Trying to understand the story of Nephi slaying Laban at the Lord’s command caused me to mentally construct some law of Moses justifications for Nephi, really based on Nephi’s recollection of the event. I found several. I’ve also read scholars’ amazing, thoughtful analyses of the story. Ultimately, though, I landed on an answer Nephi gave for something he didn’t comprehend either.
I know that [God] loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.
God commanded Nephi to slay Laban, and Nephi did.
6 And I was by the Spirit, not beforehand the things which I should do.
7 Nevertheless I went forth, and as I came near unto the house of Laban I beheld a man, and he had fallen to the earth before me, for he was with wine. . . .
10 And it came to pass that I was by the Spirit that I should kill Laban; but I said in my heart: Never at any time have I shed the blood of man. And I shrunk and would that I might not slay him.
11 And the Spirit said unto me again: Behold the hath him into thy hands. Yea, and I also knew that he had sought to take away mine own life; yea, and he would not hearken unto the commandments of the Lord; and he also had away our property.
12 And it came to pass that the Spirit said unto me again: Slay him, for the Lord hath delivered him into thy hands; (emphasis added).
While reading Exodus, I came across a verse that I’d never connected with the Nephi/Laban story before! If God delivers “him into his hand, then [He] will appoint” a place to flee!
12 He that a man, so that he die, shall be surely .
13 And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a whither he shall .
14 But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to him with ; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.
That is fascinating!
Laban Delivered
Nephi did not lie in wait for Laban. The Lord delivered Laban into Nephi’s hand. The Lord also appointed a place for Nephi to flee—the promised land!
I wasn’t looking for a connection to Nephi’s story, but loved having it stand out as an application for this verse.
Truly, Nephi’s statement is true.
I go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no unto the children of men, save he shall a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.
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