Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi, Chapter 7-8

chapter 7 summary

Jacob quotes Isaiah 50. He uses Isaiah's words to testify of Jesus Christ.

stand-out scriptures

7:1   Yea, for thus saith the Lord: Have I put thee away, or have I cast thee off forever? For thus saith the Lord: Where is the bill of your mother’s divorcement? To whom have I put thee away, or to which of my creditors have I sold you? Yea, to whom have I sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away. 

When I read this verse I was reminded of the story in the New Testament in the book of Mark that is portrayed by the above picture. The sea raged while the Savior slept, and the apostles in their fear cried out in 4:38, "Master, carest thou not that we perish?" The Savior awoke, calmed the seas and the winds and replied to the apostles in verse 40,"Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith" 

The Savior's answer in both these instances is the same: Of course I care. The Savior used the analogy of a bill of divorcement, which was the legal document used in the Law of Moses to divorce a husband and wife, to represent His relationship with the House of Israel. In essence, the Savior asks the House of Israel, "Have I divorced you?" It is clear He has not. He loves His people and will never give up on them.

Like with His apostles during the storm, the Savior would never leave them or forsake them. But He does require their faith. Our faith. Faith that our Savior loves us. That we will blessed according to our faith. What cause we have to rejoice that the Lord is on our side.

7:11   Behold all ye that kindle fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks, walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks which ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand—ye shall lie down in sorrow.

Walking in our own light will only bring sorrow. By walking in the Savior's light we will have joy. The prophets have always counseled that if riches and education lead us to pride and self-reliance we will walk in sorrow. We must not rely in the arm of our flesh. Faith and trust in the Lord must be what we rely on. For example, the apostles relied on their strength and wisdom to battle the storm on the sea. They toiled in fear and pain to lead themselves to safety. If only they had relied on the Savior sooner and asked for His guidance and blessings, they could have avoided much personal anguish. We need only to ask, to turn to our Heavenly Father and Savior, to rely on them and recognize our weaknesses, to receive their blessings and walk in their light.

chapter 8 summary

Jacob quotes Isaiah 51 and Isaiah 52:1-2. The Lord promises great blessings to the House of Israel in the last days.

stand-out scripture

8:3   For the Lord shall comfort Zion, he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving and the voice of melody. 

A very sweet promise: "At the second coming of our Lord, 'the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisaical glory' (Articles of Faith 1:10). In other words, the earth will return to the beautiful and pure conditions that existed in the Garden of Eden, and there will be peace and righteousness" (see Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 303).

Joy and gladness! Thanksgiving and melody! What a comforting, precious promise. I think that may be my new theme for my home. A home full of joy and gladness, thanksgiving and melody. Peace and righteousness will once again reign in Israel.

Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi, Chapter 6

Isaiah prophesying and writing scripture of Jesus Christ.

chapter 6 summary

Jacob, Nephi's brother, quotes the words of Isaiah to their people the Nephites. Isaiah's words are precious for them all since he prophesies of the House of Israel. Jacob tells the Nephites they can liken Isaiah's words to themselves since they are of the House of Israel. 

stand-out scripture

6:13-15   Wherefore, they that fight against Zion and the covenant people of the Lord shall lick up the dust of their feet; and the people of the Lord shall not be ashamed. For the people of the Lord are they who wait for him; for they still wait for the coming of the Messiah.   14 And behold, according to the words of the prophet, the Messiah will set himself again the second time to recover them; wherefore, he will manifest himself unto them in power and great glory, unto the destruction of their enemies, when that day cometh when they shall believe in him; and none will he destroy that believe in him.   15 And they that believe not in him shall be destroyed, both by fire, and by tempest, and by earthquakes, and by bloodsheds, and by pestilence, and by famine. And they shall know that the Lord is God, the Holy One of Israel. 

The Nephites really relished in and treasured the brass plates, especially the words of Isaiah. Nephi has quoted him and now his brother Jacob does the same. I love verse 13. It gives me confidence as a Latter-day Saint to know that I am on God's side. But it also tells that there are many who fight against Zion. It exists today. Most recently with the moral issue of homosexuality and same-gender marriage. But though the church is persecuted over this issue, "the people of the Lord shall not be ashamed" (v. 13). But I think a lot of members begin to crack under the persecution and want to be seen as good guys, so they speak out against the church or apologize for the church to friends and family. They become ashamed of the gospel of Christ. It's sad.

I am not ashamed of the gospel. I am not ashamed of our leaders or doctrine or the commandments given us by the Lord. I know this church is true and that Christ is the head of His church.

Verses 14 and 15 speak of the Jews and how they will begin to believe:

“Not many of the Jews, I take it from my reading of the scriptures, will believe in Christ before he comes. The Book of Mormon tells us that they shall begin to believe in him [see 2Nephi 30:7 ]. They are now beginning to believe in him.

“But in the main they will gather to Jerusalem in their unbelief; the gospel will be preached to them; some of them will believe. Not all of the Gentiles have believed when the gospel has been proclaimed to them, but the great body of the Jews who are there assembled will not receive Christ as their Redeemer until he comes himself and makes himself manifest unto them” (Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 3:9). 

“Zechariah is another prophet who has plainly spoken of these great events. According to his predictions the nations will gather and lay siege to Jerusalem. Part of the city will fall, with dire consequences to its inhabitants, when a great earthquake will come, the Mount of Olives will cleave in twain, and the persecuted people will flee into this valley for safety. At that particular time will the Savior come as their Deliverer and show them his hands and his feet. They will look upon him and ask him where he received his wounds, and he will tell them they were received in the house of his friends—he is Jesus Christ, their Redeemer. Then will they fall to the ground and mourn, every family apart, because their ancestors persecuted their King and the children have followed in the footsteps of the fathers.
“At that time shall come the redemption of the Jews. Jerusalem shall then be rebuilt and the promises that it shall become a holy city will be fulfilled. The punishment which shall come upon those who lay siege to this land will be their destruction. The prophets have portrayed this in much detail with all its horrors” (Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 3:47).

