Below are the quotes that were used in the video.
President Thomas S. Monson: “The same Lord who provided a Liahona for Lehi provides for you and for me today a rare and valuable gift to give direction to our lives, to mark the hazards to our safety, and to chart the way, even safe passage—not to a promised land, but to our heavenly home. The gift to which I refer is known as your patriarchal blessing.” (“Your Patriarchal Blessing: A Liahona of Light,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 65)
Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita: “Your patriarchal blessing is a message from your Heavenly Father and will likely include promises and inspired counsel to guide you throughout your life. A patriarchal blessing is not going to map out your life or answer all your questions. If it doesn’t mention an important life event, do not take that to mean you won’t have that opportunity. Likewise, there is no guarantee everything in your blessing will come to pass in this life. A patriarchal blessing is eternal, and if you live worthy, promises that are not fulfilled in this life will be granted in the next.” (“When to Receive Your Patriarchal Blessing,” Liahona, May 2023, 89).
Elder Randall K. Bennett: “Cherishing my patriarchal blessing while I was young blessed me with courage when I was discouraged, comfort when I was fearful, peace when I felt anxious, hope when I felt hopeless, and joy when I needed it most. My patriarchal blessing helped increase my faith and trust in my Heavenly Father and my Savior. It also increased my love for Them—and it still does.” (“Your Patriarchal Blessing—Inspired Direction from Heavenly Father,” Liahona, May 2023, 43)
“A patriarchal blessing includes a declaration of lineage, stating that the person is of the house of Israel—a descendant of Abraham, belonging to a specific tribe of Jacob. Many Latter-day Saints are of the tribe of Ephraim, the tribe given the primary responsibility to lead the latter-day work of the Lord. Because each of us has many bloodlines running in us, two members of the same family may be declared as being of different tribes in Israel. It does not matter if a person’s lineage in the house of Israel is through bloodlines or by adoption. Church members are counted as a descendant of Abraham and an heir to all the promises and blessings contained in the Abrahamic covenant.” (Gospel Topics, “Patriarchal Blessings,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org)
Elder Randall L. Ridd: “You are growing up with one of the greatest tools for good in the history of [humanity]: the Internet. With it comes an elaborate buffet of choices. … With the click of a button, you can access whatever your heart desires. That’s the key—what does your heart desire? What do you gravitate toward? Where will your desires lead?” (“The Choice Generation,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 56)
Elder Neal A. Maxwell: “There was murmuring, too, because Nephi broke his steel bow and also because he couldn't possibly build a ship (see 1 Ne. 16:18-20; 1 Ne. 17:17). Those same murmurers, insensitive to their inconsistency, quickly surfeited themselves on the meat brought back by Nephi's new bow. They also sailed successfully over vast oceans to a new hemisphere in the ship that Nephi couldn't build. Strange, isn't it, how those with the longest lists of new demands also have the shortest memories of past blessings?” (If Thou Endure It Well, p. 125.)
Elder Dale G. Renlund: “Jehovah asked, “For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb?” As unlikely as it is that a loving mother would forget her infant child, Jehovah declared that His devotion was even more steadfast. He affirmed: “Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. … Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me” [1 Nephi 21:15–16]. Because Jesus Christ endured the infinite atoning sacrifice, He empathizes perfectly with us [see Alma 7:11–13]. He is always aware of us and our circumstances.” (“Infuriating Unfairness,” Liahona, May 2021, 43)
President Wilford Woodruff: “The revelations that are in the Bible, the predictions of the patriarchs and prophets who saw by vision and revelation the last dispensation and fulness of times plainly tell us what is to come to pass. The 49th chapter of Isaiah [1 Nephi 21] is having its fulfillment.” (Wilford Woodruff, Collected Discourses, 5:187; Joseph F. Smith, Signs of the Times, pg. 112)
Brigham Young: “Thousands of temptations assail, and you make a miss here and a slip there, and say that you have not lived up to all the knowledge you have. True; but often it is a marvel to me that you have lived up to so much as you have, considering the power of the enemy upon the earth. Few that have ever lived have fully understood that power. I do not fully comprehend the awful power and influence Satan has upon the earth, but I understand enough to know that it is a marvel that the Latter day Saints are as good as they are.” (JD 8:285).
1 Nephi 16:18-22 Nephi Breaks His Bow: If we put forth our own effort and seek the Lord’s direction, then He will help us through our difficulties.
1 Nephi 16:10, 28-29 Lehi and the Liahona: Sources of direction from the Lord work according to the faith, diligence and heed we give them.
