This verse also reminds us of the Lord’s intimate knowledge of us all. We are as familiar to Him as the very “palms” of Hands. Imbedded within the phrase is a reminder of the crucifixion itself. Though this would be a future event to Nephi, he knew the Lord would be killed in this manner. He writes about it repeatedly. Nephi knew the Lord would be crucified, and therefore would have associated this verse with that great act.
Since the Lord has “graven [us] upon the palms of [his] hands,” He not only remembers us, but he also remembers the great price He paid for us. This passage associates His memory, His sacrificial act for us, and His intimacy with us all in a single phrase. The wounds in His side, hands and feet are displayed to remind us of what He did on our behalf. He was wounded for our transgressions in the house of His friends. The Lord has used His “hand” in another passage to portray His intimate recollection of us all. In Moses 7:36, after telling us the number of His creations are beyond our ability to count, He confirms: “Wherefore, I can stretch forth mine hands and hold all the creations which I have made; and mine eye can pierce them also.” Though their number may be vast, even infinite, yet they are as familiar to Him as if He were holding them in His hands. He sees them all. He is in touch with them all. They are intimate to Him.
In a day when people believe God to be distant, if He exists at all, these words remind us He not only exists, but He is intimately familiar with us. We are carved through His sacrifice into His hands. He has never forgotten us.
As we think about what was required of Him to engrave us on His palms, we should realize just what great value He has poured into us by His suffering. He put it best as He testified as to the price He paid: …how sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not. For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men. (D&C 19: 15–19, emphasis added.)
As Nephi reminds us, the Lord links His recollection of us to His suffering for us, and He has never forgotten the price He paid.
Significantly, this suffering was “for all” and not only a chosen few. All are invited to come, receive this gift, and avoid suffering for their own sins. Those who love Him most will do what they can to extend His offered sacrifice to others.