Jacob 1

Nephi has passed his records to his brother Jacob who writes about his preaching. He confounds men who try to overthrow the doctrine of Christ and records some of the history of the people of Nephi.

In the first chapter, both Jacob and Joseph are mentioned. They are the two brothers of Nephi born after Lehi left Jerusalem and they were called to be priests and teachers way back in 2Ne 5:26. They are now preaching to persuade men to believe in Christ just as Nephi has done. Unfortunately, wickedness prevails among the Nephites and Nephi dies in this chapter.

It's been 55 years since Lehi's family left Jerusalem and Nephi tells Jacob precious things should be written in the small played and the history will be written in his other plates (v1-4). As leaders of the church in their day, Jacob and Nephi gave been shown what will happen to their people but they continue to labor diligently to persuade them to believe in Christ's goodness (v5-7). They love their people and have been commanded to spread the word of The Lord all their days which Nephi has done and as his last duty anoints a man to be king (v8-9).

The people loved Nephi because of the love he has shown then, and they showed their love back by being called his people and by naming their rulers after him (v10-12). It might be confusing to hear about the separate groups of people so Jacob only distinguish people by Lamanites or Nephites depending who people are friendly with (v13-14).  It's hard to say Nephi appointed a bad ruler but under him, the people began to be wicked and search for riches (v15-16).

Jacob continues to lead the church by calling priests and teachers to be on The Lord's errand and teach the people (v17-18). What I find interesting is the obligation to this task. Because they were called of God, they magnified their calling and taught so the sins of the people would not be upon them. If they did not teach the people, the sinning in ignorance would be a stain in their garments (v19).

2Ne Ch33

This is the last chapter in 2 Nephi!! It contains is testimony of Christ and anyone who believe Christ should believe in Nephi's words. They will stand as a witness to be judged by.

Nephi considers himself a better public speaker than written but he has done both by the power of the Holy Ghost which means it is of great worth (v1-2). The Lord answers his prayers and makes his words strong that speaks plainly to persuade men to believe in Jesus and against sin in truthfulness (v3-6). He cares for his people very deeply and for the Jews and Gentiles who will read his words (v7-9).

Nephi has born his testimony of Christ in all that he has written and they are the words he was commanded to write by God (v10). Ask yourself whether these are of Christ, he will show you the truth (v11). Nephi wants us to join him in the Father's kingdom and prays for us to meet again and those who are righteous he looks forward to seeing (v12-13). But those who are not, Nephi bids an everlasting farewell too because he knows these words will be a judgment against all who read them (v14-15). 

2Ne Ch32

There are two separate scripture mysteries in this chapter (for those who know that those are), v3 and v8-9. It's a short chapter but it's also somewhat a how-to guide for enduring to the end once you've entered into the gate onto the path.

From the previous chapter, it is good to ponder on what ye should do to endure to the end (v1). Nephi has said once we are baptized we receive the blessing of the Holy Ghost and are able to speak with angels and should feast on the words of Christ (v2-3). To gain a full understanding of the words, ask of God because it will be shown unto you by the Holy Ghost (v4-5). 

So far at this time when Nephi is writing these things, the doctrine of Christ is the law of Moses and when Christ comes again, He will give the new law (v6). Nephi isn't able to tell all that he knows because the people are not ready for the knowledge but he encourages them to think on the truths he has spoken (v7-8). His people ponder in their hearts but don't always turn to the spirit to teach them. They must pray always unto the Father and avoid anything that teaches men not to pray because it is of the devil (v8-9).

2Ne Ch31

In this chapter we find out why Christ was baptized, and why we should follow his example to be baptized. There is a five step process explained on how to receive eternal life.

1. Have faith

2. Repent

3. Be baptized

4. Recieve the Holy Ghost

5. Endure to the end

Nephi wishes he could write more than what he has written but he writes what he finds most important plainly because it is pleasing to The Lord (v1-3). These words of The Lord say that all men should be baptized because even the Lamb of God who was perfect was baptized (v4-5). He did so to fulfill all righteousness and obey the Father's commandments to receive the Holy Ghost (v6-8).

His example shows us the path to follow and we were even told by Him, "Follow thou me" by repenting and being baptized in the name of the Beloved Son (v9-11). Our Savour has promised us the gift of the Holy Ghost and other blessings if we do this (v12-13). It is important that it is a full commitment to The Lord because once you take upon His name in baptism there is heavy penalty for denying Him, it is a witness of the Father (v14-15). 

These are the first steps of being saved because it gets you in the gate and on the path; the last is to endure to the end and follow that narrow path of righteousness (v16-19). My favorite verse (one of many) is v20 when it describes our attitude as we love God and press forward feasting on His word and enduring to the end which is eternal life. This is the only way to get that eternal life of happiness (v21). It is told to us simply and given to us to follow.

2Ne Ch30

Good news! Gentiles who are converted will be numbered with the covenant people. Even Lamanites and Jews will become delightsome. It is predicted that Israel will be restored while the wicked destroyed. 

Nephi speaks concerning the righteousness of the Gentiles and how many will not be destroyed because they repent and follow the commandments (v1-2). After the Book of Mormon comes forth, many will believe it and carry it's words to the remnant of Nephi's seed so they get the chance to receive it (v3-5). They will realize their history and be gathered unto The Lord to be restored (v6-8).

The Lord will come and judge and cause a division among the people between the righteous and wicked (v9-11). Once the wicked are cast off, there will be peace between all creatures with full knowledge of all things (v12-15). There will be no secrets because there won't need to be and no darkness or kept sealed from us (v16-17). With all this knowledge of truth, satan will have no power over our hearts for a long time (v18).

2Ne Ch29

For anyone who actually reads this who isn't a member of The Chrurch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints please do not be offended or take my words the wrong way. (Or past posts!) This chapter is about the reaction to the Book of Mormon by certain people. The Lord speaks to everyone and judges by the words heard.

When The Lord's marvelous work starts (which it has) to recover His people he will remember His promises (v1-2). The promise is that the words that Nephi writes will be brought the Gentiles but many will say 'we don't need new scripture' (v3). But The Lord will say they are foolish for saying that because of the way they treat the bible and that history because there are more nations than one (v4-7). 

Why would someone complain to receive more direction from The Lord? Many words are the same in both records because God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (v8-9). The Lord commands everyone who received words from him to record them because that is the means by which we shall be judged (v10-12). That's why it's also important to read them!

In this day, we all have the words from the Jews and the Nephites from The Lord to read and learn from (v13). There is great knowledge in these words because The Lord warns us, directs us, and shows his love. He has said there is a gathering and those who follow him will be saved. We can read the covenants he hasafe and know for ourselves (v14).

2Ne Ch28

In this chapter, we will be learning about false churches, teachers, and doctrines of the apostasy. The last part of the chapter contains some of the coolest and most amazing knowledge and warnings.

Nephi has spoken according to the Spirit and knows what he has said about future events will come to pass making it of great worth to everyone who reads them (v1-2). In the last day, there will be many churches not of God and will fight against each other while denying the power of God (v3-5). They claim to know God and tell people many lies to justify sin and lift themselves up but they are wrong in their foolishness and are corrupt (v6-12). They do this to rob the poor and build their kingdom on Earth but The Lord condemns them and will destroy them (v13-16).

Only those who repent will be saved and all who are with the devil will perish (v17-19). The devil will make men angry or overly pacify them or flatter them away from The Lord to carefully and cunningly lead them to Hell to be tortured (v20-23). DO NOT BE AT EASE IN ZION. The rest of the chapter is AMAZING (v24-32)! It basically says that if you think everything is perfect in you're life, you are in trouble! There is a war going on for our soul and we must fight everyday to protect it from satan.

Don't assume that just because you know a lot about how The Lord works means you should stop working for more knowledge. We already know that our knowledge is limited in the scriptures. There is sealed information that The Lord has yet to reveal! We must be ready for that knowledge by learning all we can from why we have. Then when we think we know everything, keep asking for more because if you say you have enough, The Lord will take away what you're not using (v29-30). If you only out your trust in man, you'll miss The Lord's had stretched out in mercy to you (v31-32). 

2Ne Ch27

Here is another chapter that has quotes from Isaiah in ch29 but it's not a complete copy like the before. Nephi interprets part of the beginning and prophecies about the last days. Testifies of the coming of the Book of Mormon and three witnesses. Then quotes Isaiah about how the learned man cannot read the sealed book and The Lord's marvelous work and a wonder.

In the last days there will be an immense amount of iniquity and The Lord will visit with great destruction and those who fight against Zion will fall (v1-3). The Lord punishes the ones who reject the prophets by preventing them from recieving the knowledge of the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon (v4-8). We know some knowledge from it but other is sealed until The Lord sees fit to reveal it and it will be read upon the house tops to everyone (v9-11).

All the knowledge is in the book that has been seen by three witnesses who bare testimony of it so the words which are translated will be believed (v12-14). Here is where Nephi is starting to quote from Isaiah. In v15-18 we see hints of Isaiah 29:11-12 speaking of how the learned cannot read the book. This is why The Lord gives the book to Joseph Smith who is not learned and who is given power to read them because he will accept them and follow God's instructions (v19-23).

The rest of the chapter is almost word for word from Isaiah 29:13-24. In Isaiah the verses that correspond to v25-26 are scripture mastery and considered worth memorizing! The concept worth knowing in those verses is to not be a hypocrite and love God with you're whole heart. Those who seek to conspire against The Lord have nowhere to hide because The Lord sees all and will judge accordingly (v27-28). The last days will bring forth meek and humble to rejoice in The Lord because they see the blessings of being righteous (v29-31). The sinner will not be important and the righteous will be sanctified and everyone will come to understand the doctrine (v32-35). 

