When I was reading 1 Nephi 8, I though it was interesting that the first verse refers to how they gathered seeds of every kind in preparation for their journey. At first I thought that was an odd introduction to Lehi's dream of the tree of life but as I thought more about it, this was the perfect intro. Initially I thought, seeds become plant and trees, so that is a good similitude. Then the thought came that they were going to be able to grow all kinds of plants and trees that would provide fruit and nourishment for them. However, the tree of life would not come from any of the seeds they had gathered and the tree of life would give fruit they could not grow on their own. Perhaps others have already made that connection but I am grateful it dawned on me today!
I was drawn to ponder on that word last time I read the Book of Mormon But I love your added insight about the tree of life. I'm going to add it to my notes and list @jillharmon7019 as the source. Thank you!
I appreciate so much the opportunity to learn at the feet of those who have spent years studying. Sister Strathearne's genuine authentic style of sharing and teaching is such a blessing. I love that I can be in my home, driving in my car and be taught so richly. Thank you so much for all that is done to provide this feast weekly.
I am 65 and have been a member my entire life, I still learn something new every time I listen to these podcasts. I need these podcasts. I appreciate the time Hank Smith and John Bytheway put into it.
I just had the weird circumstance of having a question answered that I didn’t even know existed in my mind. It’s good to realize that partaking of the fruit of the tree of life is an option when done in a REDEEMED state rather than a fallen state. In this context redeemed is not perfected but rather repentant. That’s doable.
So happy to see Dr. Strathearn on this episode. Insightful certainly describes her. I love her and always attend everything she does. Thank you Sis. Strathearn.
Sister Strathearn: You are looking so good these days!!!! Love listening to you. You make it easier to understand important concepts in our scriptures.
I just LOVE Gaye♥️ What an amazing combination her personality, testimony and her loving humility contributes to your personality as they mesh together to make this the most outstanding podcast. I have learned soooo much even in these few chapters of the Book of Mormon so far this year! Make sure you bring her back.❤
I love the needing challenges in order to grow. We would never learn to move for ourselves if someone carried us all the time. We lived with some members for a time on my mission in Aguascalientes. They had a baby who was 9-10 months old who had never learned to crawl-because her mom carried her on her hip all day long. She never let her struggle or even try. My companion and I decided that we would fix the problem and we got down on the floor with that baby and we would move opposite hands and legs until she was crawling. It didn’t take too long. The baby had freedom and loved it. The mother on the other hand was not thrilled that she now had a mobile child. I was transferred not too long later and I hope that baby was given the chance to walk and run and grow. I kind of think there was no stopping her. I am thankful that Heavenly Father lets us learn to crawl, walk, run and even metaphorically fly with His support
Apostle Erastus Snow quoted Joseph Smith in an 1882 discourse. He said 2 facts that must have been written on the Lost 116 pages (Joseph knew them but they aren't in our standard works) 1. Ishmael was from the tribe of Ephraim 2. Lehi's older daughters were married to Ishmael's sons. Lehi & Ishmael were in-laws and God commanded Lehi to "take your family into the wilderness," presumably his WHOLE family.
Great episode. Loved all three of your insights on these chapters. So many jumping off points for further study. Thank you for all your time on these episodes! ♥️
I found this interesting quote in the Book of Mormon student manual for institute while I was teaching early morning seminary. It is a quote from Erastus Snow. "The Prophet Joseph informed us that the record of Lehi was contained on the 116 pages that were first translated and subsequently stolen, and of which an abridgment is given us in the first Book of Nephi, which is the record of Nephi individually, he himself being of the lineage of Manasseh; but that Ishmael was of the lineage of Ephraim, and that his sons married into Lehi’s family, and Lehi’s sons married Ishmael’s daughters, thus fulfilling the words of Jacob upon Ephraim and Manasseh in the 48th chapter of Genesis, which says: ‘And let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the land.’ Thus these descendants of Manasseh and Ephraim grew together upon this American continent” (in Daniel H. Ludlow, A Companion to Your Study of the Book of Mormon [1976], 199)."
