Like Unto This River

Lehi, prophet and master orator, laid down some fantastic imagery when he stopped in the wilderness.

And when [Lehi] saw that the waters of the river emptied into the fountain of the Red Sea, he spake unto Laman, saying: O that thou mightest be like unto this river, continually running into the fountain of all righteousness! (1 Nephi 2:9)

Nephi was sufficiently impressed to include this in his record. Nephi would later add an additional river/sea simile from Isaiah:

O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments—then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea. Thy seed also had been as the sand... (1 Nephi 20:18-19)

Following Nephi's admonition to "liken all scripture unto us," let's see what these two passages can teach us about our relationship with Jesus Christ.


Into the Fount of All Righteousness


Lehi was thrilled to find a "river of water." Perhaps after some exploration, he saw that it connected to the Red Sea. He then waxed poetic, comparing the sea to Jesus Christ, the "Fount of All Righteousness." He told his son to flow into Jesus Christ like the river flowed into the sea. How do we flow into Jesus Christ? How can we be like the river?


1. Water. A river is only useful when water is flowing through it. Where do rivers get their water? From the sea, of course. Water evaporates from the sea, falls on the high places, fills the river bed, and flows back to the sea. Jesus Christ is the Living Water. Each of us has the potential to be a river of Living Water, but we are not the source of the water. It originates with Him. It descends on high places ("stand ye in high places"). It passes through us as we become channels for righteousness. Ultimately it flows back to Him. Without that source, we become rivers of sand.


2. Life. A river gives life to everything in its vicinity. Similarly, as the Living Water passes through us it enables us to share it's life-giving ability with all around us. The mercy and the grace that we receive from Christ we should freely give in his service


3. Emptied. Lehi's language in the beginning of verse 9 is particularly clear. He did not see that the river "flowed" into the Red Sea. He saw that the "waters" of the river "emptied" into it, which triggered his spontaneous poetry. Like the waters of the river, all of the glory for the righteous works that we do by His power should be returned to Him. All of it.


Peace as a River


Sometimes rivers are peaceful. Often they are not. However, to someone in the wilderness a river of water is always more peaceful than a dry riverbed. Again, Lehi was thrilled to have encountered a river of water. Knowing that the source of life is amply available inspires peace.


Similarly we have peace when we enjoy the blessings of the atonement of Jesus Christ. As we wander through the wilderness of life, being far from Him creates fear and despair. But "sweet is the peace the gospel brings."


Righteousness as the Waves of the Sea


Consider the precise wording that Isaiah used. He didn't say "righteousness as the sea." He referenced the waves. He then went on to compare our posterity to the sand. What do the waves do? They are an extension of the sea, and they cover the sand repeatedly.


If we hearken unto the commandments of God, our righteousness, flowing from the Fount of All Righteousness, will be a blessing to generation after generation of our posterity, which will be as the sand of the sea.


Conclusion


As with other passages in the scriptures, the water similes passed to us by Nephi can give us deeper understanding and increased satisfaction. These verses teach us about how we can serve Jesus Christ. They show that through us He will bless our posterity, and those around us, if we will be "like unto this river" and if we will "hearken unto [His] commandments." These images are profound, and such is the power of scripture if we will "feast upon the words of Christ" and "liken all scriptures unto us."


For more discussions of Book of Mormon imagery, try Mists of Darkness or The Jaredite Journey.

Contact Matt here

Jaredite Journey

I love Nephi's instruction to "liken all scripture unto us." A master institute teacher, James Wright, taught me to apply this principle to imagery in the scriptures. Doing so has produced a wealth of gospel insight. One of my favorite "liken unto us" stories is the Jaredite journey. By faith they undertook a long, treacherous voyage to inherit a land "choice above all other lands." Their story includes powerful parallels to our migration through mortality. Let's apply the following images to ourselves:

• the promised land
• barges
• wind
• the sea and waves
• stones for light

The Promised Land

The Jaredites needed to leave home. As with Abraham, Lehi, Zoram, and others, they left familiar--yet cursed and decaying--surroundings for God's promise of something better.

