1 AND it came to pass that we had gathered together all manner of seeds of every kind, [ The literal act of gathering food and this statement has its roots in the Semitic culture, as gathering seeds is symbolic of the need for physical food as well as spiritual food Deut 8:3 ] both of grain of every kind, and also of the seeds of fruit of every kind.

2 And it came to pass that while my father tarried in the wilderness he spake unto us, saying: Behold, I have dreamed a dream; [ How could Joseph Smith have known? Cognates are related words that come from the same root. For example, the English noun student is cognate to the verb study and the adjective studious. In Hebrew, a verb is sometimes followed by a noun that is a cognate, such as "wrote upon it a writing" (Exodus 39:30) and "she vowed a vow" (1 Samuel 1:11). In English, cognates are used much less often. Using such cognates is often considered an awkward or inelegant style in English. someone writing in English would be more likely to use "she vowed" or "she made a vow." Even in translation from the Hebrew, the King James Bible sometimes avoids using cognates. In Genesis 1:11, a literal translation of the Hebrew would be "Let the earth grass grass," but the English translation reads "Let the earth bring forth grass."

The Book of Mormon uses cognates much more often than we would expect if the book had originally been written in English. These cognates show the Hebrew influence of the original. "I have dreamed a dream" . That is exactly the way that the same idea is expressed in literal translation of the Old Testament Hebrew (see Genesis 37:5; 41:11). (The Maxwell Institute - Hebrew Background of the Book Of Mormon - http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/books/?bookid=72&chapid=862) ] or, in other words, I have seen a vision. [ The Tree of Life symbolism goes all the way back to the Genesis account of the Creation, cf. Gen. 2:9. Adam and Eve were separated from God and as a result were denied access to the Tree of Life. The cherubim and flaming sword protect the tree of life (Gen 3:22-24) from casual eating it is left to be eaten by those who overcometh Rev 2:7; which is in heaven (see also Rev 22:2; Rev 22:14). ]

3 And behold, because of the thing which I have seen, I have reason to rejoice in the Lord because of Nephi and also of Sam; for I have reason to suppose that they, and also many of their seed, will be saved.

4 But behold, Laman and Lemuel, I fear exceedingly because of you; for behold, methought I saw in my dream, a dark and dreary wilderness. [ A place without hope and light. ]

5 And it came to pass that I saw a man, and he was dressed in a white robe; [ Who is this man or angel? Just because he is dressed in white does that mean it is God or a representative of God; or could it be that it is Satan trying to deceive Lehi? Part of the answer may be found in what he gets Lehi to do.] and he came and stood before me.

6 And it came to pass that he spake unto me, and bade me follow him. [ So the messenger gets Lehi to follow him - where does he take Lehi? ]

7 And it came to pass that as I followed him [ Lehi actually has a different version of the vision. Lehi is invited in, he is a participant, while Nephi observes what is happening and the Angel is explaining what is happening to Nephi through a series of questions and answers. ] I beheld myself that I was in a dark and dreary waste. [ He is in a world overcome by Satan. Is this not usually the case, as soon as we are given a little light we are tested, the adversary comes into our path? Is Lehi following the Savior into the darkness of this world (The Savior passed through it and showed us the way) and it is only because of Him and through Him, as we call upon His name that we are delivered. so if Lehi is lead to a dark place would that be God leading him there? Remember he is following the one that bade him to follow. Is the Dark and dreary place just representative of our life here on earth - which God placed us here to learn and grow? I think that both interruptations have some merit. It appears that he is all alone . In utter darkness you have no sense of direction as a matter of fact after about 30 minutes you can begin to looses sense of up and down, Experience in the caves on the way to Havasu falls. They have referred to the desert that they are in as the wilderness - which is not very hospitable and here they refer to this as the "dark and dreary waste" So it must be pretty bad. Lehi was not describing a light-colored mist, like a steam or fog, but a mist of dark smoke that blinds, and losing one’s ability to see while in the middle of a treacherous journey changes everything. Another consequence we might consider as we ponder the impact of the mist of darkness is loneliness. A thick mist of darkness would isolate travelers from all the others on the path. Before the mist arose, there was at least the comfort of “strength in numbers” since we are told that many of the “numberless concourses” pressed forward to obtain the path that led to the tree. The mist of darkness would, in effect, make them alone in the dark—a place where souls are more vulnerable to temptation. So what was already “dark and dreary” became “lone and dreary” as well. Also, although we benefit greatly from the positive influence of our brothers and sisters who surround us on the straight and narrow, eventually each of us discover that we cannot endure on borrowed light, or rely solely on positive peer pressure from others to see us through. Pressing forward on the path will, at some point, become an individual effort and an individual decision. It is wen we are alone that we must choose the path that we will follow. In a way we are all lone in that we must each exercise our agency and make the selection of which path we will choose. It is a private decision that we must make. ]

