1 Nephi Chapter 1

1:1-3 - Chaiasmus
Explanation: a chaiasmus is written so that the middle portion is emphasized.
1. Knowledge of the goodness and mysteries of God.
    2. Make a record
        3. Language
            4. Learning of the Jews
        3. Language
    2. Make a record
1. Knowledge of the Lord


In this case, Learning of the Jews is emphasized because in order to receive knowledge from the Lord from this record (the Book of Mormon), this passage says that we need to understand the language and learning of the Jews.  We do understand the language thanks to translation, so the focus is on knowing the learning of the Jews.


Even a lot of the Nephites did not understand the prophecies of Isaiah because they didn't understand the manner of prophesying among the Jews (2 Nephi 25:1).  If we study the manner of prophesying among the Jews, we will better understand the prophecies of Isaiah, especially in following the Lord's counsel and commandment to search the words of Isaiah (3 Nephi 23:1).


1:1-3 - Colophon
A colophon is pretty much a self-introduction - who you are, ancestry, qualities, experiences...it's almost like a résumé.  This is an example of Jewish speaking/writing.  Later on we see Amulek use this same literary technique (Alma 10:2-5).


1:1 - "...I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father..."
Elder Claudio R. M. Costa talked about this in the November 2007 Ensign, Pg. 73-75.  He talked about not leaving for tomorrow what you can do today, especially in the instruction of family.  "Our Father has taught us that parents are obligated to teach the gospel to their children.  The prophet Lehi understood well his responsibility to teach his children."
We also need to understand this responsibility, then live up to our responsibilities!


1:20 - "The tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith..."
As we increase in faith, and act on our faith and in faith, we will be blessed of the Lord.  He has a multitude of tender mercies that He wants for us, but we must act.  I've seen this in my own life, with opportunities such as performing with Comic Frenzy, Kirby Heyborne & The Society, Jon Schmidt, and other fun opportunities.  I have been very blessed, and each one of these opportunities required action on my part.  Act in faith, and the Holy Ghost will be there to help guide us.