Some of that last part may be a little off but it is my testimony that The Lord sees all our actions and knows our intentions. He will judge us according to the knowledge we have. He loves us and wants us to know the whole truth when we are ready for it.

2Ne Ch26

More of Nephi telling of the future, how Christ will come to the Nephites and eventually his people will be destroyed. Then even farther into the future to our day he foresees the many churches built and all the secret combinations. We are forbidden by The Lord to practice priest crafts.

Christ will rise from the dead and then come visit the Nephites to lay the new law yet there will be war, contention and wickedness to cause his seed to perish (v1-3). The wicked will be punished described in v4-7 with terrible imaging that causes Nephi to grieve for his people. The righteous will not perish but be healed and get to meet the Savior then many generations pass in righteousness too (v8-9). Then more destruction is spoken of in v10-11 because they become prideful and cease to have the Spirit of The Lord with them. This makes Nephi very grievous but he desires deeply to convince the Gentiles in this day to bring back what once they had (v12-14).

Even though Nephi's people will become wicked and be destroyed, the records will not be forgotten and be preserved by sealing them up (v15-16). The ones who have dwindled in unbelief and are left to inhabit the promised land will be smitten by the Gentiles (v17-20). Translation: the native Americans who are the ones left will be persecuted by the people who were lifted up in pride and who have built up many churches and put down the mower of God (aka England). Those false churches cause problems and many secret evil organizations form by the devils influence to lead many away into darkness (v21-22).

"The Lord worketh not in darkness" (v23). He loves the world and wants everyone to be brought into the light and knowledge of the truth to partake of His salvation (v24-28). To help this along he sets commandments for us and says to avoid wickedness and have charity to labor for the benefit of Zion (v29-32). The Lord doeth that which is good for us and inviteth ALL to come partake of His goodness. He will deny no one (v33).

Please remember His love in infinite and extends to everyone like ours should. Don't judge others because Christ loves them as much as He loves you.

2Ne Ch25

Alright we are getting back into Nephi's words. This chapter consists of like an overview of what just was quoted from Isaiah. Nephi wants to liken the words for his people so they can understand and be converted.

He knows Isaiah's words are hard for his people to understand because they have not been taught like the Jews were taught (v1-2). We know that Nephi had some of that because he grew up in Jerusalem and didn't want that for his people, so he is going to write how they will understand (v3). He tells them that they are part of the house of Israel and these words are important to know because they pertain to them even though they are only plain to those who are filled with the spirit (v4). Nephi delights in the words of Isaiah and prophecies according to them because he has the experience necessary, for only the Jews truly and fully understand all the words spoken (v5).

Nephi mentions that he has explained the background of the history of the time but he doesn't write it for us (v6). He doesn't need to write it for us because we will understand because we are seeing the fulfilling of those prophecies (v7). The words of Isaiah and all prophets are of great worth to the children of men and anyone who doesn't think so should listen to what Nephi has to say (v8).

No generation will be destroyed unless they are warned of God by the mouth of the prophets just like in Jerusalem (v9-10). 

Nephi teaches by the spirit that people will return to their land of inheritance and prophecies of the birth, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (v11-13). After he rises from the dead, he will show himself to the righteous people while Jerusalem and the wicked will be destroyed and the Jews will be scattered, persuaded to believe, and then gathered or restored (v14-17). The words which he brings forth at the last day is the Book of Mormon! Surprise! It is given to convince us of the Messiah who comes 600 years after Nephi's family left Jerusalem (v18-19).

All these words Nephi writes are simple to understand so there is no reason to misunderstand that The Lord lives and there is none other name given where man can be saved (v20). Nephi has been promised that his words he writes will be preserved and handed down to go from generation to generation and the nations who read them will be judged according to them (v21-22). The prophets that take their time to write these are trying to give us knowledge of truth and lead us to Christ because it is law (v23-25).

"We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for remission of their sins." (v26).

The remission of our sins which only comes from Christ because he fulfilled the law that was given that we all sin against (v27). We would eternally be bared from heaven if we did not have the atonement so deny him not (v28). Believe in him, worship him and you won't be cast out (v29). We still must do all we can to obey the law that was fulfilled by Christ (v30). Learn from the words you read in the scriptures and apply them because you are judged by them in the end (v28-30). 

2Ne Ch24

The last chapter that is quoted from Isaiah is paired with ch14. It is a continuation of the millennial second coming where lucifer will be cast out and Israel will be triumphant over Babylon.

When The Lord has mercy on Jacob, other nations will help them back to the promised land, while the people who once held them captive will be captives now (v1-2). They are now able to rest from their sorrow because the hard bondage is over (v3). When this all come to pass the king of Babylon (people of the world) will be asked "how hath the oppressor ceased! and the golden city ceased!" (v4). Then tell them that is is by the hand of The Lord, who hath broken the staff of the oppressors (v5-6). Now the earth can be at peace and rejoice because hell is opened for the wicked people (v7-9).

Those wicked people will be in spirit prison asking why others are not like them (v10). Those people of Babylon are similar to lucifer who was the first to fall and who works to weaken the nations (v11-12). He is a selfish son of the morning who wanted glory, but because of that he was brought down to the lowest pit (v13-15). People that see those who have fallen think about them because they have their glory unlike the fallen, who are prevented from joining the righteous (v16-20).

To prevent the next generation from also being evil, The Lord will cut them off (v21). The Lord speaks of how he will save his people in v22-26 and proposes to get rid of the wicked and who is going to fight that (v27)? This doom was prophecied when king Ahaz died, about 720BC, and Palestrina is told to rejoice because times are changing (v28-30). Take advantage of what is come because  The Lord hath founded Zion (v31-32). 

2Ne Ch23

Ooo this one mentions the second coming and how it is going to be like what happen to the destruction in Babylon! We compare this to Isaiah 13 where Babylon will fall forever from the wrath and vengeance of God.

Isaiah saw the message of doom against the people in Babylon and can be seen as a prophecy for the second coming (v1). Isaiah quotes The Lord as he calls the saints to give the signal on the mountain to tell everyone about this message (v2-3). The Lord is angry with those who don't rejoice in His highness but it is upon the whole land that gathers hosts to battle (v3-5).

Tell them that the day of The Lord is here and there will be destruction and pain for the sinners (v6-10). Those who are wicked will be in darkness and the world will be punished (v11-12). The souls of men will become worth more than fine gold and Earth will be cleansed for them from all the evil (v13-18). The destruction described in v14-18 is very symbolic and references when Giod overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah because of their wickedness (v19). Afterwards it will not be inhabitable because of the destruction that happened (v20-21).

Most importantly the righteous people of Christ will have mercy shown upon them and the wicked shall perish (v22). The Lord watches over His blessed people because of the love he had for us. Don't take advantage of that.

2Ne Ch22

Compare to Isaiah 12 speaking of the millennial day when all men shall praise The Lord who dwells amount them. Who else is excited for that?

Referring to the previous chapter for 'that day' meaning the time of the gathering of the house of Israel, v1 says the people will praise The Lord for his mercy. All those people who are gathered will trust The Lord, Jehovah, to be their strength and salvation (v2). Joy will fill the hearts of the people and all shall say praise The Lord and declare his doings (v3-4). Singing is a form of joyful praise unto The Lord for his excellent doings (v5). Everyone will go shout it from the mountains and rooftops that the Holy One of Israel is in the midst of them (v6).

The Lord may not be in our midst currently but we still know He has come and will come again. That is news worth telling to every soul. Missionary work is so important because we can share it with those who haven't had the opportunity to know this wonderful news.

2Ne Ch21

This compares to Isaiah ch11 where it states that Christ will judge the righteous and in the millennium everyone will know of God. It also speaks of the ensign or a banner or standard that will be raised to gather Israel to The Lord. 

So fun fact before we begin, some of these scriptures were quoted to Joseph Smith when he was visited by the angel Moroni! Neat huh? You can read about it in Joseph Smith History 1:40.

In v1, it is prophecied that there will come forth a branch from the root of the stem of Jesse, which is to say certain Christ will come forth and be awesome! In v2-5 we see some traits that he will have including a quick understanding in fear of The Lord, have the spirit, righteously judge, and all together be cool enough to slay the wicked. The description of the millennium in v6-9 is one of peace and beauty with full knowledge. 

The root of Jesse in the latter days will become the ensign or standard causing the Gentiles to seek it (v10). Anyone lost will be gathered by The Lord and the enemies be cut off and there will be peace (v11-12). Ephraim and Judah who are rivals will become friends and battle their enemies with The Lord's help (v13-14). The Lord will destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea and make a road for people to pass on dry ground (v15-16).

2Ne Ch20

Compare this chapter to Isaiah 10 where Assyria is destroyed and related to the destruction of the wicked at the second coming. Only a few people will be left after The Lord comes again and the remnant of Jacob returns.

So somewhat spoken to the leaders, v1 says woe unto them that decree unrighteousness decrees which is injustice. Anything that takes away someone's right is punishable in the day of visitation, yet they can still be saved if they but turn to the lords outstretched hand (v2-4). Assyria is the tool that The Lord uses, with their weapons as His wrath, to punish the hypocritical nations (v5-6 Isaiah footnotes). He is able to use Assyria as such because they have desire in their hearts to destroy (v7). They are prideful and founded a kingdom of idols in Samaria and wants to do the same in Jerusalem (v8-11).

