A Round Ball of Curious Workmanship

1 Nephi 16:9 - 10, NC 1 Nephi 5 par. 3

 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord spake unto my father by night and commanded him that on the morrow he should take his journey into the wilderness. And it came to pass that as my father arose in the morning and went forth to the tent door, and to his great astonishment, he beheld upon the ground a round ball of curious workmanship, and it was of fine brass. And within the ball were two spindles, and the one pointed the way whither we should go into the wilderness.

The Stick of Joseph in the Hand of Ephraim, 1 Nefi 5 par. 3

And it came to pass that the voice of yhwh spoke unto my father by night and commanded him that the next day he should take his journey into the wilderness. And it came to pass that as my father arose in the morning and went forth to the tent door, and to his great astonishment, he beheld upon the ground a round ball of elegant workmanship, and it was of fine brass. And within the ball were two spindles, and the one pointed the way where we should go into the wilderness.

We do not know how long Lehi, Ishmael, and their families sojourned in the valley of Laman by the river Lemuel.  I am inclined to believe that it was possibly a matter of a few years at least.

One indication to me that bears this up is their efforts to gather seeds of every kind.

And it came to pass that we had gathered together all manner of seeds of every kind, both of grain of every kind and also of the seeds of fruits of every kind. (1 Nephi 8:1, NC 1 Nephi 2 par. 6)

It would seem to me that it would take some years of time to be able to accomplish this task.

Again we have evidence again here that Lehi and his company continue to be connected to the kingdom of God because God the King continues to speak to them and give them commandments specific to their circumstances.

One thing that is very interesting to me is the specific mention by Nephi that the Lord spake unto Lehi by night and commanded him to begin the journey into the wilderness.

Why not state "the Lord spake unto my father and commanded him that he should take his journey into the wilderness"?

Wouldn't it be easier to inscribe that and wouldn't we still understand that the Lord commanded Lehi to begin the journey into the wilderness and Lehi was obedient?

Is this instance consistent with a gift that Lehi possesses?

And now I, Nephi, do not make a full account of the things which my father had written, for he hath written many things which he saw in visions and in dreams. And he also hath written many things which he prophesied and spake unto his children, of which I shall not make a full account. But I shall make an account of my proceedings in my days. Behold, I make an abridgment of the record of my father upon plates which I have made with mine own hands. Wherefore, after that I have abridged the record of my father, then will I make an account of mine own life. (1 Nephi 1:16 - 17, NC 1 Nephi 1 par. 4)

For behold, it came to pass that the Lord spake unto my father, yea, even in a dream, and said unto him, Blessed art thou Lehi because of the things which thou hast done. And because thou hast been faithful and declared unto this people the things which I commanded thee, behold, they seek to take away thy life. And it came to pass that the Lord commanded my father, even in a dream, that he should take his family and depart into the wilderness. And it came to pass that he was obedient unto the word of the Lord; wherefore, he did as the Lord commanded him. (1 Nephi 2:1 - 3, NC 1 Nephi 1 par. 6)

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, returned from speaking with the Lord, to the tent of my father. And it came to pass that he spake unto me, saying, Behold, I have dreamed a dream in the which the Lord hath commanded me that thou and thy brethren shall return to Jerusalem... (1 Nephi 3:1 - 8, NC 1 Nephi 1 par. 10)

And it came to pass that while my father tarried in the wilderness, he spake unto us, saying, Behold, I have dreamed a dream, or in other words, I have seen a vision. And behold, because of the thing which I have seen, I have reason to rejoice in the Lord because of Nephi and also of Sam; for I have reason to suppose that they and also many of their seed will be saved. But behold, Laman and Lemuel, I fear exceedingly because of you. For behold, methought I saw in my dream a dark and dreary wilderness. And it came to pass that I saw a man and he was dressed in a white robe; and he came and stood before me. And it came to pass that he spake unto me and bade me follow him. And it came to pass that as I followed him, I beheld myself that I was in a dark and dreary waste. And after I had traveled for the space of many hours in darkness, I began to pray unto the Lord that he would have mercy on me according to the multitude of his tender mercies. (1 Nephi 8:2 - 8, NC 1 Nephi 2 par. 7)

Are dreams considered fragile things in this world?

Do individuals discount dreams?

Is there a lot of analysis of dreams that is made to try to interpret the psyche of an individual?

How difficult would it be to trust the word of someone's dream?

Would I be trusting of the contents of the dreams of my own father?

Is this possibly a challenge of faith the Lord is putting forth for the rest of Lehi's party?

How would I respond?

Is Lehi's gift consistent with scriptural instruction?

 And the Lord heard it. Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men who were upon the face of the earth. And the Lord spoke suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out you three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out. And the Lord came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam; and they both came forth. And he said, Hear now my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision and will speak unto him in a dream. My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all my house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even plainly, and not in dark speeches. And the similitude of the Lord shall he behold. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? (Numbers 12:2 - 8, OC Numbers 7 par. 22)

We know from the Book of Mormon record that Lehi was a descendant of Joseph who was sold into Egypt.

