Book of Mormon Day 6

Book of Mormon Day 6

Thought - Members of the Church everywhere should know the Book of Mormon better than any other book. Not only should we know what history and faith promoting stories it contains, but we should understand its teachings. If we really did our homework and approached the Book of Mormon doctrinally, we could expose the errors and find the truths to combat many of the current false theories and philosophies of men, including socialism, humanism, organic evolution and others. I have noted within the Church the difference in discernment, in insight, conviction and spirit between those who know and love the Book of Mormon and those who do not. That book is a great sifter.  (ET Benson New Era, May 1975, p. 19)

1. Outside Reading - "A Companion to Your Study of the Book of Mormon" First printed in 1976. Written by Daniel Ludlow. A classic and wonderful companion.

2. Gary's Green Verses

Date	Chapter	Vs.	Comments
Feb. 16	2 Nephi 25	23	Grace kicks in after our best efforts. Our best efforts will never be enough without Grace.
Feb. 17	2 Nephi 26	24	The Infinite Atonement explained in 1 verse!
Feb. 18	2 Nephi 27	27	We might fool Santa into thinking we've been nice, but not God.
Feb. 19	2 Nephi 28	7-8	Satan's tactics
Feb. 20	2 Nephi 29	8	How narrow minded to think that all of God's words could be crammed into 1 Book
Feb. 21	2 Nephi 30	2	We are not saved by our Family History charts
Feb. 22	2 Nephi 31	20	What we must do after our baptism
Feb. 23	2 Nephi 32	3, 8,9	Feast on the words of Christ. Who teaches us that we are unworthy to pray

3. 2 Nephi 28:30 & 2 Nephi 33:10-11 - "and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have." See Companion p. 152.

4. 2 Nephi 31 "Let me append to what I'm saying there--something that is needed to give a rounded picture. It's not quite on the subject, but it gives a rounded picture of what's involved. You could take the expressions that I've made and say they're a little severe, or they're harsh or difficult, and hence, it's hard to gain eternal salvation. I'd like to append to them the fact--and this is true gospel verity--that everyone in the Church who is on the straight and narrow path, who is striving and struggling and desiring to do what is right, though is far from perfect in this life; if he passes out of this life while he's on the straight and narrow, he's going to go on to eternal reward in his Father's kingdom. We don't need to get a complex or get a feeling that you have to be perfect to be saved. You don't. There's only been one perfect person, and that's the Lord Jesus, but in order to be saved in the Kingdom of God and in order to pass the test of mortality, what you have to do is get on the straight and narrow path--thus charting a course leading to eternal life--and then, being on that path, pass out of this life in full fellowship. I'm not saying that you don't have to keep the commandments. I'm saying you don't have to be perfect to be saved. If you did, no one would be saved. The way it operates is this you get on the path that's named the "straight and narrow." You do it by entering the gate of repentance and baptism. The straight and narrow path leads from the gate of repentance and baptism, a very great distance, to a reward that's called eternal life. If you're on that path and pressing forward, and you die, you'll never get off the path. There is no such thing as falling off the straight and narrow path in the life to come, and the reason is that this life is the time that is given to men to prepare for eternity. Now is the time and the day of your salvation, so if you're working zealously in this life--though you haven't fully overcome the world and you haven't done all you hoped you might do--you're still going to be saved. You don't have to do what Jacob said, "Go beyond the mark." You don't have to live a life that's truer than true. You don't have to have an excessive zeal that becomes fanatical and becomes unbalancing. What you have to do is stay in the mainstream of the Church and live as upright and decent people live in the Church--keeping the commandments, paying your tithing, serving in the organizations of the Church, loving the Lord, staying on the straight and narrow path. If you're on that path when death comes--because this is the time and the day appointed, this the probationary estate--you'll never fall off from it, and, for all practical purposes, your calling and election is made sure. Now, that isn't the definition of that term, but the end result will be the same." (BRM "The Probationary Test of Mortality" UofU Jan. 10, 1982)

5. 16 things the Book of Mormon teaches about Prayer: "Articles of Prayer"

1) 1 Nephi 1:5; 2 Nephi 33:5; Mosiah 27:4; Enos 19, 11; 3 Nephi 18:23; James 5:16- Our best prayers are in behalf of others.

2) 1 Nephi 1:5; Moroni 7:48; Moroni 7:9 - We need to learn to pray "with all of our hearts." (See Luke 22:42-44)

3) Alma 5:46; 1 Nephi 15:11; Alma 9:20; Moroni 10:4 - Prayer takes desire, faith in Christ (Mosiah 26:3), effort (Alma 34:28), obedience, time and action on our part.

4) 2 Nephi 32:8-9 - One of Satan's tactics is to interrupt our prayers. (JSH 6-20 & Lorenzo Snow) “Some two or three weeks after I was baptized … I began to reflect upon the fact that I had not obtained a knowledge of the truth of the work … , and I began to feel very uneasy. I laid aside my books, left the house, and wandered around through the fields under the oppressive influence of a gloomy, disconsolate spirit, while an indescribable cloud of darkness seemed to envelop me. I had been accustomed, at the close of the day, to retire for secret prayer, to a grove a short distance from my lodgings, but at this time I felt no inclination to do so. The spirit of prayer had departed and the heavens seemed like brass over my head. At length, realizing that the usual time had come for secret prayer, I concluded I would not forego my evening service, and, as a matter of formality, knelt as I was in the habit of doing, and in my accustomed retired place, but not feeling as I was wont to feel.

“I had no sooner opened my lips in an effort to pray, than I heard a sound, just above my head, like the rustling of silken robes, and immediately the Spirit of God descended upon me, completely enveloping my whole person, filling me, from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet, and O, the joy and happiness I felt! No language can describe the almost instantaneous transition from a dense cloud of mental and spiritual darkness into a refulgence of light and knowledge, as it was at that time imparted to my understanding. I then received a perfect knowledge that God lives, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and of the restoration of the holy Priesthood, and the fulness of the Gospel. …

“… That night, as I retired to rest, the same wonderful manifestations were repeated, and continued to be for several successive nights. The sweet remembrance of those glorious experiences, from that time to the present, bring them fresh before me, imparting an inspiring influence which pervades my whole being, and I trust will to the close of my earthly existence.” ³

5) 2 Nephi 32:9; Mosiah 27:4 2 Nephi 4:24 - Our prayers make a difference

6) 3 Nephi 18:21 - Family prayer

7) Ether 2:14 - Failure to pray has consequences

8) 3 Nephi 19:24; 2 Nephi 4:35 - We should pray to know what we should pray for.