When The Lord has finished using Assyria as His tool in v12, he will punish the proud boasting quoted in v13-14. But for real can man prosper against God? No way! They will be punished and only a few shall be kept alive while God is exalted and burns with glory (v15-19). After all that, the remnant of the hous of Israel shall be reclaimed, gathered, and depend on The Lord (v20-23). Fear not for All this will come saith The Lord; He will lift the burden Assyria has placed (v24-27).

Back to the present in v28-34, and Assyrian armies are heading towards Jerusalem. All the names in these verses are confusing but know that it is a prophecy that is fulfilled later (Isaiah footnotes). 

2Ne Ch19

We compare this chapter with Isaiah ch9 in which Isaiah is speaking Messianically of the Savior's birth and his calling as the Prince of Peace.

If you look in the last verse of the previous chapter when it talks about the dimness of anguish, we can know why he speaks of in v1. That dimness won't be as much as when The Lord afflicted these lands to be attacked by Assyria. The dimness is just like the darkness is terms of meaning apostasy because the great light is Christ, who shines and brings joy by lifting the yoke of oppression (v2-4). The battles will be a way to cleanse the earth to prepare for the Messianic Kingdom (v5). 

Ok I love reading v6 because it reminds me of when I sang the Messiah in a choir years and years ago. It talks of the birth of Christ and his mighty everlasting leadership that will love on forever. He is just and even sends out a warning to the northern ten tribes called Israel (v7-8). Because of their pride and stoutness of heart, the enemies of Israel will be joined to devour Israel (v9-12). Despite this, The Lord is still willing to stretch out his hand to help if they would only take it! Alas they do not so The Lord continues to enact justice on their rebellion because of their wicked leaders (v13-16).

Their rising generation is raised wicked and The Lord cannot have mercy on the wicked though he would if they would turn to his stretched out hand (v17). The wicked will be the fiery destruction for themselves, not sparing their brothers, and never satisfied (v18-20). Manasseh and Ephraim will fight against Judah while The Lord waits with an out stretched hand (v21). 

2Ne Ch18

Compare this chapter to Isaiah ch8 as we Lear. About Christ and all he has done for us. We should seek for answers through The Lord and not through false preachers for guidance.

The Lord tells Isaiah to write scriptures because destruction is imminent and The Lord hastens the end (v1 and footnotes). Just like Joseph Smith had witnesses, Isaiah takes witnesses to do this record (v2). He speaks to his wife about the name he has been commanded to give their son (v3-4). The Lord speaks of how Assyria will take over Israel and pass through Judah and take control over the future birth place of Immanuel (v5-8). He tells then to make and alliance now so they will not be broken and will be spared because they are not relying on secret plots (v9-12).

Trust in The Lord and be humble because he will be a sanctuary for the righteous and a stumbling rock for the wicked (v13-15). Save the teachings and doctrines of Christ (v16). Isaiah and his sons' names mean Jehovah saves, he hastens the prey, and a remnant shall return. They represent the sign of The Lord (v17-18).

The signs have been given which means it's not necessary to seek spirits and wizards for guidance, it is through God we can talk to the dead (v19). The scriptures are a testimony and if scriptures altered from His words, there will be no light in them (v20). Israel would not harken unto God's words and are punished with captivity but not humble themselves. Instead they curse God and become driven to darkness and anguish (v21-22).

2Ne Ch7

This chapter is comparable to Isaiah ch7 and speaks of ephraim and Syria who fight against Judah. It also mentions Christ's birth (how fitting for the season).

Ok don't get lost in all those crazy names in v1 because it can be confusing. An institute teacher taught me this lesson this last semester and I learned the history behind what is going on. There are these three powers or nations in a small area: Judah, Israel, and Syria (then there is Assyria close by that will come up later). Israel (refered to as Ephraim) and Syria are confederate (or compadres) and desire to war against Jerusalem (a part of Judah) to assign a leader that will follow their orders (v1-6). The Lord is warning Isaiah to warn Ahaz, king of Judah, of this and to not be afraid because he will not let this happen (v3-4,7). The head (leader) of these nations are listed and it is said they will be scattered and those that lack faith will not be saved (v8-9).

The Lord speaks to Ahaz and tells him to ask for a sign but Ahaz does not want to test The Lord because he is faithful (v10-12). Normally we should not ask for a sign, but if The Lord himself tells you to ask for a sign, you ask! He already has a plan such as the one he had hear to tell of the coming of Christ (v13-14). He then describes how the child will be born if a virgin and how he lives and knows of good and evil (v14-16). 

Here is where Assyria is mentioned as being the immediate danger and will hiss (signal/summon) for the fly (attacking forces) (v17-18). After a war, the land will be desolate and depopulated by the foreign invader while only a few self-sustaining survivors shall remain (v19-21).  Most people will be nomads living on simple butter and honey while the land is turned from a place of war and thorns to a something that can be hoed (v22-25).

2Ne Ch16

Paired with Isaiah 6, this chapter speaks of Isaiah's experience with seeing The Lord and being called to prophesy.

Isaiah sees The Lord sitting in his throne being exalted and having His whole garment fill the temple (v1). There were cherubim flying above The Lord with twain used (but I have no idea what that is) and declaring The Lord is holy and powerful (v2-4). Isaiah realizes how unclean he is compared The Lord and overwhelmed (v5). But he is cleansed with a live coal pressed against his lips (v6-7).

Then Isaiah volunteers to be the one who is sent to convert the people and tell them of Christ (v8-10). Isaiah asks "how long men will be so, and The Lord answers: until mortal man is no more" (footnote Isaiah v11). The Lord has scattered men far away but like a tree, it's leaves can be scattered in the winter but have the potential to grow again )v12-13

2Ne Ch15

This chapter compares with Isaiah 5 and mentions the vineyard of The Lord which is the house of Israel. They are scattered and then gathered again unto The Lord.

This song that is spoken of in v1 is explained in the footnotes in Isaiah. The prophet has composed this song/poem to illustrate God's mercy and Israel's unresponsiveness through a vineyard parable. So this parable stats with a fenced in area with the choicest vine planted with a wine-press. Despite being provided and cared for there was only wild grapes brought forth (v2).

After He has done all He could for the vineyard, the walls are broken down and be infested with briers and thorns, given no rain (v3-6). He had looked for judgement from the men of Judah in the house of Israel but found oppression and a riotous or raucous outcry (v7).

The outcry starts in v8 with 'Wo' or 'Woe' because that means sorrow or suffering, it is also signifies what we should be wary of. The woes are as follows:

-them that join house to house (v8-10) meaning covetousness where the wealthy landowners absorb the small farms of the poor.

-them that rise early to drink all day and continue through the night (v11-12).

-them that entice iniquity and are vain and seek a sign to know things (v18-19).

-them that are backwards in their thinking of good and evil (v20).

-them that are wise to themselves and not humble (v21).

-them that drink, yes it's mentioned again, because they are seeking to mix drinks to make them stronger and justify their wickedness with bribery. But also that use this drink to deprive someone of his legal rights (v22-23).

The punishment of people who sin such as these examples will be punished with the anger of The Lord who will smite them because "his anger is not turned away, but his hand stretched out still" (v24-25). The hand will be stretched out by raising an ensign (flag or signal) to the nations that will gather them again if they follow and prepare themselves for the end of the earth (v26-30).

You may have noticed we skipped v13-17 but it's because it's in the middle of some woes. These explain how they are led into captivity and hell has opened to receive them. They will be chastened still which will save some but Christ is the judge for all mankind.

2Ne Ch14

Paired with Isaiah ch4, this chapter speaks of the cleansing at the millennium. 

As a member of The Chrurch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints I have had many people ask me about polygamy and I've had to explain in many different ways. The reason it is acceptable is because The Lord allows it, look at v1 and it says the women are fine without the men but they cannot avoid reproach without taking up one the name of a man. The footnote in Isaiah explains why it is seven women to one man, "because of the scarcity of men due to wars." It is not a bad practice but it is also not needed in our day.

"In that day" (aka when The Lord comes to judge the Earth) the righteous shall be beautiful and glorious (v2). The ones that are left after the cleansing shall be called holy and set up to live in Zion (v3-5). The Lord will build a refuge for his people to be saved from the heat of the cleansing (v6). 

2Ne Ch13

Paired with Isaiah ch3 in the bible, this chapter speaks of punishment to Judah and Jerusalem that The Lord does all he can to save us. 

The Lord takes away the staff of bread and stay of water as punishment (v1). The staff and stay are defined in v2-3 to be mighty men, judges, honorable men, and so forth. Instead he sets children to be the leaders and the people are oppressed by one another (v4-5). When people are asked to rule, they will say 'I'm not a healer, I cannot solve your problems' because Jerusalem is ruined (v6-8).

All these wicked that have provoked The Lord are like unto the wicked city of Sodom except those few righteous (v9-10). Wo unto the wicked because "the recompense of his deeds shall be done to him" (footnote v11). The leaders of the people have caused their wickedness and The Lord stands to plead and judge his people according to the council of those taken away (v12-14).

His judgement of the haughty daughters of Zion who walk in darkness is to smite them and take away their worldly vain possessions (v16-23). They will stink, wear rags, be bald, enslaved, have their men fall by sword at war (v24-25). Her (Jerusalem) gates shall mourn and she will be desolate and cleaned out by the judgements of The Lord (v26).

