Zoram: A True Friend to Nephi, and an Example for Us All

By: Brandon Pritchard

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I want to take a moment right now to point out what a stand-up guy Zoram (found in the first and second books of Nephi in the Book of Mormon) was. Can you imagine how his day might have been going the day he met Nephi? He probably got out of bed that day, said bye to his parents--he was probably around Nephi's age, so not too old--and headed in to work at Laban's treasury, where he was obviously trusted, despite his young age, as he held the keys to what possibly could have been huge amounts of treasure. He meets Nephi, follows him out of the city with the records which contained the scriptures, and is then alerted to the fact that his master, Laban, isn't actually his master. He's given the choice–die, or go to the wilderness with them, never to return to see his family again. He hears Nephi testify about the reason they were there–to do the Lord's will, and he makes an oath to follow them down.

Now, imagine we're back in Jerusalem. Can you imagine who the prime suspect would be in the death of Laban? Might it be the man who held the keys to Laban's treasury who suddenly disappeared? What everyone in his whole life must have thought of him as he traveled, unknown to those he left behind, into the wilderness, never to return to his former life?

If anyone had reason to murmur in the first book of Nephi, it was Zoram. He was pulled from his life, alone, without the support of family. Yet, despite the obvious trials he must have had, he chose to trust the Lord. In a time when prophets were being killed in Jerusalem for testifying of the iniquities of its inhabitants, Zoram must have had quite the testimony. He went on to become one of the best friends Nephi ever had. He was extremely faithful. I don't think he gets enough credit.

Let's all try to be like, Zoram, yeah? Take what life gives us, and live the gospel of Jesus Christ unfalteringly? I bet if we could talk to Zoram right now, he wouldn't have a single regret.