Broken Bow

[Carborendum]

A long time ago when I experienced extended unemployment I thought hard on the story of Nephi's broken bow.  And I realized that I had been very blessed by the Lord financially.  I'd had a good run.  It occurred to me that I could bemoan the fact that I had broken my steel bow and murmur all the time, or I could realize that I could make a wooden bow and look for another line of work that didn't pay so well.  I made do at the time.

For the last few months of not working due to the quarantine, I began pondering that again.  But when I looked at the story of the broken bow again in CFM reading for the year, it occurred to me that there was a more spiritual meaning.  I was going to find it.

What does it take to make a bow?  A piece of wood.  Not just any wood will do.  There have to be certain size and shape requirements with limited tools.  I doubt that they had access to high quality glue at the time in the wilderness.  So, it had to be one very long fairly straight piece of wood.  The wood also has to have strength and stiffness requirements.  

That was it.  Stiffness.  Stiff-necked.

I tried doing a search for trees and wood from the middle east.  There were only two things that kept coming up on Google searches:  Cedars of Lebanon and the Dragon Blood Tree of Yemen.  I don't know if these two trees were literally available for Nephi to work with.  But the words as written in the Book of Mormon are certainly pointing to the symbolism.

Cedars of Lebanon were famous throughout scriptures as a symbol of the pride of man.  And sure enough, it has the geometry, strength, and stiffness that would serve an archer well.  To create that bow, Nephi had to chop down the symbol of pride.  He had to humble himself (and later remind his father to humble himself before the Lord).  But humility alone was not enough.

To have a bow endure extended use, the wood must be treated with oils and/or resins to preserve it.  It just so happens that the dragon blood tree is famous for the quality of resin that comes from its sap.  But true to its name, what do you think the sap looks like?

Could it be that pride, when washed clean in the blood of Christ can save people by spiritually feeding them?  Could this be the symbolism of this story behind the broken bow?  Truthfully, I don't care if it was intended by Nephi.  I do know that this message is true.

Edited May 9, 2020 by Carborendum

[Jonah]

17 hours ago, Carborendum said:

Could this be the symbolism of this story behind the broken bow?  Truthfully, I don't care if it was intended by Nephi.  I do know that this message is true.

Sorry to hear about your current employment situation.  It's tough here too.

What do you believe is the symbolism of the steel bow breaking and that he did not try to
make another like it?  Or even the symbolism of him choosing to make a steel bow instead
of a wooden one in the first place?

Jonah

Edited May 9, 2020 by Jonah
edit question

[CV75]

On 5/8/2020 at 8:24 PM, Carborendum said:

Could it be that pride, when washed clean in the blood of Christ can save people by spiritually feeding them?  Could this be the symbolism of this story behind the broken bow?  Truthfully, I don't care if it was intended by Nephi.  I do know that this message is true.

Where the bow is an ancient symbol of the covenant between God and man, the ruined bows represent personal apostasy on the part of the wicked brothers, and general apostasy where Nephi's bow stopped functioning not due to his abuse and neglect of the covenant, but to show that a covenant people are required to preserve the covenant in the earth. With only one bow in use, it could not keep up with demand. Restoration always follows apostasy, and this is represented by Nephi's new bow.

[Carborendum]

1 minute ago, CV75 said:

Where the bow is an ancient symbol of the covenant between God and man

This is an interesting statement.  Apart from the rainbow, where is an example of this in scriptures?

[CV75]

2 hours ago, Carborendum said:

This is an interesting statement.  Apart from the rainbow, where is an example of this in scriptures?