2Ne Ch12

I feel as though Isaiah uses a lot of examples when he is telling things but I'm going to try to make this as simple as possible for myself and for anyone reading.

Isaiah is the son of Amoz and tells of what he has seen in visions about Judah and Jerusalem (v1). The house of The Lord, being a temple will be placed high in an exalted ace to beckon people to learn (v2-3). In this place there will be no fighting but walking in the light of The Lord, be convinced to come those who have gone astray (v4-5). Those who he is beckoning to come are wicked and vain and "the fear of The Lord and the glory of his majesty shall smite" them (v6-10).

All shall be put right when The Lord comes punishing all those who are lifted up in pride to hewn does their wickedness (v11-19). Men who are changed will cast off his worldly desires and possessions and worship The Lord by ceasing to depend on mortal man but on God (v20-22).

2Ne Ch11

Nephi is hiding even more words of Jacob! Who else is digging his teachings? Nephi says there are more but he has written what sufficeth him and he praises him for his teachings. Then he addresses the law of Moses and how it typifies Christ. And if you don't know what typify is, welcome aboard! Let's try to figure it out...

There are 5 main things that Nephi lists that he delights in

1- in the words of Isaiah (v2)

2- proving the truth of the coming of Christ to his people (v4)

3- the covenants The Lord has made (v5)

4- in God and His grace, justice, power, and mercy (v5)

5- proving men must perish lest God should come unto them (v6)

Isaiah, Nephi, and Jacob have all seen the Redeemer and testifies of the established word of God (v2-3). The word typifying is mentioned in v4 to tell us that the law of Moses was given to point to God and let us know him. Nephi has been made so happy from the scriptures he has read that he wants to share them with his seed and us (v5-8). These scriptures he quotes are to tell us of God, Christ, the creation, and all knowledge that has been given.

There are 12 chapters which Nephi quotes from Isaiah. Luckily we have the bible that has the comparison chapters to study and learn from side by side.

2Ne Ch10

In this chapter, Jacob is continuing his ministry to his people to fulfill his calling as a teacher and priest. He speaks of the land of liberty (America) where no king will rule and of submitting to the will of God.

The righteous branch which he has mentioned before has been promised to be restored through the merciful Christ who will come to be crucified (v1-3). While the Jews crucified Him, other nations will read of Christ and repent because they know Him to be their God (v4-5). Because they who crucified him were so wicked, they would suffer and be scattered until that day which they repent and believe in Christ (v6-9). 

God will bestow unto the Gentiles a promised land of liberty where they will be protected and there shall be no king except God (v10-14). God will be out light and king while destroying the secret combinations and people who fight against him (v15-16). God will keep his promises to the house of Israel for the promised land even though they will go through afflictions by the hands of the Gentiles first (v17-19).

We are truly blessed to know of such things of God and we must be grateful and "lay aside our sins" (v20). Just like Lehi's family was led to the promised land, we have been led to this blessed land. The Lord has broken of branches from the house of Israel more than just Lehi and his seed, but he remembers them all and places them according to his will (v21-22).

It's is a heavy burden to bare to know some of these things, but be cheerful because we have agency and can choose to be blessed by The Lord for our righteousness (v23). Align your will with God and you will be saved and raised from the dead in glory during the resurrection because of the atonement (v24-25)

2Ne Ch9

In this chapter, Jacob addresses the words which Isaiah has spoken of and how they apply to the people. It mentions the fabulous infinite atonement for all mankind. This is an interesting chapter to pay attention to the verses that start with "O" and the ones that contain "Wo". O=reverence or amazement. Wo=suffering or a warning.

He wants us to know of the covenants theirs has convenanted with the house of Israel because it applies to them (v1). We know of the word of God through his prophets since the beginning of the earth to inform us when we will he gathered and established in the land of promise (v2). Jacob tells these things to bring joy to the people and their families and to bring peace to their searchings of these things (v3-4). It is known that the Savior will visit Jerusalem in the flesh and "die for all men, that men might become subject unto him" (v5). 

In the plan of salvation there is a need for a power or resurrection because man is fallen because of his transgression and being cut off from The Lord (v6). The resurrection comes by the infinite atonement lest all men be in an endless state of judgement (v7). If there was not resurrection, our spirits would be subject to the devil and become like him and forever separated from God (v8-9). But our God is smart enough to make this plan to keep us out of the devils grasp by letting us live in our flesh even after our death (v10-11). The spiritual death is overcome by our spirits returning to our bodies whether we were wicked or righteous in our earth life we will "become incorruptible and immortal" knowing everything (v12-14). We will be aware of our guilt and uncleanliness, and when this happens we will "be judged according to the holy judgement of God" (v15). 

Those who are righteous on earth will continue in righteousness eternally as well as those who were filthy on earth will be filthy in heaven and be placed accordingly (v16). God has put a law forth that says the righteous shall inherit the kingdom of God which has been prepared for the righteous who He has delivered (v17-19). Christ came to suffer so man can be resurrected if we repent, be baptized, have perfect faith, and endure to the end (v20-23). Those who are not willing to do that are unable to progress further according to the consequences of the law set forth by God (v24-25). 

We would all be doomed if it weren't for the atonement that satisfies the demands for justice for this who die in ignorance and for those who accept Christ (v26). Imagine v27-38 is addressed in one big clump because it is for those who die knowing of the law that is given and sin and do not repent. These people waste the days of their probation because the devil in his cunning has led them away because men are vain, frail, and foolish. He says Wo unto the rich of the world, deaf to the prophets, blind to the truth, unclean in heart, liars, murderers, and all other sinners.

I plead with you to read v39 and remember to never transgress against our God and yield to the devil, and always turn from your carnal mind to be s.m.i.l.e.: Spiritually Minded Is Life Eternal. Listen to Jacob as he says all these words for he speaks the words of our Maker which may be hard to hear for unclean ears. If you rejoice in these words it is good because you are righteous and have nothing to fear because it is easy to come unto Christ and follow the straight and narrow path (v40-41). If you fear these words, you must be humble and consider yourself a fool before the all powerful God or justice will come upon you (v42-43).

It is our duty and to our benefit to tell those around us about the way to God and redemption (v44). Turn away from sin, prepare your souls for His coming, and follow The Lord by confessing thy transgressions (v43-46). We can only be taught holiness if we are holy enough to receive it, first we must awake to the reality of our sins (v47-48).

Jacob has been called and is fulfilling his calling as a teacher by telling the people of the consequences of sin and urging them to be baptized and pray always (v49-52). Why would you waste money on something of no worth? When we die, we take nothing worldly with us so invest in the relationships and friendships with your brethren so your mansion in heaven may be full (v51). Jacob joys in The Lord's goodness is preserving his seed and promises to continue in the morning (v53-54).

2Ne Ch8

More of Isaiah's words from Isaiah 51 and 52:1-2. It speaks of the last days and how The Lord will comfort Zion and gather Israel.

We start out with Isaiah speaking to those who follow after righteousness and telling then to listen to his words. Look to those parents that are a good example: Abraham and Sarah (v1-2). The Lord will comfort the waste places of Zion to bring joy and gladness because of the renewal of earth at the time when Christ comes again (v3). The law of God comes forth but the judgement will come from Christ who is the light of the people who is righteous (v4-5). The heavens may disperse and the earth may decay but God's salvation shall be forever so we must obey the law of God and not fear man (v6-8).

Put on the strength of The Lord that can protect from evil because He is all powerful (v9-10). Israel will be restored and gathered to be saved by The Lord and "sorrow and mourning shall flee away" because of the comfort from The Lord (v11-12). Why be afraid of man and forget The Lord's power to free his people (v13-16)? The captives and oppressor talked about in v13-14 are Israel and it's captors who oppress righteousness.

The indignation of God has been upon Jerusalem for a while and no one has been able to bring them out of their afflictions (v17-20). Even so, The Lord pleaders the cause of his people and takes the cup of affliction upon himself to save the righteous (v21-22). The Lord will save the righteous and afflict our enemies  therefore be numbered around His people and use his strength (v23-25). "Arise, sit down"="Arise from the dust and sit down in dignity, being redeemed at last" (footnotes in Isaiah 52:2b). The "bands of thy neck" which trap us all in spiritual bondage will be loosed by our Savior (v25).

2Ne Ch7

This chapter is an almost direct quote from Isaiah 50. It is actually technically a continuation of the quote Jacob started in the last three verses of the previous chapter. The quote continues into ch8 as well to quote Isaiah 51. I recommend reading these together but it's not necessary.

There are some fascinating questions The Lord asks in v1-2. I will have to look more indepthly at these questions and all the footnotes that accompany them because I don't understand the background. To me it seems The Lord is asking why there are no more true believers when he came....but that is speculation.

When Christ comes he will be learned on how to speak to the people so they understand Him (v4). He is also given a compassion beyond any I have known in my life to listen to others and turn the other cheek in all situations (v5-6). He never had to turn to violence because He has the power of his mouth which will condemn those that are the adversary (v7-8). The Lord's adversary will grow old, weak, and have no support from God while we will have the light from his fire (v9-11). I love how The Lord uses symmetry in symbolism in v7 and v11 when he speaks of words to do with fire. In v7, His face is set like a flint, and in v11, when struck it creates sparks where we can light our fire and kindle it to strengthen it. 

2Ne Ch6

This chapter contains words of Jacob which means he is fulfilling his calling as a teacher! He speaks of some things that are to come such as the crucifixion and the latter days.