My 6 year old son is listening to this stuff. We have him memorizing one lines of scripture. He’s actually listening while I’m listening. He said what kind of name is “by the way?” We show him the cartoon of the chapters as well as reading directly from the scriptures. We have one child. We have only one thing that we really need to do and we’re not going to skip it.
Consider Sariah in relation to current research such as maslows hiarchy of needs and how loud wolves sound at her tent door when there are 3 strapping young men gone from camp.
Hello Follow Him folks. In the last couple podcasts it has been mentioned that Nephi wrote his record 30 years or so after the family left Jerusalem. This makes sense based on the mature and thoughtful language Nephi uses, but I was wondering how we know--where is it referenced-- that Nephi was older and looking back at the events and / or possibly abridging the story from his and Lehi's journal type writings?
2 Nephi 5:30-31 30 And it came to pass that the Lord God said unto me: Make other plates; and thou shalt engraven many things upon them which are good in my sight, for the profit of thy people. 31 Wherefore, I, Nephi, to be obedient to the commandments of the Lord, went and made these plates upon which I have engraven these things.
I don't know of anything that says Nephi was an old man when he wrote the plates. I have always read it in my mind as something that was current with Nephi's age at the time it was happening. I could be wrong. 5:48
When I read the war chapters, I think of the pre-mortal realm and the continuance of the Spiritual battle here in mortality. Please do not skip over ANYTHING in the Book of Mormon. What do you desire to know? Take that question, literally about anything that is expedient, and righteous, to the Lord and then search the Book of Mormon with that question in mind and the Lord will interpret the words therein to address your question. The Book of Mormon is literally our Latter Day Liahona.
It was a war chapter verse that preserved my marriage when I desperately prayed for an answer. I literally threw my Book of Mormon across the room and was angry that in sincere, humble prayer was rewarded with a war chapter. But then I reread it and it perfectly outline what the problem and why were struggling. Just last fast Sunday a sister in our ward bore testimony of the Book of Mormon and how, surprisingly, a war chapter verse was an answer to her prayer. Those chapters were put there for a reason.
There were even those who got to the tree and partook of the fruit but then were ashamed and left toward the great and spacious building. The Iron Rod seems to be the safe spot if any doubt remains in a person's mind. The Rod is the word of God, which the scriptures say is "the word made flesh" or Jesus the Christ. The presence of God (the tree) is glorious, and the goal, but Jesus (the Rod of Iron) will safely guide us and keep us till all the mists of darkness can be dispelled. We need to hold to the faith in Jesus, and he will dispell the darkness to bring us safely to our father's presence. Such thought-provoking imagery. So cool 😎, I ❤ it!
Never thought of the iron rod being "the Word Made Flesh". That is a beautiful insight to bring depth to our understanding. We are not only clinging to God's word - the scriptures, revelation through His Prophets, etc. We are clinging to the Savior Himself. I envision myself holding His hand and walking with Him. Never want to let go of that one!
I was thinking about, "why would they take time to mention what the iron rod was made of?" For some reason, this time in my study, I was really focused on the iron part of the rod. I know at Lehi's time, the ways of the Egyptians and their culture and writings; both coptic and hieroglyphic, were more common knowledge. The Book of Mormon gold plates holds etchings in a similar way mixed with other language. I found that for thousands of years IRON could only be harvested from meteorites. To Egypt, IRON was a metal of the Gods or metal of heaven. It was very sacred to them, along with the strong crystal like structure found in the meteorites. And they were very difficult to mold. Today you can study different irons to see if they were from meteorites or from a later time and smelted from the earth. But in Lehi's time, Iron was only from meteorites. They would have iron plating tomb walls or bury mummies ( like King Tut) with iron made items ( like his dagger). They believed the handling or presence of iron would help the latent mummy pass onto heaven or become eternal. There also was a special (opening of the mouth ceremony,) a mouth meaning an opening of a cavern, tomb, holy area ECT... That they would perform with the presence of their heavenly metal iron, to help with the transformation of the latent bodied mummy. I find it interesting, that lehi, probably would have known these things and rituals and the value of iron. He would have known its significance in helping a person transform, or to be on the path to heaven or eternal ways. To me holding onto the iron rod was very significant in the journey to the special tree from Heaven. Especially if the iron rod was smooth and had been given time and attention to mold and shape it, a difficult, but sanctifying task back then. Just wanted to share this because it really brought more depth to my own understanding of the wonderful dream vision ! Thank you for your podcasts! I Learn so much!