What an amazing day that will be! What a sorrowful and joyful day for those who persecuted their King but then to find that they are promised all blessings if they will repent and believe. The House of Israel is the Lord's chosen people. He loves them, as he does all of God's children. 

Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi, Chapter 5

chapter 5 summary

Laman and Lemuel and others continue to rebel against Nephi and the righteous part of the family, so much so, that they seek to kill their brother Nephi. The Lord warns Nephi and tells him to flee into the wilderness with all who would go. They do: Nephi and his family, Zoram and his family, Sam and his family, Jacob and Joseph, Nephi's sisters, and all others who would go. They journey into the wilderness until they find their new home. The people of Nephi are now called Nephites, and the people of Laman and Lemuel, Lamanites. The Nephites are blessed because they keep the commandments and build a temple. The Lamanites are cursed with dark skin to literally be a symbol that they have rebelled against their God. Nephi continues to keep record on the plates. It has now been 30 years since the time they left Jerusalem.

stand-out scriptures

5:16  And I, Nephi, did build a temple; and I did construct it after the manner of the temple of Solomon save it were not built of so many precious things; for they were not to be found upon the land, wherefore, it could not be built like unto Solomon’s temple. But the manner of the construction was like unto the temple of Solomon; and the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine.

The above picture is an illustration of Solomon's temple in Jerusalem. It was standing when Lehi and his family had left. Now they knew through revelation of the Lord that it had been destroyed by the Babylonians. And so Nephi builds a temple for the Lord. I think it's interesting that in this verse, Nephi doesn't say the Lord commanded him to build a temple. He just knew that a temple was of vital importance and so he built it quickly but exactly.

This instance is another testimony to me of the importance of the brass plates. The Lord wanted them to have them to refer to, to remember their ancestors and lineage, to remember the prophets and their words, to remember the promises of God, and to use as a template in their new life on the American continent. Even, to help them build a temple and know the measurements and manner in which to do so (1 Kings 6). I can only imagine how greatly treasured those brass plates were.

I don't know if there are any references in the Book of Mormon of giving sacrifice to the Lord at the temple. But they surely did, since at the coming of Christ in 3 Nephi, He commands them to stop sacrifice by the shedding of blood. Thus, another testimony of the brass plates: they were needed to remember and follow the Mosaic Law.

Tomorrow is Ward Temple Day and I am so excited. The temple is the house of God and the spirit there sings to your soul and speaks peace to your heart. How grateful I am to have the Orlando Temple so close that I may receive light and wisdom by the spirit. How the Nephites must have rejoiced to have a temple in their midst after 30 years! Like the early Latter-day saint women who crushed their precious china into the mortar for the Salt Lake temple so it would shine, the Nephites too must have labored with love to erect a beautiful temple of exceedingly fine workmanship. Such faith.

5:20-23   Wherefore, the word of the Lord was fulfilled which he spake unto me, saying that: Inasmuch as they [the Lamanites] will not hearken unto thy words they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord. And behold, they were cut off from his presence.   21 And he had caused the cursing to come upon them, yea, even a sore cursing, because of their iniquity. For behold, they had hardened their hearts against him, that they had become like unto a flint; wherefore, as they were white, and exceedingly fair and delightsome, that they might not be enticing unto my people the Lord God did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them.   22 And thus saith the Lord God: I will cause that they shall be loathsome unto thy people, save they shall repent of their iniquities.   23 And cursed shall be the seed of him that mixeth with their seed; for they shall be cursed even with the same cursing. And the Lord spake it, and it was done.

Everything in the gospel was very literal before the death of Christ. They followed the Mosaic Law, which was painstakingly literal, like being allowed only a certain number of steps on the Sabbath. But it was neccesary to prepare the people, to teach them literally so then they could receive the Higher Law which was more symbolic. Instead of animal sacrifice, for example, the Higher Law taught to practice a broken heart and a contrite spirit. It is no surprise that the same literal law is applied here.

Because the Lamanites rebelled they were cursed with a literal curse: cut off from the presence of God. The skin of blackness was that tangible and physical reminder to the Nephites that God fulfills his promises. The Lamanites were cut off from the presence of the Lord, literally, when Nephi, the prophet, left because of their wickedness. It is all very literal.

But the dark skin did not make them any less Heavenly Father's children. It did not make them unequal to the Nephites. Lehi in the chapter just before this one promised Laman and Lemuel's children, "Wherefore, if ye are cursed, behold, I leave my blessing upon you, that the cursing may be taken from you and be answered upon the heads of your parents" (2 Nephi 4:6). In 2 Nephi 26:33 Nephi writes, "[For the Lord] doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile."

Today, if we too are disobedient and do not keep the commandments, we are cut off from the presence of the Lord. But there are no physical representations of it (most of the time.) We live a higher law and are held more accountable, and so it is our spirits and minds and hearts that are hardened when we choose not to follow Christ.

5:27   And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness.

So sweet and simple. If we keep the commandments and are industrious in building the kingdom of God we are happy. Heavenly Father wants us to be happy. He loves us. Though trials persist, if we are living righteously we are happy!

Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi, Chapter 4 "The Psalm of Nephi"

 

chapter 4 summary
Lehi gives a father's blessing to all of his grandchildren and to his posterity collectively. He blesses them to keep the commandments so they may inherit the land and be blessed. Lehi dies. A few days later, Laman and Lemuel and the sons of Ishmael begin to murmur and are angry with Nephi because of his words on behalf of the Lord. Nephi writes the things of his soul upon the plates, which we now refer to as the Psalm of Nephi.

stand-out scripture

4:20-25    20 My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.  21 He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh.  22 He hath confounded mine enemies, unto the causing of them to quake before me.  23 Behold, he hath heard my cry by day, and he hath given me knowledge by visions in the night-time.  24 And by day have I waxed bold in mighty prayer before him; yea, my voice have I sent up on high; and angels came down and ministered unto me.  25 And upon the wings of his Spirit hath my body been carried away upon exceedingly high mountains. And mine eyes have beheld great things, yea, even too great for man; therefore I was bidden that I should not write them.

