Second Nephi begins many years after Lehi’s family left Jerusalem and after their arrival in the land of promise. In the first four chapters Nephi recorded the final words of counsel his father gave before he died. As you read 2 Nephi, notice what happened to the family after Lehi died.
Lehi’s counsel in 2 Nephi 1 was especially directed to Laman and Lemuel. Before you read it, think of what you might want to say to Laman and Lemuel if you were their parent. Note what Lehi said and consider what effect you think it might have had on his sons.
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Do activities A and B as you study 2 Nephi 1.
Finish These SentencesIn 2 Nephi 1:5–12 are Lehi’s words to his sons about the land of their inheritance, which includes North and South America. Complete the following statements that summarize these teachings of Lehi. Try to phrase them in your own words, but be sure your sentence fully covers what Lehi taught:
In addition to Lehi’s descendants, the land is an inheritance to . . . (See vv. 5–7.)
If those who live in this promised land will serve God and keep His commandments, then . . . (See vv. 7, 9–12.)
The Lord kept other nations from knowing about the land at that time because . . . (See v. 8.)
“Be Men”
Elder Carlos E. Asay, who was a member of the Presidency of the Seventy, related an experience he had as an 18-year-old priest in the Aaronic Priesthood when he refused to join a group of his peers in their inappropriate activities. He wrote: “As I walked away . . . , my companions taunted me by shouting, ‘When are you going to grow up?’ ‘When will you stop being a sissy and a religious fanatic?’ ‘When are you going to be a man?’” (In the Lord’s Service [1990], 46; see also Conference Report, Apr. 1992, 58; or Ensign, May 1992, 40). Lehi asked his sons to “be men” (2 Nephi 1:21), but he meant something quite different from what the young men in the story meant. For this activity complete number 1, and then do either 2 or 3.
Based on what Lehi taught in 2 Nephi 1:13–24, list at least five characteristics that Lehi associated with being a man of God. With each characteristic, write the verse in which it is found.
Write a paragraph about the differences between the characteristics you listed and how the boys in Elder Asay’s story and many other worldly people would define what it means to be a man.
Review verses 13 and 15 and write a paragraph comparing the state of righteous men, like Lehi, with the state of worldly men, like Laman and Lemuel.
Jesus Christ taught: “What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am” (3 Nephi 27:27).
Jacob was the first of two children born to Lehi and Sariah in the wilderness (see 1 Nephi 18:7). Consequently, he experienced many trials while growing up—both from the difficulty of traveling and from the “rudeness of his brethren” (2 Nephi 2:1). Lehi’s counsel in 2 Nephi 2 was especially for Jacob, and helps explain how it is possible to experience peace and joy in a world of misery and opposition. This is one of the chapters in the Book of Mormon that tells us much about Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness.
2 Nephi 2:3–10—“The Way Is Prepared . . . and Salvation Is Free”The Atonement of Jesus Christ frees all of mankind from the effects of the Fall and provides a conditional escape from the effects of personal sin (see the accompanying diagram). As Lehi told Jacob, “salvation is free” (2 Nephi 2:4). We are not saved because of any act of ours but because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. There are requirements we must fulfill, however, to receive all of the benefits of the Savior’s Atonement. Lehi said that salvation is granted only to those “who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered” (v. 7). If we would claim the conditional benefits of Christ’s Atonement, we must exercise faith in Him sufficient to repent of all our sins. There is no other way to receive the full benefits of this redemptive act. (See Book of Mormon Student Manual [Religion 121–22, 1996], 23.)
2 Nephi 2:5—“By the Law No Flesh Is Justified”To be justified means to be declared not guilty, to be forgiven of sin. It is to be acceptable or righteous before God. Lehi taught that no one is justified (made righteous) by the law, but that because of violations of the law, men are cut off from God (see 2 Nephi 2:5). As the Apostle Paul taught, “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). “So by the law, that is, speaking as though there were nothing but the law operating, men would be cut off both temporally and spiritually. They would be cut off temporally because they cannot keep the law perfectly and they would be cut off spiritually because violation of the law makes one unclean and ‘no unclean thing can dwell . . . in his presence’ (Moses 6:57; see also 2 Nephi 9:6–10)” (Gerald N. Lund, “The Fall of Man and His Redemption,” in Monte S. Nyman and Charles D. Tate Jr., eds., The Book of Mormon: Second Nephi, the Doctrinal Structure [1989], 90). “Redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah” because “he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law” (2 Nephi 2:6–7). |
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Do three of the following four activities (A–D) as you study 2 Nephi 2.
Explain How Salvation Is FreeStudy 2 Nephi 2:3–9 and explain Lehi’s statement that “salvation is free” (v. 4) and his statement that salvation is granted to those who believe in and follow Jesus Christ (see v. 9) are both true. (See the “Understanding the Scriptures” section for help, if needed.)
Search 2 Nephi 2:5–8 and explain what price the Savior paid to save us temporally and spiritually. What would be our situation if there were no Savior? (see v. 5).
