1 Nephi 18 - Book of Mormon Videos

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Nephi Finishes the Ship & they set Sail to the Promise Land

1 Nephi 18 Insights

Nephi at the end of Chapter 18 makes reference to the discovery of “all manner of ore, both of gold, and of silver, and of copper.” The reader will most likely understand the metals that Nephi makes reference to. But, what of the word ore? Why does he reference this word and moreover is this a type of metal or a combination of metals?

Exactly, what is ore and why does Nephi make reference to it? For Nephi metal working was his passion and he was very good at it! He learned this skill in the old world and it carried with him to the new world for a very wise purpose in the Lord. To understand the meaning of the word ore, consulting the dictionary during the time Joseph translated the Book of Mormon gives further clarification.

Merriam Webster’s Dictionary, 1828 defines the word ore as follows:

The compound of a metal and some other substance, as oxygen, sulphur or carbon, called its mineralizer, by which its properties are disguised or lost. Metals found free from such combination and exhibiting naturally their appropriate character, are not called ores, but native metals.

It is safe to say that ore is not a type of metal unto itself but, rather a combination of metals wherein which two or more elements are combined to produce something that does not occur naturally such as silver, copper, or gold. All three of those metals Nephi mentioned independently of each other and separate from the use of the word ore.

Furthermore, it is safe to say that Nephi was likewise able to extract specific metals from ore by smelting and refining them down. Nephi most likely engaged in this practice both in the old world and the new world. Without question when he inquires of the Lord; “whether shall I go that I might find ore, to make tools for the ship” He knew he would be refining down elements from its pure form so he could make such tools. What type of metal he extracted from the old world is not necessarily known.

Nevertheless, it is safe to say that it most likely was some form of iron. This iron would serve to be the tools that Nephi used to make his ship in the old world. And the combination of metals such as copper and gold would be infused together to create what the plates Joseph Smith translated from. In all reality, the type of metal or metals Nephi used truly doesn’t matter. Such things are trivial when it comes to the gospel, the atonement, and the Savior. But, the lesson(s) behind the metal and how Nephi was able to work and bring to life these metals for the purpose of his people is what is important.

Nephi, through countless hours, practice, and learning by mistake and success became an effective metal worker. What then is the lesson that we learn from Nephi? There are perhaps many lessons one could derive from Nephi’s experience. However, what stands supreme is the process whereby which Nephi went through to make his tools. It was this process that he used and used most effectively that would eventually serve him to help build one of the greatest nations ever. Now, the process and what we learn from that process.

  • The Lord no doubt gave Nephi ample opportunity to refine his skills and talents in metal working in his youth and young adulthood. He was born into a family where such means, tools, and processes could be taught unto him.
  • Nephi spent countless hours working and learning the art of metallurgy even despite his family’s status and nobility in Jerusalem society. Nephi could of easily walked away from such opportunities or even looked down upon them because of his family’s position. What was the view of Black Smith in Nephi’s time?
  • So thus, far we learn that Nephi had developed a skill! I highly favorable skill, a skill that once did even exist in all of Jerusalem. Although it is not exactly known; there was a time that Israel undoubtedly lacked the technology, skills, and processes to work in metals. They took their metal working related issues to the Philistines to help them fix, mend, or even create tools. The Philistines were masters at the skill and protected the technology very tightly from Israel for oblivious reasons. Nevertheless, at some point in time and through the direction of a skilled worker Israel slowly adopted this technology and it became a mainstay for their society as a whole. The following verse from Samuel sheds further light onto the issue:
    19 Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears:20 But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock.21 Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads.22 So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that were with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found. 1 Samuel 13:19-22
  • Is it plausible that Nephi understood all of this? Absolutely, did he come to the realization of this during his youth and young adulthood? Most likely not. But, as he grew in grace and knowledge he came to understand the importance of ensuring that his people could work with metal. For metal and metallurgy would be the backbone to building a new nation! Man must have tools to build, and tools are only built and designed by those who have first acquired the skill and knowledge to do so…
  • Thus, far we have come to understand the skill that Nephi through countless hours of dedication and practice eventually became a master of. But, what next? And how does it relate to me? Let us look to the Book of Mormon text for greater insight. While we delve into the next block… Ask the question to yourself; what skills do I have? What talents do I possess? What am I a master of? What am I good at? And how can these skills be further harnessed to build the kingdom of God?
  • Once Nephi had developed the necessary skills to work in metal the windows of opportunity grew to endless opportunities. The Lord could not have used Nephi if he first did not possess the talent! Nephi would be useless in the Lords hands. Nephi might not have seen this as young child and adult but, through time he most assuredly came to this knowledge.
  • Because Nephi possessed the talents and technology to work in metal he was able to use them to achieve even greater purposes. What were those purposes and how did he achieve them? They were namely that of building a ship which he had never had done before. Because he could work with his hands and craft the necessary tools he was able to build something amazing and completely unrelated to metal working but, nevertheless directly tied to metal working. For the tools which built that ship were first created and created out of the elements of the Earth.
  • Nephi furthermore built a nation which could flourish…? How so? Through use of his tools which were crafted out of metal. They did not farm with just their hands. Nay, they used tools. They did not build their homes or cities with just their hands. Nay, they used tools which Nephi helped to create and he likewise taught and showed others how to do so. Because Nephi first took the time to build and establish a talent through countless hours of practice and time investment – The Lord was able to use him to achieve even greater things! Just think that Nephi as young child and adult was learning the skills and harnessing that talent which would one day build and establish a new nation!