Meanings of the word Liahona: “And many people have dealt with the word Liahona. We had a teacher from Hebrew University here for a few years; in fact he bought a house in Provo. He was so fond of it he wanted to come and visit often. His name was Shunary. He never joined the Church, but the first thing that fascinated him was this name Liahona. He traced it back to the queen bee, the leader of bees swarming in the desert. When bees swarm, that’s Liahona. I took it from a different one. Yah is, of course, God Jehovah. Liyah means the possessive, “To God is the guidance,” hona (Liyahhona). That’s just a guess; don’t put it down. But it’s a pretty good guess anyway” (Hugh Nibley, Teachings of the Book of Mormon, Semester 1, p.216).
Nahom: “When Ishmael died on the journey, he “was buried in the place which was called Nahom” (1 Nephi 16:34). Note that this is not “a place which we called Nahom,” but the place which was so called, a desert burial ground. Jaussen reports that though Bedouins sometimes bury the dead where they die, many carry the remains great distances to bury them. The Arabic root NHM has the basic meaning of “to sigh or moan,” and occurs nearly always in the third form, “to sigh or moan with another.” The Hebrew Nahum, “comfort,” is related, but that is not the form given in the Book of Mormon. At this place, we are told, “the daughters of Ishmael did mourn exceedingly,” and are reminded that among the desert Arabs mourning rites are a monopoly of the women” (Nibley Works 5:79).
Reasons Nephi quotes Isaiah:
Some ways “That ye may have hope” in 1 Nephi 20 and 21:
What Meaneth These Things? (1 Nephi 22:1)
“In answering his brothers, Nephi explained that these prophecies of Isaiah were to be understood as being “both temporal and spiritual.” That is, they would literally come to pass, yet their interpretation would go beyond the event of their temporal fulfillment, for they carried spiritual or symbolic meanings also. Nephi further explained that it is only by the spirit of revelation that such questions can be answered, saying, “For by the Spirit are all things made known unto the prophets.” (McConkie and Millet, Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 1, p. 168 9)
Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita: “Your patriarchal blessing is a message from your Heavenly Father and will likely include promises and inspired counsel to guide you throughout your life. A patriarchal blessing is not going to map out your life or answer all your questions. If it doesn’t mention an important life event, do not take that to mean you won’t have that opportunity. Likewise, there is no guarantee everything in your blessing will come to pass in this life. A patriarchal blessing is eternal, and if you live worthy, promises that are not fulfilled in this life will be granted in the next.” (“When to Receive Your Patriarchal Blessing,” Liahona, May 2023, 89).
Elder Randall K. Bennett: “Cherishing my patriarchal blessing while I was young blessed me with courage when I was discouraged, comfort when I was fearful, peace when I felt anxious, hope when I felt hopeless, and joy when I needed it most. My patriarchal blessing helped increase my faith and trust in my Heavenly Father and my Savior. It also increased my love for Them—and it still does.” (“Your Patriarchal Blessing—Inspired Direction from Heavenly Father,” Liahona, May 2023, 43)
“A patriarchal blessing includes a declaration of lineage, stating that the person is of the house of Israel—a descendant of Abraham, belonging to a specific tribe of Jacob. Many Latter-day Saints are of the tribe of Ephraim, the tribe given the primary responsibility to lead the latter-day work of the Lord. Because each of us has many bloodlines running in us, two members of the same family may be declared as being of different tribes in Israel. It does not matter if a person’s lineage in the house of Israel is through bloodlines or by adoption. Church members are counted as a descendant of Abraham and an heir to all the promises and blessings contained in the Abrahamic covenant.” (Gospel Topics, “Patriarchal Blessings,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org)
Elder Randall L. Ridd: “You are growing up with one of the greatest tools for good in the history of [humanity]: the Internet. With it comes an elaborate buffet of choices. … With the click of a button, you can access whatever your heart desires. That’s the key—what does your heart desire? What do you gravitate toward? Where will your desires lead?” (“The Choice Generation,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 56)
Elder Neal A. Maxwell: “There was murmuring, too, because Nephi broke his steel bow and also because he couldn't possibly build a ship (see 1 Ne. 16:18-20; 1 Ne. 17:17). Those same murmurers, insensitive to their inconsistency, quickly surfeited themselves on the meat brought back by Nephi's new bow. They also sailed successfully over vast oceans to a new hemisphere in the ship that Nephi couldn't build. Strange, isn't it, how those with the longest lists of new demands also have the shortest memories of past blessings?” (If Thou Endure It Well, p. 125.)
