In speaking to his other sons Lehi also instructed them to listen to and obey the counsel of Nephi, and promised that their children and Nephi's children should dwell together and be one people, and that they and their children should dwell in peace in the land for a long time.
Soon after blessing his children and giving them the instructions he desired they should receive, Lehi died, and his children buried him.
If Laman and Lemuel were not so rebellious and unwilling to believe they might have seen many things to prove that their father was indeed a true prophet. Everything he prophesied about came to pass just as he said; and many of his prophecies were fulfilled while Laman and Lemuel were living. They could see and understand that the Lord spoke to their father, but they were wicked and disobedient. In following stories we will learn what happened to them for their disobedience.
Points to be remembered in this story: Before Lehi dies he calls his family together to bless them and to tell them about what will happen in years to come—He instructs them to keep the commandments of the Lord and obey the teachings of Nephi—Lehi dies—Laman and Lemuel do not believe in their father's words because of their wickedness and rebellion.
LEHI AND HIS SONS
NEPHI AND HIS PEOPLE SEEK A NEW HOME.
Not many days after the death of Lehi, Laman and Lemuel and the sons of Ishmael again became angry with Nephi. This was because he had counseled them as the Lord had told him, to be more faithful. Nephi desired his brethren to do better, and this was why he talked with them. He also prayed for them that their hearts might be softened. But their hearts were evil. They became more angry with Nephi and tried to take his life.
They said among themselves, "Our younger brother thinks to rule over us, and we have had much trial because of him; wherefore now let us slay him, that we may not be afflicted more because of his words. For behold we will not have him to be our ruler; for it belongs unto us who are the older brethren, to rule over this people."
They did not tell Nephi of their intention to kill him, that they might be rulers of the people. But the Lord warned him of what his brethren wanted to do, and instructed him to leave them and go into the wilderness. He was also to take with him all the people who were willing to follow him.
All those who believed in the revelations of the Lord listened to Nephi and obeyed his instructions, and they were willing to follow him into the wilderness. Among these were Nephi's family, Zoram and his family, Sam and his family and Nephi's sisters.
After traveling for many days they found a place suitable for them to dwell in, and there they pitched their tents. This place they named Nephi, after their leader whom they loved. The people also called themselves the people of Nephi. From this time on for many hundreds of years these people and their children were called Nephites, and those who remained with Laman and Lemuel were called Lamanites.