8 And after I had traveled for the space of many hours in darkness, [ Notice that the angel that brought him here is leading him around in here for some time, he was in darkness for a period of time. It is not just a quick trip or overview for Lehi, but rather he is left in the darkiness (there is no mention of the angel after this, he appears to not be there with Lehi as there is no further dialog between the two of them). As a matter of fact the angel never trys to lead Lehi out of the darkness either. So Lehi is telling us what he experienced in his dream. He spends some time - a great deal as a matter of fact in a state of being and feeling lost, alone and without direction. The Lord let's us wander around in darkness sometimes to struggle on our own, that we might learn to come to him on our own. At this point it is very symbolic of this earth life. We were delivered here by angels from heaven, and then left so to speak to find our way on our own. ] I began to pray unto the Lord [ Notice that is was Lehi who had to indiciate the change. Lehi had to get on his knees and ask for help. It was only after he asked God that Lehi understood that he was in the middle of a simulation of his mortality, the lone and dreary world in which he lived. Then he was allowed to see off in the distance the Tree of Life. So without prayer on his part he would have never known about the Tree Of Life. Think about this for a moment - Lehi prayed and saw the Tree, and he saw the Iron Rod which lead to the tree. Do you suppose that there were some who were holding onto the iron rod simply because someone told them to do so? If you know for yourself that the Tree exists, and that the Iron Rod leads to the tree how much more likely are you to hold onto the rod until the end as opposed to those who have not seen the tree and the rod and where it leads. In essense this is what the Temple try's to teach us. ] that he would have mercy on me , [ Lehi is struggling, he is lost as to which direction to go. So in humility he gets down on his knees and asks the Father for help. Representation of the pattern that we too should follow. He is looking for direction and help to get himself out of this darkness. Repent to get out of the darkness of sin. Spiritual light to see our way in the darkness of the world. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf”: “Salvation cannot be bought with the currency of obedience; it is purchased by the blood of the son of God (Acts 20:28).” (“The Gift of Grace,” April 2015 General Conference). Those who believe in salvation by obedience alone believe in self-sufficiency. “It has been truly said that the greatest of all Christian sins is the sin of self-sufficiency,” said George Reynolds and Janne M. Sjodahl in Commentary on the Book of Mormon, (edited and arranged by Philip C. Reynolds, 7 vols. [ Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1955-1961], 4). ] according to the multitude of his tender mercies. [ 2 Ne 2:11; 2 Ne 32:4; Mos 27:29; Enos 1-2; Gen 32:24; Matt 4:1-3; Mos 1:12,15,20,24; Jos Smith 2:13-17; Joseph Smith History Vol 1pg 25-27. ]

9 And it came to pass after I had prayed unto the Lord I beheld a large and spacious field. [ So was the large building there before he prayed and he just could not see it and its influence until he asked for help. When he asked for help the Lord showed him in no uncertain terms the building and its purpose. Large so that it could hold the great number that would be inside. Spacious so that it would give the appearance of granduer, all that the world has to offer, a place where there is no guilt or consequence. I am sure that Lehi and Nephi for that manner both would have wondered why is it that so many would be deceived? They both found the answers from the Brass plates found in 2 Ne 2:14;17-18; 2 Ne 24:12-14. ]

10 And it came to pass that I beheld a tree, [ This is right after he has prayed. He is shown the large and spacious building, and then in contrast he is shown a tree as well. Then he is taught about the fruit and its purpose. ] , whose fruit [ Whose substant could provide happiness - ie: the gospel and the ordianances of the gospel which allow us to be able to understand the purpose of this life (the ability to be truely happy in this life) , and the ordinances that allow us to return with our family and those that we love to the presence of God (Those things that will make us eternally happy). ] was desirable to make one happy.