Laws of God: Keys to HappinessSome people think that all laws are manmade—that there are no eternal laws and, therefore, no such condition as sin. They believe people should be able to do whatever they want so long as they do not hurt anyone. After teaching about the need for “opposition in all things” (2 Nephi 2:11), Lehi explained how God’s laws relate to our happiness. Read 2 Nephi 2:13 and write in your notebook the principle you think Lehi was teaching Jacob.
Scripture Mastery—2 Nephi 2:25This short verse states a simple truth about the Fall. Read also 2 Nephi 2:22–23, which explains what would have happened had Adam not transgressed and partaken of the forbidden fruit. Write “Because Adam fell . . .” and finish the sentence by listing the consequences of the Fall mentioned in 2 Nephi 2:22–25. (Lehi sometimes explained what would not have happened without the Fall; rephrase those consequences to explain what did happen.)
Lehi said, “Men are, that they might have joy” (v. 25). Review the verses in 2 Nephi 2 that have the words happiness, joy, misery, and miserable (vv. 5, 10–11, 13, 18, 23, 25, 27). What did Lehi teach in those verses about how and why we can have joy and who wants us to be miserable?
Scripture Mastery—2 Nephi 2:27In your notebook, draw a diagram that illustrates the important doctrine taught in this verse. Make it so that you could hang it in a place where you will see it frequently, to remind you of these important truths.
In 2 Nephi 3, Lehi mentioned four different men named Joseph. His words are directed to his youngest son, Joseph. Lehi spoke of the great prophet Joseph who was sold into Egypt. It was from this Joseph that Lehi’s family descended. Lehi quoted a prophecy Joseph of Egypt made before he died. In that prophecy Joseph spoke of the latter days and of two other men named Joseph who would also be his descendants. As you study this chapter, learn who these two latter-day Josephs are and why they are important.
2 Nephi 3:6–21—Where Is Joseph’s Prophecy Found?The prophecy of Joseph, who was sold into Egypt, quoted by Lehi to his son Joseph is not found in the Bible we have today. It was restored, however, to the Prophet Joseph Smith and is found in the Joseph Smith Translation as Genesis 50:24–38. Lehi found it on the brass plates that his sons obtained from Laban in Jerusalem (see 1 Nephi 3:3, 19–20; 5:10–16; 2 Nephi 4:1–2). 2 Nephi 3:6–18—The Latter-day JosephsThe ancient prophecy of Joseph referred to a latter-day Joseph who would be a great prophet and a blessing both to Lehi’s descendants and to the whole house of Israel. The prophecy said that this latter-day Joseph would also have a father named Joseph. This latter-day prophet is the Prophet Joseph Smith. Thus, there are four different Josephs spoken of in 2 Nephi 3: Joseph of Egypt; Lehi’s son Joseph; the Prophet Joseph Smith; and Joseph Smith Sr., who was the Prophet Joseph Smith’s father.
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Do activity A and, if you desire, activity B as you study 2 Nephi 3.
Analyze the Prophet’s MissionThe seer referred to in 2 Nephi 3:6–21 is the Prophet Joseph Smith. List what you learn about his mission from this prophecy. (There are at least 10 things mentioned.) Try to put each in your own words.
Select one part of the Prophet Joseph Smith’s mission and explain how it has had an important effect on your life.
A Prophecy Fulfilled in Our DayThere are two books mentioned in 2 Nephi 3:12—one written by Joseph’s descendants (the Book of Mormon) and one written by Judah’s (the Bible).
List what the prophecy said these two books together would accomplish.
Describe how having both of these books has accomplished the purposes you listed.
Read the recent addition to the title of the Book of Mormon. In what ways is this book “Another Testament of Jesus Christ”?
Elder Boyd K. Packer, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said that the Bible and the Book of Mormon “are now woven together in such a way that as you pore over one you are drawn to the other; as you learn from one you are enlightened by the other. They are indeed one in our hands. Ezekiel’s prophecy [in Ezekiel 37:15–19] now stands fulfilled” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1982, 75; or Ensign, Nov. 1982, 53).
Some of the last words the great prophet Lehi spoke are recorded in 2 Nephi 4. After his father’s death, Nephi recorded some thoughts and feelings about his own spirituality. He wrote about them in a poetic form—much like the psalms of the Old Testament. Consequently, 2 Nephi 4:16–35 has often been called the “psalm of Nephi.” This psalm can be a source of strength for any who love the Lord and want to serve Him but feel weighed down by their weaknesses.
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Do activities A and B as you study 2 Nephi 4.
Remembering the Prophet Lehi
Review Lehi’s last words in 2 Nephi 4:1–11. Consider what you have learned from and about Lehi since 1 Nephi 1 and list three examples of his character that should be remembered about him. For each item, explain why you chose it and how you think remembering it would be a blessing to his descendants.
