1 Nephi 16:38-EoC

In verse 38 and 39, we see the reasoning behind Laman and Lemuel's current rebellious episode. They also are trying to cause trouble and I'm assuming that they believe that they are going to get some sort of relief if Nephi and Lehi are out of the picture. They make several claims which, because we know the truth, are distorted. First they say the Nephi lies to them, and because they are using the present tense, we can assume that they believe that he did it before and is currently doing it now. They claim that he works many things by cunning arts, that he deceives their eyes. This is how they explain the admonitions of the voice of the Lord, their visit from an angel, and the promptings of the Holy Ghost. This shows their unbelief. But, unfortunately, this is not the only time they do this. In 2 Nephi 5:20-21, the Lord explained to Nephi the consequence of their unbelief:

"20 Wherefore, the word of the Lord was fulfilled which he spake unto me, saying that: Inasmuch as they will not hearken unto thy words they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord. And behold, they were cut off from his presence.

21 And he had caused the cursing to come upon them, yea, even a sore cursing, because of their iniquity. For behold, they had hardened their hearts against him, that they had become like unto a flint; wherefore, as they were white, and exceedingly fair and delightsome, that they might not be enticing unto my people the Lord God did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them."

They feel that Nephi is doing all this deceiving to lead them away to an unknown place and make them his servants. Well, in verse 29, Nephi recounts that the Lord chastens them exceedingly and they repent of their sins and the Lord blesses them again with food. It is interesting that the Lord does not choose to do this in 2 Nephi 5 when they are in the promised land, but has a plan for the Lamanites to be a scourge to the Nephites when they are wicked to call them to repentance. However, the Lord does work miracles and because of the desires of some Nephites, many Lamanites are brought to the knowledge of the truth.