11 And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the fruit [ The gospel. ] thereof; and I beheld that it was most sweet, [ It was different than what he was accustomed to. ] above all that I ever before tasted. [ Note that he usues the sense of taste. To taste something what must you do with it? You need to take it in. actually when you eat something it becomes a part of you from that point forward. ] Yea, and I beheld that the fruit thereof was white, [ Now to the sense of seeing - white is the symbol of purity. White is also a symbol of overcoming, being victorious. ] to exceed all the whiteness that I had ever seen. [ The white that we can see with our physical eyes lacks the ability to see the transparent power and or associated with eternal light. ]

12 And as I [ Lehi. ] partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; [ Lehi need to do something here, and action to reach out and partake. It does not just happen to him, he needs to excerpt some effort. Lehi is first to accept and partake of the fruit. so what do we know about the fruit? It changes people, it makes them feel good. ] wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit. [ The very next thing he does is invite his loved ones to partake as well - When you are converted strengthen your brethren. We all become missionaries of sort once we become converted, the greater the conversion the greater the zeal. Especially for our loved ones to enjoy what we have. ]

13 And as I cast my eyes round about, [ When you find yourself in new surrounding what is the first thing that you do? You start to look around, you want to take it all in, and you also want to look to see if you know anyone right? ] that perhaps I might discover my family also, I beheld a river of water; [ In Lehi's dream he is concentrating on the exactly where his family is, that is where his concern is - so that he does not even notice that the river is filthy - he is looking for Laman and Lemuel. see 1 Ne 15:27 ] and it ran along, [ Lengthwise, or with a progressive motion - Websters Dictionary 1828. ] and it was near the tree of which I was partaking the fruit.

14 And I looked to behold from whence it came; and I saw the head [ What do we know about the head of water? It is always on higher ground, the water is always the purest at this part of the river. ] thereof a little way off; and at the head thereof I beheld your mother Sariah, and Sam, and Nephi; [ What do they all have in common? They were obedient to the prophet, to their father and husband. ] and they stood as if they knew not whither they should go. [ We might say that they were looking for directions. We do not know if they are lost or if they are just getting their bearings so to speak, looking for the right path to follow. ]

15 And it came to pass that I beckoned [ Making a sign to - using the sense of sight. ] unto them; and I also did say unto them with a loud voice [ Implying that it was a voice of power., symbolic of him speaking with the power of the spirit. using the sense of hearing. ] that they should come unto me, and partake [ Even thought they might get to the tree they still need to be the ones to do something of their own choosing, they must particiapte. ] of the fruit, which was desirable above all other fruit.

16 And it came to pass that they did come unto me and partake of the fruit also.

17 And it came to pass that I was desirous that Laman and Lemuel should come and partake [ Lehi is most concerned right now about getting the attention of Laman and Lemuel. ] of the fruit also; wherefore, I cast mine eyes towards the head of the river, that perhaps I might see them.

18 And it came to pass that I saw them, but they would not come unto me [ Why did they not come to him? Where they just not looking and listening, where they having too much fun and were caught up in the excitment of everything? Or did they hear and choose not to acccept his voice? ] and partake of the fruit.

19 And I beheld a rod of iron, [ Word of God How could Joseph Smith have known? When English shows a possessive or descriptive relationship between two nouns, it usually puts the possessive or descriptive noun first: the king's house or wood house. Hebrew, however, uses the opposite order: house the king (which would usually be translated house of the king) or house wood (house of wood). If the Hebrew word order is kept in the English translation, the word of must be added, even though it does not exist in the Hebrew.One of a large number of what appear to be translations from the Hebrew preserving the Hebrew word order:"rod of iron" instead of iron rod (The Maxwell Institute - Hebrew Background of the Book Of Mormon - http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/books/?bookid=72&chapid=862) ] and it extended along the bank of the river, [ It was always there, all the way along the filthy river. It was there for protection from the river and provided direction when they could not see through the darkness. ] , and led to the tree [ If followed would lead them to the right place. ] by which I stood.