9) 2 Nephi 32:4; 1 Nephi 15:3, 8-9 - There are things we will never understand without prayer

10) Ether; 1 Nephi 17:45; Enos 1:10 - God has a multitude of ways to answer our prayers. "Put difficult questions in the back of your mind and go about your livess. Ponder and pray quietly and persistently about them. The answer may not come as a lightning bolt. It may come as a little inspiration here and a little there, line upon line, precept upon precept. (D&C 98:12) Some answers will come from reading the scriptures, some from hearing speakers, And, occasionally, when it is important, some will come by very direct and powerful inspiration. The promptings will be clear and unmistakable. You can learn now, in your youth, to be led by the Holy Ghost.  As an Apostle I listen now to the same inspiration, coming from the same source, in the same way, that I listened to as a boy. The signal is much clearer now. (Packer)

11) 3 Nephi 17:15-17 - Prayer is something we will continue to do after we die

12) Helaman 7:11; Mosiah 24:10-12 - Sometimes we prayer out loud, Sometimes silently

13) 1 Nephi 8:12 - We can pray our way out of darkness

14) Enos 1:14 - Our prayers are not always answered immediately.

              "And, if they (the saints) will exercise their faith aright, there is no good thing, which they can desire, that will be withheld from them. Because you do not get all your prayers answered and your desires granted immediately, you must not therefore be disheartened. ...Remember, also, that though your prayers may not be answered immediately, if they are offered in the name of Jesus, and in faith, nothing being left undone in the remembrance of the Lord, and yet gear fruit. The ancient fathers asked for blessings in their prayers, which are even now being grated-thousands of years after the death of the mortal bodies...Though heaven and earth pass away, not one word that the Lord has spoken, not one promise that he has made, can pass away or remain unfulfilled. If they have waited thus patiently for the fulfillment of their prayers, cannot we, if necessary, do so also? (George Q. Cannon Millennial Star, 25:74-75)

15) 3 Nephi 13, 17, 18, 19 - The Lord taught much about prayer when he visited the Nephites. "There are many reason our prayers lack power. Sometimes they become routine. Our prayers become hollow when we say similar words in similar ways over and over so often that the words become more of a recitation than a communication. (Withlin)             "The trouble with most of our prayers is that we give them as if we were picking up the telephone and ordering groceries-we place our order and hang up. We need to meditate, contemplate, think of what we are praying about and for and then speak to the Lord as one man speaketh to another. (TGBH p. 469)

16) 1 Nephi 18:3 - Special prayers sometimes require special places

17) 3 Nephi 19:9 - Some things are more important to pray for than others.

See BD p. 752-3; "Prayers and Answer" (BKP Ensign, Nov. 1979); "Improving Our Prayers" (Joseph B. Withlin, BYU,  Jan. 21, 2003; "Ensign" March, 2004); "Prayer" Deseret Book, 1977; "Receiving Answers To Our Prayers" Gene R. Cook, Deseret Book 1996)

Day five

Book of Mormon Day-Five

Thought- The Book of Mormon was written for us today. God is the author of the book. It is a record of a fallen people, compiled by inspired men for our blessing today. Those people never had the book-it was meant for us. Mormon, the ancient prophet after whom the book is named, abridged centuries of records, God, who knows the end from the beginning, told him what to include in his abridgement that we would need for our day. (ET Benson Apr. 75 Gen Conf. p. 94)

1. Outside Reading - Book of Mormon Reference Companion, Dennis Largey

2. The coming forth of the Book of Mormon - Published in 6 months. Should have taken 17 1/2. ("Miracle on Palmyra's Main Street" Gordon L. Weight, May 2003)

3. Gary's Green Verses

2-9-12	2 Nephi 18	10	When we counsel together with the Spirit, our side will always win.
2-10-12	2 Nephi 19	6	Handel's Messiah's tribute to Jesus, using the words of Isaiah.
2-11-12	2 Nephi 20	15	When God uses us to do his work, of what have we to boast?
2-12-12	2 Nephi 21	3	How grateful we should be that God's judgment is not after the manner of men!
2-13-12	2 Nephi 22	1	My love and trust for God needs to be independent of my own obedience.
2-14-12	2 Nephi 23	3	Another reminder that God will protect & bless us when we follow Him.
2-15-12	2 Nephi 24	27	If you insist on worrying- Worry about something other than if God will fulfill his promises.
2-16-12	2 Nephi 25	23	Grace kicks in after my best efforts. My best efforts will never be enough without it.

4. 20 Things I love in 2 Nephi

              1. No story line except in Chapters 1 & 5.

              2. 2 Nephi 1:6 - How do you get to America? "Israel, Israel, God is calling"

              3. 2 Nephi 1:8 - "Had the knowledge of the Americas been made known even a century earlier, the religion transplanted to the Western World would have been that of the church of Europe at its lowest stage of decadence. The period closing with the 15th century was that of the dense darkness that goes before the dawn. Nephi gave us a prophetic description of the status of Christianity in that day and the dominance of a great and abominable church with its obsession for gold, silver, silks, scarlets, fine-twined linen, precious clothing, and harlots. Indeed, it was to escape the chains of bandage and the darkness of religious oppression that people of spiritual nobility emigrated to the new land." (DCBM p. 185)

              4.  2 Nephi 1:13, 23 - Satan's chains and the cucumber in a bottle. Bad habits

              5. 2 Nephi 1:30 - A true friend- "Be careful of your friends. They can make you or break you. Be generous in helping the unfortunate and those in distress. But bind to you friends of your own kind, friends who will encourage you, stand with you, live as you desire to live; who will enjoy the same kind of entertainment; and who will resist the evil that you determine to resist." (GBH-Ensign, May 2004, p. 113-114)

              6. 2 Nephi 2:4-6 - 6 Fundamentals           1) The Spirit is always the same.    2)The way is prepared.   3) Salvation is free (2 Nephi 9:50-51)   4) Man knows good from evil (Moroni 7:16) 5)   By the Law, no flesh is justified. 6) Redemption is through Christ.

