1 Nephi 2:15

[a-train]

The tabernacle was the tent in which the LORD's glory came to Israel. Later, in great splendor, Solomon erected the brick and mortal temple in Jerusalem to which the LORD also came.

We are today traveling through the wilderness in our mortal tabernacles guided by the LORD's cloud or Spirit. The time will come that this mortal tabernacle will be gone and we will meet the LORD in our glorious and immortal temples.

-a-train

[skalenfehl]

Indeed a-train.

Tomk, interesting that you confirmed my belief that Nephi is from a very wealthy family. I've always believed that Lehi was very wealthy as alluded by all his riches, the land of his inheritance and his home in Jerusalem. I personally believe that he was a very successful trader that traveled a lot and apparently spoke more than just Hebrew.

[tomk]

Originally Posted by skalenfehl

Indeed a-train.

Tomk, interesting that you confirmed my belief that Nephi is from a very wealthy family. I've always believed that Lehi was very wealthy as alluded by all his riches, the land of his inheritance and his home in Jerusalem. I personally believe that he was a very successful trader that traveled a lot and apparently spoke more than just Hebrew.

I speculate Lehi had travels through Egypt.

Or it was to be found in Jerusalem somehow? After all they "came out of Egypt" via Moses.

[skalenfehl]

Originally Posted by tomk

I speculate Lehi had travels through Egypt.

I've had that same thought. It's no coincidence that Lehi understood Egyptian and the Book of Mormon was written in what later became known as re-formed Egyptian. Cool stuff!

[tomk]

The Egyptian culture and belief system seems to be a "type" of christ and of temple worship (ie the Facsimilies of Abraham).

[Hemidakota]

The tribe of Joseph was still in Egypt during this timeframe. The biggest trade in Egypt at that time was metalsmithers. Something I had learn from a old professor who now passed on.

Josephites, I would call them, in their own business trade had a special written language that helped to pass messages among each other without the threat of the Egyptian ruling class in keeping their own religion alive among themselves. Perhaps, reformed Egyptian writing only known to them.

Noting the plates, you will find, Lehi carried extra plates with him. Being of wealth, I suspect his father or Lehi was one of them. This was a lucrative business during that time.

[WillowTheWhisp]

This is a fascinating topic which I must admit I had never previously given much thought to. Thank you for inspiring my curiosity.

[skalenfehl]

Ah! That makes even more sense, Hemi! I wonder if Lehi knew he was a descendant of Joseph before procuring the plates of brass from Laban.

Ughh, I wish Martin Harris hadn't lost the 116 pages!! I think once the Lord consented they were forfeit regardless of whether or not Martin had returned with them intact. I'd love to have read what Lehi wrote. From what I understand these pages contained Lehi's writing. But then that might also have meant leaving out another book or other accounts that Mormon abridged. Who knows...

[Hemidakota]

Remember, what is lost can be had via the spirit if you have that desire to know the truth.

I will say, the plates are not Laban but belong to Lehi's father. Through Hebrew traditions of the fathers, the father would in his last days pass down the family records to his oldest son. Somehow, don't know what really transpired, but Laban obtained the plates. I do believe that Laban and Lehi were related by blood [Josephite] though. How would Lehi know where Laban house was and what he had.

[skalenfehl]

I remember reading that Laban was also of the tribe of Joseph, but not sure how close in relation he and Lehi were. Interesting points.