20 And I also beheld a strait [ Close; not broad; intimate; strict; difficult; not crooked. Websters Dictionary 1828 version. ] and narrow path, [ A way of passage; precepts; rules prescribed; course of life. ] which came along by the rod of iron, [ Was adjoined with the iron rod. So both the path and the rod lead to the tree. We have three witnesses of direction - the path, the rod and being able to see the tree at least at times along the path. ] , even to the tree by which I stood; and it also led by the head of the fountain, unto a large and spacious field, as if it had been a world. [ Interesting choice of words. as if it had been a world. He is trying to contrast two different types of people in this dream. So when he paints the picture of them being part of a different world then he is suggesting that they are so different that they might as well be on different planets. ]

21 And I saw numberless concourses of people, [ Not trying to represent any one group of people, but people at large so he can contrast what happens to different groups, The group that never grab the rod, and the group that grab the rod and make it to the tree. In Lehi's day a rod of iron would have be more symbolic with authority, the rod of justice, the scepter of of king. Iron rods were not used as handrails which is how we kind of see them. ] many of whom were pressing [ Urging with force or weight; squeezing; constraining; crowding; embracing; distressing; forcing into service; rolling in a press. ] forward, that they might obtain the path [ suggesting that they are searching for something. But how will they know when they are on the right path? Will there be signs, what does one look for? ] which led unto the tree by which I stood.

22 And it came to pass that they did come forth, and commence [ To begin; to take rise or origin; to have first existence; as, a state of glory to commence after this life; this empire commenced at a late period. 2. To begin to be, as in a change of character. Websters 1828 Dictionary. ] in the path which led to the tree.

23 And it came to pass that there arose a mist of darkness; [ So it is not a solid darkness, but there is enough there to imped the way. Like life a lot of the time, the decision is fuzzy to know which way to go. It is unclear. If our journey began in the pre-earth life then the mist of darkiness would be the state that we find ourselves in during this life, having forgotten what life was like with our father in heaven. ] yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, [ How hard is it to find your way in the fog? How hard is it to find your way to our Father in Heaven if we are in spiritual fog? What do we need to keep us out of that fog? We are shown in this analagy just how important it is to hold onto the rod of iron. To just follow the path to just suggest that we are doing good is not enough, if we do so we will continue to get fooled until we have lost our way. ] that they wandered off and were lost. [ Note that this was not their intent per se, but without the rod they did not have a chance. Nephi is trying to make sure we have a firm idea of how important the rod is as he begins to contrast with those who find the rod and become ashamed when ridiculed by those in the building and wander off (vs 21-23), and those who do not let go but make it to the tree (vs 30). Then there are those who just head straight for the building vs 31-33. ]

24 And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron;[ First iron - what does iron represent? Iron is a symbol of hardness, durability, strength, and firmness. We might ask ourselves is it possible to be on the path but not holding onto the rod? So at first they are just looking for the path vs21. The rod for them at first has no benefit for them. But now as the mist of darkness comes upon them they change their objective to one where they find something of more substance. The changed their objective from “obtaining the path,” to catching “hold of the end of the rod of iron” The path alone is too hard to follow because of the darkness. However if they have more than the path (the iron rod in this case) then they have a greater chance of staying on the right path. What do we have in the gospel that is our iron rod? The ordinances of the gospel are just that they provide more than a path but firmy anchored points that will guide us through the darkness. ]; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging [ Adhering closely to ] to the rod of iron, even until [ They saw a goal and went after it, nothing was going to get in their way. ] they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree.