              7. 2 Nephi 2:9 - The Law of Moses required that Israel take their firstfruits and dedicate them to God in the temple. Those who dedicate themselves to God are the 1st fruits. Christ is the 1st fruits because of His dedication-not just because he was 1st to rise.

              8. 2 Nephi 2:11 - Lucifer provides nothing. He just takes away. Darkness=absence of light; death=absence of life; falsehood=absence of truth; evil=absence of good; misery=absence of joy

              9. 2 Nephi 2:19 - The events associated w/ the Garden of Eden make it an archetype of our temples. Here they received the Priesthood, walked & talked w/ God, were married & taught the law of sacrifice, clothed in garments & from here they entered into the lone & dreary world that they & their descendents could prove themselves worthy to return. (Gospel Symbolism p. 258)

              10.  2 Nephi 2:25 -Humpty Dumpty   by Mother Goose and Sheldon Cheshire

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All the King’s horses and all the King’s men, Couldn’t put Humpty together again.

BUT THE KING COULD

The King, full of grace appeared at the scene      And put back the egg like had never ‘fore been;

On the shell, not a crack &the egg looked like new, But inside, still scrambled, Humpty asked what to do.

“Oh Master,” he said, “On the outside I’m well, But the insides an omelet, I’m sorry I fell.

Is there something to do that would restore my yolk? ‘Cause I don’t feel quite whole if my insides are broke.

“My child,” said the King, “That’s just what I do,              But not by myself-I also need you.

You must be sincere, your heart be contrite        Just don’t fall again-please try with your might.”

“I won’t,” said the egg. “I’ll try not to fall.”          Then Humpty was whole-insides and all.

So if you ever fall and your insides feel broke,    Just remember our fellow and his scrambled up yolk.

Most - Remember the King & how he heals the fall.     Passed below all mankind - then he rose above all.

              11. 2 Nephi 2:27  Free Agency and Freedom DALLIN H. OAKS,  BYU 11 October 1987.

1. Before the world was created, we existed in the presence of God. 2. Free agency is a gift of God. 3. We had free agency in the premortal existence. 4. There Satan presented a plan that would have taken away our free agency. 5. When God rejected Satan's plan, Satan and those who followed him rebelled and were cast out of heaven. 6. Pursuant to God's plan, Adam and Eve made the choice that caused the Fall, making mankind subject to mortality and sin in the world. 7. We are here to be tested, and this cannot occur without opposition in all things. 8. To provide that opposition, Satan is permitted to try to persuade us to use our free agency to choose evil. 9. If we choose evil and do not repent, we can ultimately become captives of Satan.

First, because free agency is a God-given precondition to the purpose of mortal life, no person or organization can take away our free agency in mortality.

Second, what can be taken away or reduced by the conditions of mortality is our freedom, the power to act upon our choices. Free agency is absolute, but in the circumstances of mortality freedom is always qualified. Freedom may be qualified or taken away (1) by physical laws, including the physical limitations with which we are born, (2) by our own action, and (3) by the action of others, including governments.

1.Lehi taught his son Jacob that "men are free [have freedom] according to the flesh" (2 Nephi 2:27). For example, in the flesh we are subject to the physical law of gravity. If I should hang from the catwalk here in the Marriott Center and release my grip, I would not be free to will myself into a soft landing. And I cannot choose to run through a brick wall. A loss of freedom reduces the extent to which we can act upon our choices, but it does not deprive us of our God-given free agency. A woman who has spent much of her life confined to a wheelchair expressed that thought in verse. Annie Johnson Flint writes:

I cannot walk, but I can fly; No roof can house me from the stars No dwelling pen me in its bounds, Nor keep me fast with locks and bars. No narrow room my thoughts can cage, No fetters hold my roving mind; From these four walls that shut me in, My soaring soul a way can find. . . . And when the long, long day is done,  I clasp the dearest book of all, And through the dim, sweet silences, I hear my Father's accents fall. Then, though, in chains, yet I am free;  "My Wants" by Annie Johnson Flint. See also Dt. 30:15,16,19

              12. 2 Nephi 3 - In this chapter Lehi quotes to his son Joseph promises made to Joseph of Egypt which were contained on the plates of brass and not contained in the Book of Genesis as it was passed down in the Judeo-Christian world. Many of these were restored in the JST. They talk about covenants of the Lord with Joseph of Egypt (3:4) The loss of these covenants from the biblical record has caused the Gentile world to stumble over truths restored through Joseph Smith. Neither does the world know that the Lord raised up Moses to deliver the children of Israel from Egypt because of a covenant he made with Joseph of Egypt. (3:10, 17) Joseph, Lehi's son was promised that part of his posterity would be preserved. (3:3) The most significant doctrine is the prophecy of Joseph Smith being raised up, as a descendent of Joseph of old to do this great latter-day work.

              13. 2 Nephi 5 is a great answer to an important question of when dividing a family is appropriate. The answer is when the physical and/or spiritual health of the family is endangered.

              14.  2 Nephi 9 - Joseph Fielding Smith called 2 Nephi 9 one of  the most enlightening discourses ever delivered in regard to the Atonement. (ATGQ 4:57) 2 Nephi 9:7. The Infinite Atonement

• Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the

Twelve Apostles explained several ways in which the Atonement is infinite:“His Atonement is infinite—without an end. It was also infinite in that all humankind would be saved from never-ending death. It was

infinite in terms of His immense suffering. It was infinite in time, putting an end to the preceding prototype of animal sacrifice. It was infinite in scope—it was to be done once for all. And the mercy of the atonement extends not only to an infinite number of people, but also to an infinite number of worlds created by Him. It was infinite beyond any human scale of measurement or mortal comprehension. “Jesus was the only one who could offer such an infinite atonement, since He was born of a mortal mother and an immortal Father. Because of that unique birthright, Jesus was an infinite Being” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1996, 46; or Ensign, Nov. 1996, 35).

15.

              15. 2 Nephi 9:20 "In a very real sense, all we need to know is that God knows all. (NAM ISM p. 67)

              16. 2 Nephi 9:25 - Two things we can be sure of: ?