Jacob has addressed the people before but this time it is needed to be read by future generations because it is recorded by Nephi in the plates. The people look to Nephi as a leader and he has ordained Jacob to be someone who speaks to the people after the holy order. Jacob is concerned for the souls of the Nephites so he has taught them many things of his father and of the things on the plates of brass (v2-3). He now will quote and teach of things to come that are in Isaiah because Nephi requests it (v4). The words of Isaiah are for the house of Israel and can be likened to all of the house of Israel, even us in the latter days (v5). 

The whole purpose of Jacobs teaching is to benefit us and to learn and glorify the name of our God (v4). Which is why Isaiah teaches of God. In v6-7 we compare Isaiah 49:22-23 where The Lord hath said people shall be prepared for the millennium by raising a standard or an ensign which is "an emblem flown as a symbol of nationality" (random definition). The Lord is saying we are flying our banner to signal all who and what we stand for because we will not be ashamed at the last day.

Jacob now talks about those two verses from Isaiah by saying he has been shown the destruction and rebuilding of Jerusalem. The Savior will come and be rejected which causes a harsh judgment to come upon the people (v8-10). Those people will be scattered, smitten, and hated yet still not perish because of the prayers of the faithful, and when they finally repent they will receive mercy (v11). Those people who are on The Lord's side will be saved and those who fight against Zion "shall lick up the dust of their feet" (v12-13).

In v14 we can plainly deduct that the Messiah will come again to recover His people and destroy their enemies who will know by whose hand they fall (v14-15). Here again starts the quoting of Isaiah in 49:24-26 which correlates to v16-18. It will then continue on in the next chapter. These verses just reiterate how The Lord will "contend with them that contend with thee" as long as you are on his side. 

2Ne Ch5

Just one chapter after Lehi dies, the family separates into Nephites and Lamanites. The Nephites are righteous and build a temple while the Lamanites are cursed and marked.

Like I mentioned from the previous chapter, Nephi is to be the next prophet which means he would have stewardship over everyone. His older brothers did not like that idea at all and were angry with Nephi to the point of wanting to kill him (v2-4). The Lord knew of their murderous thoughts and warned Nephi to flee with anyone who was righteous into the wilderness (v5-6). When they were separated they called the place they ended up the Land of Nephi (we hear of this quite often throughout the scriptures) and called themselves the people of Nephi (v7-9). They observed The Lord commandments and prospered exceedingly because of their righteousness (v10-13). Nephi knew of the nature of his brothers and made sure to defend himself from their hatred (v14). They also became industrious and built buildings, a temple, and workmanship in many materials (v15-17). The people even desired Nephi to be a king over them (it was what they were used to) (v18).

The Lord had said they Nephi would be a ruler and a teacher for his brethren, and he was until those of his brothers rebelled and therefore were cut off from The Lords presence (v19-20). Because of their rebellion, they were cursed with skin of blackness and to be a loathsome and idle people (v21-24). But The Lord still uses then to scourge the seed of Nephi to remember their Lord and listen to his words (v25).

Nephi calls Jacob and Joseph to be priests and teachers over his people (v26). They lived in peace without their wicked brethren bringing them pain and The Lord commanded Nephi to make a record of spiritual things (what we are reading now) as well as what he was already recording (v27-31). These plates are filled with things pleasing to God and if we are pleased with the things of God, they shall be pleasing to me (v32-33). 10 years passed with the separation of the Nephites and Lamanites and there have been wars and contentions (v34)

2Ne Ch4

This is the chapter that Lehi actually dies :/ so he blesses his children. We also read the Psalms of Nephi where he praises The Lord for his goodness forever. 

First Nephi speaks about the prophecies of Joseph from Egypt that Lehi has just told Joseph, his son. Nephi just briefly reiterates that the prophesies were true and about himself and the future generations (latter days), and they are on the plates of brass (v1-2). Then Lehi gathers family's in his party to speak to them: Laman's (v3-7), Lemual's (v8-9), sons is Ismael (v10), and Sam's (v11). In his blessing to Laman's and Lemual's families, they are promised that The Lord will be merciful unto them in the end. We don't know what he spoke to the sons of Ishmael for some reason, but Sam is blessed to be numbered with Nephi and inherit the land. Then he does and is buried (v12).

Not many days pass before Laman, Lemual, and the sons of Ismael began to be angry with Nephi (v13). Now that Lehi, father and prophet, is dead, it is obvious who will be the next prophet because of his great faith that has been shown through this whole story. Nephi was constrained, as the new prophet, to speak to everyone just like his father, but his brothers barely tolerated that from Lehi and is more intolerant when Nephi speaks to them (v14).

The Psalms of Nephi are in v15-35 and contain what Nephi feels in his soul. His delight in the scriptures and in all things of The Lord, he sorrows because of his own temptations but trusts in The Lord (v15-19). The Lord supported him and filled him with love by confounding his enemies and answering his prays through visions to have a knowledge of the world (v20-25). There are some deep questions to be answered in v26-27, not just for Nephi but for anyone who has been blessed by The Lord to know of his truth. So do as Nephi says and awake! Rejoice and give no place to satan in your heart but cry unto The Lord in praise forever and rejoice in your salvation (v28-30).

I am reminded of the analogy of a frog in boiling water, when placed in boiling water it will jump out. To boil the frog you must gradually add heat to normal water so it doesn't notice. Nephi says "wilt thou make me that I may shake at the appearance of sin?" (v31), I would pray for that as well because of the sin that is all around me in the world today. I want to be desensitized to sin and cringe away from it when I see it. I want to be clean.

Nephi then pleads with The Lord to not shut the gates of righteousness to him because he will trust in Him forever (v32-34). Well all should ask to have our path clear of stumbling blocks while our enemy has many because it will lead us to our Father in heaven. "God will give liberally to him that asketh" so ask in faith and the everlasting God will grant thee what is righteous (v35).

2Ne Ch3

This chapter contains the words Lehi spoke to Joseph while on his 'death bed' and imparting wisdom to his children. He tells Joseph about others who have had his name and of a future Joseph who is important who will bring to the latter days the Book of Mormon.

First, Lehi says that Joseph can also inherit this land of promise if he is righteous (v1-2). Then he is told about his ancestor Joseph who was captive in Egypt but was blessed by The Lord and convenanted with (3-4). In his covenant, he was promised seed that is part of a righteous branch (Lehi's family) that will be remembered by The Lord and visited by the Messiah in the latter days (v5). The Lord showed Joseph of Egypt a seer of the latter days who will do a work of great worth for the decendents of Joseph of Egypt (v6-8). This seer will be raised up like Moses was to have power to bring forth the words of The Lord (v9-11). There will be two accounts, one from the decendents of Judah, and one from the decendents of Joseph that will be used to confound false doctrine and bring knowledge of The Lord's covenants to the people (v12). That seer will be made strong out of his weakness and those who seek to destroy him will be confounded (v13-14). In v15, we find out that the seer is named after the same name as his father and Joseph or Egypt (AKA Joseph Smith Jr.).

The Lord brings the words that are written to the latter days through Joseph Smith (v18). Although there shall be many generations that do not have the words found in the scriptures (the great apostasy) The Lord has provided a way from them to be known again because of the faith that was shown while they were written (v19-21). It is the weakness of the world that is made strong because of the covenants The Lord has made with our fathers (v21).

Lehi is now explaining to his son how the prophesies apply to him because he is a decendent, but he is still young and needs to harken unto his brother Nephi (v22-25). 

2Ne Ch2

Ah! Ok I love this chapter! It is so very important when trying to understand agency and the atonement! The context is of this chapter is Lehi talking to his son Jacob who was born in the wilderness.

Jacob has suffered afflictions and sorrow because of the rudeness of his brothers, nevertheless he knows God and His greatness (v1-2). Because of his righteousness, Jacob will be as his brother Nephi, that is serving The Lord (v3). Jacob has "beheld in thy youth His glory," and accepted it (v4). In v5, Lehi speaks of the temporal and spiritual law that is given unto men that prevents us from returning to Heavenly Father and makes us miserable (setting up for talking about the atonement). Redemption is spoken of slightly in v6-7, then the importance of sharing this knowledge with all the inhabitants of earth in v8. 

Because Christ made an intercession for all the children of men, we are judged of Him at the last day (v9-10). Read the second half of v10 very carefully and you'll see that there is an absolute need for the atonement in order to be happy. 

If you've ever heard of the three pillars of eternity you know that they are: the creation, the fall, and the atonement. 

 Here is a visual if you've never seen it.

I find it somewhat more accurate to display something like this

But still it's not the exact same because after the atonement we can be made better than during the creation, so imagine this

A little sloppy but they are my scriptures and I'm ok with that.

So now we can talk about each pillar. The creation is spoken about in v11-16 and explains the need for opposition in all things as well as proving the existence of God because this life has purpose. An important aspect of creating all things is the agency we have because there are "both things to act and things to be acted upon," we are the things to act and choose what we do each day (v14-16). The fall is described in v17-25 first talking of the fall of "an angel of God" (lucifer) to set up how miserable it is to be fallen. This fallen angel also wanted others to fall and told Eve to partake of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden which cause mankind to fall from the presence of God. Obviously Heavenly Father didn't like that so he allowed a prolonged probationary state for men to repent. Being now knowledgeable about good and evil, Adam and Eve were commanded to have children to give everyone a chance to live and be tested. If they had not partaken of that forbidden fruit they never would have known that and nothing would have changed. We wouldn't be here because there would be nothing changed. But "all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things" (aka God), he allowed the fall so we could know happiness.