Write the Things of Your SoulIn 2 Nephi 4:15–35, we read some of “the things of [Nephi’s] soul” (v. 15). This is a good block of scripture to read aloud. After you have read it, choose five phrases or sentences from what Nephi said that are also a part of “the things of [your] soul.” Explain why you feel each is important to you.
Despite Lehi’s counsel to be united (see 2 Nephi 1:21), there was a division in the family because of Laman and Lemuel’s continued jealousy and anger toward their brother Nephi. But, just as Nephi testified in 1 Nephi 1:20, the Lord was merciful in delivering the faithful. As you read 2 Nephi 5, notice the difference in the way the two groups of people lived as a result of their attitudes and actions.
2 Nephi 5:20–25—“The Cursing” Was Not “a Skin of Blackness”“The cursing” that the Lord caused to come upon the rebellious Lamanites was to be cut off from His presence (see 2 Nephi 5:20–21). The Lord caused “a skin of blackness to come upon them” so that the Nephites would not mix, or intermarry, with them and bring the curse upon themselves (see vv. 21–23). |
Do activity A as you study 2 Nephi 5.
Identify the DifferencesDraw a chart like the following in your notebook and fill it in with information you find in the references given:
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Nephites |
What to Look For |
Lamanites |
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How did the leaders feel? What did they do? (see 2 Nephi 5:1–4, 12, 14–18, 26, 29, 31–32). |
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What did the people do? (see vv. 6–11, 15, 17, 20–22, 24–27). |
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What were the results? (see vv. 11, 13, 16, 20–22, 25–27, 34). |
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The Nephites “lived after the manner of happiness” (2 Nephi 5:27). Review 2 Nephi 5, use the index or Topical Guide to find other scriptures on “happiness,” and list three ways to live “after the manner of happiness.”
In 2 Nephi 5:26, we read that Nephi set apart Jacob and Joseph to be “priests and teachers” to the Nephites. Some of Jacob’s teachings are recorded in 2 Nephi 6–10, which is a two-day sermon he gave to the Nephite people. In much of chapters 6–8, Jacob quoted the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 49:22–52:2). He also explained why he quoted those passages and what the people should do to understand them better. You may want to first read chapters 6–10, keeping the following information in mind. Then go back and study each chapter using the helps in this study guide.
“That ye may learn and glorify the name of your God” (2 Nephi 6:4). As you read chapters 6–8, look for what Jacob taught about God and how he encouraged his people to glorify Him (to love and follow Him with humility and respect).
“They may be likened unto you” (2 Nephi 6:5). This is the second time a Book of Mormon prophet has said to liken the words of Isaiah to ourselves (see 1 Nephi 19:23; see also “Liken the Scripture,” p. 4 of this study guide).
In 2 Nephi 6:8–15, Jacob explained the meaning of some of the passages he read to his people.
“I have read these things that ye might know concerning the covenants of the Lord” (2 Nephi 9:1). As you read chapters 6–8, consider what is taught about the covenants of the Lord—what they are and why the Lord is so committed to fulfilling them.
“I speak unto you these things that ye may rejoice” (2 Nephi 9:3). As you read the words of Isaiah, think about how they give you reason to rejoice.
In 2 Nephi 9:4–54, Jacob discussed the doctrine behind Isaiah’s message.
In 2 Nephi 10, Jacob concluded the sermon he had begun the previous day.
2 Nephi 6:6–18—In What Order Will These Events Occur?The events written of in 2 Nephi 6 are not listed in the order in which they happened or will happen. If the events were placed chronologically, the approximate order of the verses would be 8–11, 6–7, 11–18. The following outlines the topics dealt with in these verses:
2 Nephi 6:7, 13—“Wait” for the LordThe word wait, as used by Isaiah, means to remain strongly attached while staying put, or still, until something expected occurs. To “wait upon the Lord” is to remain true to Him until the time when He sees fit to pour out the full measure of His blessings. 2 Nephi 6:12—The “Great and Abominable Church”See the “Understanding the Scriptures” section for 1 Nephi 13:5–9 (p. 24). 2 Nephi 6:14—The Lord Will Recover His People a Second TimeThe first time the Lord recovered His people, Israel, was when He brought them out of Egypt and sought to establish them in their promised land. The second time He seeks to recover His people is in this dispensation. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: “The time has at last arrived when the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, has set his hand again the second time to recover the remnants of his people” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 14). The keys of this gathering were restored by Moses in the Kirtland Temple in 1836 (see D&C 110:11). |
Do activity C and either A or B as you study 2 Nephi 6.
Why Should I Listen?Imagine you are living at the time of Jacob. From what you read in 2 Nephi 6:1–4, list at least three reasons you would give to encourage a friend to join you and listen to Jacob’s teachings.
Explain how those reasons apply to listening to our priesthood leaders today.
Explain the DifferenceRead Jacob’s account of the first and second times Jesus Christ would “manifest himself” (see 2 Nephi 6:8–10, 14–15). Compare the two appearances by noting their similarities and differences.
Why do you think the Savior’s second coming will be so different from His first coming?