And it came to pass that Jared spake again unto his brother, saying: Go and inquire of the Lord...And who knoweth but the Lord will carry us forth into a land which is choice above all the earth? And if it so be, let us be faithful unto the Lord, that we may receive it for our inheritance (Ether 1:38).

And the Lord would not suffer that they should stop beyond the sea in the wilderness, but he would that they should come forth even unto the land of promise, which was choice above all other lands, which the Lord God had preserved for a righteous people (Ether 2:7).

Jared's people desired what God was offering. As they were willing to be faithful and righteous, God would not let them stop short of their inheritance. He would direct them to their promised land.

God's plan for us is no different. We agreed to leave our pre-mortal state and be "faithful unto the Lord." He promised to give us His Celestial Kingdom, a land "choice above all other lands." He will not suffer us to stop in the wilderness.

Barges

The Jaredites travelled in boats, or "barges." Their construction and function teach us much.

And they were built after a manner that they were exceedingly tight, even that they would hold water like unto a dish...and the door thereof, when it was shut, was tight like unto a dish. (Ether 2:17)

And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish...And thus they were driven forth; and no monster of the sea could break them, neither whale that could mar them... (Ether 6:7,10)

Recall the following details about these barges:

• They were made as God instructed.
• Jaredite families entered into them.
• The barges were then sealed.
• Nothing could harm the Jaredites while in the barges.
• The barges were going to the promised land.

Consider our covenants. God dictates how they are made. We enter into them with our families and are sealed therein. If we stay in them our destination is fixed. We may be tossed about, but we will reach the promised land if we do not abandon ship.

Wind

The barges offered protection, but not propulsion. God had a plan for that:

And it came to pass that the Lord God caused that there should be a furious wind blow upon the face of the waters, towards the promised land; and thus they were tossed upon the waves of the sea before the wind. And it came to pass that the wind did never cease to blow towards the promised land while they were upon the waters; and thus they were driven forth before the wind (Ether 6:5,8).

Storms and waves notwithstanding, the furious wind pushed the Jaredites to the promised land. It never ceased blowing. Perhaps sometimes they wished it would, but no wind on the ocean means death.

The Spirit of the Lord is our furious wind. It relentlessly pushes us toward eternal life. We may wish for calm seas, but with each wave we are closer to our destination.  If the wind stops blowing, apostasy and spiritual death are imminent.

The Sea and Waves

God did not provide hot air balloons. The Jaredites were constrained to travel in the sea.

...they got aboard of their vessels or barges, and set forth into the sea, commending themselves unto the Lord their God. And it came to pass that the Lord God caused that there should be a furious wind blow upon the face of the waters, towards the promised land; and thus they were tossed upon the waves of the sea before the wind. And it came to pass that they were many times buried in the depths of the sea, because of the mountain waves which broke upon them, and also the great and terrible tempests which were caused by the fierceness of the wind. And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ark of Noah; therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters. (Ether 6:4-7)

The reaction of the water's surface to the wind was terrible turbulence. This was no surprise to God. He prepared the travelers against the rough conditions, and when they were buried in the water He brought them back up.

Life might be calmer if the Spirit were our our transport medium. Alas, our sea is the flesh, which resists the Spirit, creating tempest-like tribulations. This is no surprise to God. He prepared us against these conditions. If we call on His name each time we are knocked down, He will bring us up again.

Stones for Light

A year of turbulence in the dark would have been unbearable. The solution?

...suffer not that they shall go forth across this raging deep in darkness; but behold these [sixteen clear stones] which I have molten out of the rock...the Lord stretched forth his hand and touched the stones one by one with his finger... (Ether 3:1,6)

And thus the Lord caused stones to shine in darkness, to give light unto men, women, and children, that they might not cross the great waters in darkness... (Ether 6:3,10).

We cannot maintain our covenants amid spiritual darkness. As with the Jaredites, God gives us "stones" for light. He gives us the rock of revelation through the church's sixteen-member revelatory body, consisting of Jesus and his prophets and apostles.

Conclusion

The imagery of this story, applied to our quest for exaltation, teaches this ubiquitous Book of Mormon theme:

• Take the straight and narrow path by making, keeping, and renewing covenants.
• Hold fast to iron rod, that is, the word of God.
• Let the Spirit of God guide you to exaltation.