              17. 2 Nephi 9:28-29 "Among the LDS, the preaching of false doctrines disguised as truths of the gospel, may be expected from people of 2 classes, they are; 1st the hopelessly ignorant, whose lack of intelligence is due to their indolence and sloth, who make but feeble effort.... to better themselves by reading and study; those afflicted with laziness. 2nd, The proud and self-vaunting ones who read by the lamp of their own conceit; who interpret rules of their own contriving, who have become a law unto themselves, and so prose as the sole judges of their own doings. More dangerously ignorant than the 1st." (JFS Gospel Doctrine p. 373)

              18. • Second Nephi 9:34 and several other scriptures teach the seriousness of the sin of lying (see Proverbs 6:16–19; D&C 63:17–18; 76:98, 103). President James E. Faust (1920–2007)

“There are different shades of truth telling. When we tell little white lies, we become progressively color-blind. It is better to remain silent than to mislead. The degree to which each of us tells the whole truth and nothing but the truth depends on our conscience. . . .“. . . As President Gordon B. Hinckley has said, ‘Let the truth be taught by example and precept—that to steal is evil, that to cheat is wrong, that to lie is a reproach to anyone who indulges in it” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1996, 57–61; or Ensign, Nov. 1996, 41–44 - Student Manual

            19. 2 Nephi 10:3 - TPJS p. 328

            20. 2 Nephi 10:16 - This verse teaches us that we join the Great and Abominable Church with our actions rather than our affiliation with a particular organization.

            21. 2 Nephi 9:6 - "The phrase 'the government shall be upon his should' is traditionally understood to be from one of two ceremonies. During the ancient Semitic wedding ceremony, the one performing the rite would remove the veil from the face of the bride, placing in on the shoulder of the groom, while reciting this line, Also, as part of ancient royal vesting rites, a king who was being crowned and enthroned would receive upon his shoulders the robe of regal authority as an indication of his right to rule and reign. Both of these images apply well to Christ and serve to highlight the burden, responsibility, and labor associated with the shoulders. (Gaskil, The Lost Language of Symbolism" p. 55)

Day Four

Book of Mormon 121 Day 4

Every Latter-day Saint should make the study of this book a lifetime pursuit otherwise he is placing his soul in jeopardy and neglecting that which would give spiritual and intellectual unity to his whole life. There is a difference between a convert who is built on the rock of Christ through the Book of Mormon and stays hold of that iron rod, and one who is not. (ET Benson Oct. 86 Gen Conf.)

1. Outside reading- Verse by Verse-The Book of Mormon, Volume 1, D. Kelly Ogden and Andrew C. Skinner. An excellent commentary by two of my favorite BYU professors. They give excellent commentary on the geography and language. They also do a much more detailed commentary on the writings of Isaiah in the Book of Mormon than "Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon" by McConkie and Millet.

2. Gary's Green Verses

Date	Reference	Fav. Verse	Message
Feb. 2	2 Nephi 11	3	The Law of Witnesses. Linking our testimonies
Feb. 3	2 Nephi 12	1-2	Do I learn each time I attend the temple?
Feb. 4	2 Nephi 13	10	What fruit do I eat because of my doings?
Feb. 5	2 Nephi 14	2	How does the Savior & the fruits of the gospel look to me?
Feb. 6	2 Nephi 15	20	Examples? Stands of the Church & our families
Feb. 7	2 Nephi 16	8	Can I hear myself saying, "Here I am; send me"?
Feb. 8	2 Nephi 17	14	Preparations were made for the birth of the Savior centuries before his birth. What preparations were made for my birth before I was born?
Feb. 9	2 Nephi 18	10	Any God included group will win over any non God included group

2. The Testimony of the 3 and 8 Witnesses - See D&C 17; Ether 5:2-4; 2 Nephi 11:3; 27:12-13. The testimonies of the witnesses were included at the end of early editions, but at the beginning of the later editions.

The 3 witnesses viewed the plates not far from the Peter Whitmer home in Fayette.

The 8 witnesses viewed the plates not far from the Joseph Smith Sr. home in Palmyra. (25 miles north of Fayette)

3. Isaiah -"Isaiah is the most frequently quoted prophet in the New Testament, the Book of Mormon and the D&C. The Book of Mormon contains the oldest copy of Isaiah extant. It is the best text of Isaiah and the best commentary. It is host to over 30 pages of Isaiah's writings, about 1/3 of the book. Passages from 24 of the 66 chapters, (19 complete). of 425 verses from Isaiah in the Book of Mormon, 196 are identical but 229 are quoted differently. Of the 425, 391 teach something about the attributes or mission of Jesus.

WHY? -

1. Jesus said to. (32 Nephi 23:1-2)

2. Bruce R. McConkie said, “ Nephi said: `my soul delighteth in the words of Isaiah . . .  (2 Nephi 25:5) Personally, I feel about Isaiah and his utterances the same way Nephi felt and think that if I expect to go where Nephi and Isaiah have gone, I had better speak their language, think their thoughts, know what they knew, believe and teach what they believed and taught, and live as they lived.  It just may be that my salvation (and your also!) Does in fact depend upon our ability to understand the writings of Isaiah as fully and truly as Nephi understood them.” (10 Keys to understanding Isaiah)

3. He spoke of the Savior         4. He spoke of our day

HOW?

1. Hard work - Reveal and Conceal

2. Spirit of Prophecy (2 Nephi 25:4; 1 Nephi 10:19; Alma 12:9-10; Alma 26:22)

3. Manner of prophesying among the Jews (2 Nephi 25:1, 5) A. Law of Moses B. Poetic Language (poetry is saying one thing and meaning another) Over 90% of Isaiah is poetic. C. Dualism D. Esoteric Words (Confidential or of limited understanding) E. Hebrew F. King James English

4. Familiar with Geography and History of Isaiah’s time. ("Whoever wants to understand a poet, must go to the poet's homeland" Goethe)

5. Understand God’s plan, consistency and dealings with the House of Israel.

6. Live in our day (2 Nephi 25:7-8) 2 Nephi 27 written 2500 years before Martin Harris. Use other scriptures (D&C, BOM, New Testament, footnotes and chapter headings)

7. Liken them to us (1 Nephi 19:23)

8. Line upon Line

First Nephi 20 (Isaiah 48)

Nephi begins his extensive quotations from Isaiah, not from the beginning of the words of Isaiah but from near the end, because the message of hope and redemption in Christ in Is. 48 & 49 fit the message he was continuing in 1 Nephi 19. (Read Ch. Heading for 1 Nephi 19 and also vs. 19 &20) He uses Isaiah to substantiate what he has been teaching that; 1. Believe in Christ. (They had disregarded Nephi’s testimony so he adds Isaiah’s.  2. Israel has been, is being and will be scattered and we are a part of that scattering. 3. Because God knew that we were going to be scattered, he also provides hope for us to be gathered again.

