Like I mentioned from the previous chapter, Nephi is to be the next prophet which means he would have stewardship over everyone. His older brothers did not like that idea at all and were angry with Nephi to the point of wanting to kill him (v2-4). The Lord knew of their murderous thoughts and warned Nephi to flee with anyone who was righteous into the wilderness (v5-6). When they were separated they called the place they ended up the Land of Nephi (we hear of this quite often throughout the scriptures) and called themselves the people of Nephi (v7-9). They observed The Lord commandments and prospered exceedingly because of their righteousness (v10-13). Nephi knew of the nature of his brothers and made sure to defend himself from their hatred (v14). They also became industrious and built buildings, a temple, and workmanship in many materials (v15-17). The people even desired Nephi to be a king over them (it was what they were used to) (v18).
The Lord had said they Nephi would be a ruler and a teacher for his brethren, and he was until those of his brothers rebelled and therefore were cut off from The Lords presence (v19-20). Because of their rebellion, they were cursed with skin of blackness and to be a loathsome and idle people (v21-24). But The Lord still uses then to scourge the seed of Nephi to remember their Lord and listen to his words (v25).
Nephi calls Jacob and Joseph to be priests and teachers over his people (v26). They lived in peace without their wicked brethren bringing them pain and The Lord commanded Nephi to make a record of spiritual things (what we are reading now) as well as what he was already recording (v27-31). These plates are filled with things pleasing to God and if we are pleased with the things of God, they shall be pleasing to me (v32-33). 10 years passed with the separation of the Nephites and Lamanites and there have been wars and contentions (v34)
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