From the words of Zeniff we have the most comprehensive statement in the Book of Mormon concerning the traditional Lamanite perspective vis-à-vis the Nephites and why the Lamanites cultivate an insatiable desire to kill them. Three factors are at work in their belief system; they believe (1) that they have been wrongly deprived of their inheritance in Jerusalem; (2) that they ha been wronged in transit to the New World and during the initial settlement period when Nephi wrested from them their right to leadership; and (3) that they have been robbed of the plates of brass. To this, Zeniff counters with the observation that “Nephi was more faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord—therefore he was favored of the Lord, for the Lord heard his prayers and answered them, and he took the lead of their journey in the wilderness” (verse 13) because his brethren “understood not the dealings of the Lord” (verse 14).
The Lamanites depend upon their own strength. Their vengeful anger toward the Nephites is anchored in the false traditions of their fathers. They are full of hatred because they know not the dealings of the Lord. Thus they teach their children to hate the Nephites and to snub the Lord. What application for our own lives can we draw from this unfortunate situation? We learn that when people separate themselves from the Lord they are left to themselves. They know not the dealings of the Lord, and thus they often feel hurt, become angry, and then rebel. As we ponder these events, we can learn from them and realize that when we find ourselves inclined to complain about something in the Church or find fault with our leaders, we are in need of repentance.