The atonement is finally talked about in v26-29, although it's been talked about before too. This is the final overall statement of the atonement where it says the Messiah will come in the fullness of times and redeem men from the fall but men still have to choose that liberty. If we don't choose liberty, satan has power to make us miserable in captivity.

Lehi's last words in this chapter is to say 'I'm dying but telling you this good stuff for the "everlasting welfare of your souls" because it has been spoken by the prophets' (v30) or at least that's how I interpret it. Good stuff! Next we'll hear what he says to his last-born son in the wilderness, Joseph. It's a good history of the name sake he has and also a peak into the future (our past).

2Ne Ch1

Starting 2nd Nephi! The intro to the chapter gives a little background on what we will be reading. First thing that happens in ch1 is the Lehi's prophesying and preaching to his sons.

So after all of Nephi's testifying to his brothers, his father steps in to teach (v1). He spoke of their past transgressions, the land of promise, his visions, and The Lord and his mercies (v2-5). The promised land was convenanted to Lehi forever and any who come to this land come by the hand of God (v5-6). Anyone that The Lord brings to the promised land will be free as long as they are righteous (v7). For a long time, the promised land was kept from the knowledge of other nations because it would have been overrun (v8). But as long as the people who possess the land are righteous The Lord will not allow other nations to take away the land unless, of course, they become wicked and stupid (v9-11).

Lehi expresses warnings, feelings of gratefulness, and sorrow; most about the actions of his sons and some about The Lord love (v12-18). He goes into great detail to warn his sons about their future and the path they are headed down by referencing their past actions toward Nephi (v19-29). They have been wicked and Lehi urges them to follow Nephi's path and I notice Lehi talking Nephi up a little to his brothers, Laman and Lemual, and the sons of Ishmael (v25-26).

In v30-32, Lehi speaks to Zoram, Laban's former servant from Jerusalem. He is a true friend to Nephi and faithful to The Lord, therefore he is told his seed will be blessed if they stay righteous. He is considered part of Lehi's seed and included in the covenant of the promised land.

1Ne Ch22

Well I just love Nephi's brothers! (And Nephi of course) his brothers are brave enough to come to him and ask about the words of Isaiah because they don't understand them. I would of had to ask as well and I'm so glad they did because Nephi explains it to them and now I get to know! This chapter consists of Nephi's answers to the questions and explaination to the last two chapters where he read from Isaiah.

The questions that are asked are in v1, basically asking what the interpretation of the passage of Isaiah means and if it is only according to the spirit and not the flesh. Nephi begins his explanation by saying the passage is known by the Spirit but it pertains to both temporal and spiritual things (v2-3). He likens the scriptures and explains that some of the phrophesies have already been fulfilled because "there are many who are already lost from the knowledge of those who are at Jerusalem" (v4-5). The Gentiles will be set up as a standard and nurse the scattered tribes (v6). 

A "mighty nation" (USA) shall be raised and help The Lord in proceeding to spread his "marvelous work" (the restoration of the true gospel) that is of great worth to the Gentiles, Nephi's seed, and the house of Israel (v7-9). I don't know what "bare his arm in the eyes of all nations" means exactly but I know it's about spreading the gospel and doing The Lord's work (v10-11). By doing The Lord's work, we help him to gather Israel and free them from their captivity by letting them know that The Lord is their Savior and their Redeemer (v12).

The Lord will cause the great and abominable church to war against itself and "all that fight agains Zion shall be destroyed" (v13-14). I look forward to the day when "satan shall have no more power over the hearts of the children of men" because The Lord will come and smite the wicked (I strive to not be counted with the wicked), and preserve the righteous (v15-17). 

Sometimes I think he is referencing when Christ first came to Earth because the prophets say the time soon cometh for all this but the footnotes reference the millennium when Christ comes again (v18-20). All those churches of the devil will be destroyed, the righteous shall be led up, Christ will reign in glory, and His children will be gathered during this time (v23-25). Also satan will have no power because we dwell and bask in righteousness at that day (v26).

Nephi then says this will happen temporally but he can't tell us anymore than that, he was shown more I suppose (v27-29). But what we do know we can study from the scriptures and teach others because it testifies of Christ and we can all preach it (v30-31).

1Ne Ch21

This is a continuation of Nephi quoting Isaiah from ch49

Nephi is telling his broken off branch to harken and listen to the words of the prophet Isaiah (v1). Isaiah is saying he has been preordained to preach to the peopl but it has been in vain because they are wicked (v2-4). Reading Nephi's version of v5 we see the - part that indicates what The Lord says, "though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of The Lord, and my God shall be my strength." The Lord is also quoted in v6-11 in a comforting way that encourages people to not despair.

Isaiah is happy about the words of The Lord and 'sings' (v12-13). Unfortunately, Zion (representing the people) believes The Lord has forgotten them (v14) but Isaiah proves he has not by basically telling them to wake up and pay attention (v14-17). More quoting what The Lord has told us begins in v18. I don't fully understand what Isaiah talks about in the rest of the chapter so here is some opportunity for anyone who reads this to help...

There is talk of children who has lost the first (v20), parents who have lost their children (v21), and The Lord setting up a standard (v22). This all leads up to, "kings shall be they nursing fathers and their queens thy nursing mothers" (v23). Then in conclusion it speaks of The Lord freeing the people from captivity. So ultimately, I understand the message to be 'God will save his people,' but that's probably only because I've heard that other places. V26 is a little graphic but it does imply that those he is talking to will be made free from those that oppress them. Looking back and using what I've learned before here The Lord is saying he will free Israel.

Hope that's not all too confusing :)

1Ne Ch20

If you look right above ch20 to the previous two lines in v24 in ch19, "after this manner has the prophet written." So this chapter is the words of Isaiah that Nephi is quoting because he is likening "all scripture unto us" (ch19v23).

Something I learned for a wonderful institute teacher (shout out to Sis McMullin), is to use the actual writings in Isaiah when reading when Nephi quotes. The footnotes used in the bible are sometimes more helpful! But Nephi is also helpful when he likens these scriptures as well. If you take time to look at each verse from this chapter compared to the verses in Isaiah it is so fascinating!

Notice that this is The Lord revealing his purposes to Israel, He is the one talking to us here. The content of the chapter starts with addressing those people who have been baptized but don't do all in truth and righteousness (v1-2). In v3 the "former thing" is the omniscience of God or the foreknowledge of Him. So we see Isaiah has explained those former things because those people from v1-2 are obstinate (stubborn) and have stiffneckedness (v4).

The Lord goes on to say that he has showed them new and hidden things but they have declared it not nor heard it (v5-8). Being honest here I don't fully understand v9 except he is expressing his anger or at least deferring it from the wicked. This life is a trial and a time for The Lord to refine us into better people, so when he says he has "chosen thee in the furnace of affliction" (v10) it is for His own sake (v11). 

The Lord is all powerful. That's what I got out of v12-13. Then I think Isaiah is speaking in v14 and is speaking to those in his days about the Chaldeans. He continues to speak the Lord's words in v15-19 when speaking of The Lord calling upon us to declare his words because they are not secret. It also says that if we follow the commandments our "peace been as a river, and [our] righteousness as the waves of the sea" which are never ending (v18).

Isaiah is talking to Babylon again in v20-22 about preaching the gospel as they flee from the Chaldeans. We are to say, "The Lord hath redeemed his servant Jacob....there is no peace...unto the wicked." 

1Ne Ch19

This chapter had a sort of history and prophesy to it. 

Nephi talks about his two different records that we know of as the small and large plates of Nephi. He was commanded of The Lord to write the record of his people for the instruction of his people and other wise purposes (v1-3). He explains the difference in importance in both plates where the other will have wars and contentions and these will have what he considers sacred (v4-6). 

Nephi flat out says that Christ will come 600 years from the time they all left Jerusalem. There's nothing hidden about that (v8). Nephi has seen his coming in vision and knows that the people "shall judge him to be a thing of naught," but He suffereth all their cruelty "because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men" (v7-9).

v10 seems long and confusing when you first read it, but let me tell you what it says without any of the extra: "The God of our fathers,...yieldeth himself,...into the hands of wicked men, to be lifted up,...and to be cruicified,...and to be buried in a sepulcher." All that extra is Nephi citing his sources of where this knowledge came from. We also find out that there is a sign of three days of darkness given to those who won't be present to see Christ being crucified.

The Lord God will then visit all the house of Israel either with his natural voice, or with thundering a and lightnings (v11) Zenos is the prophet that Nephi has learned all this knowledge from and also about the future. The Jews will be scourged by all people because they rejected their God (v12-14). But they will get a second chance to turn their hearts to the Holy One of Israel. They will be gathered in to the covenant that The Lord will remember and promise to every nation (v15-17).

Nephi writes because he knows this to be true and wants his people to be persuaded to be righteous (v18-19). His joints are weak from working in the spirit so long, and he was shown the truth by The Lord (v20-21). Nephi teaches his brethren (and us from his records) of these things so we can liken them to us and know that Jesus Christ lives (v22-23). I also try to teach these words so everyone can know the goodness which is in the Book of Mormon, so "hear he the words of the prophet...and liken them unto yourselves, that ya may have hope" (v24). 

1Ne Ch18

Here we are going to read about the finishing of the ship, Nephi's baby brothers, and the journey across the sea to the promised land.