While the bow is explicitly said to be a sign in Genesis, the other references (see Topical Guide: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/tg/bow-noun?lang=eng&clang=eng) can be considered metaphorically/symbolically as well as literally, according to other scholarship. I've also quickly pulled a couple of scholarly references off Google, but I would advise a more thorough examination:

(1)

The bow as a symbol of power and strength

Of military power Ps 44:6-7; Ps 60:4 See also Ge 49:24; Ps 46:9; Hos 1:5,7; Hos 2:18; Zec 9:10

Of God’s power in judgment Ps 7:11-12 See also Ps 21:11-12; La 2:4; La 3:12; Hab 3:9; Zec 9:13; Rev 6:2

Of personal strength and vigour Job 29:20 See also Job 30:11

https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/dictionary-of-bible-themes/5236-bow-arrow

(2)15 Bible Verses about Bow And Arrows, Symbol Of Strength

Most Relevant Verses

Psalm 44:6-7

 

For I will not trust in my bow,
Nor will my sword save me.
But You have saved us from our adversaries,
And You have put to shame those who hate us.

Psalm 60:4

Verse Concepts

You have given a banner to those who fear You,
That it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.

Genesis 49:24

Verse Concepts

But his bow remained firm,
And his arms were agile,
From the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob
(From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel),

https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Bow-And-Arrows,-Symbol-Of-Strength

(3)

TIL: In ancient near-east societies, the bow was a symbol of authority. The broken bow, of submission.

https://www.reddit.com/r/latterdaysaints/comments/3jd97w/til_in_ancient_neareast_societies_the_bow_was_a/

 

[Jonah]

3 hours ago, Carborendum said:

This is an interesting statement.  Apart from the rainbow, where is an example of this in scriptures?

Not sure why you mentioned a rainbow, but I found it mentioned in the teachings of Joseph Smith.

"I have asked of the Lord concerning His coming; and while asking the Lord, He gave a 
sign and said, In the days of Noah I set a bow in the heavens as a sign and token that 
in any year that the bow should be seen the Lord would not come; but there should be 
seed time and harvest during that year: but whenever you see the bow withdrawn, it 
shall be a token that there shall be famine, pestilence, and great distress among the 
nations, and that the coming of the Messiah is not far distant".

I would disagree with that based on what the Bible said.  It was not about the return
of Christ or of famine,pestilence, or great distress among the nations.  To explain my 
view, I quote the passage in Genesis.

"And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more 
by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.
And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and 
every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I do set my bow in 
the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. And it 
shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen 
in the cloud: And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every 
living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy 
all flesh.  And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may 
remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh 
that is upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which 
I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth"

Jonah

[CV75]

2 minutes ago, Jonah said:

Not sure why you mentioned a rainbow, but I found it mentioned in the teachings of Joseph Smith.

"I have asked of the Lord concerning His coming; and while asking the Lord, He gave a 
sign and said, In the days of Noah I set a bow in the heavens as a sign and token that 
in any year that the bow should be seen the Lord would not come; but there should be 
seed time and harvest during that year: but whenever you see the bow withdrawn, it 
shall be a token that there shall be famine, pestilence, and great distress among the 
nations, and that the coming of the Messiah is not far distant".

I would disagree with that based on what the Bible said.  It was not about the return
of Christ or of famine,pestilence, or great distress among the nations.  To explain my 
view, I quote the passage in Genesis.

"And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more 
by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.
And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and 
every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I do set my bow in 
the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. And it 
shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen 
in the cloud: And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every 
living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy 
all flesh.  And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may 
remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh 
that is upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which 
I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth"

Jonah

This everlasting covenant of course is Christ Himself, and His redemption of God's children. Where the bow is also a symbol of power and strength (priesthood) and fertility (continuation of the seeds -- see D&C 132), we see in its symbolism the fulfilment the blessings of exaltation.

[Vort]

5 hours ago, Jonah said:

Not sure why you mentioned a rainbow, but I found it mentioned in the teachings of Joseph Smith.

[...]

I would disagree with that based on what the Bible said.

And your opinion on the LDS Gospel Discussion subforum is relevant or important because...?

Mods, Jonah needs to be permanently escorted from this forum. I realize it won't get rid of him, but it will require him to create yet another sock puppet.

[JohnsonJones]

5 hours ago, Jonah said:

Not sure why you mentioned a rainbow, but I found it mentioned in the teachings of Joseph Smith.

