1 Nephi 17:23-31

Nephi is in a conversation with his brothers about the task of building a boat. He wants to make a point to his brothers that anything can be accomplished with the help of the Lord and someone has to do it, so He calls men to do His works.

Starting in verse 23, he retells the story of their forefathers, the children of Israel, and how they were held captive by the Egyptians. They were led out because they were righteous and hearkened unto the words of the Lord (v. 23). They would not have been led out of bondage if there wasn't someone to do it (v. 24). Moses was prepared for this purpose among others (v. 24). They were very burdened and so it was a good thing that they could be led out (v. 25). Again, Moses was commanded to do a work (v. 26). It was through him that the Lord divided the waters of the Red Sea and the Israelites could pass through on dry ground (v. 26). Then He allowed the waters to fall in on the armies of Pharaoh (v. 27). He fed them manna in the wilderness (v. 28). He gave them water when He commanded Moses to smite a rock with his staff (v. 29). The Lord had thus led them by day, led them by light at night, gave them food and drink, and did all things that were expedient for them and still they ended up reviling Moses and the Lord (v. 30). So, in verse 31, Nephi says that by the Lord's word He did destroy them, lead them, and did all thing for them. Then he says that there was nothing that He didn't do, save it was by His word.

I think that this is one of the Nephi's points. And so if the Israelites were good, then the Lord continued His care and guidance. If not, He could and did destroy them by His word. I think that in this part, he wanted his brothers to know that in order for the Lord to do His work, he calls men to do it. If they are obedient, then they prosper. If they are not, then they do not, and are sometimes destroyed. Nephi had been called to build a ship and oversee the construction. The Lord wanted them to go to the Americas. They were going to go. So, we shall see how this unfolds...