Lehi is a man living is Jerusalem who receives a message from God, warning of Jerusalem’s future destruction and Babylonian occupation. Lehi goes out and tells the citizens of the content of his vision. The people do not accept Lehi, especially not his call to repentance; they set out to kill him. Lehi is then warned to leave Jerusalem with his family.
Lehi's family includes his wife Sariah, and his sons Laman, Lemuel, Sam, and Nephi. Others eventually join their family through marriage and other agreements.