Did Joseph who was sold into Egypt possess this gift of inspired dreams?

And Joseph dreamed a dream and he told it to his brethren, and they hated him yet the more. And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed; for behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright. And behold, your sheaves stood round about and bowed down to my sheaf. And his brethren said to him, Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams and for his words. And he dreamed yet another dream and told it to his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more. And behold, the sun, and the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me. And he told it to his father and to his brethren. And his father rebuked him and said unto him, What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall I and your mother and your brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to you to the earth? And his brethren envied him, but his father observed the saying. And his brethren went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem. (Genesis 37:5 - 12, OC Genesis 11 par. 2)

As much evidence as there is scripturally for the gift of dreams, including right here in the Book of Mormon, I still have to ask myself do I really believe in the gift of inspired dreams?

How would I have responded here if I had been part of Lehi's company?

How would I have responded even at the first with the dream to leave Jerusalem?

How would I have responded to a dream that showed my unwillingness to approach God?

Is it possible that the appearance of the Liahona at this point has the added purpose of persuading the group that the direction given to Lehi by night, to depart into the wilderness, really is from God?

Right here at the first mention of the brass ball of curious workmanship we are told that there were two spindles in the ball but we are told only concerning one of them at this point.

 And within the ball were two spindles, and the one pointed the way where we should go into the wilderness.

As far as the recording of events goes we see not too much further in the record that there was more to the Liahona than just giving  directions for travel.

During a period of repentance, following murmuring, the Lord gave Lehi the following direction.

And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord said unto him, Look upon the ball and behold the things which are written. And it came to pass that when my father beheld the things which were written upon the ball, he did fear and tremble exceedingly, and also my brethren, and the sons of Ishmael, and our wives. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the pointers which were in the ball, that they did work according to the faith, and diligence, and heed, which we did give unto them. And there was also written upon them a new writing which was plain to be read, which did give us understanding concerning the ways of the Lord; and it was written and changed from time to time according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it. And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things... (1 Nephi 16:26 - 32, NC 1 Nephi 5 par. 8)

Do I understand this correctly?

Was there writing on the ball and also writing upon the two spindles, which writing on the spindles changed from time to time?

What was written on the ball that caused Lehi and the others to fear and to tremble exceedingly?

What was the new plain to read writing that was upon the spindles that gave understanding of the ways of the Lord to them?

Were any of these writings recorded?

What are the ways of the Lord?

Were the things written specific to the ways of the Lord concerning their journey or were they things that were even more inclusive that would benefit all men?

If there is more to the record than we have right at this moment is there a way for me to access this information?

Would it be beneficial for me to consider and pursue a greater understanding of these things?

Is the information recorded in this part of the record in any way related to the following declaration of Mormon?

And now there cannot be written in this book even an hundredth part of the things which Jesus did truly teach unto the people. But behold, the plates of Nephi do contain the more part of the things which he taught the people. And these things have I written, which are a lesser part of the things which he taught the people, and I have written them to the intent that they may be brought again unto this people from the gentiles, according to the words which Jesus hath spoken. And when they shall have received this, which is expedient that they should have first to try their faith, and if it should so be that they shall believe these things, then shall the greater things be made manifest unto them. And if it so be that they will not believe these things, then shall the greater things be withheld from them unto their condemnation. Behold, I were about to write them all, which were engraven upon the plates of Nephi, but the Lord forbid it, saying, I will try the faith of my people. Therefore I, Mormon, do write the things which have been commanded me of the Lord. And now I, Mormon, make an end of my sayings and proceed to write the things which have been commanded me. Therefore, I would that ye should behold that the Lord truly did teach the people for the space of three days, and after that, he did shew himself unto them oft, and did break bread oft, and bless it, and give it unto them. (3 Nephi 26:6 - 13, NC 3 Nephi 12 par. 1)

How would I go about demonstrating that I believe these things that are given so that the greater things might be made manifest to me?

Is there anywhere I can go to get understanding of where the Lord might want me to begin to demonstrate my belief in what Nephi recorded here?

My present belief is that Lehi might have been sent to minister to Alma.

Why do I believe this?

Alma spoke of seeing the Father even as Lehi had seen the Father, he spoke extensively of the tree of life and how to come and pluck of the fruit of that tree, and Alma also spoke extensively concerning the Liahona.

How might Alma have gained such insight into all those things?

...“By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and by it he being dead, yet speaketh.” (Hebrews 11:4.) How doth he yet speak? Why he magnified the Priesthood which was conferred upon him, and died a righteous man, and therefore has become an angel of God by receiving his body from the dead, holding still the keys of his dispensation; and was sent down from heaven unto Paul to minister consoling words, and to commit unto him a knowledge of the mysteries of godliness. 