Simply beautiful. The whole psalm is so heartfelt and dedicated. "Nephi would have been familiar with the psalm form as well as with many of the psalms in the Old Testament. It would be natural for him to 'write the things of [his soul]' (v.15) and the expressions of his joy and his sorrow in this highly beautiful, poetic form (Book of Mormon Student Manual, p.25). Don't I do the same thing today? When my heart is overflowing with gratitude for my Savior and my blessings, or if I need comfort, support, or answers, I pray to my Heavenly Father and write my feelings in my journal. It is so natural.

I have to realize and recognize what Nephi was going through. He had just lost his father. His brothers were rebelling again. He was now the leader of his people both spiritually and physically. Soo much must have been pressing on his mind. What a weight to carry, what sorrow for his brethren. What fear for his life and safety and the safety of his extended family who were righteous. Is it any wonder that Nephi would pour out his soul to his Savior?

4:27-28   And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because of mine enemy?   28 Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.

Nephi also sorrows during his psalm because of his flesh. I related to this passage personally just yesterday. I am told in my Patriarchal Blessing to remember and practice patience, kindness and understanding with my family, and especially with my children. While I know I am not cruel, I know I do have tendencies to snap and expect things done right away in my way when I say. I am quick to judge, quick to lose my temper and quick to snap. And I hate it. I pray almost daily for guidance in changing these bad habits and characteristics. I pray sincerely to change them into praiseworthy attributes. But I often fall short.

I cried and cried yesterday because I did what I had prayed and promised I wouldn't do. I lost patience, I lost my temper, I snapped at my husband. It is frustrating, for both my husband and me. Probably more so for him since he is on the end of my remarks.

Like Nephi, I was so frustrated with my flesh: my tendencies to sin and err. I related to his exclamation: "O wretched man that I am!" (v. 17). Why do we allow ourselves to give in and stray from what we know is right? I have a choice. I choose the way I act. So why am I choosing to snap at my husband? I don't mean to. But I do it. So then I feel guilty for being human. For sinning. For breaking a promise I made only hours ago. And then for breaking that promise constantly.

But I know that my Heavenly Father loves me. He does not expect me to perfect. But He does expect me to try. To work daily to grow closer to Him, to repent and try, try again. Enduring to the end. So each morning I have to say, "Awake my soul!" And put mind over matter. We can control our tendencies if we put full faith in our Savior and do all we can to strive for perfection.

And though the flesh is weak, I am so grateful for my body and my life here on this earth. To have trials and experience mortality to become like my Heavenly Parents. For now, I have three goals: Patience, Kindness, Understanding.

"The nearer man approaches perfection, the clearer are his views, and the greater his enjoyments, till he has overcome the evils of his life and lost every desire for sin; and like the ancients, arrives at that point of faith where he is wrapped in the power and glory of his Maker and is caught up to dwell with Him."  --Prophet Joseph Smith

Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi, Chapters 1-3

chapter 1 summary

Lehi speaks to his family, reminding of them of the serious sins they committed on the boat and the blessings they received from God when they repented. Their lives had been spared, they had been forgiven and inherited the Promised Land. Lehi has received from God the promise: "Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land; but inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall be cut off from my presence" (1:20). Lehi knows he will soon die and so reminds his sons and family of this promise. He worries about them, especially Laman and Lemuel. He counsels all his sons and the sons of Ishmael and Zoram to follow Nephi and heed his teachings for he speaks for God.

stand-out scripture

1:21-23    21 And now that my soul might have joy in you, and that my heart might leave this world with gladness because of you, that I might not be brought down with grief and sorrow to the grave, arise from the dust, my sons, and be men, and be determined in one mind and in one heart, united in all things, that ye may not come down into captivity;  22 That ye may not be cursed with a sore cursing; and also, that ye may not incur the displeasure of a just God upon you, unto the destruction, yea, the eternal destruction of both soul and body.   23 Awake, my sons; put on the armor of righteousness. Shake off the chains with which ye are bound, and come forth out of obscurity, and arise from the dust.

This has always been a favorite passage of mine. When I was in high school I read a book called The Warrior Within. It was excellent. With the book came a round piece of leather with the words, "Arise from the dust, my sons, and be men" printed on it. I would rub that little piece of leather as I read and became a little token of comfort and remembrance to arise from the dust and stand for truth. I still have that little piece of leather and keep it in my black patent leather keepsake box that my grandma gave to me one Christmas. It will always be dear to me.

All of Lehi's children were dear to him. He loved each one of them no matter their dispositions or past wrongs. I can only imagine the fear and worry he had for them, knowing he would soon be gone. When I read this chapter, I imagined Lehi pleading with his sons to follow their brother Nephi and realize that he had been called by God to lead them. How Lehi must have feared for Nephi's safety.  How Lehi must have feared for the future of his posterity if they did not keep the commandments. And so he counseled them to arise from the dust, love and cherish one another, and be united and righteous in all things. They are the tender and sincere pleadings of a father and patriarch.

chapter 2 summary

Lehi counsels and blesses his son Jacob. He speaks of the Savior and how He has prepared they way for us to have eternal life.

stand-out scripture

2:4   And thou hast beheld in thy youth his glory; wherefore, thou art blessed even as they unto whom he shall minister in the flesh; for the Spirit is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. And the way is prepared from the fall of man, and salvation is free.

Jacob saw the Savior. What a wonderful gift! He must have been a person of great faith and righteousness. Jacob was the fifth son born to Lehi and Sariah. He was the first born in the wilderness and so suffered much trial, but Lehi promises him he will be blessed and safe with Nephi. I love that this whole chapter is basically a father's blessing/patriarchal blessing from Lehi to Jacob. So sweet and tender and filled with counsel.

