Question

Dear Gramps,

I have always wondered how Nephi could cut off the head of Laban and then get into his clothes without blood all over – and Zoram seeing that blood when Nephi approached him. Not important to my salvation, but having been raised in the country, and cutting a few heads off of chickens and rabbits, I envision the same basic reaction of the body losing its head. Thanks.

Terryl

Answer

Dear Terryl,

Although no detail concerning the act of cutting off Laban’s head is mentioned in the scripture, that does not mean that more did not occur other than just “cutting off his head.” What we do know is that Zoram did not notice anything unusual. In the first place, it was nighttime, and without external illumination it may have been difficult to see any blood on his garments. Secondly, Nephi could have cleaned everything up, but would not have made a chronicle of it in his record.

Gramps