Pearls found in 1 Nephi during scripture study

At a meeting a few months ago President Allen, a leader in our mission, used an analogy of “pearls” to talk about little pieces of wisdom or insight in the scriptures.

I came across such a pearl this morning during my studies.  I was watching the BYU scripture discussions online this morning as they discussed in the beginning of the Book of Mormon the story of how Nephi and his brothers were able to obtain the brass plates.  The plates were important because they had the scriptures on them.  Having those enabled them to teach their posterity in the future the commandments gospel of Jesus Christ which is necessary for us to find real happiness and joy in life. which would bless and help them in their lives.  In the Book of Mormon we read Nephi and His brothers have trouble getting the plates from a wicked man name Laban.  They try many different things, but in the end Nephi is led by the Spirit, and finds Laban drunk and passed out.  Nephi, as led by the spirit, kills Laban, and is then able to obtain the plates.  We know God commanded Nephi to do, as it was the only way for them to get the plates; but it still makes me wonder why Laban was killed. 

I was able to find a “pearl” on this during the discussion this morning.  If we read about earlier, when Nephi’s brother, Laman expressed interest in the plates, we read this false accusation from Laban;

1 Nephi 3: 13 “And behold, it came to pass, that Laban was angry, and thrust him out from his presence; and he would not that he should have the records.  Wherefore, he said unto him: Behold thou art a robber, and I will slay thee.”

As this was a false accusation, we can read in the law of Moses this action was punishable by death;

Deut 19: 16, 19 “If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against his that which is wrong; . . . Then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother.”

Sometimes I have heard it said Nephi was breaking a “lesser” law to keep a “higher” law.  But I feel such a comfort to know Nephi did not break any laws.  I have found it to be amazing how much the scriptures all interconnect.  For me it is a real testimony that they do come from God, and they do teach us His words.  I know as we take the time to read them it will help to bring us closer to God, and develop a better relationship with Jesus Christ.