"I have asked of the Lord concerning His coming; and while asking the Lord, He gave a 
sign and said, In the days of Noah I set a bow in the heavens as a sign and token that 
in any year that the bow should be seen the Lord would not come; but there should be 
seed time and harvest during that year: but whenever you see the bow withdrawn, it 
shall be a token that there shall be famine, pestilence, and great distress among the 
nations, and that the coming of the Messiah is not far distant".

I would disagree with that based on what the Bible said.  It was not about the return
of Christ or of famine,pestilence, or great distress among the nations.  To explain my 
view, I quote the passage in Genesis.

"And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more 
by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.
And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and 
every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I do set my bow in 
the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. And it 
shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen 
in the cloud: And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every 
living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy 
all flesh.  And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may 
remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh 
that is upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which 
I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth"

Jonah

In that light, could it be symbolic?

Perhaps the bow is symbolic of covenants, and thus we may see rainbows the year before the Lord, but something else will happen in which no covenants will be made to the Lord and in the years which there is no covenant...it could be a precursor?

For example, perhaps a year comes when missionary work fails and the church membership declines, where the numbers baptized suddenly do not occur and covenant making is absent?

Edited May 10, 2020 by JohnsonJones

[Just_A_Guy]

7 hours ago, Jonah said:

Not sure why you mentioned a rainbow, but I found it mentioned in the teachings of Joseph Smith.

"I have asked of the Lord concerning His coming; and while asking the Lord, He gave a 
sign and said, In the days of Noah I set a bow in the heavens as a sign and token that 
in any year that the bow should be seen the Lord would not come; but there should be 
seed time and harvest during that year: but whenever you see the bow withdrawn, it 
shall be a token that there shall be famine, pestilence, and great distress among the 
nations, and that the coming of the Messiah is not far distant".

I would disagree with that based on what the Bible said.  It was not about the return
of Christ or of famine,pestilence, or great distress among the nations.  To explain my 
view, I quote the passage in Genesis.

"And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more 
by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.
And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and 
every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I do set my bow in 
the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. And it 
shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen 
in the cloud: And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every 
living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy 
all flesh.  And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may 
remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh 
that is upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which 
I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth"

Jonah

It’s both.

To assume its *only* the interpretation offered in Genesis and that it has *nothing* to do with the promise of a Redeemer, presupposes that Genesis (and the OT, and in fact the Bible) is an infallibly complete, literal, and (in the 21st century Western sense of the phrase) “historically accurate” record of God’s dealings with mankind.  It also presupposes that Joseph Smith had neither the insight nor the authority to supplement the Biblical record.

This particular audience doesn’t accept those presuppositions.

Edited May 11, 2020 by Just_A_Guy

[NeuroTypical]

@Jonah, please be reminded that this is site is not a place to disagree with the Restored Church of Jesus Christ, or it's teachings.  If you want to argue or point out error or whatever, you might be better served at mormondialogue.org.

Please remember the site rules, to which you agreed when you signed up for an account here. 

[Carborendum]

22 hours ago, CV75 said:

While the bow is explicitly said to be a sign in Genesis, the other references (see Topical Guide: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/tg/bow-noun?lang=eng&clang=eng) can be considered metaphorically/symbolically as well as literally, according to other scholarship. I've also quickly pulled a couple of scholarly references off Google, but I would advise a more thorough examination:

(1)

The bow as a symbol of power and strength

<>

Of personal strength and vigour 

<>

(2)15 Bible Verses about Bow And Arrows, Symbol Of Strength

(3) TIL: In ancient near-east societies, the bow was a symbol of authority. The broken bow, of submission.

Yes, I'm aware of the bow being a sign of strength, etc. (which is what ALL the scriptures and other sources you cited seem to present).  But you said it was a sign of a covenant.  I'm not seeing that in anything you cited.

As I said, I'm aware of the bow (rainbow) specifically as a sign of a covenant in the sky.  But I don't see the bow (weapon) being a sign of a covenant.  In fact the last reference you gave indicates the opposite.