Before reading 1 Nephi 20, read the last verse of Chapter 19.

20:1- To covenant people who are not true to the covenant. Out of the waters of baptism is not in the OT.

20:2 - They like the status of being a chosen people, but they fail to see the obligation side of being a covenant people.

20:3 - The Lord sites his past performance in predicting

20:4 -It has not been hard to make predictions concerning Israel because they are obstinate, slow to turn from the direction they had in mind and hard headed. Neck is an iron sinew. Those who will not bow before the Lord  (Dt. 9:6; 31:27) Brow Brass, Members who will not give their mind or thoughts to the Lord (Ezek. 3:7-9)

20:5 - Israel has been shown the prophecies way in advance by God so they can’t give credit to false gods they are prone to worship.

20:6 - Fess up, I have been right in my predictions of your wickedness. The Lord has and does know and reveal the future. The new things may refer, among other things, to the prophecy concerning Israel’s deliverance through Cyrus (Is. 42:9; 43:9). Hidden things refers to the mysteries of God as revealed in temples or in other God ordained ways.

20:7 - I have been telling and you have not been listening, but I have spoken them anyway so that you would know that I knew.

20:8 - Israel has been a sinful nation since Sinai (the womb). Thou wouldst deal very treacherously is a reference to betrayers.

The preceding verses were a reminder to Israel of her traditional wicked ways. It applied very well to Laman and Lemuel and to many of us today.

20:9-11 - The Lord has not given up on Israel. He will use their afflictions to refine them. His love for them guarantees their standing. He is so patient.

20:10 – In the process of refining metals, intense heat is used to burn off the grosser elements and impurities. Israel’s initial furnace was their servitude in Egypt. All saints need this refining process. Christ is the refiner (Mal. 3:2-3; Zech. 13:9). Chosen for eternal life.

20:11 – The Lord knows us. We will receive the promised blessings. They will not be given to someone else.

20:12,13 – Israel’s call goes from before the earth was formed (first) and will go on for the duration of the earth’s existence (last) Jesus is also the first and the last. He has always been there for us and always will be. We needn’t worry about His being there for us. (See Exodus 4:22 where the Lord refers to Israel as his first born.) The right hand is the hand of authority. It is the covenant hand.

20:14-21 - “Isaiah next turns to God’s panoramic and prophetic perspective of Israel’s destiny. He reveals, through prophecies that carry double meanings, the many redemptive events that will occur in Israel’s future, as well as the several redeemers who will be raised up to help bring about God’s desires and purposes for his chosen people.” (Skinner, p. 102, Isaiah In The BOM).

20:14 – who among them hath declared these things. This may refer to Isaiah, Jesus, another prophet or more likely to all who preach the gospel. The Lord hath loved him=Sperry and Skinner say it was Cyrus. Nyman says Israel. Victor Ludlow says it is Christ. I think it is Cyrus as a type of Christ. Babylon is a symbol for all of the wicked nations and people of the world.\

20:15 - Christ shall make Cyrus’ way prosperous. Also refers to the messenger of declaring these things. The message seems to be that God has a plan and he will prosper all those He needs to see that the plan is carried out. (See 1 Nephi 9:6)

20:16 - God sent this composite deliverer.

20:17 – Christ is the master teacher. See Isaiah 2:3

20:18 - Israel has not taken the easy way. The peace spoken of would be as an ever-flowing river. Our righteousness as constant as the waves in the ocean.

20:19 - Things could have better. God blesses us through our posterity both in this life and also with eternal offspring.

20:20 - Israel’s deliverance from Babylon. Also the deliverance of anyone from the Babylon’s of our own life.

20:21 - God helped in Moses’ time and he will help again spiritually and physically.

20:22 – The blessings mentioned in this chapter are conditional upon our righteousness. This chapter should have greatly influenced Laman & Lemuel and their group. It should have great relevance to us also.

I Nephi 21 (Isaiah 49)

Remember from 1 Nephi 19:23-24 that Nephi is going to quote Isaiah because of Isaiah’s ability to do three things 1)Testify of Christ 2) Address their personal circumstances and 3) provide hope for their future. Nephi is teaching his people that they are part of the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophesy of the scattering of Israel.

In chapter 20:1-8 he reminds Israel (and Laman & Lemuel and us) of their wickedness. In the rest of that chapter he tells of their captivity and of his deliverance of them because of his love for them.

As we go to chapter 21 Isaiah moves to the latter days. President Wilford Woodruff says this: “The revelations that are in the Bible, the predictions of the patriarchs and prophets who saw by vision and revelation the last dispensation and fulness of times plainly tell us what is to come to pass. The 49th chapter of Isaiah is having fulfillment.”

Compare verse one of Isaiah with verse one of 1 Nephi 21

Both announce the scattering. The Nephite text identifies religious leaders as a cause of the scattering. Chapter 49, starting in the 2nd half of verse 1, identifies a servant of the Lord who is to deliver the latter-day scattered Israel. Many refer to him as the “suffering servant.” The Jews say that it is a depiction of their nation as a whole, others say it refers to Isaiah himself, but those verses when best applied refer dualistically to two individuals. Let’s look at how Isaiah describes him.

