Now imagine how hard it would be for Ishmael! These sons of a friend of yours, who left the city, come to you and ask you to join then in the wilderness. Luckily is was meant to be and The Lord softened the whole family's hearts (v5). For some strange reason, a few of them rebel and want to go back to the city, here are the sides:
Laman, Lemual, two sons (and their families)of Ishmael, and two daughters of Ishmael vs Nephi, Sam, Ismael, and his wife, and three of his daughters.
I would have said let them go! Unfortunately, Nephi loves his brother despite their problems and tries to reason with them (v8-15). He basically explains the obvious that The Lord is going to destroy Jerusalem but you have the agency to choose to go back.
I'm guessing they knew his words to be true because they got super mad and tied him up (v16). Nephi breaks free with faith and scolds his elder brothers...that only makes them more angry! They are pacified by some of the family of Ishmael and become sorrowful for their wickedness (v18-20).
Nephi's ability to forgive his brother so simply in v21 is a true testament of his pure heart. Not only does he "frankly forgive them" but he also "exhort then that they would pray unto The Lord their God for forgiveness." Surprisingly enough they actually do! I know that The Lord forgave them just as Nephi did because Heavenly Father loves us and will forgive us for our mistakes. No matter how small.
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