The words of Christ tell us what we must do, but the Holy Ghost shows us (2 Nephi 32:3,5). This is why we liken scripture unto ourselves. Book of Mormon authors have given us stories, doctrinal teachings, and powerful imagery. We should "feast upon the words of Christ" and apply them to our lives.

Free to Choose

Following are highlights from Nephi’s account of his journey to Jerusalem retrieve brass plates containing Old Testament writings. Knowing that the author of this account (a) talked, preached, and prophesied of Christ, and wrote according to his prophesies, and (b) admonished us to “liken all scriptures unto us,” consider these questions as you read:

1. How does this story witness of Jesus Christ and his divine mission?
2. Who are you in the story, i.e. how does the story relate to you?

We'll note some highlights as we go.

Nephi

1. In the beginning of 1 Nephi Chapter 3, Lehi sends his faithful son, Nephi, to Jerusalem. The purpose of sending him is to secure the blessings of the gospel for all of his posterity by retrieving records containing the scriptures.

This loving father acknowledged the faithfulness of his son, describing him as favored and blessed:

Therefore go, my son, and thou shalt be favored of the Lord, because thou hast not murmured. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded... And it came to pass that when my father had heard these words he was exceedingly glad, for he knew that I had been blessed of the Lord. (1 Nephi 3:6-8)

Highlights. Here we see a father who sends his faithful son to Jerusalem to secure the blessings of the gospel for his posterity.

2. At Jerusalem, Nephi and his three brothers ran into some trouble, and Nephi suffered because of it:

And it came to pass as they smote us with a rod, behold, an angel of the Lord came and stood before them, and he spake unto them, saying: Why do ye smite your younger brother with a rod? Know ye not that the Lord hath chosen him to be a ruler over you, and this because of your iniquities? Behold ye shall go up to Jerusalem again, and the Lord will deliver Laban into your hands. (1 Nephi 3:29)

And it was by night; and I caused that they should hide themselves without the walls. And after they had hid themselves, I, Nephi, crept into the city and went forth towards the house of Laban. (1 Nephi 4:5)

Highlights: The faithful son was outside the city wall with the three others. He was suffering because of the iniquity of his brethren (over whom he had been chosen to rule) when an angel appeared, strengthening and encouraging him. He would have to make one final trip into Jerusalem to complete his mission, and he would do it alone.

3. Having completed his mission, he started his three-day return journey. His mother rejoices to see him alive.

And it came to pass that when he had traveled three days in the wilderness, he pitched his tent in a valley by the side of a river of water. (1 Nephi 2:6)

And it came to pass that after we had come down into the wilderness...mother, Sariah, was exceedingly glad, for she truly had mourned because of us. For she had supposed that we had perished in the wilderness...And she spake, saying: Now I know of a surety that the Lord hath commanded my husband to flee into the wilderness... (1 Nephi 5:1-2,8)

Highlights: On the third day after completing his mission the faithful son returned to his loved ones. His mother, who was sure that he was no more, rejoiced to see him alive and believed the words of the prophet.

We'll pause here to ask our two questions again:

1. How does this story witness of Jesus Christ and his divine mission?
2. Who are you in the story, i.e. how does the story relate to you?

Laban

1. Laban was a powerful man in command of many servants--perhaps 50 according to Nephi’s brother Laman. He was in possession of the plates containing the scriptures that Lehi's posterity would need in their new land. Let's take a look at what kind of person Laban was:

And it came to pass that when Laban saw our property, and that it was exceedingly great, he did lust after it, insomuch that he thrust us out, and sent his servants to slay us, that he might obtain our property. (1 Nephi 3:25)

And after I had [slain Laban], I went forth unto the treasury of Laban. And as I went forth towards the treasury of Laban, behold, I saw the servant of Laban who had the keys of the treasury...And he spake unto me concerning the elders of the Jews, he knowing that his master, Laban, had been out by night among them. (1 Nephi 4:20,22)

Highlights: Laban was a greedy man who was polluting the church and who tried to destroy the faithful son and his mission. He had the scriptures locked in the treasury with his money, where people could not access them.