25 And after they had partaken [ Interesting that they cling to the rod, and nothing could get in their way, so they did not take their eyes off their goal or even looked around until after they had partaken of the fruit. What is the symbolism here? Is it like being on a high place and as long as you do not look down you are ok - but when you do fear takes over] of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed. [ Not to be mistaken with - they were ashamed. They were not ashamed; but were made to feel that they should be ashamed. IS this not how the devil twists things, does he not endevour to twist the laws such that those who try to live righteous lives should be made to feel as if they are not tolerent enough... ? ]

26 And I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building; [ Compare to the tower of Babel, and its purpose found in Gen 11:1-9. ] and it stood as it were in the air, high above the earth. [ Symbolic that it has no foundation, nothing for support during tempests of life, compare to firm foundation based on revelation Matt 7:24-25. Joke sorta - so if the building is high in the air how did the people get into it? They were lifted up by the pride of their hearts. ]

27 And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; [ Prosperity; without righteous desires we are left to show off how successful we are to make us feel better, we try to substitue the peace that come from knowing that we are right with God with the lifting up of our own self worth as the substitute. It is interesting to note that one of the chief ways he uses to distingish this group is through the manner in which they dress. Kind of if you have it flaunt it attitude, better than others and this is the proof. ] and they were in the attitude of mocking [ Better than thou, judging others, prideful . Joseph Smith said: "The devil flatters us that we are very righteous while we are feeding on the faults of others...if you would have God have mercy on you, have mercy on one another. " ] and pointing their fingers [ Ridicule those who were partaking of the fruit in order to shame them until they became like them. Why is it that those who choose evil are so intent to bring others down with them? We try to bring others to Christ because of Love, But what motives the sinner to bring others down? Pride? ] towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit.

28 And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, [ Now they are ashamed. What has happened to get them to go from not being ashamed in vs 25 to being ashamed here? The intensity has increased, it has gone on for a period of time and they are worn down, the newness of the gospel has worn off. They have not had a spiritual experience each day in the scriptures.] because of those that were scoffing at them; [ peer pressure. We might ask if some were converted by those same peer pressures, or because it was socially acceptable. However where they were challenged or it was not socially acceptable they fell away because they had no real testimony. ] and they fell away into forbidden paths [ Forbidden because they did not lead to the Tree of life. ] and were lost.

29 And now I, Nephi, do not speak all the words of my father.

30 But, to be short in writing, [ Because it is a difficult thing to do. ] behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, [ It was a struggle for them, but they did it. ] until they came forth and fell down [ fell down from exhaustion? fell down in reverence of what glory awaited them? fell down to because they were in the presence of deity - the Savior? I choose the latter ] and partook of the fruit of the tree. [ Received all of the blessings of the gospel. ]

31 And he also saw other multitudes feeling their way towards [ Groping to find their way thru the mist, but they were intent on their direction. ] that great and spacious building. [ Interesting that I would have thought there was a path to the great and spacious building since so many were on it. However the path implies correctness - I think that Lehi was being taught that these were arriving at the great and spacious building because they were lost; they were without direction; as a result over time they gradually wandered into the building - not planning to but as the natural coarse as a result of letting go of the rod and leaving the path. ]

32 And it came to pass that many were drowned in the depths of the fountain; [ Some wandered off never to make it to the large and spacious building but died spiritually before they ever reached the building. ] and many were lost from his view, wandering in strange roads . [ Others just vanished - they ceased to have any relevance to him as they went on their way into a great unknown. ]

33 And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building. And after they did enter into that building they did point the finger of scorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also; but we heeded them not. [ They were faithful. ]

34 These are the words of my father: For as many as heeded them, had fallen away.

35 And Laman and Lemuel partook not of the fruit, [ They exercised their agency. ] said my father.

36 And it came to pass after my father had spoken all the words of his dream or vision, which were many, he said unto us, because of these things which he saw in a vision, he exceedingly feared for Laman and Lemuel; yea, he feared lest they should be cast off from the presence of the Lord.

37 And he [ Lehi. ] did exhort them then with all the feeling of a tender parent, that they would hearken to his words, [ Laman and Lemuel. A solemn warning from their Father: though hard to give because they would not accept it he gave it anyway knowing the consequences that followed if they did not heed his warning. Ten Virgins! Hebrew "Shema" translated as hearken means to "listen" and "obey". ] that perhaps the Lord would be merciful to them, and not cast them off; yea, my father did preach unto them.

38 And after he had preached unto them, and also prophesied unto them of many things, [ What are the many things that he prophesied to them? See 1 Ne 10:12-14. ] he bade them to keep the commandments of the Lord; and he did cease speaking unto them. [ Did he stop because he had said everything that he had to say? or did he stop because he could see their attitude - that they were no longer listening to him any way? ]