1 Nephi 16:17

And after we had traveled for the space of many days,

we did pitch our tents for the space of a time,

that we might again rest ourselves and obtain food for our families.

1 Nephi 16:18

And it came to pass that as I, Nephi, went forth to slay food,

behold, I did break my bow, which was made of fine steel;

and after I did break my bow,

behold, my brethren were angry with me because of the loss of my bow,

for we did obtain no food.

1 Nephi 16:19

And it came to pass that we did return without food to our families,

and being much fatigued, because of their journeying,

they did suffer much for the want of food.

1 Nephi 16:20

And it came to pass that Laman and Lemuel and the sons of Ishmael

did begin to murmur exceedingly,

because of their sufferings and afflictions in the wilderness;

and also my father began to murmur against the Lord his God;

yea, and they were all exceedingly sorrowful,

even that they did murmur against the Lord.

1 Nephi 16:21

Now it came to pass that I, Nephi,

having been afflicted with my brethren because of the loss of my bow,

and their bows having lost their springs,

it began to be exceedingly difficult,

yea, insomuch that we could obtain no food.

1 Nephi 16:22

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did speak much unto my brethren,

because they had hardened their hearts again,

even unto complaining against the Lord their God.

1 Nephi 16:23

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did make out of wood a bow,

and out of a straight stick, an arrow;

wherefore, I did arm myself with a bow and an arrow,

with a sling and with stones.

And I said unto my father:

Whither shall I go to obtain food?

1 Nephi 16:24

And it came to pass that he did inquire of the Lord,

for they had humbled themselves because of my words;

for I did say many things unto them in the energy of my soul.

1 Nephi 16:25

And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came unto my father;

and he was truly chastened because of his murmuring against the Lord,

insomuch that he was brought down into the depths of sorrow.

1 Nephi 16:26

And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord said unto him:

Look upon the ball, and behold the things which are written.

1 Nephi 16:27

And it came to pass that when my father beheld the things

which were written upon the ball,

he did fear and tremble exceedingly,

and also my brethren and the sons of Ishmael and our wives.

1 Nephi 16:28

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the pointers which were in the ball,

that they did work according to the faith and diligence and heed

which we did give unto them.

1 Nephi 16:29

And there was also written upon them a new writing, which was plain to be read,

which did give us understanding concerning the ways of the Lord;

and it was written and changed from time to time,

according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it.

And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things.

1 Nephi 16:30

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did go forth up into the top of the mountain,

according to the directions which were given upon the ball.

1 Nephi 16:31

And it came to pass that I did slay wild beasts,

insomuch that I did obtain food for our families.

1 Nephi 16:32

And it came to pass that I did return to our tents,

bearing the beasts which I had slain;

and now when they beheld that I had obtained food,

how great was their joy!

And it came to pass that they did humble themselves before the Lord,

and did give thanks unto him.