1 Nephi 7:6

6  And it came to pass that as we journeyed in the wilderness, behold Laman and Lemuel, and two of the ^adaughters of Ishmael, and the two ^bsons of Ishmael and their families, did ^crebel against us; yea, against me, Nephi, and Sam, and their father, Ishmael, and his wife, and his three other daughters.

            -There seems to have been no mentionable opposition from Laman and Lemuel about going to get potential wives, but it is not due to a change of heart on the part of our two trouble-makers as is evidenced by their little escapade on the way back to Lehi’s camp.  This manifestation of rebellion was most likely preceded by gentle complaining, spreading of dissention and a rallying of support for their cause.  Laman was as active in his opposition to the Lord as Nephi was active in his support.

            -the lines are drawn here.  How much of the future state of affairs is cast by the lines drawn and taken here?  The brothers, sisters and family of Ishmael that sided with Laman and Lemuel cannot begin to imagine the consequences and tremendous chasm that their decision would lead to.  These who might have, at this first choice, sided with Nephi would come to be known, their ensuing generations at least, as Lamanites and be defined by all the practices, beleifs, culture and lifestyle that is characterized by being a member of the group known as Lamanites.  How different it could have been for some of these families if, at this first moment, they would have chosen differently.

            -How fascinating to uncover the Lord’s infallible foreknowledge and wisdom.  Let’s take a look at how perfectly Ishmael’s family is equipped to fit Lehi’s (this was no cosmic coincidence or accident):

            Lehi’s family and individual’s demeanor         Ishmael’s family and individual’s demeanor

                       Laman à   anti God’s will             =        Ishmael’s daughter #1 à  anti God’s will

                       Lemuel à  anti God’s will             =        Ishmael’s daughter #2 à  anti God’s will

                       Sam     à  pro-God                        =        Ishmael’s daughter #3 à  pro-God

                       Nephi  à  pro-God                        =        Ishmael’s daughter #4 à  pro-God

                       Jacob  à  pro-God                         =        (unknown, very young)      à  pro-God

1Nephi 16:7    Zoram à  pro-God                       =        Ishmael’s oldest daughter #5 à  pro-God

                                                                                       Ishmael’s son & family à  anti God’s will

                                                                                       Ishmael’s son & family à  anti Gods’ will

                      Lehi & Sariah  à pro-God                       Ishmael & wife  à  pro-God

            The two families have a male to match up with a female or vice-versa that has the same tendency towards righteousness or wickedness. Each of Lehi’s sons has a possible spouse that perfectly reflects their won spiritual tendency toward the Lord.  Amazing!

 

    “did rebel against us”

            -how we treat eachother is synonymous with how we treat God.  In reality, the rebellion was not against Nephi and his contingent but it was against God.  If Laman et al. understood that they were, in fact, rebelling against God would they have engaged thusly?  We think they would not but perhaps…  In any event, it becomes the greatest question we must be confident in:  is our course the one approved by God?  Are we on the right side of God?