Book of Mormon
The Daughter's of Ishmael
1st Nephi 7:6, 19, 16:7, 19, 22, 32, 35-36, 39, 17:1-3, 18:9, 19, 24
2nd Nephi 5:5-7
Like Sariah, the daughter's of Ishmael left the comforts of everyday life and departed into the wilderness.
I find it interesting that from the very beginning, Nephi tells us that not all the daughter's of Ishmael liked the idea of living in the wilderness. In 1st Nephi chapter seven verse six Nephi writes, ". . . two of the daughters of Ishmael . . . . did rebel against us; yea, against me, Nephi, . . . . and his (Ishmael) other daughters." They were rebelling because they wanted to go back to Jerusalem. Clearly, they did not have faith in Heavenly Father and His plan for them.
While living in the wilderness, they experience a lot of hardships. They experienced hunger, fatigue, and childbirth; however, it wasn't until Ishmael died that we are able to see and feel the extent of their trials. In 1st Nephi chapter sixteen verse thirty five we read about how they did mourn exceedingly because of their father's death. I can understand their sadness. I would also be extremely upset if I lost my father, but it didn't stop with their father's death. If we continue reading verse thirty five it mentions they also did mourn exceedingly because of their afflictions in the wilderness. They murmured against Lehi, because he bought them out of Jerusalem to go through these afflictions and for what? To die? The daughter's of Ishmael are no longer upset, but are extremely angry about their circumstances. Then comes the voice of the Lord in verse thirty nine. They are chastened exceedingly, they repent, and they are blessed.
Then comes some of my favourite verses. Chapter seventeen verse one through three of 1st Nephi says, "And it came to pass that we did again take our journey in the wilderness. And we did travel and wade through much affliction in the wilderness; and our women did bear children in the wilderness. And so great were the blessings of the Lord upon us, that while we did live upon raw meat in the wilderness, our women did give plenty of suck for their children, and were strong, yea, even like unto men; and they began to bear their journeyings without murmurings. And thus we see that the commandments of the God must be fulfilled. And if is so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strenghten them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them; wherefore, he did provide means for us while we did sojourn in the wilderness." I love this reminder that through our Heavenly Father we can accomplish anything. That we can fulfill our destiny that he has for us.
When I think of the Daughter's of Ishmael, I am reminded of this quote, I am in charge of how I feel and Today I am choosing happiness. Their circumstances didn't change. They were still in the wilderness. They were still experiencing trials and afflictions; however, their attitudes changed, and so did their blessings. These women are great examples to me. They were strong, hardworking, and accepted the hardships that came. They learned to bear their journey without murmuring. We too can choose to accept our circumstances and trials and decide to keep moving. Heavenly Father will bless and strengthen us.
I have the picture at the top of this post on my wall at home. I love it! It is a constant reminder to me to stop complaining!
image from Real Hero Posters
these are my thoughts and opinions of the daughter's of Ishmael
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