2:13   And if ye shall say there is no law, ye shall also say there is no sin. If ye shall say there is no sin, ye shall also say there is no righteousness. And if there be no righteousness there be no happiness. And if there be no righteousness nor happiness there be no punishment nor misery. And if these things are not there is no God. And if there is no God we are not, neither the earth; for there could have been no creation of things, neither to act nor to be acted upon; wherefore, all things must have vanished away.

Agency. Choice. Freedom. Opposition. This was one of the main themes at General Conference this past weekend. We all have agency, to choose good or evil. But we are counseled that "wickedness never was happiness." That phrase was mentioned multiple times by many of the Apostles at General Conference. We live in a day where we are told that right is wrong and wrong is right. This is one of Satan's greatest tools to manipulate and trick us. Because if we are told that there is no right and wrong, then we can do whatever we want because there will be no consequences. Nothing could be farther from the truth. There are always consequences for actions. Here are a few things I learned from Conference, based on the Apostles' words, on this subject:

• "Eternity is at stake--use agency wisely."  -Robert D. Hales
• "Men must be free to choose for themselves."  -Boyd K. Packer
• "Our agency can never be taken away."  -Boyd K. Packer
• "You are free to disobey/ignore commandments--but wo unto you for there are consequences of your choices."  -Boyd K. Packer
• "Some say they are born with certain tendencies and cannot help the way they are--not so. Our Father in Heaven would never create us in contrast to His commandments. You choose your actions."  -Boyd K. Packer
• "Moral standards cannot be changed by battle or ballot."  -Boyd K. Packer
• "Youth--particularly young men--you live in a world where your associates have not been raised with traditional values and morals. Stand strong."  -L. Tom Perry
• "Media is all around you and often suggests impure things. Recognize that they are wrong."  -L. Tom Perry
• "Sin has many faces. Small choices can bring great consequences."  -Jairo Mazzagardi
• "Be alert not to let sin grow around you."  -Jairo Mazzagardi
• "Commandments are a protection to keep us safe and bless our lives."  -Mervyn B. Arnold
• "Lucifer is like a fly fisherman--he knows our hungers/weaknesses and will set up artificial traps to ensnare us."  -M. Russell Ballard
• "Lucifer uses his cunning intelligence to convince us that right is wrong and wrong is right. The battle over agency continues today."  -M. Russell Ballard
• "He uses addiction--in all forms--to steal away our agency."  -M. Russell Ballard

The talks were simply amazing and I can't wait to read them again. Though the battle over agency continues and if man may sin,our Savior has provided the way where we can repent and come unto Him. It is a long road filled with consequences. Our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ love us. They give us commandments to protect us so we can avoid the pain of sin. I am so grateful for modern-day prophets and their counsel.

chapter 3 summary

Lehi counsels and blesses his son Joseph. He speaks of two other important and righteous men named Joseph: Joseph of Egypt and Joseph Smith Jr. who would restore the church to the earth.

stand-out scripture

3:15  And his name shall be called after me; and it shall be after the name of his father. And he shall be like unto me; for the thing, which the Lord shall bring forth by his hand, by the power of the Lord shall bring my people unto salvation.

Lehi is speaking of Joseph Smith Jr. the Prophet of the Restoration. I love the Prophet Joseph. What a marvelous man, called of God to establish His church on the earth once more. As Latter-day Saints we are deeply indebted to him for his work and sacrifices.

This scripture reveals that the ancients are indebted to him as well. Because he will restore the church once more, he will be the means of bringing the gospel to Lehi's seed and posterity in the last days. Wow. It only clarifies how great a man Joseph Smith was. How the ancients looked forward to his time on earth. How he was called and chosen for this sacred calling by God.

Doctrine and Covenants 135:3 states:

Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it.

The Book of Mormon Student Manual:

“It was decreed in the counsels of eternity, long before the foundations of the earth were laid, that he, Joseph Smith, should be the man, in the last dispensation of this world, to bring forth the word of God to the people, and receive the fulness of the keys and power of the Priesthood of the Son of God. The Lord had his eyes upon him, and upon his father, and upon his father’s father, and upon their progenitors clear back to Abraham, and from Abraham to the flood, from the flood to Enoch, and from Enoch to Adam. He has watched that family and that blood as it has circulated from its fountain to the birth of that man. He was fore-ordained in eternity to preside over this last dispensation” (Young, Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 108).

What a wonderful reminder for Joseph, Lehi's son, to know for whom he was named. Joseph of Lehi was a descendant of Joseph of Egypt through Manasseh. Joseph Smith Jr would come through their line as well. Thus they were all related. Joseph, son of Lehi, was the sixth son of Lehi and Sariah and the second son born in the wilderness.

Lehi not only counseled his family collectively, but individually as well. A great example of a loving parent, courageous and sincere in counseling his children.

Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi, Chapters 21-22

chapter 21 summary

Nephi quotes Isaiah 49. He continues teaching his brethren from the brass plates. He teaches of the scattering and gathering of Israel.

stand-out scripture

21:22  Thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people; and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.

Another beautiful scripture. It makes me want to read all of Isaiah, but that is a task easier said than done. Reading might be hard, but understanding would be very, very difficult. That is why I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon. It helps expound, clarify and prove the Bible. They are truly companions.

The Book of Mormon for Families says this: The "standard" that will be set up is the everlasting covenant; the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ; and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (see D&C 45:9; D&C 115:4-5). It will be established in "a mighty nation among the Gentiles" (1 Nephi 22:7). The gospel was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith in the United States of America.

The Gentiles, us, have a duty to proclaim the gospel and bring Israel's sons and daughters to a knowledge of their Savior and His gospel. The Restoration of the gospel was pivotal to gathering Israel once again.

chapter 22 summary

Nephi finishes quoting Isaiah and then bears testimony of the truth of these things. He clarifies the doctrine and prophecies for his brethren because they have many questions.

stand-out scriptures

22:3-4   Wherefore, the things of which I have read are things pertaining to things both temporal and spiritual; for it appears that the house of Israel, sooner or later, will be scattered upon all the face of the earth, and also among all nations.   4 And behold, there are many who are already lost from the knowledge of those who are at Jerusalem. Yea, the more part of all the tribes have been led away; and they are scattered to and fro upon the isles of the sea; and whither they are none of us knoweth, save that we know that they have been led away.

