  The Book of Mormon teaches us very clearly that a hard heart can prevent us from understanding the word of God and that a thankful and open heart can lead us to a better understanding of God's word.

3 For he truly spake many great things unto them, which were hard to be understood, save a man should inquire of the Lord; and they being hard in their hearts, therefore they did not look unto the Lord as they ought. (1 Nephi 15)

14 And his brethren were wroth with him because they understood not the dealings of the Lord; they were also wroth with him upon the waters because they hardened their hearts against the Lord. (Mosiah 10)

32 ...I say unto you, Nay, they did not all understand the law; and this because of the hardness of their hearts; for they understood not that there could not any man be saved except it were through the redemption of God. (Mosiah 13)

3 And now because of their unbelief they could not understand the word of God; and their hearts were hardened. (Mosiah 26)

20 But few understood the meaning of those things, and this because of the hardness of their hearts. (Alma 33)

11 And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery; 12 Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people. (Alma 48)

33 And the multitude did hear and do bear record; and their hearts were open and they did understand in their hearts the words which he prayed. (3 Nephi 19)

All of this leads us to a passage in 3 Nephi 11 which takes on more meaning in this context:

3 And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn.
4 And it came to pass that again they heard the voice, and they understood it not.
5 And again the third time they did hear the voice, and did open their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound came.
6 And behold, the third time they did understand the voice which they heard; and it said unto them:
7 Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him.
8 And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven;

These were good people who had survived tremendous darkness and destruction and had gathered at the temple.  They knew they had witnessed the signs of Christ's coming, and yet they still didn't understand the voice (despite its penetrating power) until the third time they heard it, after they had opened their ears, pointed their eyes to heaven to look "steadfastly" whence the sounds came.  Only then did they see the Savior.

Perhaps there are metaphorical lessons for us to learn from this.  It is not enough to feel the Spirit. We must take certain steps in order to be truly prepared to experience the power of Jesus Christ in our lives.

"Cunning" in the Book of Mormon

In light of the Hebrew connection between "naked" and "shrewd" or "cunning" in the word arum, I decided to look at how the word cunning is used in the Book of Mormon.

First, a little background on the word itself and what it meant at the time of the publication of the Book of Mormon.  Webster's 1828 dictionary is helpful, offering us two definitions -- "skillful" and curious/ingenious" which are "quite obsolete." We then get three more definitions which are apparently more contemporary: "Shrewd," "deceitful," and "assumed with subtilty."

The word cunning appears 23 times in the Book of Mormon, in the following contexts:

1 Nephi 16:38 -- Laman and Lemuel murmur against their father and accuse him of "work[ing]
many things by his cunning arts"

2 Nephi 9:28, 37 -- 28 O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish. ... 39 O, my beloved brethren, remember the awfulness in transgressing against that Holy God, and also the awfulness of yielding to the enticings of that cunning one. Remember, to be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal.
2 Nephi 13 -- [quoting Isaiah] "the cunning artificer"

Mosiah 7:21 -- King Zeniff was "deceived by the cunning and craftiness of king Laman"

Mosiah 9:10 -- King Laman was "cunning" and crafty and brought the people of Zeniff into bondage.

Mosiah 10:18 -- King Laman deceived the Nephites "by his cunning, and lying craftiness."

Mosiah 24:7 (x2) -- The Lamanites began to be a "cunning and a wise people, as to the wisdom of the world, yea, a cunning people, delighting in all manner of wickedness."

Alma 2:1-2 (x2) -- Amlici was a "very cunning man, yea, a wise man as to the wisdom of the world." He drew people away "by his cunning."

Alma 10:13 -- "cunning devices" designed to catch someone in their words and have them cast into prison or slain as a result.

Alma 20:13 -- Lamoni senior chastises Lamoni junior for associating with the Nephite missionaries and accuses them of attempting to deceive them "by their cunning."

Alma 28:13 -- 13 And thus we see how great the inequality of man is because of sin and transgression, and the power of the devil, which comes by the cunning plans which he hath devised to ensnare the hearts of men.

Alma 44:9 -- Zarahemnah claims it is the Nephites' cunning and not their faith that delivered them.

Alma 46:10/47:35 -- Amalickiah "was a man of cunning device and a man of many flattering words," and obtained the Lamanite kingdom "by the assistance of his cunning servants."

Alma 51:27 -- The Lamanites obtained cities by the "cunning" of Amalickiah.

Helaman 3:29-30 -- 29 Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked—30 And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the right hand of God in the kingdom of heaven, to sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and with Jacob, and with all our holy fathers, to go no more out.

Helaman 16:21 -- the people suppose that believing in the prophecies of Christ will bring the into servitude "by the cunning and the mysterious arts of the evil one."

3 Nephi 21 -- 9 For in that day, for my sake shall the Father work a work, which shall be a great and a marvelous work among them; and there shall be among them those who will not believe it, although a man shall declare it unto them. 10 But behold, the life of my servant shall be in my hand; therefore they shall not hurt him, although he shall be marred because of them. Yet I will heal him, for I will show unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil.

Ether 8:2 -- Jared flattered many people "because of his cunning words" to gain half of the kingdom.

Ether 13:16 -- Coriantumr had studied "in all the arts of war and cunning of the world."

The usage of this word seems to fall into three categories, both negative: (1) crafty, deceptive individuals are described as "cunning" and use their skills for their own selfish purposes. (2) Righteous people/efforts are mischaracterized as attempt to decieve by cunning.
(3) Satan's tactics are described as "cunning" and meant to bind us and subject us to misery and endless woe.