1. He has been called from the womb. Foreordained. (vs. 1; 2 Nephi 3:7-9, 14-15).

2. His mouth was like a sharp sword. He speaks with authority (vs. 2; D&C 18:35-36, 21:5).

3. He was hidden in the shadow of the Lord’s hand. Calling and election (vs. 2; LDCBM p. 66-67).

4. He was made a polished shaft. Refined (vs. 2; TPJS p. 304).

5. He was hidden in the quiver of the Lord. (vs. 2; D&C 86:9).

6. He would say that he had labored in vain. (vs. 4; D&C 121:2).

7. He would speak in the name of the Lord. (vs. 5; D&C 52:1).

8. He would know that he was foreordained. (vs. 5; D&C 127:2, TPJS p. 365).

9. His life’s work would be to gather Israel, even when Israel did not want to be gathered. (vs. 5; Mormon 8:16).

10. He would be the Lord’s servant to gather Israel. (vs. 6; D&C 110:11,16)

11. He would be a light unto the Gentiles. (vs. 6; D&C 86:11).

12. He would be hated, but also have the gospel be taught to government leaders. (vs. 7; JSH 1:33; D&C 1:23).

13. He will be given to Israel for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages. (vs. 8; D&C 1:17-22; 93:51)

14. He will set free the prisoners and shepherd the chosen people. (vs. 9).

Vs. 10-13 - The Mountains of the Lord- the Lord proclaims that he will use the servant mentioned before and will shield and protect and uses the symbolic terms of not hungering or thirsting, mountains, highways for the gathering

Vs. 14 - A discourage prophet asks if Israel has been forsaken

Go to vs. 15 - Can God forget us?

Vs. 16. - graven upon the palms of my hands

vs. 18 -an allusion of a bride

vs. 19-21 - the gathering places will not seem large enough

vs. 22-23 - Explained in I Nephi 22

24-26 - God will preserve Israel

2 NEPHI 7 (Isaiah 50)

              The account of a sermon that Jacob gave to the Nephites is recorded in 2 Nephi 6-10. At the beginning of this sermon Jacob quoted from Isaiah 49 concerning the Gentiles assistance in gathering of Israel (2 Nephi 6:6-7 from Isaiah 49:22-23).  Jacob described the Babylonian captivity of Judah and the return to Jerusalem. He told of the coming of Jesus and his rejection and crucifixion. Because the Jews rejected Jesus they would be scattered but would be gathered again. Jacob then taught of the 2^nd coming of the Savior/ (2 Nephi 6:8-18). In 2 Nephi 7 Jacob quoted all of Isaiah 50, which begins with the Lord’s clarification to Israel that he had not put them away, but that they had put themselves away through their transgressions.

Vs. 1 – Bill of Divorcement- see Dt. 24:1-2; Jer. 3:8; D&C 133:63-64. Rhetorical questioning

Vs. 2 – a reference to the Savior’s first coming.

              The Lord’s hand is neither lengthened or shortened.

Vs. 2-3 – See D&C 133:71 and D&C 1:14

Vs. 4-9 – “These verses are known among biblical scholars as a ‘servant song.’ This is a major poetic passage wherein a servant of the Lord is described, although not specifically identified. There are differences of opinion among commentaries regarding the identity of this Servant. While there may be dual meaning to these verses,…the song in Isaiah 50 refers primarily to the Messiah. He will be treated despicably, but the power of God will be manifest in Him. Those who oppose Him will be destroyed.” (Brewster, p. 209)

Vs. 4 – The tongue of the learned- a reference to the 12 year old Christ, the 14 year old Joseph and to 19 year old missionaries.                      When ye are weary he waketh morning by morning. He gets up even when you are tired. With His inspiration we can be as wise as the learned.

Vs. 8 – When the Lord is near, I have nothing to fear.

Vs. 9 – There is permanence in following the Lord.

Vs. 10 – This verse is a question. The answer is nobody.

Vs. 11 – A verse of warning to those who make their own light rather than follow the Light of the World.

2^ND NEPHI 8

Notice the calls to hearken or look or awake or shake yourself (1,2,4,6,7,9,17, 24,25)

Also the numerous references to salvation i.e. deliverance from the enemy and righteousness i.e. choosing a godly life (1,5,6,7)

Look for four major sections in this chapter;

1.       (1-8) A reminder to Israel of her heritage and the Lord’s work

2.       (9-16) A promise that the righteous will enjoy the blessings of Zion.

3.       (17-23) A warning and a promise to the Jews in the last days

4.       (24-25) A brief vision of Zion and Jerusalem restored to their full priesthood power.

At the end of these quotations, Jacob builds upon the words of Isaiah with his wonderful sermon on the Atonement (ch. 9) Toward the end of his sermon Jacob uses Isaiah 55:1-2 (2 Nephi 9:50-51) as his invitation for all to partake of the blessings of the salvation.

Vs. 1 – Jesus is called the “Rock” at least 34 times in scripture. Consider your origins as children of Christ as well as children of Abraham. Remember who you are and whose you are.

Vs. 2 – Just like Abraham and Sarah received blessings-which seemed to be beyond hope, so will we. For Abraham’s call and covenant see Genesis 12:1-5 and 17:1-22.

Vs. 3 – Refers to the millennial restoration. How does the Lord take a person who would be represented by a wilderness and make him a garden?

Vs. 4 – The Book of Mormon serves as a judgment in our day. See 2 Nephi 25:22 and D&C 20:13-15

              The law mentioned in this verse may also refer to the law that will go forth from Jerusalem during the Millennium.

Vs. 5 – The arm of the Lord is often used as a symbol of his power. His arm of mercy and of justice is the same arm.    Isles is generally a reference to scattered Israel.

Vs. 6 – notes changes in the earth when the Savior comes and reminds us to notice the signs when they come.

Vs. 7 – Cross-reference this verse with D&C 3:7. Other verses? See verse 12

Vs. 8 – The earth and things on it are temporary, but righteousness is forever.

Vs. 9– Rahab is an ancient Near Eastern name for a monster of chaos closely related to Leviathan (Is. 27:1). In the Old Testament the power of God is explained in the imagery of Jehovah conquering Rahab, or chaos, through creation (Job 26:12). The imagery of God’s power in conquering chaos through creation is also applied in the Old Testament to the Lord’s mastery over the sea and to the destruction of Rahab as a personification of the host of Pharaoh in the Exodus story (Ps. 89:9-10; Is. 51:9). Thus Rahab is a poetic synonym for Egypt. (Ps. 87:4). In a more general way, Rahab may be interpreted as a representation of Satan. In any case the point of the imagery is that the Lord has power over all of the elements and all of his enemies. (Largey, p. 355).

Vs. 10 – A little reminder that God made the sea and controls it.

Vs. 11 – See D&C 45:71; 66:11; 101:18. Holiness upon their heads appears to be a reference to those who have had hands laid upon their heads and received the blessings of the priesthood and the temple.

Vs. 12 – Grass dies out quickly

Vs. 17 – the dregs are the sediment in the bottom of the cup.  The cup referred to is the cup of the Lord’s wrath. It will all be poured out.

