Friday, April 6, 2007

Interesting Scripture Correlation: Exodus 21:12-13 and 1 Nephi 4:11-18

In my personal scripture study I am reading the Old Testament. Currently I am in the Book of Exodus. A couple of days ago I read this passage which peaked my interest:
12 He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.

13 And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.
-Exodus 21:12-13

As a family, we are currently reading the Book of Mormon. We are in 1 Nephi chapter 4 and just finished reading about the slaying of Laban. Last night I was intrigued when I read this passage:
11 And the Spirit said unto me again: Behold the Lord hath delivered him into thy hands. Yea, and I also knew that he had sought to take away mine own life; yea, and he would not hearken unto the commandments of the Lord; and he also had taken away our property.

12 And it came to pass that the Spirit said unto me again: Slay him, for the Lord hath delivered him into thy hands;

13 Behold the Lord slayeth the wicked to bring forth his righteous purposes. It is better that one man should perish than that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief.

14 And now, when I, Nephi, had heard these words, I remembered the words of the Lord which he spake unto me in the wilderness, saying that: Inasmuch as thy seed shall keep my commandments, they shall prosper in the land of promise.

15 Yea, and I also thought that they could not keep the commandments of the Lord according to the law of Moses, save they should have the law.

16 And I also knew that the law was engraven upon the plates of brass.

17 And again, I knew that the Lord had delivered Laban into my hands for this cause—that I might obtain the records according to his commandments.

18 Therefore I did obey the voice of the Spirit, and took Laban by the hair of the head, and I smote off his head with his own sword.
-1 Nephi 4:11-18

I find it interesting that the slaying of Laban is in harmony with earlier commandments given to Moses and the people of Israel. And just as it says in Exodus that God will provide a place for the person to flee, Nephi was able to flee to the wilderness for safety without being caught.


1 comment:

Aaron said...

Nice cross reference. Thanks for the scriptures in your posts.