I Nephi 8:2
And it came to pass that while my father tarried in the wilderness he spake unto us, saying: Behold, I have dreamed a dream; or, in other words, I have seen a vision.
And it came to pass that while my father tarried in the wilderness he spake unto us, saying: Behold, I have dreamed a dream; or, in other words, I have seen a vision.
1 Nephi 8:2 Lehi's dream
Few Book of Mormon themes have received as much attention as has Lehi's dream. It has been the subject of songs, paintings, and a multitude of gospel discussions. One of the reasons that it is so powerful is that it is not just a dream about a tree, a building, a river, and a path; it is a metaphor for life. As the psalmist said, we are strangers in the earth (Psalm 119:19) left to find our way, so it seems, in a foreign land. In such a dreary and confusing quest, Lehi's dream seems to give the needed direction to help us navigate successfully. The trek rings true to life with its mists of darkness, mocking fingers, moments of joy, concern for family members, and a strait and narrow path. Fortunately, we are told the dream twice, through the eyes of two visionaries, Lehi and Nephi. Lehi tells the story; Nephi gives the interpretation. Both increase our understanding of the metaphor.
Lehi's dream in the Book of Mormon identifies the path we should follow, the challenges we will encounter, and the spiritual resources available to assist us in following and coming unto the Savior. Pressing forward on the strait and narrow path is what he would have us do. Tasting of the fruit of the tree and becoming deeply "converted unto the Lord" are the blessings He yearns for us to receive. Hence, He beckons us, "Come, follow me." ("If Ye had Known me," Ensign (Nov. 2016): 104)
~David A. Bednar
