The Liahona and Divine Guidance

Book of Mormon

This flow traces the Liahona as a physical guide whose changing direction reveals the relationship between faith, diligence, obedience, and progress.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Gift at the Tent Gift at the Tent from "Book of Mormon". A Curious Compass Unexpected Object Lehi finds a brass ball with spindles pointing toward the wilderness.

Gift at the Tent from "Book of Mormon". A Curious Compass Unexpected Object Lehi finds a brass ball with spindles pointing toward the wilderness.

A Curious Compass Unexpected Object Lehi finds a brass ball with spindles pointing toward the wilderness. Divine Provision The instrument appears when the family needs direction and food. Subplot Function Guidance arrives as a small object carrying a large spiritual lesson.

Broken Bow Crisis Broken Bow Crisis from "Book of Mormon". Hunger and Murmuring Material Failure Nephi’s steel bow breaks, while the other bows lose their springs.

Broken Bow Crisis from "Book of Mormon". Hunger and Murmuring Material Failure Nephi’s steel bow breaks, while the other bows lose their springs.

Hunger and Murmuring Material Failure Nephi’s steel bow breaks, while the other bows lose their springs. Spiritual Reaction The family blames Lehi and the Lord instead of seeking direction. Subplot Function The compass exposes how quickly hardship can convert gratitude into accusation.

Faithful Pointers Faithful Pointers from "Book of Mormon". Direction Renewed Inquiry Nephi asks Lehi where to obtain food rather than acting independently.

Faithful Pointers from "Book of Mormon". Direction Renewed Inquiry Nephi asks Lehi where to obtain food rather than acting independently.

Direction Renewed Inquiry Nephi asks Lehi where to obtain food rather than acting independently. Changed Writing The Liahona gives new instructions according to the family’s faith and diligence. Subplot Function The object teaches that divine guidance must be received through responsive attention.

Sloth and Delay Sloth and Delay from "Book of Mormon". Marvels Cease Neglected Gift The people become slothful and forget to exercise faith and diligence.

Sloth and Delay from "Book of Mormon". Marvels Cease Neglected Gift The people become slothful and forget to exercise faith and diligence.

Marvels Cease Neglected Gift The people become slothful and forget to exercise faith and diligence. Consequence They stop progressing directly and suffer hunger and thirst. Subplot Function The Liahona becomes a type of spiritual guidance weakened by neglect.

Director as Type Director as Type from "Book of Mormon". A Lesson for Descendants Interpretation Alma compares the Liahona with the words of Christ.

Director as Type from "Book of Mormon". A Lesson for Descendants Interpretation Alma compares the Liahona with the words of Christ.

A Lesson for Descendants Interpretation Alma compares the Liahona with the words of Christ. Straight Course Both point toward a promised land when people attend to them. Subplot Resolution A family artifact becomes a lasting metaphor for scripture, revelation, and disciplined faith.

after the family’s first wilderness rest

during the family’s long wilderness journey

after Nephi makes a wooden bow

during later teachings about the wilderness journey

during Alma’s counsel to Helaman