In order to make a covenant, we have to submit to the authority of the Lord.  So, how does having a bow represent both sides of that equation (authority and submission)?  It would seem to make a covenant, you need both a bow and a broken bow.  That would take some shoe-horning into that metaphor.  If that was the intent, it is a poor metaphor.

Understand that I'm not saying it isn't.  But I was not aware of it.  And what you've presented doesn't seem very solid.

The very fact that the bow represents strength and the broken bow -- submission indicates that my original interpretation is in line with these symbols.  And my interpretation and yours are not mutually exclusive.  But I'm not seeing it.

NOTE: I actually hope that you are correct.  It would mean additional messages that my little essay could be expanded into.  But I'm just not seeing "a bow is a sign of a covenant between God and man" in the references you provided.

Edited May 11, 2020 by Carborendum

[CV75]

41 minutes ago, Carborendum said:

Yes, I'm aware of the bow being a sign of strength, etc. (which is what ALL the scriptures and other sources you cited seem to present).  But you said it was a sign of a covenant.  I'm not seeing that in anything you cited.

Isaiah 52:1 (D&C 113:8): "Put on thy strength, O Zion— ...to put on her strength is to put on the authority of the priesthood, which she, Zion, has a right to by lineage [and adoption per Abraham 2:10]..." This is accomplished by covenant (Abrahamic; Abraham 2:8-11), and, "all those who receive the priesthood, receive this oath and covenant" (D&C 84:31-41).

[Carborendum]

2 hours ago, CV75 said:

Isaiah 52:1 (D&C 113:8): "Put on thy strength, O Zion— ...to put on her strength is to put on the authority of the priesthood, which she, Zion, has a right to by lineage [and adoption per Abraham 2:10]..." This is accomplished by covenant (Abrahamic; Abraham 2:8-11), and, "all those who receive the priesthood, receive this oath and covenant" (D&C 84:31-41).

And where is a bow mentioned in these verses?

Look, I'm really trying to believe you're right.  But all you're doing is doing a scatter shot of irrelevant information.  This is doing the exact opposite of helping me believe it is true.

• You're citing covenants in some references.
• Then you cite the bow in other references.
• NO REFERENCES YET that combine the bow (weapon) with covenants.

Edited May 11, 2020 by Carborendum

[CV75]

1 hour ago, Carborendum said:

And where is a bow mentioned in these verses?

Look, I'm really trying to believe you're right.  But all you're doing is doing a scatter shot of irrelevant information.  This is doing the exact opposite of helping me believe it is true.

• You're citing covenants in some references.
• Then you cite the bow in other references.
• NO REFERENCES YET that combine the bow (weapon) with covenants.

I'm sorry, the references need to be integrated as follows:

The bow is a symbol of strength and power. The strength and power of Zion is the priesthood (power of God). The priesthood comes to mankind by covenant, both through lineage and adoption. The covenant also belongs to the priesthood. Hence the bow is a symbol of this covenant.

The bow is also a symbol of fertility. The eternal continuation of the seeds (and lives) comes to mankind by way of priesthood covenant, and the covenant belongs to the priesthood. Hence the bow is also a symbol of this covenant.

I hope that helps and that you can see the relevance of the elements of information to each other. D&C 132 is a good example of how they do.

[Carborendum]

1 hour ago, CV75 said:

I'm sorry, the references need to be integrated as follows:

The bow is a symbol of strength and power. The strength and power of Zion is the priesthood (power of God). The priesthood comes to mankind by covenant, both through lineage and adoption. The covenant also belongs to the priesthood. Hence the bow is a symbol of this covenant.

The bow is also a symbol of fertility. The eternal continuation of the seeds (and lives) comes to mankind by way of priesthood covenant, and the covenant belongs to the priesthood. Hence the bow is also a symbol of this covenant.

I hope that helps and that you can see the relevance of the elements of information to each other. D&C 132 is a good example of how they do.