And if this was not the case, I would ask, how did Paul know so much about Abel, and why should he talk about his speaking after he was dead? Hence, that he spoke after he was dead must be by being sent down out of heaven to administer. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith pgs. 169)

Would it be beneficial to look at Alma's words concerning the Liahona, as he was giving his son Helaman charge concerning it, in order to come to an even better understanding of the Liahona and what might have been inscribed on the ball and also on each of the two spindles?

And now, my son, I have somewhat to say concerning the thing which our fathers call a ball or director, or our fathers called it Liahona, which is (being interpreted) a compass; and the Lord prepared it. And behold, there cannot any man work after the manner of so curious a workmanship. And behold, it was prepared to shew unto our fathers the course which they should travel in the wilderness; and it did work for them according to their faith in God. Therefore, if they had faith to believe that God could cause that those spindles should point the way they should go, behold, it was done. Therefore, they had this miracle, and also many other miracles, wrought by the power of God, day by day. Nevertheless, because those miracles were worked by small means, it did shew unto them marvelous works. They were slothful and forgot to exercise their faith and diligence, and then those marvelous works ceased and they did not progress in their journey. Therefore, they tarried in the wilderness, or did not travel a direct course, and were afflicted with hunger and thirst because of their transgression.

And now, my son, I would that ye should understand that these things are not without a shadow. For as our fathers were slothful to give heed to this compass (now these things were temporal), they did not prosper; even so it is with things which are spiritual. For behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass which would point unto them a straight course to the promised land. And now I say, is there not a type in this thing? For just as surely as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course, to the promised land, shall the words of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise.

O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way, for so was it with our fathers. For so was it prepared for them, that if they would look, they might live; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look, we may live for ever. And now, my son, see that ye take care of these sacred things, yea, see that ye look to God and live. Go unto this people and declare the word, and be sober. My son, farewell. (Alma 37:38 - 47, NC Alma 17 pars. 15 - 17)

If I understand correctly, Alma instructed Helaman that the account of the Liahona was most beneficial for use by those after Lehi's journey as a type and a shadow of each person's ability, through faith and diligence, to heed the word of Christ in order to be led on a straight course beyond our present vale of sorrow into eternal bliss.

What does Alma mean by heeding the words of Christ?

What constitutes the words of Christ?

What does Nephi declare on the subject?

Following Nephi's exhortation to all to enter into the waters of baptism in order to follow the example of the Son of God in order to receive the holy ghost from the Father he poses the following questions.

 And now behold, my beloved brethren, I suppose that ye ponder somewhat in your hearts concerning that which ye should do after ye have entered in by the way. But behold, why do ye ponder these things in your hearts? Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had received the holy ghost, ye could speak with the tongue of angels? And now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the holy ghost? Angels speak by the power of the holy ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, Feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do. Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them, it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock. Wherefore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark. For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way and receive the holy ghost, it will shew unto you all things what ye should do. Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and there will be no more doctrine given until after he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh. And when he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh, the things which he shall say unto you shall ye observe to do. (2 Nephi 32:1 - 6, NC 2 Nephi 14 par. 1)

As I presently understand What Nephi declares here, the words of Christ constitute that which is spoken by the power of the holy ghost.  

The words of the angels sent to be messengers from the Father (the ones Adam and Eve sought for in the beginning and the ones Mormon declares we must receive or else we have no faith) are spoken by the power of the holy ghost and are therefore part of the word of Christ which will guide us if heeded in faith and with all diligence beyond our vale of sorrow to eternal bliss.

Nephi declares that these words of Christ will show us (me) all things that we (I) should do. 

Does this miraculous guidance come about by small and simple means?

Is it possible for me to be slothful and neglect my duty to, with faith, diligently heed these words of Christ?

Do I need to ask myself daily if I am neglecting the words of Christ for me?

Is it possible that the words of Christ for me might be as simple and small a thing as "Go help your neighbor?"

Is it possible that the words of Christ for me might also be as simple and small a thing as "Go apologize to your child or to your wife?"

Is it possible that the words of Christ to me have much to do with my relationships with other folks?

Wouldn't such small and simple directions, if heeded diligently by me, achieve marvelous and miraculous works and have the effect of leading me in a straight course beyond this vale of sorrow?

Hugh Nibley pointed out some things Alma declared concerning the Liahona.

1) The Liahona was a gift of God, the manner of its delivery causing great astonishment.

2) It was neither mechanical nor self-operating, but worked solely by the power of God.

3) It functioned only in response to the faith, diligence, and heed of those who followed it.

4) And yet there was something ordinary and familiar about it. The thing itself was the "small means” through which God worked; it was not a mysterious or untouchable object but strictly a “temporal thing.” It was so ordinary that the constant tendency of Lehi’s people was to take it for granted—in fact, they spent most of their time ignoring it: hence, according to Alma, their needless, years-long wanderings in the desert.