Iron was very commonly made from ore in Lehi's time. The ovens can still be found today. However, you may be thinking of Steal, which was very rare and a closely guarded secret with the few blacksmiths that knew of its secrets. What you may be referring to is meteoric iron which is even more rare, and highly praised because of its natural alloy nature. It often contains other metals like nickel, which can give you any alloy like what we call Stainless Steal, an alloy highly praised, very rare, and extremely valuable! Thanks for your insightful comment!
I always like the JST of Revelation 2:26-27 (as compared to the original), that shows how those who are given governing power in the celestial kingdom do it by...the rod of iron :)
When they went back to get a wife for each of the boys, one wife, it also brought to mind the "seed." They needed to leave Babylon (Jerusalem) to raise up righteous seed. This is exactly what Jacob 2 is referencing when it says "unless God commands it" because the commandment wasn't to have more wives, but to leave. This is the commandment Jacob is referring to. In order to raise up righteous seed, they must obey God and leave their place of comfort away from evil practices, to raise up righteous seed. That was amazing to hear Gay talk about seed. How clearly that spoke to me against the polygamy doctrine that has been mistakenly adopted.
Lehi could have been reading about creation, Adam and Eve, partaking of the fruit, and Lehi could have had questions about partaking of the fruit of that tree himself?
Why did this sister go for months without receiving the sacrament? My husband took many people the sacrament every Sunday during covid. I don't understand why she was not offered this.
I only received the Sacrament a few Sundays during Covid. I so needed it more as I'm in a part member family. I'm in the UK, maybe Australia had the same local restrictions, we could go anywhere at first. Though there's no excuse when restrictions lessened.
I wonder if chapter 6 is God's way of reminding Nephi what his purpose is. Write scripture not give a dialog. Like some people do when baring their testimony.
Regarding "frankly forgive." Let's please not over look that Laman and Lemuel asked for forgiveness. Had they not would Nephi been left to eat the situation instead of forgiving for the brotherhood.
Right? I think it's kind of fun that the speakers here mention the difference as though ok, the Lord could have let the whole thing happen but instead He left some work for Nephi to do and let him have something he still had to do to participate, whereas my first thought as to the distinction is that, as with my most memorable experiences, Nephi was actually praying that he would be able to do something and instead God just did it all Himself so there would have been no struggle on Nephi's side. Obviously, the way Nephi worded it, we could interpret it either way, and knowing God and yh various stories we all experience, sometimes God does it one way for us and sometimes the other, but the most memorable ways the Lord has shown His power to me involve me expecting that He would partly arrange things so I will be able to do something I expect to work, and instead He just takes care of the whole thing as though He is saying, "Look, I don't need you to do anything here; this is taken care of."
When I was reading 1 Nephi 8, I though it was interesting that the first verse refers to how they gathered seeds of every kind in preparation for their journey. At first I thought that was an odd introduction to Lehi's dream of the tree of life but as I thought more about it, this was the perfect intro. Initially I thought, seeds become plant and trees, so that is a good similitude. Then the thought came that they were going to be able to grow all kinds of plants and trees that would provide fruit and nourishment for them. However, the tree of life would not come from any of the seeds they had gathered and the tree of life would give fruit they could not grow on their own. Perhaps others have already made that connection but I am grateful it dawned on me today!
I was drawn to ponder on that word last time I read the Book of Mormon But I love your added insight about the tree of life. I'm going to add it to my notes and list @jillharmon7019 as the source. Thank you!
I love this. I had never thought of it. Thanks for sharing!
I appreciate so much the opportunity to learn at the feet of those who have spent years studying. Sister Strathearne's genuine authentic style of sharing and teaching is such a blessing. I love that I can be in my home, driving in my car and be taught so richly. Thank you so much for all that is done to provide this feast weekly.