Vs. 18 – Apostasy

Vs. 19-20 – See Revelation 11:3

Vs. 21 – Are they drunken with the contents of the cup of the Lord’s fury.

Vs. 25 – The bands of the bondage of apostasy are loosed when latter-day Israel accepts the restored gospel.

Note 2 Nephi 9:1-3

2 Nephi 12 (ISAIAH 2)

Vs. 1 - Judah and Jerusalem, but also all of earth

Vs. 2 - Mountain of the Lord’s house established in the top of the mountains refers to; A. Salt Lake Temple-Wilford Woodruff at dedication, LeGrand Richards; B. Other temples in Rocky Mountains (BRM) C. Jackson County Temple D. Temple in Old Jerusalem (Zech. 6:12-15) E. Mountain in scriptures is a place God meets his servants. During the Millennium, this will be the whole earth.

“Let Israel gather to the stakes of Zion in all nations. Let every land be a Zion to those appointed to dwell there. Let the fullness of the gospel be for all the saints in all nations. Let temples arise wherein the fullness of the ordinances of the Lord’s house may be administered. But still there is a center place, a place to which the Lord shall come, a place whence the law shall go forth to govern all the earth in that day when the Second David reigns personally upon the earth. And that center place is what men now call Independence in Jackson County, Missouri, but which in a day to come will be the Zion of our God and the City of Holiness of his people. The site is selected; the place is known; the decree has gone forth; and the promised destiny is assured” (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, p. 595).

This temple will be a complex of 24 buildings, built before and during the millennium.

Vs. 3 - Out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

A. Jackson County and a rebuilt Jerusalem

B. George Albert Smith at the dedication of the Idaho Falls Temple in 1945. “We thank thee that thou has revealed to us that those who gave us our constitutional form of government were men wise in thy sight and that thou didst raise them up for the very purpose of putting forth that sacred document....We pray that kings and rulers and the peoples of all nations under heaven may be persuaded...to adopt similar governmental systems, thus to fulfill the ancient prophecy of Isaiah that...out of Zion shall go forth the law.” (IE, Oct. 1945, p. 564.)

C. Mark E. Petersen talked about General Conference talks as being a fulfillment of this prophecy.  (Brewster p. 13)

Vs. 4 - the millennial government will be Christ as Judge and King and war implements will no longer be necessary

Vs. 5 - second half of verse is not in the Bible. Too clear of a prophecy on the apostasy

Vs. 6 - Replenished from the east. - Supplied with teachings from apostate religions like those in Assyria.

Soothsayers (persons who attempt or pretend to predict the future) like the Philistines- May have reference to 2 Kings 1, when the Israelite King Ahaziah sought help from Baal-zebub, the false god of the Philistine town of Ekron. Elijah intercepted the King’s messengers and told of the King’s death. Three captains of 50 were sent, two of who were killed at Elijah’s word. Finally Elijah went with the 3rd captain and talked to the King who died as Elijah had said.

Please themselves in the children of strangers. - Means to shake hands with or make a covenant with. Their business arrangements were more important to them than their covenants with God. May also refer to marriage outside of the covenant.

Vs. 7 - Israel has made money and military might their Gods.

Vs. 8 - cars, houses, clothes etc.

Vs. 9 - mean man=common man - the first two nots are not in the OT- The sin of pride is identified by both Isaiah and Nephi as the common dominator in the fall, destruction and scattering of all the nations and peoples discussed in Isaiah’s prophecies.

As a prophet and representative of the Lord, Isaiah prays that the Lord will not pardon Israel

Vs. 10 - “O ye wicked ones” is not in the OT

When Christ comes again, the wicked will try to hide.

Vs. 11 - When Christ comes; people and things, which have been highly esteemed, will not seem like much.

Vs. 12 - “the day of the Lord, in that day, day of visitation, day of his fierce anger, and day of the Lord’s vengeance are found more than 55 times. All refer to 2nd coming. D&C 64:23 says that now is called today, until the coming of the Son of Man.

Vs. 13 - “Symbolically, the scriptures consistently use trees to represent men. Green trees are righteous people (Ps. 1:3; D&C 135:6) and dry trees represent the wicked (Luke 23:31: 3 Nephi 14:17-18. In the context of 2 Nephi 2:11-21, oaks and cedars are like proud people, who Isaiah informs us, are high and lifted up, and the day of the Lord shall come upon them too.” (Parry, p. 34)

Bashan is north of Gilead. Its forests produced rare hardwood, Lebanon is a mountain range in Syria known for its fine cedars, used because of its fragrance & in building fancy places.

Vs. 14 - these mountains and hills may represent false temples. Hills, mountains, towers and walls are all representative of protection that will not abide the coming of the Lord.

Vs. 16 - Tarshish was a wealthy seaport, possibly from Spain, here representing the wealth of the world. It was through Tarshish that Solomon imported luxury items such as silver, ivory, apes and peacocks. 1 Kings 10:22

Pleasant pictures has something to do with imagery or figures. Possible images on the sails of ships from Tarshish?

Vs. 17 - see vs 12 above. Repetition for emphasis

Vs. 19 - see vs. 10

Vs. 20 - bats and moles are animals that cannot see. The very items that were prized because of their beauty will be tossed to animals that cannot see them! The wicked go to dark places when the God of Light appears.

Vs. 21 - in times of trouble, the sinners go to the wrong Rock.

2 NEPHI 13-14 (ISAIAH 3-4)

This chapter is a great example of Dualism. The verses are obviously pointing to the conditions in Jerusalem in 587 BC. They also portray the conditions of the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. However, they would not be in the Book of Mormon without relevance for our day.

Vs. 1 - When the bread and water are taken away from a people, they not only experience famine, they may also forfeit the help of the Bread of Life and the Living Water. “One meaning of the word “stay” is support. “Staff also bears the connotation of support. In Hebrew, staff is the feminine form of the masculine stay. Using both terms may indicate complete withdrawal of support.

Vs. 2,3 - Eleven types of leaders. All leaders are taken away.

Vs. 4 - This verse may refer to the reign of young leaders like Jehoiachin who ruled Judah at age 18 or Zedekiah at age 21. It may also refer to leaders from foreign lands that ruled without the Priesthood.