5) The working parts of the device were two spindles or pointers.

6) On these a special writing would appear from time to time, clarifying and amplifying the message of the pointers.

7) The specific purpose of the traversing indicators was “to point the way they should go.”

8) The two pointers were mounted in a brass sphere whose marvelous workmanship excited great wonder and admiration. Special instructions sometimes appeared on this ball.

9) The device was referred to descriptively as a ball, functionally as a director, and in both senses as a “compass,” or Liahona.

10) On occasion, it saved Lehi’s people from perishing by land and sea—“. . . if they would look they might live.” (Alma 37:46.)

11) It was preserved “for a wise purpose” (Alma 37:2, 14, 18) long after it had ceased to function, having been prepared specifically to guide Lehi’s party to the promised land. (Idem, vv. 39 f.) It was a “type and shadow” of man’s relationship to God during his earthly journey.

We should not pass by Alma’s description without noting a most remarkable peculiarity of verses 40 and 41. (chap. 37.) Let us read these verses without punctuation, as the ancients did:

“. . . therefore they had this miracle and also many other miracles wrought by the power of God day by day nevertheless because those miracles were worked by small means nevertheless it did shew unto them marvellous works they were slothful and forgot to exercise their faith and diligence and then those marvellous works ceased.”

The meaning is perfectly clear: though Lehi’s people enjoyed daily demonstrations of God’s power, the device by which that power operated seems so ordinary (Alma includes it among “small and simple things . . . very small means . . w. 6-7) that in spite of the “marvellous works” it showed them they tended to neglect it. We could punctuate the passage accordingly:

“Therefore they had this miracle, and also many other miracles, wrought by the power of God day by day. Nevertheless, because those miracles were worked by small means (albeit it did show unto them marvellous works), they were slothful and forgot to exercise their faith and diligence. . . .” ("The Liahona's Cousins," Hugh Nibley, The Improvement Era, Vol. 64, No. 2 (February 1961), pp. 87 - 89, 104 - 111)

Wouldn't the words of Christ to me, if heeded, demonstrate God's power to me and work many miracles by the power of God day by day in my life?

Do the words of Christ seem so ordinary to me that I neglect them?

What curious workmanship is used to construct those words of Christ for me?  

They are not magic words but they work in my life, by the power of God, to lead me so that if I look on them I may live.

Blessed of the Lord Exceedingly

 1 Nephi 16:7 - 8, NC 1 Nephi 5 par. 2

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, took one of the daughters of Ishmael to wife, and also my brethren took of the daughters of Ishmael to wife, and also Zoram took the eldest daughter of Ishmael to wife. And thus my father had fulfilled all the commandments of the Lord which had been given unto him. And also I, Nephi, had been blessed of the Lord exceedingly.

The Stick of Joseph in the Hand of Ephraim, 1 Nefi 5 par. 2

And it came to pass that I, Nefi, took one of the daughters of Yishma’el to wife, and also my brothers took of the daughters of Yishma’el to wife, and also Tzuram took the eldest daughter of Yishma’el to wife. And thus my father had fulfilled all the mitzvot of yhwh which had been given unto him. And also I, Nefi, had been blessed of yhwh exceedingly.

This is the second time that Nephi mentions specifically that his father, Lehi, "had fulfilled all the commandments of the Lord which had been given unto him."

The first time Nephi declared this was here.

And it came to pass that thus far I and my father had kept the commandments wherewith the Lord had commanded us. And we had obtained the record which the Lord had commanded us and searched them and found that they were desirable, yea, even of great worth unto us, insomuch that we could preserve the commandments of the Lord unto our children. Wherefore, it was wisdom in the Lord that we should carry them with us as we journeyed in the wilderness toward the land of promise. (1 Nephi 5:20 - 22, NC 1 Nephi 1 par. 23)

These statements come after specific events that pertain to their unique situation in life.

The first commandment, we know from the record, was necessary in order for Lehi's children and further descendants to be able to know the words and mysteries of God.