The Book of Mormon Student Manual: In 1 Nephi 22:3–4 Nephi speaks of the scattering of Israel among the nations of the earth. Sometimes the scattering of the people led to their  (1) being lost to history, such as with the ten tribes after the fall of the northern kingdom. (2) Sometimes groups of Israelites were led away but maintained their identity as a group. Lehi’s family is a good example of that aspect of the scattering.

Another way the scattering took place was (3) for the people literally to be scattered among the nations of the world. The dispersion of the Jews after the fall of Jerusalem is an example of this kind of widespread scattering. This fact is supported by the following scriptural references: Deuteronomy 28:64, 30:1–3, Isaiah 11:11–12, Jeremiah 3:18, 31:8, Ezekiel 11:17–20, 36:19–24, Daniel 9:7, Hosea 8:8, Amos 9:9, 2 Nephi 10:20–22, 3 Nephi 16:4–5, 20:13, Ether 13:11, D&C 33:6, Moses 7:62.

How amazing it must have been for Nephi to read in the brass plates, to read the prophecies of Isaiah, and see them being fulfilled in him and his family. He was a part of Israel that had been scattered. The Lord had told them to flee Jerusalem, because Jerusalem would soon be destroyed and scattered. No wonder Nephi quoted Isaiah and chose to include it in the gold plates. No wonder he so eagerly taught his brethren the importance of the scriptures. No wonder the prophets fought so diligently to preserve the plates that we might have them and see the prophecies fulfilled in our own day. Wow.

Now we must gather Israel. As we do so, we will be blessed.

22:16-17  For the time soon cometh that the fulness of the wrath of God shall be poured out upon all the children of men; for he will not suffer that the wicked shall destroy the righteous.  17 Wherefore, he will preserve the righteous by his power, even if it so be that the fulness of this wrath must come, and the righteous be preserved, even unto the destruction of their enemies by fire. Wherefore, the righteous need not fear; for thus saith the prophet, they shall be saved, even if it so be as by fire.

The Book of Mormon Student Manual: “I believe that. In the midst of all these tribulations God will send fire from heaven, if necessary, to destroy our enemies while we carry forward our work and push that stone (the Church/the Gospel) until it fills the whole earth!  

“Your destiny is to do that very thing, and this is the kind of protection you will have. You do not need to fear about world conditions. You do not need to fear about anybody. Just serve the Lord and keep his commandments and build the Kingdom, and as you do so you will be protected in these last days” (Mark E. Petersen, in Conference Report, Oct. 1960, p. 82).

Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi, Chapters 18-20

chapter 18 summary
Through the Lord's guidance and their hard work, the ship is constructed. The family boards and are led to the Promised Land. We learn that Lehi and Sariah had two sons in the wilderness: Jacob and Joseph. On the ship, Nephi's brethren and the sons of Ishmael and their wives begin to "make merry." They are crude in their actions, dancing and speech. Nephi tries to correct them to righteousness. Of course, Laman and Lemuel take Nephi and bind him. The Liahona that guides Lehi's family's way to the Promised Land ceases to work because of their wickedness and lack of obedience to the Lord. A tempest threatens to drown them in the sea. After four days of tossing and turning, Laman and Lemuel finally repent and untie Nephi. Nephi takes the Liahona which begins to work again. The tempest ceases. Nephi guides the ship safely to the Promised Land. They work the land and find that it is well stocked and a blessed land for their inheritance.

stand-out scripture

18:9  And after we had been driven forth before the wind for the space of many days, behold, my brethren and the sons of Ishmael and also their wives began to make themselves merry, insomuch that they began to dance, and to sing, and to speak with much rudeness, yea, even that they did forget by what power they had been brought thither; yea, they were lifted up unto exceeding rudeness. 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not ban music or dancing. "Nephi says twice in verse 9 that his brethren and their wives fell into error when their dancing and singing led them 'to speak with much rudeness.' The word rude refers to being harsh, vulgar, or coarse. The Lord has stated that he approves of proper dancing and singing (Psalm 149:1-4). Note from these scriptures that dancing and singing are ways of praising the Lord. However, Satan can use music as a means of corruption and loss of the Spirit. That is why Church leaders caution us about the kinds of music we listen and respond to" (Book of Mormon Manual, 19).

I went to Seminary all four years of high school. Each week-day morning I would go to Seminary around 6:30am at the church nearest school. Though it was hard to get up early and sacrifice some sleep, it was a perfect way to start the day: learning the gospel and remembering I was a choice daughter of God. In my senior year, Sister Garns was our teacher. I just loved her and am still so grateful for the spirit she brought to Seminary. We talked about music one day, and how we each needed to take personal inventory of our music collections and decide if it brought the spirit into our lives or not. If not, she suggested we get rid of it. We were not forced. Many of my classmates brought music in the next day to throw away. So many "things surround us and impact us on a daily basis. Most of those things are not essential, in fact, they may be detrimental in keeping the spirit with us. All media that leads to "rudeness" or is vulgar is not worth our time.