Liken the ScripturesNephi and Jacob told their people that they should liken or apply the scriptures, especially the words of Isaiah, to themselves (see 1 Nephi 19:23; 2 Nephi 6:5). To liken the scriptures to ourselves is to learn what a passage of scripture means, determine what the principles are, and apply those principles to our lives. Study 2 Nephi 6:6–18 and list at least three principles, or truths, and tell how they apply to your life.
Isaiah’s remarkably detailed prophecy of the Messiah, found in Isaiah 50 in the Bible, is also recorded in 2 Nephi 7. See the introduction to 2 Nephi 6 for a more detailed introduction to this and other chapters taken from the writings of Isaiah.
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Do activities A and B as you study 2 Nephi 7.
Find a MessageSearch 2 Nephi 7 and find a message you think would help the following people. Write the message in your notebook and explain why you think it would help each of the people.
A person who has not obeyed the commandments and feels that the Lord will not help him or her anymore.
A person who is having a difficult time understanding why it is important to follow the Lord’s commandments.
A ProphecyWhich verses in 2 Nephi 7 were written by Isaiah yet sound as though they were spoken by Jesus Christ? Explain why.
Is there anything or anyone you can always depend on in this life? Isaiah’s answer to that question can be found in 2 Nephi 8. As you read that chapter, ponder what a blessing it is to build your life on a foundation that will never fail.
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Do activities A and B as you study 2 Nephi 8.
In Your Own WordsIn 2 Nephi 8:17–21 (see also Isaiah 51:17–21) the Lord invited Israel to awake to the fact that there is neither peace nor comfort in sin. In contrast, the Lord testified of the peace and comfort that come from following Him. Read 2 Nephi 8:3, 6–8, 11–12, 22–24 and list, using your own words, what the Lord said to Israel about those who trust and follow Him.
Liken the ScripturesSelect one of the following statements and write what you might say to a friend who expressed such feelings. Use what you learned in 2 Nephi 8 and include one or more of the Lord’s promises you identified in activity A.
“I know I should repent and return to church and live according to gospel teachings, but I’m worried about what my friends and employer will think and say. I would have to change my life a lot!”
“I’ve been trying to repent, but I feel guilty all the time. Can I ever really be forgiven and feel clean again? And even if I repent—I’ve already hurt so many others through my sins. What’s the use?”
“Why should I repent? How is living a religious life better than the way I am living now?”
The chapters of Isaiah that Jacob quoted in 2 Nephi 6–8 revealed much about the power of the Lord to deliver His people. Although Isaiah testified of what the Lord will do for the house of Israel to deliver them from their enemies and gather them to their promised lands, Jacob encouraged the likening of Isaiah’s words to our individual lives (see 2 Nephi 6:5). A great example of likening Isaiah’s teachings is found in 2 Nephi 9 as Jacob taught and testified of the Lord’s power to deliver us from our greatest enemies—death and hell. This chapter contains important truths about Heavenly Father’s plan for His children, including the importance of the Atonement of Jesus Christ in that plan.
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Do two of the following activities (A–D) as you study 2 Nephi 9.
God’s Divine NatureThe Prophet Joseph Smith taught that one of the things necessary in order to “exercise faith in God unto life and salvation” is to have “a correct idea of [God’s] character, perfections, and attributes” (Lectures on Faith [1985], 38). List what you learn about God from Jacob’s exclamatory statements (the statements that begin with the exclamation “O”) in 2 Nephi 9:8, 10, 13, 17, 19–20.
Write the QuestionsOne method of studying the scriptures is to ponder on the fact that what you are reading contains important answers from God and then to ask yourself “What were the questions?” Many important truths about Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation for His children are contained in 2 Nephi 9:5–27. Write at least five important doctrinal questions that can be answered from these verses. After each question, include the answer from 2 Nephi 9.
Scripture Mastery—2 Nephi 9:28–29How does the doctrine taught in 2 Nephi 9:20 relate to the problem Jacob said some people had? (see vv. 28–29).
Use 2 Nephi 9:28–29 to help you explain what you might say to a Church member who made the following statements:
“I’m not going to try very hard to get an education. It’s all unnecessary and only temporary.”
“It’s alright to drink a little alcohol. Some scientists say that people who drink a little are more healthy than those who do not drink at all.”
“I don’t know why they called him to that position in the Church. I have much more experience than he does, and he’s really not that smart when it comes to the scriptures.”
Draw a PictureSketch a drawing with the images mentioned in 2 Nephi 9:41–42.
Jacob again discussed the future of the house of Israel in 2 Nephi 10. He prophesied concerning what would happen to the Jews, what would happen to his own people, and what would happen to the Gentiles who inherit the lands of his people. Look for why the Jews were scattered and for what must happen before they are gathered home again. Notice also what Jacob said we must do before we can be “received into the eternal kingdom of God” (v. 25).
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Do activity A or B as you study 2 Nephi 10.
Finish the SentencesThe Jewish nation was the only nation on earth that would . . . (See 2 Nephi 10:3–4.)
