oct 12, 30 BC - Mission to Land of Nephi
Description:
After preaching in Zarahemla Nephi and Lehi traveled strait into the heart of the Lamanites, going down to the Land of Nephi. When they came into this land they met an army of the Lamanites which took them and cast them into prison. An interesting note is made here; the prison they were kept in is the same prison that King Limhi had put Ammon and his companions when they came looking for the people of Zeniff.
The story of Nephi and Lehi in prison is one of the greatest stories of the Book of Mormon. After having been kept in prison for many days without food, the leaders of the Lamanites, along with many Nephite dissenters came into the prison with the intent of putting the two missionaries to death. There were about 300 in the group that had come to the prison, but when they entered they saw that Nephi and Lehi were surrounded by a pillar of fire and were not burned. Seeing this all 300 became so astonished and frightened that none would approach Nephi and Lehi.
It seems that the two brothers were not aware of the fire until after the Lamanites had seen it. When they saw the fear of the Lamanites they then saw the fire, and realizing what was happening they told the Lamanites that it was from God to let them know that they could not kill Nephi and Lehi.
After they had said this the prison shook violently, though it did not fall, and a cloud of darkness descended and covered the prison, preventing the Lamanites from seeing anything. From above the darkness they heard a still and mild voice speak to them, telling them to repent and not harm the servants of the Lord. Three times this voice spoke, and each time it caused the prison to shake violently.
After the third time of hearing the voice, and being frozen from fear and the darkness, there was one man, called Amminadab, who looked around to try and see what was happening. Amminadab was a Nephite dissenter and had been a member of the church. When he looked around he saw Nephi and Lehi through the darkness, their faces shining. They were speaking to someone above the cloud.
When Amminadab saw this he told the rest to look and see. The spirit gave them power and they all looked and then asked Amminadab what it meant and what they should do. He told them that Nephi and Lehi were conversing with angels. He told them to pray, to cry unto the voice that they had heard until they had faith in Christ.
All 300 began to do so, and kept praying until the darkness lifted. When it was gone they saw that they were all surrounded by fire that did not burn them, nor damage the walls of the prison. Nephi and Lehi were now in the midst of them and they again heard the voice blessing them for their faith, and filling them with inexpressible joy. They looked up and the heavens opened and angels came down to minister to them.
After all this the 300 joined Nephi and Lehi in preaching the gospel and witnessing unto the rest of the Lamanites what they had seen and experienced. From this great missionary effort of the 300 the greater part of the Lamanites became converted to the Lord and were baptized by Nephi and Lehi.
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