I am amazed at how easy it is to fall into the trap of vulgar music. It sounds cool, everyone is singing it, but when you listen to the words and really grasp what it is saying, it's often a bit horrifying. Did I know I was singing about promiscuity? drugs? murder? alcohol? Did I realize how many swear words I pass over? Laman and Lemuel were common to this problem. Maybe they thought singing Lady Gaga was harmless. Maybe they thought it was cool to freak dance. The Children of Israel acted the same way when they constructed the golden calf. Music is catchy. Music is fun. It seems harmless. But vulgar music isn't. Like anything else that is not praiseworthy, it becomes desensitizing. I've had to personally try and remember: Does this song advocate things I know to be wrong? If the answer is yes. Then WHY SING IT? I need to turn it off.


chapter 19 summary
Upon arriving to the Promised Land, the Lord commands Nephi to make a new set of plates and begin recording.  He does so. Nephi prophesies of Jesus Christ's sufferings and crucifixion and reminds us to cherish the scriptures and apply them and to remember the Lord. Nephi teaches/reads to his brethren the things contained in the scriptures (the brass plates taken from Laban/Jerusalem--essentially the books of Moses and the Mosaic Law--their heritage and culture.)

stand-out scripture

19:13-17  13 And as for those who are at Jerusalem, saith the prophet, they shall be scourged  14 And because they turn their hearts aside, saith the prophet, and have despised the Holy One of Israel, they shall wander in the flesh, and perish, and become a hiss and a byword, and be hated among all nations.  15 Nevertheless, when that day cometh, saith the prophet, that they no more turn aside their hearts against the Holy One of Israel, then will he remember the covenants which he made to their fathers.  16 Yea, then will he remember the isles of the sea; yea, and all the people who are of the house of Israel, will I gather in, saith the Lord, according to the words of the prophet Zenos, from the four quarters of the earth.  17 Yea, and all the earth shall see the salvation of the Lord, saith the prophet; every nation, kindred, tongue and people shall be blessed. by all people, because they crucify the God of Israel, and turn their hearts aside, rejecting signs and wonders, and the power and glory of the God of Israel.

The Book of Mormon Student Manual:
"For centuries apostate Christianity used the crucifixion of Jesus as an excuse for persecuting the Jews. Occasionally people still say, “This long history of rejection is the punishment for what they did to Jesus.” In his quoting of Zenos in 1 Nephi 19:13–19, Nephi gave us some important insights into the Jews and their tragic history. There is no indication that because they are “scourged by all people, because they crucify the God of Israel” (v. 13) this scourging is initiated by God. When the Lord’s people reject him, the judgments of God overtake them. Often this is the result of their unwillingness to turn to God for help, protection, or deliverance. People then become victims of their own wickedness.


Mormon made this insightful comment: “Behold, the judgments of God will overtake the wicked; and it is by the wicked that the wicked are punished; for it is the wicked that stir up the hearts of the children of men unto bloodshed” (Mormon 4:5). Anyone who thinks that persecution of the Jews or other minority groups is pleasing to God is in deep need of repentance (see 2 Nephi 29:5).

Zenos pointed out that punishments came upon the Jews not just because they crucified the God of Israel, but because they turned their hearts aside, thus “rejecting signs and wonders, and the power and glory of the God of Israel” (1 Nephi 19:13). Israel (not just the Jews) had turned their hearts from Jesus (who in his premortal state was Jehovah, the God of Israel) for centuries before he was crucified in Jerusalem. This is the root of Israel’s persecution and tragedy, from the fall of the ten tribes in 721 B.C. to the centuries of persecution of the Jews and the Lamanites. As Christ lamented, “How often would I have gathered thy children together, . . . and ye would not!” (Matthew 23:37). Nephi promises the same judgments for all who harden their hearts (see 1 Nephi 22:18–19).

Zenos promised that the moment Israel turns their hearts to the Holy One of Israel, the Lord will remember his covenants and will restore his people to power and favor. The significance of Zenos’s words lies not just in a commentary on the persecution of the Jews, but also in an invaluable warning for all who claim to be of Israel. Nephi understood this perfectly when he quoted Zenos (see v. 18–19).

I think it is interesting that Nephi includes in his plates, the ones that the Lord commanded him to only use to engrave the plain and precious truths of the gospel to instruct the people, verses 13-17. It tells us that Nephi was concerned the same judgments and the same wickedness would one day affect his people. He wanted to preserve Israel's example, their own history, to remind the people to always look to the Lord and keep his commandments.

We too, must look to the scriptures and remember. We must liken all scriptures to ourselves. Apply them. The Lord commanded Nephi to include certain things/events for a reason. We are that reason. The Lord knew we would need this guidance, need these examples. How grateful I am for Nephi's obedience and hard work in preserving the commandments of the Lord. How grateful I am for all prophets in the Old and New Testaments, the Book of Mormon and our latter-day prophets for their willingness and faith to help me have, hold and understand the scriptures. 

chapter 20 summary

Nephi quotes Isaiah 48 to the family. 

stand-out scripture

20:18-19  O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments—then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.  19 Thy seed also had been as the sand; the offspring of thy bowels like the gravel thereof; his name should not have been cut off nor destroyed from before me.

These verses are just so poetic to me, and filled with such great promise of blessings and peace if we just live righteously and keep the commandments. I read this chapter after finding out that an old friend would not be getting married in the temple. How my heart truly aches for her, because I know she will not be able to enter the temple and be sealed to her husband and posterity for time and all eternity. So many blessings lay in the temple, so much instruction is ours to have if we make the temple a priority. There is a seminary poster that reads "Aspire to a Higher" and the temple stands in the background. I hope and pray that she keeps the temple a goal, and that she and her husband can get there one day. They are good people and the Lord wants all His children to have the blessings of the temple.

Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi, Chapter 16-17

chapter 16 summary
Nephi's explanation of Lehi's dream is hard for his brothers to fully comprehend, but they humble themselves and Nephi is relieved to say the least. Hopefully, they will continue in righteousness. Lehi's sons marry Ishmael's daughters. The Lord provides them with the Liahona, an compass-like instrument that will lead them to the promised land and that works only be faith and obedience. While hunting, Nephi breaks his bow and the family suffers without a means to get food. The family murmurs, including Lehi, but Nephi is faithful, makes a new bow and asks Lehi where he should go to get food. Lehi's faith and confidence is rallied, humbles himself before the Lord, Nephi finds food and all rejoice. Ishmael dies and part of the family rebels, of course led by Laman and Lemuel, plotting Lehi and Nephi's deaths. The Voice of the Lord rebukes the rebellious members of the family. They repent and are blessed again.

stand-out scriptures

16:7-8   7 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, took one of the daughters of Ishmael to wife; and also, my brethren took of the daughters of Ishmael to wife; and also Zoram took the eldest daughter of Ishmael to wife.  8 And thus my father had fulfilled all the commandments of the Lord which had been given unto him. And also, I, Nephi, had been blessed of the Lord exceedingly.