I am 65 and have been a member my entire life, I still learn something new every time I listen to these podcasts. I need these podcasts. I appreciate the time Hank Smith and John Bytheway put into it.
I always get so much out of episodes when you host Gaye. Love you guys.
I just had the weird circumstance of having a question answered that I didn’t even know existed in my mind. It’s good to realize that partaking of the fruit of the tree of life is an option when done in a REDEEMED state rather than a fallen state. In this context redeemed is not perfected but rather repentant. That’s doable.
The Australian legend returns!!!
She’s the best!!!
She is the absolute best❤
Yippee! 🎉
So happy to see Dr. Strathearn on this episode. Insightful certainly describes her. I love her and always attend everything she does. Thank you Sis. Strathearn.
Sister Strathearn: You are looking so good these days!!!! Love listening to you. You make it easier to understand important concepts in our scriptures.
I just LOVE Gaye♥️ What an amazing combination her personality, testimony and her loving humility contributes to your personality as they mesh together to make this the most outstanding podcast. I have learned soooo much even in these few chapters of the Book of Mormon so far this year! Make sure you bring her back.❤
Gaye ,you are so intelligent and just a beautiful person ! Thank you for your ability to communicate with us mortal’s.
Gaye, Thanks for all of the diligent studying you have done over the years and sharing it with us!❤
GAYE WINS THE AWARD FOR BEST ACCENT! Love it every time she’s on the podcast!!!
I think you should do more podcasts with Dr. Gaye Strathearn! Some amazing insights! Thanks
I love the needing challenges in order to grow. We would never learn to move for ourselves if someone carried us all the time. We lived with some members for a time on my mission in Aguascalientes. They had a baby who was 9-10 months old who had never learned to crawl-because her mom carried her on her hip all day long. She never let her struggle or even try. My companion and I decided that we would fix the problem and we got down on the floor with that baby and we would move opposite hands and legs until she was crawling. It didn’t take too long. The baby had freedom and loved it. The mother on the other hand was not thrilled that she now had a mobile child. I was transferred not too long later and I hope that baby was given the chance to walk and run and grow. I kind of think there was no stopping her. I am thankful that Heavenly Father lets us learn to crawl, walk, run and even metaphorically fly with His support
Apostle Erastus Snow quoted Joseph Smith in an 1882 discourse. He said 2 facts that must have been written on the Lost 116 pages (Joseph knew them but they aren't in our standard works)
1. Ishmael was from the tribe of Ephraim
2. Lehi's older daughters were married to Ishmael's sons.
Lehi & Ishmael were in-laws and God commanded Lehi to "take your family into the wilderness," presumably his WHOLE family.
Great episode. Loved all three of your insights on these chapters. So many jumping off points for further study. Thank you for all your time on these episodes! ♥️
Another fantastic lesson-beautiful words. Thanks to all three of you.
Love listening to her and could listen every week. From a kiwi
I love Gaye!❤
I found this interesting quote in the Book of Mormon student manual for institute while I was teaching early morning seminary. It is a quote from Erastus Snow. "The Prophet Joseph informed us that the record of Lehi was contained on the 116 pages that were first translated and subsequently stolen, and of which an abridgment is given us in the first Book of Nephi, which is the record of Nephi individually, he himself being of the lineage of Manasseh; but that Ishmael was of the lineage of Ephraim, and that his sons married into Lehi’s family, and Lehi’s sons married Ishmael’s daughters, thus fulfilling the words of Jacob upon Ephraim and Manasseh in the 48th chapter of Genesis, which says: ‘And let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the land.’ Thus these descendants of Manasseh and Ephraim grew together upon this American continent” (in Daniel H. Ludlow, A Companion to Your Study of the Book of Mormon [1976], 199)."
What a treat to learn from Gaye❤
My 6 year old son is listening to this stuff. We have him memorizing one lines of scripture. He’s actually listening while I’m listening. He said what kind of name is “by the way?” We show him the cartoon of the chapters as well as reading directly from the scriptures. We have one child. We have only one thing that we really need to do and we’re not going to skip it.