And now there was no more contention in all the land of Zarahemla, among all the people who belonged to king Benjamin, so that king Benjamin had continual peace all the remainder of his days. And it came to pass that he had three sons, and he called their names Mosiah, and Helorum, and Helaman. And he caused that they should be taught in all the language of his fathers, that thereby they might become men of understanding, and that they might know concerning the prophecies which had been spoken by the mouths of their fathers, which were delivered them by the hand of the Lord. And he also taught them concerning the records which were engraven upon the plates of brass, saying, My sons, I would that ye should remember that were it not for these plates which contain these records and these commandments, we must have suffered in ignorance, even at this present time, not knowing the mysteries of God. For it were not possible that our father Lehi could have remembered all these things, to have taught them to his children, except it were for the help of these plates. For he having been taught in the language of the Egyptians, therefore he could read these engravings and teach them to his children, that thereby they could teach them to their children, and so fulfilling the commandments of God even down to this present time. I say unto you my sons, were it not for these things which have been kept and preserved by the hand of God, that we might read and understand of his mysteries and have his commandments always before our eyes, that even our fathers would have dwindled in unbelief. And we should have been like unto our brethren the Lamanites, who know nothing concerning these things, or even do not believe them when they are taught them, because of the traditions of their fathers which are not correct. O my sons, I would that ye should remember that these sayings are true, and also that these records are true. And behold also the plates of Nephi, which contain the records and the sayings of our fathers from the time they left Jerusalem until now; and they are true. And we can know of their surety because we have them before our eyes. And now my sons, I would that ye should remember to search them diligently, that ye may profit thereby. And I would that ye should keep the commandments of God, that ye may prosper in the land according to the promises which the Lord made unto our fathers. And many more things did king Benjamin teach his sons, which are not written in this book. (Mosiah 1:1 - 8, NC Mosiah 1 par. 1)

Now we see that following the marriage of Lehi's children and Zoram to Ishmael's children another commandment has been kept that is unique to their life circumstances.

And now I would that ye might know that after my father Lehi had made an end of prophesying concerning his seed, it came to pass that the Lord spake unto him again, that it was not meet for him, Lehi, that he should take his family into the wilderness alone, but that his sons should take daughters to wife, that they might raise up seed unto the Lord in the land of promise. And it came to pass that the Lord commanded him that I, Nephi, and my brethren should again return into the land of Jerusalem and bring down Ishmael and his family into the wilderness. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did again with my brethren go forth into the wilderness to go up to Jerusalem. And it came to pass that we went up unto the house of Ishmael, and we did gain favor in the sight of Ishmael, insomuch that we did speak unto him the words of the Lord. And it came to pass that the Lord did soften the heart of Ishmael and also his whole household, insomuch that they took their journey with us down into the wilderness to the tent of our father. (1 Nephi 7:1 - 5, NC 1 Nephi 2 par.2)

As an aside, it is interesting to me that many have used the words of Jacob to the Nephites that he, Jacob, declared from the Lord to permit polygamous relationships at certain points and times.

For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people. Otherwise, they shall hearken unto these things: for behold, I, the Lord, have seen the sorrow and heard the mourning of the daughters of my people in the land of Jerusalem, yea, and in all the lands of my people, because of the wickedness and abominations of their husbands. And I will not suffer, saith the Lord of Hosts, that the cries of the fair daughters of this people, which I have led out of the land of Jerusalem, shall come up unto me against the men of my people, saith the Lord of Hosts. For they shall not lead away captive the daughters of my people because of their tenderness, save I shall visit them with a sore curse, even unto destruction. For they shall not commit whoredoms like unto them of old, saith the Lord of Hosts. (Jacob 2:30 - 33, NC Jacob 1 par. 8)

Isn't it interesting that as the Lord is commanding Lehi to persuade Ishmael and his family to come on board so that Lehi and Ishmael's families may "raise up seed unto the Lord", there is absolutely no mention of polygamy?

They are about to begin an entirely new nation in a land far away where they will be alone and even with this reality there is no command from the Lord for Lehi to provide multiple wives for Nephi and his brothers in order to populate this new nation.

Is this something that ought to be considered?

Is it possible that Jacob was pointing out that the Lord has never commanded anyone to have multiple wives in order to raise up seed unto Him; or in other words "If this is what the Lord wanted He would command it" with the obvious conclusion from scripture being that the Lord had never in the history of the world commanded anyone to practice polygamy?

Do we wrest the scriptures to our own condemnation?

Should we repent of wresting the Lord's words through Jacob?

If we are wresting Jacob's words then isn't the act of polygamy adultery no matter the situation?

If polygamy is adultery in the eyes of God then isn't it committing adultery in our hearts to consider that one day we will live polygamously?

Back to the post.

If I look at this pattern in the Book of Mormon can I come to understand how God will work with me?

Should I look at the record of the Book of Mormon as a record of "how great things the Lord has done"?

Is God willing to give me commandments that pertain to my own unique life situation?

How would I receive such commandments?

Is it possible that one of the reasons Nephi spoke to his brothers about inquiring of the Lord and not hardening their hearts is because he understands that it is only through an association with the Lord that his brothers can receive commandments that are unique to their life situations?

Is it possible that this idea of commandments unique to each persons unique life situations is related to what the Lord declared here through the Prophet Joseph concerning those who will eventually dwell in Zion?

Behold, blessed, says the Lord, are they who have come up unto this land with an eye single to my glory, according to my commandments, for they that live shall inherit the earth, and they that die shall rest from all their labors, and their works shall follow them. And they shall receive a crown in the mansions of my Father, which I have prepared for them. Yea, blessed are they whose feet stand upon the land of Zion, who have obeyed my gospel, for they shall receive for their reward the good things of the earth, and it shall bring forth in her strength. And they also shall be crowned with blessings from above, yea, and with commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time, they that are faithful and diligent before me. (D&C 59:1 - 4, T&C 46 par. 1)

Could it be said of any individual who is blessed with commandments not a few that pertain to their unique life circumstances that they are blessed to be a part of the kingdom of God because God, the King, is actively speaking to them and commanding them?

