and says “my family” in 2 Nephi 5:6, and refers to “Sam, mine elder brother and his family.” That sounds like Sam has kids. Jacob and Joseph and sisters are not referred to as having families.

Despite the “my family” list when Nephi and friends are fleeing Laman et al. after Lehi’s death, it’s tempting to think of Nephi’s children having cast their lots with Laman et al. Since children of Nephi are never mentioned again.

Jacob 7:27 names Enos as a son to Jacob. We assume that’s the Enos of the day-long prayer of the next book.

Perhaps Nephi’s children were girls–the Book of Mormon seems hardly to be able to bother with females. Born in the wilderness, they could have been the same age as Jacob.

Maybe Lehi and Nephi had lots of talks and perhaps Nephi took opportunity to have his children learn from his father a lot more than his brothers had.

I was wondering the same thing, Dawn. What about Nephi’s children though?

why was he not the leader instead of Nephi?

I think it has to do with 1 Ne. 2. For example, in verse 16 we read:

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers.

It seems Nephi specifically sought out knowledge from God. As a result, he was blessed.

“Blessed art thou, Nephi, because of thy faith, for thou hast sought me diligently, with lowliness of heart. And inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper, and shall be led to a bland of promise; yea, even a land which I have prepared for you; yea, a land which is choice above all other lands. And inasmuch as thy brethren shall rebel against thee, they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord.” (vv. 19-21)

Presumably, Sam had not sought diligently after the mysteries of God.

My theory . . . is that Sam was handicapped.

I’d never heard this theory. I am doubtful though. In verse 17 we read:

I spake unto Sam, making known unto him the things which the Lord had manifested unto me by his Holy Spirit. And it came to pass that he believed in my words.

It seems Sam is mentally capable to understand spiritual things. We should also remember that 1 Ne 16:7 states that Sam married.

That would also explain why Lehi did not address Sam’s children–he didn’t have any.

I also wonder whether Sam had children. Lehi, in 2 Ne 4:11, words his blessing in a way that makes it seem he’s referring to future children.

Not so with Nephi, Sam et al.

Then why address Sam?