Vs. 5 - Disrespect of the elderly was probably a bigger surprise in their day than it has become in ours.

Vs. 6 - With a lack of leadership in the form of kings or the patriarchal order, a brother with only a “simlah” a cloak, which is not a rich man’s robe, but is itself a sign of poverty, is called to lead. The bad situation is again emphasized.

Vs. 7 - the word “healer” refers to one who binds up wounds and the message is, “I have problems enough of my own, I won’t lead.”

Vs. 8 - Both the words and deeds of Judah’s people are seen by an all-seeing God and found to be evil.

Vs. 9, 11- The men of Sodom in Genesis 19 were open in their intent to do evil. The face or countenance of evil people declares their wickedness. We live in a day when people openly declare their intent to do evil without shame. The girl (18 years old) on the talk show who on national TV invited a young man to help her lose her virginity. We reward ourselves as Samuel taught in Helaman 14:29-30. Wo occurs 22 times in Isaiah.

Vs. 10 - Remember that trees often represent people and their good fruit represent good works.

Yet another reminder that the righteous need not fear.

Vs. 12 - Being led by a woman was in insult in the ancient Israelite culture. It is also an indication of the breakdown in the power and influence of the Priesthood. President Benson said,

 “And so today, the undermining of the home and family is on the increase, with the devil anxiously working to displace the father as the head of the home and create rebellion among the children. The Book of Mormon describes the condition when it states, And my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them, And then these words follow-and consider these words seriously when you think of those political leaders who are promoting birth control and abortion; O my people, they who lead thee cause thee to err and destroy the way of thy paths.” (CR, Oct. 1970 p. 21.)

Vs. 13 - Standing was important in the ancient Israel courtroom, where the judge stood to pronounce judgement. Jesus has two roles in the courts above; 1. Our advocate and 2. The Judge.

Vs. 14 - The Lord will judge those who should have been leading, but instead have consumed through taxation and misuse, the food and sustenance of the poor.

Vs. 15 - May refer to taxation, physical punishment and attitude of rulers.

Vs. 16 - Daughter of Zion in the singular usually refers to Jerusalem. In the plural it often refers to the outlying cities of Judah. They go to the mother city when attacked. It also has an obvious reference to former and latter-day ladies and gentlemen, their vanity and haughtiness.

Stretched forth necks- head up and looking to see who’s looking

wanton eyes-seductive eyes that focus on carnality

walking and mincing as they go-walking in an affected manner with short, rapid steps that draw attention to them.

Making a tinkling with their feet-ankle ornaments called bangles were often worn by women in Eastern countries. Sometimes a bell was attached.

Vs. 17 - smite with a scab the crown of the head - may refer to a Babylonian custom of shaving the front part of the head of captives. In addition, since the Hebrew word for atonement means “covering” an uncovered head may point to one who has lost some of the privileges of the Atonement.

Discover their secret parts-put them to shame.

Vs. 18 - bravery of their tinkling ornaments- Have you ever seen a proud person who was forced to make a public appearance without their makeup and worldly clothing?

Cauls-possible hairnets or headbands    round tires like the moon-crescent shaped ornaments

Vs. 19 - Chains-pendants or earrings   mufflers-veils

Vs. 20 - tablets-perfume boxes?

Vs. 22 -Changeable suits of apparel=Festival robes or resplendent garments? In our day the contents of the walk in closets. How many pair of shoes? 69 coats

            Wimples-cloaks or shawls

Crisping ping-purses or satchels

Vs. 23 - Glasses-Two possible meanings are considered. 1. Polished metal mirrors or looking glasses. 2. Footnote of Is. 3:23 states that they are transparent garments.

Hoods - Women’s turbans.

The last three verses + one of chapter four portray a time of war and its results

Vs. 24 - the stink may have reference to the stench of dead bodies or festering wounds. (Ground zero)

instead of a girdle a rent- rent=torn clothing, from riches to rags. Some translations replace the word girdle with rope, indicating that a fine sash or expensive belt will be replaced with a rope by which he will be led as a slave.

Baldness- self-imposed baldness, sitting on the ground (vs. 26) and wearing sackcloth are all symbols of mourning.

Burning-Branding, once a mark of captivity and slavery

Vs. 26 - her gates shall lament - the gates of a city were the public thoroughfares. Here is where public displays of lamenting and mourning were exhibited.

4:1- JST places this verse as the last verse of 3 in Isaiah. It talks not of a time of plural marriage but of a time when, because of war, women will be without husbands and will be willing to assume a non-female assignment to go out and earn a living for herself. Seven women will take a hold of one man. Kind of like a 25-30 year old young adult activity. Seven is here, most probably symbolic of simply a lot or a fullness of women.

Reproach-disgrace caused by barrenness of the womb. A result of not having a husband.

Victor Ludlow suggests the possibility of sterility in that day because of radiation related to war!

Isaiah chapter four (2 Nephi 14) focuses on the hope and holiness of the millennial day.

4:2 - In Hebrew “branch” was symbolic of the Messiah. Branch may also represent a broken off remnant of the House of Israel. Fruit may refer to the abundance of millennial life or the spiritual food of the restored gospel.              The escaped of Israel would have reference to those who trusted in the Lord rather than their former captors.

4:3 - Written among the living - may have reference to those whose names are written in the lamb’s book of life.

4:4 - The wicked will be judged and destroyed from off the earth for the millennium.

4:5 - The Lord compares all homes to the Temple on Mount Zion and promises that each will be as a temple in the power and spirit displayed there. The (symbolic) cloud of smoke and pillar of fire, which represents the presence of the Lord, will cover the earth.

4:6 - the Lord promises millennial protection

              “If one assumes that the Hebrew is correct, then the passage seems to be highlighting very worldly women in a pre-millennial era who will do anything physically to attract men. If the context is the Millennium, then a literal reading of the verse would suggest a possible restoration of plural marriage. However, noting Isaiah’s employment of the symbolic number seven, an alternate millennial reading may be drawn. As a possible suggestion, note the following rendering of the verse: In the Millennium seven women [the entire church] will lay hold of one man [Christ] and say to him, We will eat our own bread and wear our own clothes: but let us be called after thy name [through covenants, also associated with the number seven] that we might have our shame removed.”(Alonzo Gaskill, The Lost Language of Symbolism, p. 127.)