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Laban Delivered into Nephi’s Hands

Laban Delivered into Nephi’s Hands

Last updated on: May 15, 2025 at 12:08 pm by Delisa Hargrove

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Laban Delivered into Nephi’s Hands 2025-05-15T12:08:48-10:00 Delisa Hargrove

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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 led by the Spirit, not knowing 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 drunken with wine. . . .

10 And it came to pass that I was constrained 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 Lord hath delivered 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 taken 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!

Exodus 21:12-14

12 He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.

13 And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.

14 But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; 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 will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.

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