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.