... Uhmmm...

So, you don't have any references in scripture where the bow (the weapon) is a symbol of a covenant.  Then why didn't you just say so?

Just to be fair...

@Traveler,

You seem to take pride in the fact that your dislexic mind allows you to see things in a very different perspective than "normal" people do.  Do you see CV75's line of reasoning here to be reasonable?  Do you see it?

Edited May 11, 2020 by Carborendum

[CV75]

1 hour ago, Carborendum said:

... Uhmmm...

So, you don't have any references in scripture where the bow (the weapon) is a symbol of a covenant.  Then why didn't you just say so?

Of course I gave those references. When a bow (the weapon) is mentioned in scripture, it quite often suggests a symbolic parallel with God's covenant... and as you point out, intentionally or not :).

[Traveler]

7 hours ago, Carborendum said:

... Uhmmm...

So, you don't have any references in scripture where the bow (the weapon) is a symbol of a covenant.  Then why didn't you just say so?

Just to be fair...

@Traveler,

You seem to take pride in the fact that your dislexic mind allows you to see things in a very different perspective than "normal" people do.  Do you see CV75's line of reasoning here to be reasonable?  Do you see it?

Anciently there were two parts to the symbolism.  The bow but also the arrow.   I kind of see @CV75 symbolism but perhaps a little different.  Because the bow and arrow go together so does the symbolism.  The Greeks believed that the bow and arrow had divine powers as expressed in Cupid and his power to pierce and enslave someone's heart with love.  We also see symbolism in the Iliad and the Odyssey both in finding the weakness of Achilles and the strength of Homer to defeat his enemies but also - Homer's bow also represents Homer's despair and feebleness. 

As for Nephi's bow and arrow - I see the symbolism of a critical loss that puts the mission of Nephi and his father Lehi in serious jeopardy.  I am not saying that the bow and arrow cannot represent the priesthood covenant but I do not believe that Nephi broke his covenant with G-d.  In the Book of Mormon epoch Nephi makes his own bow out of wood to replace his steel bow.  Again I do not think we can manufacture priesthood power.  So for me this is symbolic of faith.  We all face at some point a challenge that threatens and perhaps even "breaks" our faith - but rather than quit - Nephi exercises greater faith in a substance of wood that is weaker than steel that he uses to rely upon but with the weaker faith seeks the council of a prophet and is able to complete his task without the greater strength of the steel bow.  But the epoch is not completed until Nephi follows his father's (the prophet's) direction and is able to provide (deliver) his family from the difficulty.  Exercising faith (whatever remains or can be brought to bear) seems to be the message - to me.

One could say that the bow and arrow represents the priesthood - but I believe that there is more that can be gleaned from what Nephi is prophetically telling us.

 

The Traveler

[CV75]

7 hours ago, Traveler said:

Anciently there were two parts to the symbolism.  The bow but also the arrow.

Yes, but the bow is symbolic of the "covenant that belonging to the priesthood" part. For example, the string ties heaven at one end with earth at the other end, bringing the power of God to His children. The arrows are symbolic of children (e.g. the seed of Christ, priesthood holders and those endowed with priesthood power and the everlasting covenant of marriage who do God's work).

Edited May 12, 2020 by CV75

[Traveler]

2 hours ago, CV75 said:

Yes, but the bow is symbolic of the "covenant that belonging to the priesthood" part. For example, the string ties heaven at one end with earth at the other end, bringing the power of God to His children. The arrows are symbolic of children (e.g. the seed of Christ, priesthood holders and those endowed with priesthood power and the everlasting covenant of marriage who do God's work).

So you think Nephi broke his covenant with G-d?  and then made up his own?

 

The Traveler

[CV75]

2 hours ago, Traveler said:

So you think Nephi broke his covenant with G-d?  and then made up his own?

