Lehi's Miracle of the Liahona

Nephi records that after his family dwelt in the valley of Lemuel, the Lord spoke to Lehi during the night, commanding him to resume their journey into the wilderness on the following day. As Lehi went to his tent door the next morning, he was astonished to find upon the ground a round ball of curious workmanship made of fine brass, containing two spindles. One of these spindles pointed the way the family was to travel. As they journeyed, the ball functioned according to the faith, diligence, and heed they exercised; they followed its guidance through the fertile parts of the wilderness near the Red Sea. During their travels, the device provided guidance and comfort, including new writings that appeared on the spindles from time to time to give them understanding of the Lord's ways. When the family grew unfaithful or murmured, the ball often ceased to work. Notably, when Nephi broke his steel bow and the family was starving, the Lord chastened them for their murmuring. Following Nephi's encouragement to repent, Lehi inquired of the Lord, who commanded him to 'look upon the ball.' Upon beholding the writing—which warned them and provided guidance—the family humbled themselves. Nephi also describes the Liahona's role as a vital, oracular instrument, noting that even when they faced intense trials on the 'great deep' and the compass ceased to function due to his brothers' rebellion, his own act of looking to God and praying restored its operation, proving it was a physical manifestation of their spiritual standing before the Lord.