If the heavens are brass to me personally is that an indication that I find myself presently outside the kingdom of God because He, the King, is not communicating with me?

Is this pattern pointed out by Nephi further demonstrated in the life of Abraham?

In the land of the Chaldeans, at the residence of my father, I, Abraham, saw that it was needful for me to obtain another place of residence. And finding there was greater happiness, and peace, and rest for me, I sought for the blessings of the Fathers and the right whereunto I should be ordained to administer the same. Having been myself a follower of righteousness, desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge, and to be a Father of many nations, a prince of peace, and desiring to receive instructions and to keep the commandments of God, I became a rightful heir, a high priest, holding the right belonging to the Fathers. It was conferred upon me from the Fathers: it came down from the Fathers, from the beginning of time, yea, even from the beginning (or before the foundations of the earth) to the present time, even the right of the firstborn (or the first man — who is Adam — or first Father) through the Fathers unto me. I sought for my appointment unto the Priesthood according to the appointment of God unto the Fathers concerning the seed. (Abraham 1:1 - 4, T&C 145, Abraham 1 par. 1)

Was Abraham blessed with commandments not a few from God throughout his life that were specific to Abraham's unique life circumstances?

Abraham was not content with knowledge. He wanted to obtain greater knowledge. The
purpose of pursuing knowledge was to receive and obey commandments. Greater knowledge
facilitates greater obedience. Knowledge is not the goal, it is the desirable effect that knowledge has
on the heart and mind of a righteous soul. ("The Religion of the Fathers," Denver Snuffer, March 2021, pg. 36)

Do we have further assurance of this pattern Nephi is pointing out; that of keeping the commandments of God given for our unique circumstances?

From these few scriptures, we learn Enoch, Moses, the Brother of Jared, and Abraham learned
or experienced:

-knowledge about the spirits God created
-things not visible to the eye of mankind
-all the doings of mankind
-beholding eternity
-the creation of this world and the end thereof
-all the inhabitants of the world, past, present and future
-all things.

Others had many “mysteries” revealed to them. Remember that, “Knowledge of the mysteries of godliness is obtained only through obedience to God.” That is why Abraham’s desire to get additional knowledge was so he could receive instructions and keep God’s commandments.  Obedience earns more knowledge, and more knowledge requires greater obedience. They move together in one eternal round.

In one sense, the religion of the fathers is based on a direct connection to God. Reduced to one thought, it is that as long as God is speaking directly to a body of people, giving them commandments, they have the most essential element of the religion of the fathers. If they remain true to that connection all things can be restored to them. 

The last days people of Zion will have more revelation, and consequently more commandments than others. Disobedient souls, who refuse to obey God’s commandments, have no interest in Zion.  Likewise, they have no opportunity for seeing Zion, because it is only possible through receiving commandments and obeying them. This has been explained in modern scripture:

Yea, blessed are they whose feet stand upon the land of Zion, who have obeyed my
gospel, for they shall receive for their reward the good things of the earth, and it shall
bring forth in her strength. And they also shall be crowned with blessings from
above, yea, and with commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time,
they that are faithful and diligent before me.

This is a critical part of Christ’s gospel. Any body of saints in any age of the world must obtain
the Lord’s commandments addressed to them to be saved. Commandments given to others belong to them, and only commandments God gives to us belong to us. Joseph Smith explained this matter,
after referring to the New Testament:

And though we cannot claim these promises which were made to the ancients for they are not our property, merely because they were made to the ancient Saints, yet if we are the children of the Most High, and are called with the same calling with which they were called, and embrace the same covenant that they embraced, and are faithful to the testimony of our Lord as they were, we can approach the Father, in the name of Christ as they approached Him, and for ourselves obtain the same promises. These promises, when obtained, if ever by us, will not be because Peter, John, and the other Apostles … walked in the fear of God and had power and faith to prevail and obtain them; but it will be because we, ourselves, have faith and approach God in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, even as they did; and when these promises are obtained, they will be promises directly to us, or they will do us no good. They will be communicated for our benefit, being our own property (through the gift of God), earned by our own diligence in keeping His commandments, and walking uprightly before Him.  

