The Valley of Lemuel is a location first mentioned in the narrative of the Book of Mormon as a temporary residence for Lehi’s family after their exodus from Jerusalem around 600 B.C. It is described as a valley near the borders of the Red Sea, notable for its firm and immovable nature, which inspired Lehi to admonish his son Lemuel to adopt similar characteristics in steadfastness and faith (1 Nephi 2:10). The valley encompassed the River Laman, a constant water source that sustained Lehi’s family and their flocks during their sojourn there (1 Nephi 2:9).
It was from this valley that Lehi’s sons, upon his direction, twice journeyed back to Jerusalem—first to retrieve the brass plates, a record keeping the genealogy of Lehi’s family, and the second time to convince Ishmael and his family to join their group (1 Nephi 3:1-4; 1 Nephi 7:1-5). In addition, it is within the Valley of Lemuel that Lehi had visionary experiences of great import, including that of the Tree of Life (1 Nephi 8). The valley also served as the backdrop for the initial discovery and use of the Liahona, a curious director for their travels in the wilderness, which operated according to the faith and diligence shown by the travelers (1 Nephi 16:10).
This location not only served as a geographical waypoint for Lehi’s family but held great symbolic and spiritual significance in their journey. The experiences had in the Valley of Lemuel, as well as the instructions and prophecies delivered by Lehi to his family there, shaped the early days of their wilderness travels and set the stage for the events that followed as they prepared to cross the sea (1 Nephi 2:14; 1 Nephi 9:1; 1 Nephi 10:16; 1 Nephi 16:6, 12).