11.1, 19, 29 – “caught/carried away in the Spirit” Nephi describes three examples of individuals (himself, Mary, and twelve disciples of Jesus) being “caught/carried away in the Spirit” followed by a return to accomplish God’s work on the earth. This is the righteous ascent/descent (contrasted with pride and the subsequent fall). This article discusses this in the context of the entire visionary experience of Nephi detailed in ch. 11-14.
11.1 – “upon which I never had before set my foot.” Nephi might be making subtle use of an ancient bridal tradition here.
11.6 – “the Most High God“. Context for this phrase is found here.
11.8-23 The connection between the tree of life and a virgin “exceedingly fair and white” is intriguing considering the possible connection to Asherah. It is likely that the first Israelite temple included wisdom embodied in the form of a tree. See here.
11.24 – “fall down at his feet and worship him“Â Compare Revelation 5:14 and 1 Nephi 8:30. See here.
11.28, 34-35, 12.2 – “multitudes … gathered” Nephi makes clever repetitive use of this phrase to describe two opposite reactions to the Lamb of God. See here.
11.29-30 – “carried away in the Spirit…I saw angels descending” This passage describes the righteous ascent up the cosmic mountain, where disciples become divine messengers. See this article.
Book of Mormon Notes 