References to the strife between Nephi and his brothers in Mosiah 10

Considering that Joseph Smith began dictating the Book of Mormon in Mosiah, it doesn't take very long from that point before the text outlines significant details about the contention between Nephi and his older brothers.

In Mosiah 10, we get a compact list of thirteen items in verses 12-16:

12 They were a wild, and ferocious, and a blood-thirsty people, believing in the tradition of their fathers, which is this—

• Believing that they were driven out of the land of Jerusalem because of the iniquities of their fathers (1), 

• and that they were wronged in the wilderness by their brethren (2), 

• and they were also wronged while crossing the sea (3);

13 And again, that 

• they were wronged while in the land of their first inheritance, after they had crossed the sea (4), 

• and all this because that Nephi was more faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord—therefore he was favored of the Lord (5), 

• for the Lord heard his prayers and answered them (6), 

• and he took the lead of their journey in the wilderness (7).

14 And his brethren were wroth with him 

• because they understood not the dealings of the Lord (8); 

• they were also wroth with him upon the waters because they hardened their hearts against the Lord (9).

15 And again,  

• they were wroth with him when they had arrived in the promised land,  because they said that he had taken the ruling of the people out of their hands (10); 

• and they sought to kill him (11).

16 And again, they were wroth with him 

• because he departed into the wilderness as the Lord had commanded him (12), 

• and took the records which were engraven on the plates of brass, for they said that he robbed them (13).

I listed each of the thirteen items below, followed by the corroborating verses from Nephi's record:

#1 Mosiah 10:12 Believing that they were driven out of the land of Jerusalem because of the iniquities of their fathers

1 Nephi 17:22 And we know that the people who were in the land of Jerusalem were a righteous people...and our father hath judged them, and hath led us away because we would hearken unto his words;

#2 Mosiah 10:12 ...they were wronged in the wilderness by their brethren

1 Nephi 17:20 And thou art like unto our father, led away by the foolish imaginations of his heart; yea, he hath led us out of the land of Jerusalem, and we have wandered in the wilderness for these many years;

#3 Mosiah 10:12 ...they were also wronged while crossing the sea

1 Nephi 18:10 And I, Nephi, began to fear exceedingly lest the Lord should be angry with us, and smite us because of our iniquity, that we should be swallowed up in the depths of the sea; wherefore, I, Nephi, began to speak to them with much soberness; but behold they were angry with me, saying: We will not that our younger brother shall be a ruler over us.

#4 Mosiah 10:12 ...they were wronged while in the land of their first inheritance

2 Nephi 5:3 Yea, they did murmur against me, saying: Our younger brother thinks to rule over us; and we have had much trial because of him; wherefore, now let us slay him, that we may not be afflicted more because of his words.

#5 Mosiah 10:13 ...and all this because that Nephi was more faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord—therefore he was favored of the Lord

1 Nephi 3:5 And now, behold thy brothers murmur, saying it is a hard thing which I have required of them; but behold I have not required it of them, but it is a commandment of the Lord. 6 Therefore go, my son, and thou shalt be favored of the Lord,

#6 Mosiah 10:13 ...the Lord heard his prayers and answered them

1 Nephi 2:16 “...I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father;”

#7 Mosiah 10:13...he took the lead of their journey in the wilderness.

1 Nephi 16:30 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did go forth up into the top of the mountain, according to the directions which were given upon the ball. 31 And it came to pass that I did slay wild beasts, insomuch that I did obtain food for our families.

#8 Mosiah 10:14 ...his brethren were wroth with him because they understood not the dealings of the Lord

1 Nephi 2:12 ...they did murmur because they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them.

#9 Mosiah 10:14 ...they were also wroth with him upon the waters because they hardened their hearts against the Lord.

1 Nephi 18:19 And Jacob and Joseph also, being young...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. 20 And there was nothing save it were the power of God, which threatened them with destruction, could soften their hearts;

#10 Mosiah 10:15 ...they were wroth with him when they had arrived in the promised land, because they said that he had taken the ruling of the people out of their hands;

2 Nephi 5:3 Yea, they did murmur against me, saying: Our younger brother thinks to rule over us; and we have had much trial because of him; wherefore, now let us slay him, that we may not be afflicted more because of his words. For behold, we will not have him to be our ruler; for it belongs unto us, who are the elder brethren, to rule over this people.

#11 Mosiah 10:15 ...they sought to kill him

2 Nephi 5:4 ...it sufficeth me to say, that they did seek to take away my life.

#12 Mosiah 10:16 ...they were wroth with him because he departed into the wilderness as the Lord had commanded him

2 Nephi 5:5 And it came to pass that the Lord did warn me, that I, Nephi, should depart from them and flee into the wilderness,

#13 Mosiah 10:16 ...they said that he robbed them.

2 Nephi 5:7 And we did take our tents and whatsoever things were possible for us, and did journey in the wilderness for the space of many days.

In many instances, the list above offers us two different perspectives of the same incident. It is notable that the author of the Book of Mormon was able to keep track not only of the details of the events, but also the different perspectives.

Keep in mind that Mosiah 10 was the 10th chapter in the dictation sequence, whereas the writings of Nephi begin at the 174th chapter.

Of course, the lost 116 pages dealt with these same stories, and Joseph Smith had already dictated those records before Mosiah 10, so that fact muddies the waters at least a little bit. (I really wish we knew what was contained on the lost 116 pages!)

Even so, this is another remarkable display of the amazing internal consistency of the Book of Mormon.

I also see this as clear evidence that Mormon studied the writings of Nephi (a fact we already know from Mormon himself, see WofM 1:3-4).