I had never realized how sweet this scripture passage is, especially verse 8. It serves to remind us of the importance of eternal marriage and that it is central to Heavenly Father's plan. The Lord wanted them to go forward to the Promised Land two by two. Nephi rejoices in the blessing of a righteous wife and help-meet for their journey. What a blessing and support Nephi's wife must have been for him, just as Emma was a support to Joseph Smith and countless other couples in the scriptures and Church History.

16:23-25   23 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did make out of wood a bow, and out of a straight stick, an arrow; wherefore, I did arm myself with a bow and an arrow, with a sling and with stones. And I said unto my father: Whither shall I go to obtain food?  24 And it came to pass that he did inquire of the Lord, for they had humbled themselves because of my words; for I did say many things unto them in the energy of my soul.  25 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came unto my father; and he was truly chastened because of his murmuring against the Lord, insomuch that he was brought down into the depths of sorrow.

This passage has always fascinated me and been my favorite insight into Nephi's character. We know from the beginning that Nephi is faithful and obedient. But here we learn that he is supportive, kind, understanding and humble. He could have easily chastised his father. He could have easily gone to the Lord himself. He could have easily assumed the role of leader of the family.

But he did not. Instead, he chose to bolster his father's faith by asking him where to go for food. He treated his father with reverence and respect and encouraged him to carry on the mantle of patriarch of the family.

Elder Marion D. Hanks commented on this saying, "It is a simple thing isn't it? This is what Goethe meant when he said, 'If you treat an individual as he is, he will stay as he is. But if you treat him as if he were what he could be and ought to be, he will become what he ought to be.'"


chapter 17 summary
Lehi's family continues to journey through the wilderness for EIGHT YEARS. (It is approx. 592 BC at the time.) They are strengthened and blessed, bear children, and are faithful in keeping the commandments of God. They reach the seashore which they name Bountiful. The Lord commands Nephi to construct a ship. Nephi asks for direction in making tools and begins the preparations. Nephi's brothers murmur and doubt Nephi's efforts to build a ship. Nephi parallels their own journey and miracles to that of Moses and the Children of Israel. Nephi tells his brothers that he sorrows for them and their wickedness. The brothers become angry and come toward Nephi to throw him in the sea to drown him. Nephi commands them to touch him not for he is filled with the power of God, and if they touch him they will wither as dried leaves. The brothers cower. The Lord tells Nephi to touch his brothers that He might shock them and show them the power of God. They are shocked and fall down to worship Nephi. Nephi tells them to worship only the Lord and to honor their father and mother.

stand-out scriptures

17:45  Ye are swift to do iniquity but slow to remember the Lord your God. Ye have seen an angel, and he spake unto you; yea, ye have heard his voice from time to time; and he hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his words; wherefore, he has spoken unto you like unto the voice of thunder, which did cause the earth to shake as if it were to divide asunder.

Nephi is continually heartbroken over his brothers wickedness. They do not adhere to the spirit and he tells them it is because they have hardened their hearts insomuch that they cannot hear/feel the Holy Ghost and its promptings. I worry sometimes that I do not hear that still, small voice/feeling when it is speaking to me. How many times has the spirit had to use "the voice of thunder" to get through to me? It is a sobering thought and presses upon me the vitality of standing in holy places, keeping the commandments and maintaining an open heart willing to receive communication from my Heavenly Father.

17: 55  And now, they said: We know of a surety that the Lord is with thee, for we know that it is the power of the Lord that has shaken us. And they fell down before me, and were about to worship me, but I would not suffer them, saying: I am thy brother, yea, even thy younger brother; wherefore, worship the Lord thy God, and honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God shall give thee.

The brothers of Nephi further demonstrate that they are not truly converted when they begin to worship Nephi and not the Lord. It seems they act more out of fear than love and respect for God. They confuse the man with the power of God with God, the source of the power.

***

Family Home Evening

lesson: "Ammon Helped Me Reach My Neighbors" by S. Michael Wilcox

activity: meet the neighbors!

treat: chocolate chip cookies

Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi, Chapter 14-15

 chapter 14 summary
Nephi's vision continues. He sees the church of the devil persecuting the Church of Jesus Christ.

stand-out scripture

14:3 And that great pit, which hath been digged for them by that great and abominable church, which was founded by the devil and his children, that he might lead away the souls of men down to hell—yea, that great pit which hath been digged for the destruction of men shall be filled by those who digged it, unto their utter destruction, saith the Lamb of God; not the destruction of the soul, save it be the casting of it into that hell which hath no end.

The angel promises Nephi in this vision that if the Gentiles (us) follow Christ and "harden not their hearts" they/we will be blessed with: 1.) inclusion in the House of Israel, 2.) a promised land forever, and 3.) deliverance from the "great and abominable church" which will persecute them/us.

14:14 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.

As Latter-day Saints we can be blessed with the power and protection of Christ.

"To be armed with righteousness is to be armed with the power of God and to be worthy of the Lord's protecting care. The Lord has made it clear that those who will be safe in the last days are those who have 'received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide' (D&C 45:57)" (Book of Mormon Student Manual, 14).

chapter 15 summary
Nephi returns from the vision and goes unto his brothers. They are quarreling over Lehi's dream because they don't understand it. Nephi is sorrowed because they have not asked the Lord for guidance and understanding. Nephi explains the dream to his brothers and answers many questions.

stand-out scripture

15:3, 8-11  3 For he truly spake many great things unto them, which were hard to be understood, save a man should inquire of the Lord; and they being hard in their hearts, therefore they did not look unto the Lord as they ought.  ...  8 And I said unto them: Have ye inquired of the Lord?  9 And they said unto me: We have not; for the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us. 10 Behold, I said unto them: How is it that ye do not keep the commandments of the Lord? How is it that ye will perish, because of the hardness of your hearts? 11 Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?—If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you.

