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).