In a book I read recently, "The Holy Secret" -- it offers another insight into this "and my father dwelt in a tent" thing.
It speaks to their poverty.
In fact, the book explains that Nephi purposefully began his record by talking about having been born of "goodly" parents. In other words, they were quite wealthy. They received the best education. To leave all of that behind was hard for EVERYBODY in the family, even Nephi. Right after Nephi makes this statement about his father living in a tent (very humble conditions) we see Nephi on his knees, asking the Lord to soften his heart, so that he will not rebel like unto his brethren:
15 And my father dwelt in a tent.
[LOOK AT THE PATHETIC CONDITIONS WE'RE LIVING IN. WE'RE DWELLING IN TENTS FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!!]
16 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers.
[THE LORD HELPED ME NOT TO REVILE AGAINST MY FATHER (BOTH EARTHLY AND HEAVENLY) BECAUSE OF OUR HUMBLE CIRCUMSTANCES AND HAVING TO LIVE IN TENTS]
17 And I spake unto Sam, making known unto him the things which the Lord had manifested unto me by his Holy Spirit. And it came to pass that he believed in my words.
[I WENT AND HELPED SAM NOT TO REVILE AS WELL]
18 But, behold, Laman and Lemuel would not hearken unto my words; and being grieved because of the hardness of their hearts I cried unto the Lord for them.
[BUT LAMAN AND LEMUEL COVETED THEIR POSSESSIONS TOO MUCH. THEY MISSED THEIR OLD LIFESTYLE TOO MUCH.]
This is way cool. I am beginning to see how the Book of Mormon really was written for our day. I am learning it "afresh". 1st and 2nd Nephi are a metaphor for our OWN spiritual progression -- our own need and our own individual struggles with fleeing the pull of "Babylon"
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