1 Nephi 2:6-7 -- Tents and Alters in the Valley of Lemuel

In chapter 2 verse 6 we learn that they traveled 3 days from Jerusalem and stopped for a while. We don't know exactly how long they were there, but they don't travel again until chapter 16. The tent he pitched there seems to be in the same place when the Liahona appears outside that tent in chapter 16 and they are directed to move. Several of the chapters that take place while they are in the valley of Lemuel are devoted to Lehi's vision of the tree and the iron rod (and Nephi's subsequent revelations about it). 2 trips back to Jerusalem for the Brass Plates and Wives are from there. Nephi and his brothers get married there. Hmm. It is interesting that there was an alter built in chapter 2 verse 7, right after there was a tent pitched in the previous verse.

When Moses led the children of Israel in the wilderness, the tabernacle (their "temple") was a tent. I wonder if Lehi's tent was more than just a portable home? I wonder if the marriages of his sons were performed at that alter or in a tent or neither. I really don't know if those marriages were performed in a similar way to a modern temple marriage. The facilities could have certainly been there.

I guess one of the really powerful lessons that Lehi teaches us, is to be grateful. Just 3 days prior, he left all of his friends, extended family, business matters, usual comforts and wealth behind. He is now in for many years of tribulation and what does he do? He builds an alter to give an offering of thanksgiving to the Lord. He thanks the Lord. He is sacrificing so much already, yet he makes a sacrifice at the alter to say thanks. With the right perspective in mind, Lehi really does have a lot to be grateful for. His family would have been destroyed if they had not been guided by the Lord to leave. His family has a chance that they wouldn't have had without leaving. Lehi sees that blessing and appropriately thanks the Lord for it. Those who don't see that blessing murmur because of all they have left behind.

On a couple levels it reminds me of Lot and Abraham and the direction they pitched their tents. Lot's wife looked back in a similar way that Laman and Lemuel longed to be back in Jerusalem. Do you face yourself towards the temple/alter/Liahona, or do you long for the worldly rewards? Think about where your focus is. Be thankful for the opportunities we have to move away from worldly things and toward the "promised land". It truly is a blessing to be grateful for.