Thanks Dr Gaye
Love this podcast!!! I listen every week. It has been a game changer for me in studying my scriptures!!!
Amazing to listen to before bed!
Consider Sariah in relation to current research such as maslows hiarchy of needs and how loud wolves sound at her tent door when there are 3 strapping young men gone from camp.
Hello Follow Him folks. In the last couple podcasts it has been mentioned that Nephi wrote his record 30 years or so after the family left Jerusalem. This makes sense based on the mature and thoughtful language Nephi uses, but I was wondering how we know--where is it referenced-- that Nephi was older and looking back at the events and / or possibly abridging the story from his and Lehi's journal type writings?
2 Nephi 5:30-31
30 And it came to pass that the Lord God said unto me: Make other plates; and thou shalt engraven many things upon them which are good in my sight, for the profit of thy people.
31 Wherefore, I, Nephi, to be obedient to the commandments of the Lord, went and made these plates upon which I have engraven these things.
I don't know of anything that says Nephi was an old man when he wrote the plates. I have always read it in my mind as something that was current with Nephi's age at the time it was happening. I could be wrong. 5:48
I love and admire these three saints❤❤
When I read the war chapters, I think of the pre-mortal realm and the continuance of the Spiritual battle here in mortality. Please do not skip over ANYTHING in the Book of Mormon. What do you desire to know? Take that question, literally about anything that is expedient, and righteous, to the Lord and then search the Book of Mormon with that question in mind and the Lord will interpret the words therein to address your question. The Book of Mormon is literally our Latter Day Liahona.
It was a war chapter verse that preserved my marriage when I desperately prayed for an answer. I literally threw my Book of Mormon across the room and was angry that in sincere, humble prayer was rewarded with a war chapter. But then I reread it and it perfectly outline what the problem and why were struggling. Just last fast Sunday a sister in our ward bore testimony of the Book of Mormon and how, surprisingly, a war chapter verse was an answer to her prayer. Those chapters were put there for a reason.
Alma explains that if they partake of the tree of life in the garden the probationary state ends and they have no more time to repent.
Nice Mufasa impression, Hank!
There were even those who got to the tree and partook of the fruit but then were ashamed and left toward the great and spacious building. The Iron Rod seems to be the safe spot if any doubt remains in a person's mind. The Rod is the word of God, which the scriptures say is "the word made flesh" or Jesus the Christ.
The presence of God (the tree) is glorious, and the goal, but Jesus (the Rod of Iron) will safely guide us and keep us till all the mists of darkness can be dispelled. We need to hold to the faith in Jesus, and he will dispell the darkness to bring us safely to our father's presence. Such thought-provoking imagery. So cool 😎, I ❤ it!
Never thought of the iron rod being "the Word Made Flesh". That is a beautiful insight to bring depth to our understanding. We are not only clinging to God's word - the scriptures, revelation through His Prophets, etc. We are clinging to the Savior Himself. I envision myself holding His hand and walking with Him. Never want to let go of that one!
wonderful insights. Thank you,
Wonderful presentation - so much interesting insight and description. Axis Mundi and Cognate Accusative added to my list!
Thanks!
Hello from Australia.
I was thinking about, "why would they take time to mention what the iron rod was made of?" For some reason, this time in my study, I was really focused on the iron part of the rod. I know at Lehi's time, the ways of the Egyptians and their culture and writings; both coptic and hieroglyphic, were more common knowledge. The Book of Mormon gold plates holds etchings in a similar way mixed with other language. I found that for thousands of years IRON could only be harvested from meteorites. To Egypt, IRON was a metal of the Gods or metal of heaven. It was very sacred to them, along with the strong crystal like structure found in the meteorites. And they were very difficult to mold. Today you can study different irons to see if they were from meteorites or from a later time and smelted from the earth. But in Lehi's time, Iron was only from meteorites. They would have iron plating tomb walls or bury mummies ( like King Tut) with iron made items ( like his dagger). They believed the handling or presence of iron would help the latent mummy pass onto heaven or become eternal. There also was a special (opening of the mouth ceremony,) a mouth meaning an opening of a cavern, tomb, holy area ECT... That they would perform with the presence of their heavenly metal iron, to help with the transformation of the latent bodied mummy. I find it interesting, that lehi, probably would have known these things and rituals and the value of iron. He would have known its significance in helping a person transform, or to be on the path to heaven or eternal ways. To me holding onto the iron rod was very significant in the journey to the special tree from Heaven. Especially if the iron rod was smooth and had been given time and attention to mold and shape it, a difficult, but sanctifying task back then. Just wanted to share this because it really brought more depth to my own understanding of the wonderful dream vision ! Thank you for your podcasts! I Learn so much!