It's nice that this chapter starts with Nephi's brothers working with him in worshiping The Lord and building the ship (v1-2). Nephi often goes and asks for guidance on how to build this ship and was shown great things so he could finish the ship so they could pack up and leave (v3-6). Although they weren't mentioned before now, Jacob and Joseph were born or Lehi during their travels (v7).

As they journey by sea, all is well and everyone becomes happy, but some are more rude about it (v8-9). Nephi is worried because he knows they are guided by the faith and righteousness the group has. He tries to speak to them with soberness but the wicked ones were not having that. So they tie him up and treat him with harshness but "The Lord did suffer it that he might show forth his power"(v10-11). The Lord is in pain because he has to watch his faithful servant, Nephi, in pain but it is necessary to fulfill his word.

When Nephi is bound, the Liahona stops working and storms arise to drive them about (v12-14). After FOUR DAYS, the storm gets so bad that the wicked finally understand that the judgements of God were upon them and they released Nephi (v15). It's amazing that Nephi went four days being tied up without the rest of his family that was righteous being able to free him and he is still grateful to The Lord and doesn't murmur against Him (v16-19). Only the power of God could help him and he was faithful and not angry at his discomfort. Immediately when he was released he praying for the storm to cease and for safe travels (v20-22).

We don't know how long they traveled hut they did eventually reach the promised land and began to work to make a life for themselves (v23-24). They were blessed with good crops and an abundance of wildlife and materials to begin their life and spread across the land (v25).

1Ne Ch17

This chapter contains the building of a ship so they can cross the water by Nephi when his brothers oppose him. It also has that cool story where he has the power of God and his brothers can't touch him.

In v1 we find out that they are traveling east and they had children during their journey. The women become stronger because they kept the commandments so the Lord nourished them so they stopped murmuring. The Lord provided for them while they traveled in righteousness (v2-3). 8 years they traveled, then they came to Bountiful, a place with "much fruit and also wild honey" (v4-5). It is located by the sea, and Nephi is commanded to construct a ship to cross the waters (v6-8).

Nephi asks where he can go to find materials to make tools to build the ship and is told (v9-10). In v12 I find in interesting that they have never needed fire before now, I wonder why The Lord wouldn't require then to cook their food. You could argue that the reason is in v13 when The Lord says, "after ye have arrived...ye shall know...that I, The Lord, did deliver you from destruction" (v14). Having to rely on The Lord in the wilderness was probably something that strengthens their faith.

Nephi is faithful still and begins to build the ship but his brothers doubt and mock him for thinking he can accomplish something so incredible (v15-17). They refuse to work and deny the power of The Lord which causes Nephi to be sorrowful, and this only encourages their thinking that they are right (v18). Their rant includes them wishing they had never left Jerusalem and saying those people were righteous (v19-23).

Nephi answers their rant by giving story examples from the brass plates such as Moses and his people getting out of Egypt (23-47). Also in there he chastises his brothers pretty harshly and explains he was only sad because they are so hard hearted. 

Like usual, they become angry because Nephi is right and called them out on it, so they want to hurt him. Nephi is filled with the power of God and commands they touch him not, nor murmur against Lehi, nor withhold their labor (v48-51). His brothers were wrought upon by the spirit to know what Nephi spake was true (v52). Then Nephi gets to shock his brothers! I mean, Nephi is commanded to show forth the power of God to his brothers by shocking them so they will know The Lord their God (v53-55). As they started to worship Nephi for the power of God within him, he refuses and shows his love for them and God (v55).

All praises for my goodness goes to my God. If I ever do anything of worth is will be because The Lord helped me. I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior, Jesus Christ, for all they have already done for me.

1Ne Ch16

Are you ready for some weddings!? It's about time right? We don't know if this part of the record is chronological but retrieving Ismaels family wasn't for nothing. Lehi's sons marry their daughters. In this chapter, the family is also given the Liahona. Also there's the story of Nephi's bow breaking and him making a new one.

The first part is finishing the conversation from the previous chapters (v1-5), where the brothers are saying its hard to hear what Nephi has to say. Nephi then gives them this thought, "the guilty takers the truth to be hard, for it cutters them to the very center." If we are righteous and guilt free because we have repented it will be easy to talk about touchy subjects. I have my own past I had to come to grips and repent for, but because I have learned from my mistakes, I can give my 'wisdom' to others and also know how to not make those mistakes again.

In v7 everyone gets married (apparently all at the same time...jk!), and Nephi is summarizing them because he want to show that his father has "fulfilled all the commandments of The Lord" (v8). So put a check by that. It's done. What next? We see in v9, The Lord commands them to continue their journey into the wilderness. To do this task, they are given the Liahona (v10 - also tells you how it looks).

They pack up and head out in a south-southeast direction and travel 4 days (v11-13). I look at v14-17 as a set up of the story about Nephi's bow breaking. These are their day to day tasks and a glimpse into how they survived and traveled. Now I find it funny that they don't get any food when Nephi's bow breaks, apparently he's the only good hunter (or at least had the best shot). So they aren't eating and they get hungry which makes people crazy. Laman and Lemual murmurs like always and even Lehi murmurs! It must have been bad if the prophet is murmuring (v19-20).

So Nephi chastises them (we don't have the exact words) then goes and fixes the problem (v22-23). It's important to note that he approaches his father, the prophet and patriarch of the house, where to hunt. Nephi respects the authority Lehi has. 

Now Lehi was really sad because he realized what he had done wrong by murmuring against The Lord (v24-25). 

When they look at the Liahona now they see words written and the ones they read now were words to chasten them for their misdeeds. These words change from time to time just like the direction pointers, but only by the faith given when asking for help (v26-29).

Nephi gets guidance to hunt in some mountains and gets a bunch of food for his family (v30-32). Then they leave and travel for a bit again, during which time Ismael dies (v33-34). Of course his daughters are devastated and began to dispare and desire to return to Jerusalem (which I think would be way to far...). So they are murmuring (v35-36). Laman and Lemual encourage and take this farther wanting to slay Lehi and Nephi (v37-38). Like always, The Lord protects his servants and he actually speaks to them and chastens them (v39).

1Ne Ch15

In this chapter, Nephi is explaining some things he saw and his fathers vision to his brothers who weren't smart enough to ask the Lord for help.

When Nephi came back from his visions his brothers were disputing one with another about the vision Lehi had (v2). Sometimes we all have different interpretations about scripture so it's understandable that Nephi's brothers didn't all believe the same. It is also a hard concept if we don't have guidance from the Lord, luckily we have Nephi's answers when he went asked of the Lord.

Nephi's brothers actually were so hardhearted they refused to look to the Lord and he was sad about this, especially after all that he seen and been shown (v3-4). Nephi is so grieved it takes him a while to be able to talk to his brothers and settle the disputing (v5-6). Some conversation that Nephi and his brothers have is in v7-9 then Nephi explains about the olive tree until v20.

Concerning the olive tree branch and the house of Israel everyone is a part of that (v12). Nephi explains that in the latter days the remnant of his and his brothers Seed will get the gospel from the Gentiles and learn that they are the covenant people and know of their forefathers (v13-14). Grafting them back into the tree is a representation of bringing that branch (Nephi's seed) back into the true fold of God (v15-16). He continues to talk about and teach the restoration of the Jews and words of Isaiah (v17-19). 

Nephi's words comforted and pacified his brothers and they began to humble himself before the Lord because of all his teachings (v20).

While his brothers are questioning him about the vision of the tree of life, he throws in several teachings and applications. 

Topic (verses asked;answered)

The tree (21;22)

Rod of iron (23;24-25)

River of water (26;27-29)

Clarification of v30 (31;32-36)

The tree and iron rod are explained pretty simply but when Nephi comes to the river, there is more explanation. The river represents the separation of the wicked and righteous. Nephi goes beyond what they can understand when he talks about the justice of God that also separateds the wicked and righteous. This is "a representation of things both temporal and spiritual" (v32). We will all be judged after the days of our probation and of we die in wickedness we will be cast off. If we are found to be wicked in the very end, we are filthy and we are kept away from God but there is a "place of filthiness prepared for that which is filthy."

I want to be with my Heavenly Father forever so I will keep myself clean through my life. I am following the example of Nephi as he teaches his brothers by writing this blog. I don't profess to know much but what I do know I want to share and maybe someone can learn something they never realized before.

1Ne Ch14

Guess what? The visions continue! Nephi learns more about the church of God in the latter days and what will happen to the church of the devil.

First, we see that in our day, it is important to harken unto the Lamb of God because he will manifest himself unto us that we might have his blessing forever (v1-2). Sadly, some will be led into destruction because of the church of the devil. It is still our choice whether we choose to work wickedness because there is justice and we will answer for our mistakes (v3-4). 

The work that is a marvelous work talked about in v7 is forever; which I don't know for sure, but it is basically immortality because we will love after our resurrection. We are going to live forever according to the works we learn ourselves on Earth, whether they be good or bad.

The next section of verses (v8-10) talks about how there are essentially only two churches: the true church of God and the church of the devil which goes by many names and has many faces. If you don't belong to the church of God you belong to the church of the devil. This means you can say you don't belong to any church and technically you are apart of a church of the devil.

So it is interesting to decipher the vision that Nephi sees in v11-17. The church of the devil is depicted as the whore of all the Earth and is amount all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unfortunate but not surprising. But also there is the church of God everywhere even though they weren't as numerous. Being small in number didn't matter because they have the protection and power of God, "they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory" (v14). By the way, this is talking about our day. As members of the church we are armed with righteousness as we spread the gospel. **special shout out to my best friend serving a mission and my other best friend leaving this week! So proud**

Eventually (but as far as I know it has already happened), "the wrath of God will be poured out up on the mother of harlots," and it will make way for the work of the Father to commence (restoration of the gospel on earth).

