1 Nephi 8

In Lehi's vision of the tree of life, I think there are several things I would like to comment on. First is the dark and dreary wilderness. Lehi finds himself in lost in this vast wilderness and, it's similar to be something that we all find ourselves in from time to time. The important thing is to find the guidance needed to get out of the darkness. An angel comes and leads Lehi out of the wilderness to the tree of life. He then is able to lead his family to the tree. There are several ways I can look at this. One is, prophets are guided by the Lord and his angels to a position of where they can teach us and guide us in the best paths. Parents can receive guidance to lead their children. The important thing is to seek it. The end result is joy. We get a taste of it from time to time in this life, but after this life, we will receive a fulness of joy.

There are four groups of people who Lehi sees in his vision. The first group (verses 21-23) are people who make their way to the path that leads to the tree, but the mists of darkness, temptations, rise up and they let go of the rod and lose their way. The second group (verse 24-28) catch hold of the iron rod and make their way to the tree and partake of the fruit and then see the people in the great and spacious building mocking them and they are ashamed. They fall away into forbidden paths and are lost. The third group (verses 30) make their way to the tree and partake of the fruit and remain. And the fourth group (verses 31-33), which is the largest, try to make their way to the great and spacious building. The have no intention of making their way to the tree (the gospel). Many of them are lost in the way, drown in the depths of the river, or get to the building. The great and spacious building represents the pride of the world. It floats in the air because it has no foundation and will eventually fall and destroy those in it.

At this time, I think Lehi realizes that Laman and Lemuel will never accept the gospel. He will keep trying. But deep down, he knows because of what he has seen.

Finally, I like this quote from a commentary I have. "This tree was more than an abstract principle... more than a vague sentiment, albeit a divine sentiment. Nephi was taught that the tree represented the love of God as manifest in the gift of his Son. Partaking of the fruit of the tree thus represented the partaking of the powers of Christ and his atonement: forgiveness of sins, as well as feelings of peace, joy, and gratitude. Ultimately, through partaking of the powers of the gospel one is qualified to partake of the greatest fruit of the Atonement - the blessings associated with eternal life."