Lesson 57 - Nephi Breaks His Bow

While Lehi and his company were traveling in the Arabian desert a slight accident occurred which gave cause for much trouble and discontent. It would appear that Nephi was the chief hunter of the company. Going out one day to slay beasts for food, he broke his bow, which was made of very fine steel. This made his brothers very angry, for they obtained no food, as their bows had lost their spring. Hungry, angry and dejected, they returned to their tents. They were very much fatigued, and, like most men when hungry and tired, they were in a bad humor. Even Lehi so far forgot himself that he also murmured against the Lord. But Nephi, in this ! trying hour, retained his trust in God. He did not murmur nor complain, but, after having reasoned with the rest of the family, he went to work, and out of suitable wood he made a bow, and out of a straight stick he cut an arrow. When he had done this he went to his father, Who had now humbled himself before the Lord and sought forgiveness, and asked him where he should go to obtain food.

Then the voice of the Lord came to Lehi and he was truly chastened because of his murmuring. The voice said, “Look upon the ball.” When he looked he was seized with fear because of the things which were written thereon, and the rest of the family also feared and trembled exceedingly when they read the writing.

The writing on the ball also directed Nephi to go to the top of a certain high mountain, and there slay game for food. This he did, and brought it with joy to the tents of his people, who humbled themselves and gave thanks unto God. Then they resumed their journey.