This is the third chapter in The Book of Laman, told from the fictional perspective of Laman, the eldest brother of Nephi. Here Laman recounts his council with his brothers about their father Lehi’s command to leave Jerusalem, his struggles with authority, and the beginnings of their life in the wilderness.
A Council with My Brothers
What occurred next is that I, Laman, took it upon myself to consult with my brethren about this idea
that Father had taken—to go into the wilderness, abandoning Jerusalem. Of course, I thought the entire idea ludicrous, but I needed, first, to keep my thoughts to myself.
I wanted to know what the others thought before I revealed my genius. As the eldest, it is my responsibility to lead. To lead, I must foremost know how the others think, that I might bend them to my wisdom.
So, I let each speak their minds before I revealed my plan, thanks to Ninsun, my patron goddess. As they spoke, I will not pretend that I listened closely. I had already determined our course. My purpose was only to learn how laborious my persuading must be.
I was pleased, for my plan was so crafty—a way to indulge Father’s babblings and still preserve our inheritance.
Brothers’ Divided Counsel
To my disadvantage, Sam—who usually allies with Nephi—did not this time. Nephi had argued with conviction that Father was no liar: he must have seen the visions he claimed, or else he was mad. But Sam, steady as a pillar, took a different angle. His loyalty to Father never wavered; he trusted him unflinchingly, as he always had.
“Father might actually be right to take us into the wilderness,” Sam said more than once, his voice even, his eyes betraying no doubt.
I could not believe my ears, though I did not show it. By all the elements of creation and by my life, I fail to understand why Sam would suppose Father was in his right mind to abandon all that we have built in Jerusalem. I would swear Father was party to some strange religious cult if I did not know him better! I knew then I would have to work on Sam.
Lemuel, of course, started quoting scripture, which smote us all in the head until he finished! He is a talker. We know that he is the most versed in Scripture, but his explanations are tedious, to be nice. I quickly determined that Lemuel would hearken to my words easily, as he always has.
Sam was the one who needed convincing. Nephi, though agreeing with me and Lemuel, raised his brow a little higher when Sam spoke—he considered Sam’s words. I knew then how to move them, how to convince them I am correct. I needed to persuade Sam.
“I have known Father to never tell a lie, too,” Nephi admitted—agreeing with Sam who must have said it during one of the times I feigned listening. “Why would he start lying now? He must have seen the visions he claims, or he is mad.”
We all looked at him in agreement—but for which opinion, I could not say. Was he mad? Or sane? I was certain he was mad!
Laman’s Plan
I decided then to reveal my brilliant plan. Nephi looked at me with expectant eyes, irritating me with his confidence in me. He looked to me for an example, as he should. For one so young, his stature matched mine—broad of shoulder, a man in frame—yet his face betrayed him, boy still clinging there. He trusted me, but his trust unsettled me—it was too eager, as though it mocked me. Still, I pressed forward.
“This is my plan, brothers,” I began. “We go into the wilderness with enthusiasm. Once we are there, Father will suffer without his lounging seat and sacks of wine. Soon, he will long to return home where servants await him. He is old, accustomed to ease. He will not want to remain in the wilderness. We will protect him and Mother, but in days he will insist we return.”
“Cruel, but effective,” Lemuel admitted, clicking his tongue.
I smiled within myself until I saw Sam’s face—always the obstacle. Nephi nodded until he saw Sam, then hesitated.
“Sam,” I pleaded, “we will not harm them. We will simply let them feel the difference between wilderness and home. It has been years since they left the city’s comforts.”
“Laman,” Sam responded, lowering his head, “I respect your counsel. But men in the city have threatened Father’s life. If he is truly in danger, we must protect him for more than days. It may take much longer.”
“He will not teach, Sam,” Lemuel argued. “If he does not preach destruction, the people will not be angered.”
“Yet once Father makes up his mind, he never relents,” Sam pressed. “He has stirred fierce men. The threats will not pass in days or weeks. It may take years.”
Sam was right. Ninsun had not given me the stroke of genius I had hoped for. Father would never abandon a commandment if he believed it from his god. To bring him back would mean to bring him against his will. I swore then that I would never let Father perish in the wilderness.
Preparing to Leave Jerusalem
“As God is my witness,” I swore to my brothers, “I will not allow Father to die in the wilderness. I have readied provisions, beasts, and servants. Father has already visited Ishmael and plans to leave before the gate closes today.”
Nephi answered flatly, “We will humor him. What if he can never return? We may need to seek a new inheritance. We owe them protection, brothers—even in another land.”
We nodded in silence, vowing to protect Mother and Father.
Nephi raised his annoying brow again. “What of the treasures and precious things?”
We gathered beasts, fruit, dried meat, and supplies. But Father would not allow treasure. My heart sank, for I feared robbers, feared leaving my inheritance unguarded.
“Father,” I pled, “how will we pay for safe passage? How will we protect the women? How will we keep thieves from stealing?”
Father listened patiently, then answered, “God will protect us and guide us if we are obedient.”
I could scarcely believe his words. To me, they were prattle. Adonai gave us laws through Moses—what need of new commandments?
Quarrels and Departure
We pressed Father with questions and complaints until we reached the gate, but his resolve never wavered. At the gate, my scheme collapsed into dust. I could not oppose him outright lest I lose not only Father’s trust but my brothers’ trust as well. To lead them, I would have to bend, if only for a time. So I swallowed my protest in silence.
I returned briefly home, hiding some treasures, ensuring Ninsun was with me, and bringing servants along. Still, my heart burned at leaving gold behind.
As we journeyed, I grumbled. Lemuel also. Father compared me to rivers pouring into the Red Sea—a dramatic show. I thought him old and near death, this wilderness trial, nothing but the fruit of his dementia.
Preaching in the Wilderness
At the Red Sea, before we could finish camp, Father preached. Even the servants listened as if equals, which angered me. Father directed his words at Lemuel and me—me, who had held the family together! He spoke as though provisions came from God, not from my hands.
After some time, Father commanded us to return to Jerusalem, to fetch records from the house of Laban. I could not believe it. We had left the city to save him, yet he now sent us back!
Lemuel spoke my thoughts: “In one of your visions, could you not have asked if there was anything to bring?”
I softened his words: “Father, if God wanted you to have these records, why did He not say it while we were yet in the city? Laban is powerful, perhaps offended by your preaching. How will he grant you the records?”
Father only said, “The Lord has requested it.”
I seethed but agreed. I would not jeopardize my birthright or the holy garments Father wore. Yet I knew: Laban would not yield easily.
Nephi’s Vision
vision! I cursed every god, then repented. First Father, now Nephi—both claiming revelation! The delusion was spreading.
Sam, of course, nodded in agreement with Nephi. Lemuel and I gave up our hope of returning to Jerusalem for now. Perhaps this errand to Laban would change their minds.
📜 Author’s Note
This story is based on people mentioned in The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. For the actual history and book itself, click the link on the book’s title. It will take you to the site where you can read online.
This work does not attempt to mimic the 19th-century English style writing into which The Book of Mormon was translated.
All Rights Reserved, Rodric Anthony Johnson, Copyright 2022
No comments:
Post a Comment