KnoWhy #421 - Why Did Nephi Include the Story of the Broken Bow? (1 Nephi 16:23)

Nephi's story of the broken bow may be loaded with symbolic importance. In the ancient Near East, kingly status, military power, and the right to rule were all symbolized by the bow. Thus “to break the bow” was a common idiom which meant to bring an enemy or ruler into submission. In Nephi’s case, the broken bow brought his family into humility and submission before the Lord. Nephi’s construction of a new bow and his ability to save his people foreshadowed his future kingship, indicated his right to rule over his brothers, and clearly identified him as Lehi’s prophetic successor.