 

The Traveler

Not at all. Look here: Posted Sunday at 09:57 AM

Though he kept his covenants, the actions of the wicked brothers affected the progress of whole group and even the functionality of Nephi's bow. This is reflective of the principle that a covenant people, not just one righteous prophet, is required to prevent an apostasy. But once there is an apostasy, a prophet is called to establish a new group of righteous covenant people. Nephi's record is illustrative of these principles and I find it interesting, considering its symbolism, the central role of the bow in this particular account.

[Carborendum]

17 hours ago, Traveler said:

Anciently there were two parts to the symbolism.  The bow but also the arrow.   I kind of see @CV75 symbolism but perhaps a little different.  Because the bow and arrow go together so does the symbolism.  The Greeks believed that the bow and arrow had divine powers as expressed in Cupid and his power to pierce and enslave someone's heart with love.  We also see symbolism in the Iliad and the Odyssey both in finding the weakness of Achilles and the strength of Homer to defeat his enemies but also - Homer's bow also represents Homer's despair and feebleness. 

As for Nephi's bow and arrow - I see the symbolism of a critical loss that puts the mission of Nephi and his father Lehi in serious jeopardy.  I am not saying that the bow and arrow cannot represent the priesthood covenant but I do not believe that Nephi broke his covenant with G-d.  In the Book of Mormon epoch Nephi makes his own bow out of wood to replace his steel bow.  Again I do not think we can manufacture priesthood power.  So for me this is symbolic of faith.  We all face at some point a challenge that threatens and perhaps even "breaks" our faith - but rather than quit - Nephi exercises greater faith in a substance of wood that is weaker than steel that he uses to rely upon but with the weaker faith seeks the council of a prophet and is able to complete his task without the greater strength of the steel bow.  But the epoch is not completed until Nephi follows his father's (the prophet's) direction and is able to provide (deliver) his family from the difficulty.  Exercising faith (whatever remains or can be brought to bear) seems to be the message - to me.

7 hours ago, Traveler said:

So you think Nephi broke his covenant with G-d?  and then made up his own?

Thank you for confirming my thougths.

[CV75]

30 minutes ago, Carborendum said:

Thank you for confirming my thougths.

I don't see his question to me as confirming your evident misunderstanding of my actual post / explanation: Posted Sunday at 09:57 AM

Though he kept his covenants, the actions of the wicked brothers affected the progress of whole group and even the functionality of Nephi's bow. This is reflective of the principle that a covenant people, not just one righteous prophet, is required to prevent an apostasy. But once there is an apostasy, a prophet is called to establish a new group of righteous covenant people. Nephi's record is illustrative of these principles and I find it interesting, considering its symbolism, the central role of the bow in this particular account.

[Carborendum]

On 5/9/2020 at 1:00 PM, Jonah said:

What do you believe is the symbolism of the steel bow breaking and that he did not try to
make another like it?  Or even the symbolism of him choosing to make a steel bow instead
of a wooden one in the first place?

You know, I never really pondered that myself and don't have time now.  I'm taking the time to appreciate this interpretation for the moement.

What do you think it coud be?  You seem to have spent more time thinking about it than I have.  I hope you at least have some scriptures and/or solid reasoning to back it up.

Edited May 13, 2020 by Carborendum

[Traveler]

5 hours ago, CV75 said:

I don't see his question to me as confirming your evident misunderstanding of my actual post / explanation: Posted Sunday at 09:57 AM

Though he kept his covenants, the actions of the wicked brothers affected the progress of whole group and even the functionality of Nephi's bow. This is reflective of the principle that a covenant people, not just one righteous prophet, is required to prevent an apostasy. But once there is an apostasy, a prophet is called to establish a new group of righteous covenant people. Nephi's record is illustrative of these principles and I find it interesting, considering its symbolism, the central role of the bow in this particular account.

This does not make sense to me - the wickedness of Nephi's brothers did not change - nor did the dynamics of the group - it was preciously the same group before and after the bow and arrow incident.   It appears to me that what you say is necessary for your symbolism did not happen when the bow and arrow was replaced.  That seems to me to contradict your premise. 

 

The Traveler