The people in Jerusalem crucified Jesus because of their . . . (See vv. 4–5.)
Because of their sins, the Jews . . . (See v. 6.)
The Jews will be gathered . . . (See vv. 7–9.)
What to RememberFrom his testimony in 2 Nephi 10:23–24, what two main ideas did Jacob want his people to remember? What does it mean to be “reconciled unto God”?
How would your life be different if you always remembered those two truths?
Write about two ways you are going to try to remember those two truths in the next week.
After reading Jacob’s words in the previous five chapters, we return again to the words of Nephi. Nephi also quoted from the prophet Isaiah, and in 2 Nephi 11 he gave some of his reasons for doing so.
In the introductory pages of the Book of Mormon you read the testimony of three special witnesses to the Book of Mormon. In 2 Nephi 11 you will read about three special witnesses in the Book of Mormon. Look for what they are witnesses of.
2 Nephi 11:4—How Are “All Things Which Have Been Given of God” Symbolic of the Savior?Nephi testified that “all things which have been given of God” are types or symbols of Jesus Christ, His life, ministry, and Atonement. To the prophet Moses, the Lord declared, “All things are created and made to bear record of me” (Moses 6:63). The life and mission of Moses is a good example of how this is true. What Moses did for the Israelites in his day is an example, or pattern, of what Jesus Christ would do for all mankind. Moses was a deliverer, a savior, a lawgiver, a judge, and a guide for his people. On a far grander scale, Jesus Christ is all that and more to all of Heavenly Father’s children. It is not just the prophets’ lives that remind us of the Savior. Jesus Himself used many ordinary things to symbolize His role in our lives. For example, He taught that He was like bread (see John 6:35), water (see John 7:37–38), light (see John 8:12), a vine (see John 15:5), and even a hen (see Matthew 23:37). Elder Bruce R. McConkie, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught: “If we had sufficient insight, we would see in every gospel ordinance, in every rite that is part of revealed religion, in every performance commanded of God, in all things Deity gives his people, something that typifies the eternal ministry of the Eternal Christ” (The Promised Messiah: The First Coming of Christ [1978], 378). |
Do activity A or B as you study 2 Nephi 11.
Who? Where? Why?Who are the three special witnesses of Christ mentioned in 2 Nephi 11?
Using the study helps in your scriptures, write the scripture reference showing where each man’s witness can be found.
Why do you think Nephi wanted us to know of these witnesses? In your answer, use what Nephi said in 2 Nephi 11 as well as your own thoughts.
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What Brings You Enjoyment?Find the five times Nephi said “my soul delighteth” in 2 Nephi 11. List what he said brought him enjoyment and satisfaction.
Write three “my soul delighteth” statements of your own—in the same style as Nephi’s—that represent what brings you enjoyment and satisfaction, and explain why.
The next thirteen chapters, 2 Nephi 12–24, are quoted from the book of Isaiah (see Isaiah 2–14). Nephi said he included Isaiah’s words because they contained Isaiah’s testimony of Christ and so that all who read them might “lift up their hearts and rejoice for all men” (2 Nephi 11:8; see also v. 2). Repeating what he and his brother Jacob had taught before, Nephi said to “liken” the words of Isaiah to ourselves (2 Nephi 11:8; see also 1 Nephi 19:23; 2 Nephi 6:5). We liken the scriptures to ourselves when we try to identify how something that happened in the scriptures has application in our lives today.
After quoting from the book of Isaiah, Nephi wrote about understanding the message of Isaiah. You may want to read 2 Nephi 25:1–8 before reading 2 Nephi 12–24 and find what Nephi taught about the prophecies of Isaiah. Isaiah wrote in a different style from other writers in the Book of Mormon. He used poetry and symbolic language after the manner of the Jews to convey his message. As you look for the principles of the gospel represented by his poetry and symbolism and liken them to our day and to yourself, you will find many passages in these chapters that are very meaningful to you.
When Isaiah prophesied, there were two kingdoms of Israelites—the southern kingdom of Judah and the northern kingdom of Israel (also called Ephraim). Many Israelites in both kingdoms had turned from the Lord and had put their trust in idols and in their own wisdom and strength. In addition, both nations were continually threatened by war with hostile neighbors, particularly the powerful nation of Assyria. Isaiah’s messages clearly identified the sins of the Israelites, the consequences of those sins, what the people could do to repent, and the tender mercies of the Lord available to them if they would repent. These messages may be likened to all covenant people who have strayed from the Lord.
2 Nephi 12:2–4—“The Mountain of the Lord’s House”
In Isaiah’s day, the phrase “mountain of the Lord’s house” specifically referred to the temple in Jerusalem. Prophets in our day have taught that it refers also to all temples, which become “mountains of the Lord” where people may come and learn of God’s ways so they can walk in His paths. President Howard W. Hunter taught that Isaiah’s vision applies both to individuals and to the whole world. After encouraging members to “make the temple, with temple worship and temple covenants and temple marriage, our ultimate earthly goal and the supreme mortal experience,” he gave the following invitation and promise: “May you let the meaning and beauty and peace of the temple come into your everyday life more directly in order that the millennial day may come, that promised time when ‘they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more . . . [but shall] walk in the light of the Lord’ (Isa. 2:4–5)” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 118; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, 88).
