From the outset of the Book of Mormon, in the very first chapter of the very first book, we encounter a description of a theophany involving Lehi.  We are told that there were many prophets sent to Jerusalem during the time of Zedekiah who were preaching repentance and warning of a destruction to come.  Lehi was concerned for his people and “prayed unto the Lord, yea even with all his heart, in behalf of his people.” (vrs 5)  At this time, a “pillar of fire” appeared before him and “he saw and heard much.”  We are not told where he was when  this happened, but he returned home and “cast himself upon his bed, being overcome with the Spirit and the things which he had seen.”

Being thus overcome, “he was carried away in a vision, even that he saw the heavens open, and he thought he saw God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels in the attitude of singing and praising their God.” (vrs 8)  I find it interesting that he “thought” he saw God and I am a bit surprised that he didn’t have a more sure knowledge.  Perhaps he is recognizing that he assumed that it was God given the other details, but hadn’t been directly told that by anyone or anything, or perhaps this is a reflection of the fact that the person recording this event is not Lehi, but Nephi, and Nephi was only able to relate what had been told him by his father.

Next Lehi observed Jesus Christ descending out of heaven, followed by his Twelve Apostles.  (vrs 9, 10)  Jesus Christ is not explicitly identified here, but it is obvious, and Lehi later is described as testifying of the Messiah as a result of this experience. (vrs 19)  Jesus Christ gave him a book in his vision, in which Lehi read many things and was instructed.