“Book of Mormon: Nephite Artifacts: Three Witnesses Symbolize Kingship” by grego

“Book of Mormon: Nephite Artifacts: Three Witnesses Symbolize Kingship”
(c)2017 grego

Mosiah 1:16 And moreover, he also gave him charge concerning the records which were engraven on the plates of brass; and also the plates of Nephi; and also, the sword of Laban, and the ball or director, which led our fathers through the wilderness, which was prepared by the hand of the Lord that thereby they might be led, every one according to the heed and diligence which they gave unto him.

These are the “three witnesses”/ main things provided by miracles that supported the call of Nephi as ruler, and signified the roles of the Nephite king, plus one more to join with and rule over the people of Zarahemla, too:
–the plates of brass: signifying knowledge and wisdom;
–the sword of Laban: signifying protector, warrior, and battle leader;
–the Liahona: signifying spiritual leader.
–The plates of Nephi showed how Nephi was chosen to rule, the blessings the people of Zarahemla would receive by uniting with them (promises to those who unite with Nephi), and the Nephite line of succession from the beginning on down.