This is affirmed in our scriptures:

I admit that by reading the scriptures, of truth, the saints in the days of Paul could learn, beyond the power of contradiction, that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had the promise of eternal life confirmed to them by an oath of the Lord; but that promise or oath was no assurance to them of their salvation, but they could, by walking in the footsteps and continuing in the faith of their fathers, obtain for themselves an oath for confirmation that they were meet to be partakers of the inheritance with the saints in light.
If the saints in the days of the apostles were privileged to take the ancients for examples, and lay hold of the same promises, and attain to the same exalted privilege of knowing that their names were written in the Lamb’s Book of Life and that they were sealed there as a perpetual memorial before the face of the Most High, will not the same faithfulness, the same purity of heart and the same faith bring the same assurance of eternal life, and that in the same manner, to the children of men now in this age of the world?

I have no doubt but that the holy prophets and apostles and saints in ancient days were saved in the kingdom of God; neither do I doubt but that they held converse and communion with him while they were in the flesh, as Paul said to his Corinthian brethren that the Lord Jesus showed himself to above five hundred saints at one time after his resurrection. Job said that he knew that his Redeemer lived and that he should see him in the flesh in the latter days. I may believe that Enoch walked with God and by faith was translated. I may believe that Noah was a perfect man in his generation and also walked with God. I may believe that Abraham communed with God and conversed with angels. I may believe that Isaac obtained a renewal of the covenant made to Abraham by the direct voice of the Lord. I may believe that Jacob conversed with holy angels, and heard the voice of his Maker, that he wrestled with
the angel until he prevailed and obtained the blessing. I may believe that Elijah was taken to Heaven in a chariot of fire with fiery horses. I may believe that the saints saw the Lord and conversed with him face to face after his resurrection. I may believe that the Hebrew church came to Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels. I may
believe that they looked into eternity and saw the Judge of all, and Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant. But will all this purchase an assurance for me, and waft me to the regions of eternal day, and seat me down in the presence of the King of kings with my garments spotless, pure, and white?
Or must I not rather obtain for myself, by my own faith and diligence in keeping the commandments of the Lord, an assurance of salvation for myself? And have I not an equal privilege with the ancient saints? And will not the Lord hear my prayers and listen to my cries as soon as he ever did to theirs, if I come to him in the manner they did?  ("The Religion of the Fathers," Denver Snuffer, March 2021, pgs. 41 - 43)

Is Nephi pointing out, for our benefit, that this is the pattern that must be followed for anyone to receive what God is willing to give freely to all who will approach Him?

Should I expect that if I approach God this is the pattern I must follow to arrive?

What if in my unique life circumstances my circle of influence is only family and a few friends and neighbors; can those limited life circumstances afford me the necessary opportunities to be blessed with commandments not a few and be obedient to those commandments just like Nephi?

How big was Nephi's circle of influence during his life?

Who did Nephi associate with while he was blessed with and obeyed commandments not a few?

What did Nephi mean when he declared here that he had been blessed of the Lord exceedingly?

Is this statement related to what we have been discussing above in this post?

Was Nephi referring to being crowned with blessings from above, yea, and with commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time?

Did Nephi's assertion that he had been exceedingly blessed of the Lord mean that his life was conflict free, trouble free, etc.?

Did Nephi recognize the the Lord had exceedingly blessed him in spite of the physical problems he faced in life?

Wisdom literature is about mature faith, where disappointments and difficulties are accepted and anger against God for life's setbacks is exposed as foolishness. Wisdom literature teaches about enduring, patient, determined, and resilient faith. Job's friends mistook his suffering with divine disfavor. One of the major themes is faithfulness through adversity and trials.

The first verse of the Book of Mormon echoes with Wisdom. It contains a profound lesson learned over a lifetime. Nephi explained: Having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days (1 Nephi 1:1 RE). He saw many afflictions. He was highly favored of the Lord in all his days, including those in which the affliction was visited on him.
How can one suffer many afflictions and be highly favored of the Lord? Wisdom literature would suggest that perhaps they are related to one another. Do those who are highly favored need to encounter afflictions to understand God's grace and favor toward them? That is a Wisdom theme.

When we say life should be easier, we are foolish. We're not wise. 

In his final blessing to his son Helaman, Alma says something similar: I...know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions (Alma 17:1 RE). Trusting God does not remove life's trials. Trusting God will not keep afflictions from you. Trusting God will not prevent troubles in your life. 

The Book of Mormon explains a mature form of faith in God: resilient in the face of difficulty, enduring in the day of trouble, comforting in the moment of affliction. The faith of the Book of Mormon writers is not superficial, conditional, and weak. It bears up under trial; it is proven in troubles; it accompanies during afflictions. 

The Book of Mormon is, among other things, a Wisdom text. What if trials, afflictions, and troubles are not negative? What if they are gifts provided as an opportunity to prove us therewith so that we and God may show what is in our heart? 

Job asks: Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? (Job 2:3 RE). Christ taught: In this world there are difficult trials to be faced by my followers, but those who remain devoted will, like me, finish the path and experience the fullness of joy (Testimony of St. John 10:29 RE). ("Signs Follow Faith," Denver Snuffer, March 2019, pgs. 1 - 2)

Is being blessed exceedingly related to prospering in the land?