2 Nephi 12:12—“The Day of the Lord”“The day of the Lord” is a phrase that refers to a time of judgment. For the many Israelites, it was when the Assyrians and the Babylonians came to conquer. The Second Coming of Christ will be a “day of the Lord” when the wicked will be destroyed. On an individual level, the day of the Lord may be the day we die and return to God or simply a time when we realize our circumstances are beyond our control and we need the Lord’s help. As quoted in 2 Nephi 12:10–22, Isaiah dramatically described how earthly things that seem so valuable to some will mean nothing at that day. |
Do activity A as you study 2 Nephi 12.
Picture the MessageAs quoted in 2 Nephi 12:2–4, Isaiah prophesied of the blessings that would come to Israel when they placed the temple and its ordinances and covenants above all earthly things. In 2 Nephi 12:5–9 is his description of what the people felt was important and what they trusted in instead of the Lord. Draw a picture that represents Isaiah’s message in 2 Nephi 12:1–9. You could draw it, make a collage using pictures from magazines and newspapers, or use a combination of both. Include what you think are modern examples of the idols and false ways of obtaining guidance that Isaiah spoke about in verses 6–9.
In 2 Nephi 13:1–12 is the continuation of Isaiah’s discussion of what would happen if the Israelites persisted in putting their trust in false religions. Isaiah called the Israelites the “daughters of Zion” (v. 16), which represents the idea that they are children of the covenant, and he likened them to a prideful woman who becomes humiliated. In contrast, in 2 Nephi 14 is Isaiah’s description of what would happen when the daughters of Zion humble themselves, repent, and turn to the Lord.
2 Nephi 13–14—When Will Isaiah’s Prophecy Be Fulfilled?A characteristic of many of Isaiah’s prophecies is that they can have more than one fulfillment. A fulfillment of the tragedy described in 2 Nephi 13 (Isaiah 3) can be seen in the events surrounding the fall of Judah and Jerusalem (see 2 Nephi 13:8; Isaiah 3:8) at the hands of the Babylonians about 587 B.C. Notice, however, that the heading to 2 Nephi 14 clearly places one fulfillment of those events in the “millennial day.” When we look at 2 Nephi 13 symbolically, it is not difficult to see described in those verses the sins of these last days.
2 Nephi 14:1—Seven WomenContinuing with the image of the daughters of Zion that was begun in 2 Nephi 13, chapter 14 contains Isaiah’s description of women who were so humbled by their situation that seven of them would be willing to be married to the same man. The Lord frequently uses marriage to symbolize the covenant relationship between Him and His Church; the Lord is the groom and the Church is the bride. By being unfaithful and worshiping idols, Israel had symbolically left the Lord and married another. As described in 2 Nephi 12–13, however, those idols provide no protection and are destroyed in “the day of the Lord” (see 2 Nephi 12:12–13). Then Israel realizes that what she put her trust in provides no help (see 2 Nephi 13:18). And 2 Nephi 14:1 symbolically describes the humility of the daughters of Zion as they seek to become married again, or return to the Lord. That kind of humility results in their redemption and cleansing (see 2 Nephi 14:2–4). |
Do activity A as you study 2 Nephi 13–14.
Find the TopicsIn 2 Nephi 13–14 are several powerful images Isaiah used to describe what keeps people from coming unto Christ, as well as important principles that relate to coming unto Christ. Write the following topics in your notebook. After each topic, write words and phrases from 2 Nephi 13–14 that describe what Isaiah taught about them and the verses where you found the words and phrases.
Pride and worldliness
Sorrow for sin
God’s power to cleanse us from sin and guilt
The power of keeping covenants in protecting us from evil
In 2 Nephi 15 (Isaiah 5) is Isaiah’s continued identification of the sins of the children of Israel and their consequences if the people did not repent. If you read carefully, you will see that the sins of the people of Isaiah’s day are much like sins people commit today.
2 Nephi 15:8—“Them That Join House to House”Each family in Israel was assigned a certain portion of land when they entered the promised land in the days of Moses and Joshua. This land was not to be sold (see Leviticus 25:23–24; 1 Kings 21:1–3), but greedy people would try to obtain it anyway. “Joining house to house” refers to attempts of the greedy to buy up all the land in Israel. |
Do activity A as you study 2 Nephi 15.
Modernize the MessageThe word wo refers to a condition of deep sadness. Isaiah used it six times as he identified the sins of the Israelites (see 2 Nephi 15:8–22). He knew that if they did not repent, the consequences of their sins would bring deep sadness—especially at the time of judgment. If Isaiah were a prophet on earth today, he would probably find the same kinds of sins. Write a modern “wo” statement for each of the six things Isaiah condemned. Each should contain an example of the way people commit, or are tempted to commit, these sins today.
