1 Nephi 2:8-9

8  And it came to pass that he called the name of the river, Laman, and it emptied into the Red Sea; and the valley was in the borders near the mouth thereof.
9  And when my father saw that the waters of the river emptied into the ^afountain of the Red Sea, he spake unto Laman, saying: O that thou mightest be like unto this river, continually running into the fountain of all righteousness!

            -Nephi is composing this account many years after the events took place.  It is interesting that he recalls these particular few details where his father sought to inspire and teach his oldest sons with symbolism.  It evidently made an impression on Nephi.  I wonder if Laman and Lemuel would even remember this gesture by their father. 

            -Lehi makes a proactive and positive attempt to inspire his oldest two sons toward righteousness and Christlike character.  At this point in his paternal efforts, he is building them up.  As they progressively harden and turn from truth they encounter a discipline that is more harsh and condemnatory. (see comments for verse 11).

     “continually running into the fountain of all righteousness!”

            -the sad and bitter irony of Lehi’s efforts to inspire Laman is the eventual reality of his son’s life.  Instead of a life continually pointing to God, Laman’s choices almost constantly took him in the direction of Lucifer.  He fought against the purposes and entrities of God on every turn.  His father’s hopes fell unrealized.