Each of us have been given talents and skills. Exactly what those skills are is up to you to find out. But, once you come to understand what those talents are and you build upon them as Nephi did greater opportunities and achievements can and will be made. When Nephi was with the blacksmith making his first sword he most likely never thought to himself one day I will use this skill to build a boat which will take me and my family across the great seas! I will one day use this skill to build a new nation! And with that skill feed my people! The Nephite nation could not have been built unless Nephi first knew how to work with metal and understand the principles and concepts behind such technology.

The Lord can and will use your talents and skills as he did Nephi to build that which you never thought before possible. You must first acquire those skills and talents and you must include the Lord to help you build and refine them. Once you have fully developed the necessary skills you like Nephi can ask the Lord in faith nothing wavering.

“Wither shall I go that I may find ore to molten, that I may make tools to construct the ship after the manner which thou hast shownn unto me? (1 Nephi 17:9).

Your question most likely will not be the same as Nephi’s was. But, it could be similar to the following? Wither shall I go to continue to build my business? What new avenues are out there that will allow me to build, grow, and prosper my company? Whither shall I go to find the right employees who will help me build my new company? What cities should we expand into to add the necessary revenue that is needed to give our company and its employees the lifeblood it needs to survive. Whither shall I go to find the necessary funding that I need to get my company up and going?

The above questions are only a sample of questions that could be asked by the young entrepreneur or even the seasoned business owner who is looking to grow and expand either his existing or new company. Clearly before asking these questions the entrepreneur would be well versed in managing the finances of his already existing company, he would be well equipped already with the processes of hiring and maintaining good quality employees.

He would understand how to develop and build new relationships with complete strangers and new companies. In short, he like Nephi would possess already the talents needed to run and build a company. He now is only seeking the direction to further expand that talent and new possibility.

The Lord cannot help the man build a new business unless he has first mastered the necessary skills to do so. It is a process and it takes time but, once you do have those skills endless opportunities await you! Just as for Nephi it was endless for him. He was even directed into new paths such as wood working which he used to build a ship so they will be for you. For the entrepreneur, it might be coming to an understanding of how and what to put online to give his business a new competitive advantage that he previously did not have. But, you must first learn to develop the necessary skills and then after you have done so; Like Nephi learn to ask the right question and then have the faith necessary to receive such an answer.

Nephi possessed all of these talents and it took him many years to fully develop them and even understand them. No matter where you are at in your journey the time is now to act and if you will do so as Nephi did endless and limitless opportunities await you! Opportunities you never thought possibly will be presented unto you as they were Nephi. You will be given the knowledge you lack to build a ship because you already possess the skills to do so.

The lord will make up the difference for you. This is the power of the atonement and those who understand the atonement as Nephi did will be able to do all things as Nephi did. Nephi told his brothers he could do all things through the power of the Lord, and this he did most effectively.! You too can achieve all things and will do so efficiently as you learn to follow the path of Nephi.

But, this path to success, growth, and new endless opportunities you never thought possible begins with you first identifying the talents you possess and then building upon that talent! Those who do so will achieve greatness as Nephi did! They will be the builders of new technology, they will move people from to higher planes, they will change the conventional way of thinking, they will push the boundaries that never before have been pushed. They will reach new heights and become great in the eyes of the Lord as Nephi did. Build your talents today, for tomorrow the Lord will need them to move you and his people forward!