Nephi said that Isaiah had seen the Lord (see 2 Nephi 11:2). Isaiah’s account of his vision and his calling to be a prophet is quoted in 2 Nephi 16. The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “Every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of heaven before this world was” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 365).
2 Nephi 16:2—Why Did the Seraphim Have Wings?The wings represented their power to move, to act, and to do other things (see D&C 77:4). 2 Nephi 16:8—Isaiah Followed the Savior’s ExampleIsaiah’s response to the call to serve was similar to the way Jesus Christ responded in the premortal life (see Moses 4:1; Abraham 3:27). 2 Nephi 16:9–11—What Was Isaiah Supposed to Do When He Preached?Verse 9 explains that although Isaiah would make the truth known to his people, they would reject it. The tone of verse 10 is therefore ironic or sarcastic. The Lord said that the more Isaiah taught the truth, the more the people would close their eyes and ears to it. Therefore, Isaiah’s calling was to teach and testify until the people’s ears were entirely shut and their eyes entirely closed or, as verse 11 says, until there is no one to preach to. Mormon and Moroni were given a similar calling later in the Book of Mormon (see Moroni 9:6).
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Do activity A as you study 2 Nephi 16.
What Is the Lesson?How did Isaiah feel in the presence of the Lord? (see v. 5).
What changed the way he felt? (see vv. 6–7).
What does this teach us about what we must do in order to stand in the presence of the Lord with confidence?
Chapters 17–19 of 2 Nephi (Isaiah 7–9) center around specific historical events and people from Isaiah’s time (he prophesied from approximately 740–700 B.C.). The kingdom of Judah—to whom Isaiah prophesied in these chapters—was threatened by the northern kingdom of Israel (called Ephraim), who joined with Syria to attack Judah (see 2 Nephi 17:1–2). The Lord’s message through the prophet Isaiah was that the people of Judah should trust the Lord and He would deliver them. They were not to join with other nations for protection (see 2 Nephi 18:11–12) nor listen to any other advice (see vv. 19–22), but simply trust the Lord (see vv. 8–10, 13–17).
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| Places referred to in 2 Nephi 17–19 [click for scalable version] |
Perhaps the most important reason the Lord promised to deliver the kingdom of Judah was because when He came to fulfill His mortal ministry He would be born in the family of Judah as a direct descendant of King David. Consequently, He would preserve His people until that promised event occurred (see 2 Nephi 20:27; remember that the word Messiah means “the anointed one”). As you read these chapters, look for important prophecies about the birth and mission of Jesus Christ that are found throughout Isaiah’s words to the Jews. Also consider how Isaiah’s message of trusting in the power of the Lord’s deliverance applies to you personally, as well as to all who are waiting for the Second Coming of the Messiah.
2 Nephi 17:8, 16—A Prophecy against the Enemies of JudahThis prophecy of the destruction of Ephraim (the northern kingdom of Israel) and Syria was fulfilled in 721 B.C. when they were conquered by Assyria (see also 2 Nephi 18:4). The Assyrians carried away captive many Israelites of the northern kingdom (see 2 Kings 17:22–23) and they became known as “the lost tribes of Israel” (see 3 Nephi 15:15; 17:4).
2 Nephi 18:1–8—Maher-shalal-hash-bazIn 2 Nephi 17, we read that the Lord promised Ahaz, the king of Judah, that He would be with the people of Judah and preserve them. As a sign, the Lord told Ahaz that a woman would have a son and his name would be Immanuel, which means “God with us.” Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught: “There are plural or parallel elements to this prophecy, as with so much of Isaiah’s writing. The most immediate meaning was probably focused on Isaiah’s wife, a pure and good woman who brought forth a son about this time, the child becoming a type and shadow of the greater, later fulfillment of the prophecy that would be realized in the birth of Jesus Christ” (Christ and the New Covenant [1997], 79). In 2 Nephi 18 we read that Isaiah’s wife had a baby and the Lord said to name him Maher-shalal-hash-baz, which means “to speed to the spoil, he hasteneth the prey,” or “destruction is about to occur.” The king of Judah rejected Isaiah’s counsel and instead of God being with them, they would experience destruction at the hands of the Assyrians. As recorded in later prophecies of Isaiah, however, the Lord did not allow the Assyrians to entirely destroy the people of Judah. He preserved the city of Jerusalem for another 100 years, when they would be taken captive by a less destructive conqueror—the Babylonians. Eventually, this merciful protection of the Lord provided a way for Jews to return to Jerusalem and for Jesus to be born of the Jews in the land prophesied in scripture, and thus give greater fulfillment to the prophecy given to Ahaz by Isaiah (see 2 Nephi 17:14).