Nephi does get to see the rest of the history of the Earth (lucky duck) but the angel tells him that is will be written also by one of the twelve apostles (John v27) of the Lamb (v18-22). Those writings will be written in that book Nephi saw among us in the last chapter, so he is commanded not to write them (v25). Because The Lord has them written in the bible, he will make a way for them to not be changed when things were corrupted.

Apparently others have seen and wrote it down somewhere that is sealed up and kept hidden until The Lord sees fit to share (v26). I suspect that most prophets get to see these visions or at least parts of them because The Lord has blessed them. I know that I love Thomas S. Monson because he is our prophet today and I would not be surprised if he has seen these visions because his faith is strong and inspiring.

The things that Nephi has written that he has seen are true and reading the them gives me an opportunity to "see" them myself through my scripture study. I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to understand all that the scripture and Holy Ghost has taught me.

1Ne Ch13

In this continuation of the vision that Nephi is having, he sees events in his future and in our history and present. It's really neat to see the truths in this chapter. He is also shown the importance of his records to the Gentiles.

So first the angel shows him "the formation of a great church...which is most abominable above all other churches" (v4-5). The devil is the founder of this church and his purpose is to slay God's saints and bring them down be temptation and praise of the world (v5-9). In v10, we can learn that this church was started away from the seed of Nephi's brothers where Gentiles were at the current time (England).

V12 is really cool because Nephi sees Columbus being impressed by the Spirit of God to travel to the promised land and find the seen of his brothers. Then many Gentiles followed Columbus to the promised land and inflicted the wrath of God to smite who we know to be the Native Americans which are the seed of Nephi'a brothers (v14). Nephi notices how the Gentiles are white like his people were, and not marked for their unrighteousness by God (v15). These Gentiles had the power of The Lord with them and their "mother Gentiles" (or England) battled them (revolutionary war) but couldn't prevail because God was protecting them (v16-18). In the end, they were delivered out of captivity (v19), and I know this was done to bring about the freedom of this country where religion can be respected and the true gospel of Christ could be restored. 

Ok we are now going to examine v20-29 because it all talks about a book that Nephi sees being carried amount the Gentiles. The angel explains that this book is the record of the Jews, containing many prophecies and are similar to the plates of brass. "They are of great worth unto the Gentiles," but the angel also says that they have been corrupted through the great and abominable church. Having taken out the plain and most precious part of the records for the purpose of perverting the right ways of The Lord, it leads men to be blind and harden their hearts. Because those things were taken out, "an exceedingly great many do stumble, yea, insomuch that Satan hath great power over them." It is our greatest blessing to know the fullness of the truth by a pure record that was kept hidden from the church of the devil because we can now share it with those that may stumble (v32)

Not to be prideful but America is better than all other nations...it says it v30. Better because we give the freedom to people to worship God and live like Christ. It is also true that this land is the promised land and was promised to the seed of Lehi as their inheritance. Thus, the Gentiles didn't completely destroy them (v30-31).

In v33-34, we see that our Savior is a merciful God and brings much of His gospel back to us. Nephi learns that his record will contain the truths that the Gentiles will eventually learn from (v35-36). The Lord says, "blessed are they who seek to bring forth my Zion at that day," who will be part of that? Who will work to spread the gospel to those who have stumbled? They are they who "shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb" (v37).

Nephi gets to see how his records come forth in v39 and then is explained the importance in v40-41. The Book of Mormon is given to us to establish the truth of the bible and make known that which was taken away. It is also to make known to everyone the Savior of yhe world and to come to Him. He will come and manifest himself unto us (v42) and I believe that with all my heart. I look forward to the day when he comes.

1Ne Ch12

A continuation of the visions from ch11. He sees the future of his people and the coming of Christ but also the destruction of his people.

Nephi sees the future of his people and the many wars they have (v2). He also gets to see the destruction of his people in v4 but the coming of Christ in v6. He sees the chosen twelve apostles that will minister unto his seed. 

Ok this is pretty cool! Pay attention and try not to get lost (because I'm not good at explaining). Read v8-10 then think about it. The twelve apostles (Peter, James, John, etc.) will judge the twelve tribes of Israel. The twelve disciples (Nephites) will be the judges (or at least help Christ judge) the nephites of their time. Now what can we expect from the apostles in our day!? They lived in our day and know the trails we faced so they will probably help Christ during our judgment. Just food for thought from the doctrine of Lara :)

Now Nephi witnesses the three generations of righteous people after Christ's coming (v11). Then he sees the decline and contention that arises again (v12-15). The angel then explains the river, mists of darkness, and the large and spacious building to Nephi (v16-18). In the last few verses, Nephi sees his seed overtaken by the seed of his brothers and the generations that pass away where they dwindle in unbelief and "become a dark, and loathsome, and a filthy people, full of idleness and all manner of abominations" (v19-23).

The nephites were destroyed because they became wicked and were prideful. More of the vision continues in ch13 so be ready!

1Ne Ch11

This chapter is full of a lot that Nephi asks of The Lord and is shown in a vision. Prepare for a huge load of awesome!

Starting in v1, Nephi asks The Lord and believes The Lord is able to make his questions known, he sits and ponders in his heart in the things that he has asked. That is probably the most important part of praying; listening for an answer afterwards! So he gets swept into a vision where he gets to have a conversation with the Spirit of The Lord. (HINT: It is easier to imagine the conversation if you read carefully put quotes around who said what then re-read it).

According to Nephi's faith Spirit (of The Lord) rejoices and says, "blessed art thou, Nephi, because thou believest in the Son of the most high God." Now personally I like to insert my own name in there because I know how happy I would be to hear Christ telling me that :)

So The Lord grants Nephi's desires because of his great faith and shows him the vision of the Tree of Life, and tells him to bare record of his visions. Nephi is more curious to know the interpretation of the vision so the Spirit of The Lord (in the form of a man (v11)) shows him another vision and teaches him. I like that He doesn't just give Nephi the answers.

He first shows him Mary, "the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh," (v13-18) then the Lamb of God as a new born. Nephi learns that the tree means the Love of God which is all encompassing and joyous to the soul (v21-23).

Nephi is then shown Christ going amount the people and being worshiped my man and learns that the Rod of Iron was the Word of God (v24-25). Nephi speaks of John the Baptist again and how he baptized the Lamb of God (v27), then how the ministering continues and Christ is cast out. Nephi witnesses the twelve apostles but didn't see their faces (v29) but he saw many miracles by the hands of angels and.Christ (v30-31).

Nephi then sees the people rejecting Christ and his crucifixion after being judged of the world. He sees all the people gathered to fight against the apostles and how they are in the large and spacious building (v32-35). The angel/Spirit of The Lord says, "Behold the world and the wisdom thereof," which I would say as, "Behold the world and the lack of wisdom thereof."

Nephi has now learned that the great and spacious building is the pride of the world. He bears record of the fall of the building with all the people in it who have taught against the apostles of God (v36). Let us all strive to be out of that building by keeping our pride in check. Be a humble follower of Christ and we will stand with him at the last day. 

1Ne Ch10

Nephi has given a short history of their lights from Jerusalem and now is started to accounts his proceedings, reign, and ministry. To do so he still references his father and brother (v1). Nephi writes about how his father (still the prophet), speaks about what is going to happen to Jerusalem now. They will be put into bondage by Babylon but 600 yrs later, a prophet would be raised up (v4). Lehi also spoke about the Messiah and the prophets that testified of him taught that we should rely in our Redeemer (v5-6). In v7, when he mentions, "a prophet who should come before the Messiah, to prepare the way of The Lord," it is referencing John the Baptists. Proof can be found in v8-10 when it describes what this prophet does during his life.

The verses about the gospel and the scattering, then gathering of the Gentiles are in v11-14. We then see that all this was a summary of Lehi's actual teachings which we don't have and Nephi left out a bunch (v15).

Nephi was desirous also to "see, and hear, and know" more about all these things that his father had taught. Nephi then bears an incredible testimony of our unchanging Lord, "He is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever" (v18). We can know the mysteries of God if we but simply ask. The power of the Holy Ghost reveals them to us just like he did in times of old and in times to come (v19). Seeking wickedness, in this day of our probation (our time on Earth), will cause us to be found unclean at our judgement and we will not be able to dwell with God for eternity. 

1Ne Ch9

This chapter is pretty short and clues us in on Nephi's reasoning for the two separate Plates of Nephi. Nephi names both plates after himself because he wants to confuse us, wait no because he started them both. The ones we are reading from now, if you'll remember, are the small plates which contain the ministry of the Nephi's people (v3). The larger plates have the reign of kings, wars and contentions, and, we know, a fee more important spiritual matters.

He was commanded to write these plates by The Lord for a special and wise purpose which The Lord knoweth. In v6, he says, "he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works around the children of men." I know The Lord's work is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man (1 Moses 1:39). This helps us understand the purpose of Nephi writing this special record.

I hope everyone will understand that The Lord commanded these records to be written, preserved them for many years, and brought them back during this time for us. For the purpose of bringing to pass each of our immortality. And not only that, our eternal life that can be lived in happiness with our Heavenly Father. I cherish the messages in the Book of Mormon and strive to learn from them because they can help me learn how to live eternally and spread this knowledge to others.