2. Nephi was led to Laban, whom he found drunk and passed out. He slew Laban according to the promptings of the Spirit.

Nevertheless I went forth, and as I came near unto the house of Laban I beheld a man, and he had fallen to the earth before me, for he was drunken with wine...Therefore I did obey the voice of the Spirit, and took Laban by the hair of the head, and I smote off his head with his own sword. (1 Nephi 4:7,18)

Highlights: While Laban was drunk his sword fell on his own head. He fell to the earth before the faithful son, who destroyed him.

Again, our two questions:

1. How does this story witness of Jesus Christ and his divine mission?
2. Who are you in the story, i.e. how does the story relate to you?

Zoram

1. Nephi met one of the servants of Laban named Zoram. He went with Zoram to obtain the plates, and then made a deal with him:

...And as I went forth towards the treasury of Laban, behold, I saw the servant of Laban who had the keys of the treasury....And it came to pass that I spake with him, that if he would hearken unto my words, as the Lord liveth, and as I live, even so that if he would hearken unto our words, we would spare his life...And I spake unto him, even with an oath, that he need not fear; that he should be a free man like unto us if he would go down in the wilderness with us. (1 Nephi 4:20,32-33)

Highlights: When the faithful son destroyed Laban, his servant "Zoram" was made free to chose. The offer extended to him was "follow me." If he followed, he would receive liberty and life. If he stayed behind, captivity and death were coming soon. He chose to follow the faithful son and they made a covenant.

2. Here is the rest of the record that we have of Zoram:

And it came to pass that we took the plates of brass and the servant of Laban, and departed into the wilderness, and journeyed unto the tent of our father. (1 Nephi 4:38)

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. (1 Nephi 16:7)

And now, Zoram...I know that thou art a true friend unto my son, Nephi, forever. Wherefore, because thou hast been faithful thy seed shall be blessed with his seed... (2 Nephi 1:30-31)

Highlights: Zoram went to the "tent of our father," was married, and eventually reached the promised land. The father, Lehi, gave him and his posterity a inheritance in the promised land with the faithful son for being "true" and "faithful."

One more time--our two questions:

1. How does this story witness of Jesus Christ and his divine mission?
2. Who are you in the story, i.e. how does the story relate to you?

Summary

Let's reread our highlights in a single narrative:

Here we see a father who sends his faithful son to Jerusalem to secure the blessings of the gospel for his posterity. (See John 3:16)

The faithful son was outside the city wall with the three others. He was suffering because of the iniquity of his brethren (over whom he had been chosen to rule) when an angel appeared, strengthening and encouraging him. He would have to make one final trip into Jerusalem to complete his mission, and he would do it alone. (See Isaiah 53:5, Luke 22:43)

On the third day after completing his mission the faithful son returned to his loved ones. His mother, who was sure that he was no more, rejoiced to see him alive and believed the words of the prophet. (See John 20:13-18)

Laban was a greedy man who was polluting the church and tried to destroy the faithful son and his mission. He had the scriptures locked in the treasury with his money, where people could not access them. (See 1 Nephi 13:5-8)

While Laban was drunk his sword fell on his own head. He fell to the earth before the faithful son, who destroyed him. (See 1 Nephi 22:13)

When the faithful son destroyed Laban, his servant "Zoram" was made free to chose. The offer extended to him was "follow me." If he followed, he would receive liberty and life. If he stayed behind, captivity and death were coming soon. He chose to follow the faithful son and they made a covenant. (See 2 Nephi 2:27)

Zoram went to the "tent of our father," was married, and eventually reached the promised land. The father, Lehi, gave him and his posterity a inheritance in the promised land with the faithful son for being "true" and "faithful." (See Romans 8:17)

Nephi's matter-of-fact story is written in such a way that if we try to liken it unto us, it witnesses of the divine mission of Jesus to make us free, our covenant relationship with him, and the gift of eternal life that awaits us if we follow him and endure to the end. In this kind of story, it is important to understand to which character one can liken oneself.

Also note that the richly symbolic method of story telling is common throughout scripture, and more particularly, the Book of Mormon and the Old Testament. It is worth mentioning that Joseph Smith could not have written a book full of stories with such symbolic complexity and such a powerful witness of the Savior.