O remember, remember, my son Helaman, how strict are the commandments of God. And he said, If ye will keep my commandments, ye shall prosper in the land, but if ye keep not his commandments, ye shall be cut off from his presence. And now remember, my son, that God has entrusted you with these things which are sacred, which he has kept sacred, and also which he will keep and preserve for a wise purpose in him, that he may show forth his power unto future generations. (Alma 37:13 - 14, NC Alma 17 par. 9)

If I or we are not blessed with unique commandments not a few from God for our individual life experiences can we truly state that we enjoy the presence of God?

If we are cut off so that we do not hear the voice of the King giving us commandments unique to us for our individual life experiences are we prospering in the land according to Alma?

If I move forward along the path I am blessed with commandments not a few for myself and I begin to be obedient to those commandments can I expect that I will pass through many life experiences that will test my resolve to remain faithful and to continue?

The people of Ammon connected with God and were blessed with commandments not a few unique to their circumstances and further covenanted with God not to lift a weapon of war against anyone even to defend themselves.

How far did God go with them in testing their resolve to remain faithful?

How far did God go with Abraham in testing his resolve to keep those commandments unique to him?

How far did God go with Nephi in testing his resolve?

Is this the only way mature faith, as mentioned above, is acquired?

Having treated, in the preceding lectures, of the ideas of the character, perfections, and attributes of God, we next proceed to treat of the knowledge which persons must have that the course of life which they pursue is according to the will of God, in order that they may be enabled to exercise faith in him unto life and salvation.

This knowledge supplies an important place in revealed religion, for it was by reason of it that the ancients were enabled to endure as seeing him who is invisible. An actual knowledge to any person that the course of life which he pursues is according to the will of God is essentially necessary to enable him to have that confidence in God, without which no person can obtain eternal life. It was this that enabled the ancient saints to endure all their afflictions and persecutions and to take joyfully the spoiling of their goods, knowing (not believing merely) that they had a more enduring substance. Hebrews 10:34 [Heb. 1:34].

Having the assurance that they were pursuing a course which was agreeable to the will of God, they were enabled to take not only the spoiling of their goods and the wasting of their substance joyfully, but also to suffer death in its most horrid forms, knowing (not merely believing) that when this earthly house of their tabernacle was dissolved, they had a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens. 2 Corinthians 5:1 [2 Cor. 1:15].

Such was and always will be the situation of the saints of God: that unless they have an actual knowledge that the course that they are pursuing is according to the will of God, they will grow weary in their minds and faint, for such has been and always will be the opposition in the hearts of unbelievers and those that know not God, against the pure and unadulterated religion of Heaven (the only thing which ensures eternal life), that they will persecute to the uttermost all that worship God according to his revelations, receive the truth in the love of it, and submit themselves to be guided and directed by his will, and drive them to such extremities that nothing short of an actual knowledge of their being the favorites of Heaven, and of their having embraced that order of things which God has established for the redemption of man, will enable them to exercise that confidence in him necessary for them to overcome the world and obtain that crown of glory which is laid up for them that fear God.

For a man to lay down his all, his character and reputation, his honor and applause, his good name among men, his houses, his lands, his brothers and sisters, his wife and children, and even his own life also, counting all things but filth and dross for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, requires more than mere belief, or supposition that he is doing the will of God, but actual knowledge, realizing that when these sufferings are ended he will enter into Eternal rest and be a partaker of the glory of God.

For unless a person does know that he is walking according to the will of God, it would be offering an insult to the dignity of the Creator were he to say that he would be a partaker of his glory when he should be done with the things of this life. But when he has this knowledge, and most assuredly knows that he is doing the will of God, his confidence can be equally strong that he will be a partaker of the glory of God.

Let us here observe that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation. For from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things: it was through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men should enjoy eternal life, and it is through the medium of the sacrifice of all earthly things that men do actually know that they are doing the things that are well pleasing in the sight of God. When a man has offered in sacrifice all that he has for the truth’s sake, not even withholding his life, and believing before God that he has been called to make this sacrifice because he seeks to do his will, he does know most assuredly that God does and will accept his sacrifice and offering, and that he has not nor will not seek his face in vain. Under these circumstances, then, he can obtain the faith necessary for him to lay hold on eternal life.

It is in vain for persons to fancy to themselves that they are heirs with those, or can be heirs with them, who have offered their all in sacrifice, and by this means obtained faith in God and favor with him so as to obtain eternal life, unless they in like manner offer unto him the same sacrifice, and through that offering obtain the knowledge that they are accepted of him. (T&C 110, Lectures on Faith, Lecture 6th, pars. 1 - 8)

If any of this, which is my present understanding of Nephi's statement, is correct then Nephi is declaring a critically important principle here in the record of how great things the Lord can do in my life or anyone's life.

Here he presents how anyone may come to be blessed of the Lord exceedingly.