Iron was very commonly made from ore in Lehi's time. The ovens can still be found today. However, you may be thinking of Steal, which was very rare and a closely guarded secret with the few blacksmiths that knew of its secrets. What you may be referring to is meteoric iron which is even more rare, and highly praised because of its natural alloy nature. It often contains other metals like nickel, which can give you any alloy like what we call Stainless Steal, an alloy highly praised, very rare, and extremely valuable!
Thanks for your insightful comment!
I always like the JST of Revelation 2:26-27 (as compared to the original), that shows how those who are given governing power in the celestial kingdom do it by...the rod of iron :)
When they went back to get a wife for each of the boys, one wife, it also brought to mind the "seed." They needed to leave Babylon (Jerusalem) to raise up righteous seed.
This is exactly what Jacob 2 is referencing when it says "unless God commands it" because the commandment wasn't to have more wives, but to leave. This is the commandment Jacob is referring to. In order to raise up righteous seed, they must obey God and leave their place of comfort away from evil practices, to raise up righteous seed.
That was amazing to hear Gay talk about seed. How clearly that spoke to me against the polygamy doctrine that has been mistakenly adopted.
We love and been watching and following you guys. Dr Gaye is awsome with her brilliant talent and so love listening to her❤💯
Lehi could have been reading about creation, Adam and Eve, partaking of the fruit, and Lehi could have had questions about partaking of the fruit of that tree himself?
Why did this sister go for months without receiving the sacrament? My husband took many people the sacrament every Sunday during covid. I don't understand why she was not offered this.
I only received the Sacrament a few Sundays during Covid. I so needed it more as I'm in a part member family. I'm in the UK, maybe Australia had the same local restrictions, we could go anywhere at first. Though there's no excuse when restrictions lessened.
I was in Utah, the ❤ land of Zion, and I received the sacrament only 2 times. (I was caring for my elderly mother.)
I wonder if chapter 6 is God's way of reminding Nephi what his purpose is. Write scripture not give a dialog. Like some people do when baring their testimony.
It's easy to forgive IF you don't care about them!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Regarding "frankly forgive." Let's please not over look that Laman and Lemuel asked for forgiveness. Had they not would Nephi been left to eat the situation instead of forgiving for the brotherhood.
Your Broderick was on-point for a sec there
❤ 52:26
😆 hahaha Dreamy Co Host 👍
❤ 42:43
also in INephi 7: 17-18, Nephi asks to be able to burst the bands, but instead, God loosened them, not Nephi
Right? I think it's kind of fun that the speakers here mention the difference as though ok, the Lord could have let the whole thing happen but instead He left some work for Nephi to do and let him have something he still had to do to participate, whereas my first thought as to the distinction is that, as with my most memorable experiences, Nephi was actually praying that he would be able to do something and instead God just did it all Himself so there would have been no struggle on Nephi's side. Obviously, the way Nephi worded it, we could interpret it either way, and knowing God and yh various stories we all experience, sometimes God does it one way for us and sometimes the other, but the most memorable ways the Lord has shown His power to me involve me expecting that He would partly arrange things so I will be able to do something I expect to work, and instead He just takes care of the whole thing as though He is saying, "Look, I don't need you to do anything here; this is taken care of."
💙💙
The tree of life of course is Jesus Christ . That is openly taught .