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.