It has been interesting how my Book of Mormon reading is keeping right in step with the Old Testament Sunday School reading. Lehi tells his children that he has seen a vision wherein Jerusalem has been destroyed. The first verse in Daniel tells us that the King of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. He also carried away children of Israel and of the king's seed and brought them to be taught in the language and arts of the Chaldeans (vs. 3-4).
There is also a comparison between Lehi's counsel to his sons to be men and the type of men Daniel and his friends turn out to be. Lehi further explains, "be determined in one mind and in one heart, united in all things" (vs. 21). This also reminds me of Adam's blog post about masculinity that he posted several months ago (very well written). Daniel, Han-a-niah, Misha-el, and Az-a-riah refused to eat of the kings meat and drink of his wine. They were determined in one heart and one mind. They also were aware of the consequences of disobeying the king. They became stronger in mind and in body eating pulse and water to drink than they others that were fed on the kings meat. "As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams" (vs. 17). The king found none like them and they stood before the king in all matters of wisdom and understanding (vs. 18-20).
I just love verse 15. Lehi is saying that he must soon die, "But behold, the Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell; I have beheld his glory, and I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love.
I've been reading 3 Nephi recently and I'm impressed with the fact that God loves and considers all his children. If we only had the Bible, it'd be easy to think that He only cares about the Israelites. Instead, He watches the whole earth with all its peoples and is Father of all people.
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