2 Nephi 19:1–7—Prophecies about the Area of Galilee
The northernmost part of Israel, near the sea of Galilee, was the area of Israel first attacked by enemies who came from the north (see the map on p. 48). When those conquering armies came, this area suffered the most destruction. Isaiah’s prophecy quoted in 2 Nephi 19:1–7 promised this area deliverance through a child, a descendant of David, who was also their “Mighty God.” This area of Galilee is where Jesus spent much of His mortal ministry. As recorded in 2 Nephi 19:5, He removed their captivity and burdens not with physical battle, but by the inner burnings of the Holy Ghost (see also D&C 19:31). |
Do activity A as you study 2 Nephi 17–19.
Prophecies about Jesus ChristWhat verse from 2 Nephi 17 (Isaiah 7) does Matthew 1:20–23 show was fulfilled? You may want to cross-reference these two scriptures.
List the names and titles of Jesus Christ found in 2 Nephi 18:13–14; 19:6. Next to each, write why it is an appropriate name or title for Him.
The Lord allowed the Assyrians to conquer the northern kingdom of Israel. He also allowed them to destroy many parts of the kingdom of Judah. In 2 Nephi 20 (Isaiah 10), we read what the Lord said about the Assyrians and about why they were not allowed to entirely conquer Judah.
As you read this chapter, think of ways that Isaiah’s words might apply to the Lord’s people in the last days and to those who persecute them. The teachings in this chapter may also be likened to a person who has turned from the Lord and feels God’s judgments upon him or her and who wonders if there is any hope for a return to Him.
2 Nephi 20:28–34—Cities in Israel and JudahThese verses describe an army coming from the north toward Jerusalem, destroying cities along the way. When the army reached Jerusalem, the Lord would cut the enemies down and the Jews would be preserved. One historical fulfillment of this is recorded in Isaiah 36–37. |
Do activity A as you study 2 Nephi 20.
Identify the PrincipleAccording to 2 Nephi 20:13–16, what attitudes of the Assyrians angered the Lord? (These same attitudes caused the Israelites to bring trouble upon themselves; see 2 Nephi 12:8–9; 15:21). What are ways that people show these same attitudes today?
According to verses 20–22, what change will a remnant of the children of Israel make that will bring them back to the Lord? How might this apply to people today who want to, or need to, return to the Lord?
When Moroni visited the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1823, he told Joseph that Isaiah 11 (which is quoted in 2 Nephi 21) “was about to be fulfilled” (Joseph Smith—History 1:40). That helps us understand that Isaiah’s prophecies quoted in 2 Nephi 21–22 are about the last days and the millennial reign of Christ.
These chapters would have been a source of hope to Israelites who understood that even though the Lord would cut down His people for their wickedness, out of the stem, or stump that would be left after the cutting was done, would come the Messiah (see 2 Nephi 21:1). This message can also give hope to individuals who feel they have had misfortunes in their lives. God has the power to make great things come out of that which appears devastated. Those who take advantage of His merciful blessings may feel to sing praises to God like those found in 2 Nephi 22.
2 Nephi 21:1–5—Jesus Christ Is the Branch
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, speaking of 2 Nephi 21, taught, “It is clear from the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants that the principle character in this passage is Jesus Christ” (Christ and the New Covenant, 86; see also 2 Nephi 30:7–9; D&C 113:1–6). Jesse, referred to in 2 Nephi 21:1, was the father of King David and, consequently, the father of the kingly line in Israel. Although kings from David’s line no longer reigned in Judah at the time of Christ’s birth, Jesus was born to that kingly line (see Matthew 1:1–17). Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah and was born in a time when the kingdom of Judah was more like a stump than the mighty growing tree it once was in the time of David and Solomon. |
Do activity A as you study 2 Nephi 21–22.
Learn More about Jesus ChristList what you learn about the Savior from 2 Nephi 21:1–5; 22:1–6.
Choose one item from your list that inspires you to “lift up your heart and rejoice,” as Nephi hoped in 2 Nephi 11:8. Explain why it inspires and lifts you.
The kingdom of Judah was spared from destruction at the hands of the Assyrians in 721 B.C. However, because of the increasing wickedness of the people of Judah, the Babylonians conquered them about 587 B.C. It was to escape that destruction that the Lord led Lehi and his family away from Jerusalem. Babylon was a very worldly, idolatrous nation. These prophecies of Isaiah show that even though the Lord used Babylon to punish Judah, Babylon’s day of judgment would come just as Judah’s had.
Because of Babylon’s worldliness and wickedness, it became a symbol for all worldliness and wickedness (see D&C 1:16; 133:14). The destruction of the spiritual Babylon will occur at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Consider how these prophecies of Isaiah will apply at that time and how they can encourage you to be faithful in a world where Babylon seems to have power. Note also in 2 Nephi 24 (Isaiah 14) that Isaiah compared the king of Babylon to Lucifer. From that passage we learn how Lucifer fell in the premortal life.
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| Photo by Gerald Silver on Lynn Hilton Expedition, 1976 |
2 Nephi 23:11, 15, 19—The Sin of PrideWe read in 2 Nephi 23–24 that God condemned Babylon for the same kinds of sins that He condemned in the Isr |