Elder Dale G. Renlund: “Jehovah asked, “For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb?” As unlikely as it is that a loving mother would forget her infant child, Jehovah declared that His devotion was even more steadfast. He affirmed: “Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. … Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me” [1 Nephi 21:15–16]. Because Jesus Christ endured the infinite atoning sacrifice, He empathizes perfectly with us [see Alma 7:11–13]. He is always aware of us and our circumstances.” (“Infuriating Unfairness,” Liahona, May 2021, 43)
President Wilford Woodruff: “The revelations that are in the Bible, the predictions of the patriarchs and prophets who saw by vision and revelation the last dispensation and fulness of times plainly tell us what is to come to pass. The 49th chapter of Isaiah [1 Nephi 21] is having its fulfillment.” (Wilford Woodruff, Collected Discourses, 5:187; Joseph F. Smith, Signs of the Times, pg. 112)
Brigham Young: “Thousands of temptations assail, and you make a miss here and a slip there, and say that you have not lived up to all the knowledge you have. True; but often it is a marvel to me that you have lived up to so much as you have, considering the power of the enemy upon the earth. Few that have ever lived have fully understood that power. I do not fully comprehend the awful power and influence Satan has upon the earth, but I understand enough to know that it is a marvel that the Latter day Saints are as good as they are.” (JD 8:285).
1 Nephi 16:18-22 Nephi Breaks His Bow: If we put forth our own effort and seek the Lord’s direction, then He will help us through our difficulties.
1 Nephi 16:10, 28-29 Lehi and the Liahona: Sources of direction from the Lord work according to the faith, diligence and heed we give them.
Meanings of the word Liahona: “And many people have dealt with the word Liahona. We had a teacher from Hebrew University here for a few years; in fact he bought a house in Provo. He was so fond of it he wanted to come and visit often. His name was Shunary. He never joined the Church, but the first thing that fascinated him was this name Liahona. He traced it back to the queen bee, the leader of bees swarming in the desert. When bees swarm, that’s Liahona. I took it from a different one. Yah is, of course, God Jehovah. Liyah means the possessive, “To God is the guidance,” hona (Liyahhona). That’s just a guess; don’t put it down. But it’s a pretty good guess anyway” (Hugh Nibley, Teachings of the Book of Mormon, Semester 1, p.216).
Nahom: “When Ishmael died on the journey, he “was buried in the place which was called Nahom” (1 Nephi 16:34). Note that this is not “a place which we called Nahom,” but the place which was so called, a desert burial ground. Jaussen reports that though Bedouins sometimes bury the dead where they die, many carry the remains great distances to bury them. The Arabic root NHM has the basic meaning of “to sigh or moan,” and occurs nearly always in the third form, “to sigh or moan with another.” The Hebrew Nahum, “comfort,” is related, but that is not the form given in the Book of Mormon. At this place, we are told, “the daughters of Ishmael did mourn exceedingly,” and are reminded that among the desert Arabs mourning rites are a monopoly of the women” (Nibley Works 5:79).
Reasons Nephi quotes Isaiah:
- That which is of “great worth . . . to the body and the soul” (1 Nephi 19:7).
- Nephi relates this to his people so “that perhaps I might persuade them that they would remember the Lord their Redeemer” (1 Nephi 19:18).
- To more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord, he read Isaiah and to liken the words of Isaiah to themselves (1 Nephi 19:20-24).
- For Nephi, one of the reasons why he quotes Isaiah is the promise “that ye may have hope … for after this manner has the prophet written” (1 Nephi 19:24).
Some ways “That ye may have hope” in 1 Nephi 20 and 21:
- We are strengthened through covenants (20:1).
- God knows the future and knows us (20:2-3).
- God will not cut us off (20:9).
- Chooses and refines us in the ‘furnace of affliction’ (20:9).
- Hearkening to God brings a river of peace (20:18).
- Hearkening to God brings waves of righteousness (20:18).
- Today we can flee Babylon and sing the songs of redeeming joy (20:20).
- God is able to do miracles in our lives (20:21)
- Through “my servant…” (2 Ne. 21:3)
- Gathering of Israel (21:5)
- At the appointed time, God will help and preserve and give (my servant) a covenant for the people (21:8)
- God remembers us having “graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me” (21:15-16)
- God can free the addicted and the ‘lawful captives’ (21:24-25)
- God has “done all of this [for us], and greater also (21:22)
What Meaneth These Things? (1 Nephi 22:1)
“In answering his brothers, Nephi explained that these prophecies of Isaiah were to be understood as being “both temporal and spiritual.” That is, they would literally come to pass, yet their interpretation would go beyond the event of their temporal fulfillment, for they carried spiritual or symbolic meanings also. Nephi further explained that it is only by the spirit of revelation that such questions can be answered, saying, “For by the Spirit are all things made known unto the prophets.” (McConkie and Millet, Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 1, p. 168 9)
