“1 Nephi 16–18: The Liahona: A Guide in the Wilderness,” Book of Mormon Teacher Manual (2024)

“1 Nephi 16–18: The Liahona: A Guide in the Wilderness,” Book of Mormon Teacher Manual

1 Nephi 16–18

The Liahona: A Guide in the Wilderness

Do you ever feel lost and confused about what you should be doing or focusing on in life? How might your life be different if you were better able to recognize direction the Lord was trying to give you? Not long after Lehi’s family left Jerusalem, the Lord provided them with increased direction through the Liahona. This lesson can help you recognize and follow the Lord’s guidance in your life.

Guiding learners to seek personal revelation. Help students believe they can be taught and edified by the Holy Ghost. Encourage them to approach Heavenly Father in prayer to invite the Spirit to teach them.

Student preparation: Invite students to notice ways the Lord provides them with guidance and direction throughout the day.

Possible Learning Activities

A guide in the wilderness

The following activity is intended to help students relate to Lehi’s experience of being given the Liahona. An alternative might be for students to do their own drawing based on what they already know about the Liahona and then to use the information as needed to increase understanding.

Examine a few of the depictions of the miraculous tool given to Lehi not long after he led his family from Jerusalem.

What do you know about the item being depicted in these images? (see 1 Nephi 16:10).
What was its purpose?

Use the following as needed to help students understand what the Liahona is. It may also be helpful to watch “The Lord Provides the Liahona” (3:02), available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

After being directed by the Lord to travel farther into the wilderness, Lehi woke up to find a miraculous tool, or instrument, provided by the Lord. The Liahona was “a brass ball with two pointers that gave directions—as a compass—and also spiritual instruction to Lehi and his followers when they were righteous” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Liahona,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Imagine what it would be like to wake up one morning and find next to your door an instrument like the Liahona that you could use to guide you throughout your day.

Consider asking the following questions, noting student responses to refer back to after students have studied how the Liahona is like the Holy Ghost.

What might be different in your life if you had something like the Liahona to guide you?
What are some circumstances you are currently facing for which you would like extra direction and guidance?

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles described one reason we should seek to better understand how the Liahona worked. Note that the phrase “type and a shadow” refers to objects, events, stories, or people that represent something else.

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Elder David A. Bednar

The description in the Book of Mormon of the Liahona, the director or compass used by Lehi and his family in their journey in the wilderness, specifically was included in the record as a type and a shadow for our day and as an essential lesson about what we should do to enjoy the blessings of the Holy Ghost. (David A. Bednar, “That We May Always Have His Spirit to Be with Us,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2006, 30)

Similarities between the Liahona and the Holy Ghost

In your study journal, make a chart like the following. Consider listing some of the similarities between the Liahona and the Holy Ghost that you already know. As you study, consider what you are learning that helps you understand the Holy Ghost better and how you can better use this gift in your life.

Characteristics of the Liahona	Similarities to the Holy Ghost

Consider displaying a similar chart and inviting students to record what they are learning to prepare them to discuss their findings.

Read the following scripture references, and record details about the Liahona in the left column of your chart. These may include how the Liahona worked, why it was provided, and what happened to cause it to stop working. Then prayerfully consider how these details about the Liahona relate to or symbolize the workings of the Holy Ghost. Record the similarities in the right column of your chart. For example, in 1 Nephi 16:10, we learn that the Liahona pointed the way Lehi and his family should go in the wilderness. Similarly, the Holy Ghost can point the direction that we need to go in life.

Determine if it would be more beneficial to have students read the scripture passages individually, in pairs, or in small groups. For variety, you could post seven pictures of the Liahona around the room with one of the following scripture references attached to each of them. Students could move around the room examining the different pictures and recording the teachings about the Liahona in their charts. Students could then return to their seats to ponder similarities between the Liahona and the Holy Ghost on their own.

Invite students to share truths they learned about the Holy Ghost from their study. Examples of truths they may have identified include the following: as we listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, the Lord can guide us in our journey through life; the Holy Ghost works in our lives according to the faith, diligence, and heed we give it; and the Holy Ghost gives us understanding concerning the ways of the Lord.

If the chart was displayed for the class, consider inviting students to fill in what they learned about the Liahona. Then you could discuss together how these truths relate to understanding and using the gift of the Holy Ghost.

When have you or others experienced one or more of these truths about the Holy Ghost?
How could seeking to recognize and follow direction from the Holy Ghost impact your relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

Take a moment to reflect on your ability to receive guidance from the Holy Ghost and the influence this has on the choices you make. Consider recording any thoughts or impressions you may have.

If students need additional help recognizing and following the direction of the Holy Ghost, share statements from the “Commentary and Background Information” section at the end of this lesson. Additionally, if time allows and students would benefit, consider using the “Supplemental Learning Activities” section.

Bear testimony of the importance of letting the Holy Ghost direct our lives. Students could also share their testimony and experiences.

Commentary and Background Information

How is the Liahona like the Holy Ghost?

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

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Elder David A. Bednar

Just as Lehi was blessed in ancient times, each of us in this day has been given a spiritual compass that can direct and instruct us during our mortal journey. …

As we each press forward along the pathway of life, we receive direction from the Holy Ghost just as Lehi was directed through the Liahona. …

The Holy Ghost operates in our lives precisely as the Liahona did for Lehi and his family, according to our faith and diligence and heed. (David A. Bednar, “That We May Always Have His Spirit to Be with Us,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2006, 30–31)

How can I better recognize the Holy Ghost in my life?

President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

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President Boyd K. Packer

The Spirit does not get our attention by shouting or shaking us with a heavy hand. Rather it whispers. It caresses so gently that if we are preoccupied we may not feel it at all. …

Occasionally it will press just firmly enough for us to pay heed. But most of the time, if we do not heed the gentle feeling, the Spirit will withdraw and wait until we come seeking and listening and say in our manner and expression, like Samuel of ancient times, “Speak [Lord], for thy servant heareth.” (1 Sam. 3:10.) (Boyd K. Packer, “The Candle of the Lord,” Ensign, Jan. 1983, 53)

Supplemental Learning Activities

Other similarities to the Liahona

Invite students to identify other tools in addition to the Holy Ghost that the Lord uses to provide us with guidance. Examples include patriarchal blessings, the scriptures, and counsel from parents or Church leaders. Students could discuss how these additional resources are like the Liahona.

The Liahona and patriarchal blessings

If students would benefit from a discussion about patriarchal blessings, consider referring to the information in “Patriarchal Blessings” (Gospel Topics, topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

The following statements by President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) and President Bonnie H. Cordon, Young Women General President, may also be helpful.

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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 blessing is not to be folded neatly and tucked away. It is not to be framed or published. Rather, it is to be read. It is to be loved. It is to be followed. Your patriarchal blessing will see you through the darkest night. It will guide you through life’s dangers. … Your patriarchal blessing is to you a personal Liahona to chart your course and guide your way. (Thomas S. Monson, “Your Patriarchal Blessing: A Liahona of Light,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 65–66)

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President Bonnie H. Cordon

Find your patriarchal blessing, blow off the dust if you must, but study it often. If you don’t have one, get one—soon. Don’t delay finding out what the Lord wants to tell you now about who you are. (Bonnie H. Cordon, “Come unto Christ and Don’t Come Alone,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 10)

If students have not received their patriarchal blessing, you could invite them to prayerfully consider receiving one and to discuss this with their parents or Church leaders.