1 Nephi 7:16

Brant Gardner

Laman and Lemuel’s reaction is, by now, predictable. When Nephi, their youngest brother, reprimands them, they become angry. This is a recurring pattern. In this case, however, Nephi writes the incident in a very specific way. He has previously written of his father’s genealogy, which traces back to Joseph of Egypt. Naturally, this is Nephi’s genealogy as well. It is, however, more than a genealogy under Nephi’s pen. The connection to Joseph becomes a literary parallel.

This becomes clear in this verse. Nephi presents himself as a second Joseph.

  • The prophecy that a younger brother would rule over the older brothers was such an obvious connection that Nephi strengthened the allusion. The parallels became another proof of Jehovah’s divine commission to Nephi.

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