Nephi has just seen in vision that his brother's seed, the Lamanites, will turn to wickedness and turn their back on Jesus Christ. When he finds that his brothers are sitting arguing and have not inquired of the Lord, it is to much to bear. Right in front of him he sees the causes of their imminent downfall. He knows they are lacking in faith and do not remember to heed the Lord's commandments. He tries to bolster their faith and give them knowledge by explaining their Father's dream. How disheartening it must have been for Nephi to see his brothers already on the path to apostasy.

Elder Boyd K. Packer taught:

"Everyone may receive spiritual guidance in the same way as an Apostle if they will diligently seek the Lord, ask with faith, and obey his commandments...
Young people, carry a prayer in your heart always. Let sleep come every night with your mind centered in prayer...
Stay away from places and things that common sense tells you will interfere with inspiration. Develop your spiritual capacities. Learn to tune out the static and the interference. Avoid substitutes and counterfeits! Learn to be inspired and directed by the Holy Ghost" (Conference Report, Oct. 1979, p. 30).

(one man truly inspired by the Holy Ghost was General Washington--as well as our Founding Fathers.)

monday: Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi, Chapters 3-13

I have been remiss in dedicating myself to this blog. In order to catch up a little, I am listing my favorite/most thought-provoking scripture from each chapter.

chapter 3 summary 
Nephi, Laman, Lemuel and Sam return to Jerusalem to get the brass plates from Laban.

3:7 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.

Not only does this scripture show Nephi's obedience and faith, but it shows the mercy and love of God. The path of discipleship, of going and doing as God commands, is hard. But, God will always bless us in our efforts and provide a way for us to succeed in our righteous endeavors. 

chapter 4 summary

Nephi goes to Laban a second time. He is told by the Spirit to slay Laban. He obeys and thus retrieves the brass plates. 

4:12-18 12 And it came to pass that the Spirit said unto me again: Slay him, for the Lord hath delivered him into thy hands; 13 Behold the Lord slayeth the wicked to bring forth his righteous purposes. It is better that one man should perish than that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief. 14 And now, when I, Nephi, had heard these words, I remembered the words of the Lord which he spake unto me in the wilderness, saying that: Inasmuch as thy seed shall keep my commandments, they shall prosper in the land of promise. 15 Yea, and I also thought that they could not keep the commandments of the Lord according to the law of Moses, save they should have the law. 16 And I also knew that the law was engraven upon the plates of brass. 17 And again, I knew that the Lord had delivered Laban into my hands for this cause—that I might obtain the records according to his commandments. 18 Therefore I did obey the voice of the Spirit, and took Laban by the hair of the head, and I smote off his head with his own sword.

These scriptures are the fulfillment of Nephi and God's covenant. Nephi promised to "go and do" and obey. God promised to provide the way to help Nephi obey. God delivered Laban into Nephi's hands. It is sometimes hard for others to understand why Nephi killed Laban. Nephi himself was taken back when the spirit told him to do it. But he obeyed.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland gives a great statement on this sometimes controversial topic for non-members.
Here is an excerpt:

"It would seem, finally, that obedience to divine revelation, not death, is the focal point of this story. God can restore life in time and eternity; he can do almost nothing with willful disobedience. The quality of our obedience to God’s commandments is still the clearest expression of the quality of our faith in him."

chapter 5 summary
Lehi's sons return with the plates. Lehi searches the plates (scriptures) and is filled with the Spirit.

5:21-22  21 And we had obtained the records which the Lord had commanded us, and searched them and found that they were desirable; yea, even of great worth unto us, insomuch that we could preserve the commandments of the Lord unto our children. 22 Wherefore, it was wisdom in the Lord that we should carry them with us, as we journeyed in the wilderness towards the land of promise.

I am so blessed to have the scriptures in my life to help me and guide me as I journey toward eternal life.

chapter 6 summary
"Nephi writes to encourage all people to come unto Jesus Christ and be saved." He counsels his future record keepers to write only things which are of worth and value to the children of men.


chapter 7 summary
Nephi and his brethren return to Jerusalem again (24-28 days roundtrip). They were commanded by the Lord to go and get Ishmael and his family.

Lehi and Nephi were "of the lineage of Manasseh; but that Ishmael was of the lineage of Ephraim, and that his sons married into Lehi's family, and Lehi's sons married Ishmael's daughters, thus fulfilling the words of Jacob upon Ephraim and Manasseh in the 48th chapter of Genesis, which says, 'And let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the land.' Thus these descendants of Manasseh and Ephraim grew together upon this American continent..." (Book of Mormon Student Manual, 9).

chapter 8 summary
Lehi's Vision of the Tree of Life.

8:12 And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit.

When you love the gospel, you want to share it with everyone. I admire new converts to the church because their testimonies are always so strong. The goal is to be like new converts and have, like Lehi, the desire to spread the gospel with everyone. 

chapter 9 summary
By the Lord's command, nephi engraves and makes two sets of records.

chapter 10 summary
"Lehi and Nephi prophesy about the coming of the Messiah and His ministry, death, and Resurrection."
Lehi prophesies of the scattering of Israel and John the Baptist.

10:8 Yea, even he should go forth and cry in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight; for there standeth one among you whom ye know not; and he is mightier than I, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose. And much spake my father concerning this thing.

chapter 11 summary
Nephi sees the vision of the tree of life and learns of the condescension of Jesus Christ.

"The condescension of God (meaning the Father) consists in the fact that though he is an exalted, perfected, glorified Personage, he became the personal and literal Father of a mortal Offspring born of mortal woman.


And the condescension of God (meaning the Son) consists in the fact that though he himself is the Lord Omnipotent, the very Being who created the earth and all things that in it are, yet being born of mortal woman, he submitted to all the trials of mortality, suffering 'temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death' (Mosiah 3:5-8), finally being put to death in a most ignominious manner" (Book of Mormon Student Manual, 12).

chapter 12 summary

Nephi's vision continued. He sees Jesus Christ descend from heaven.

12:18  And the large and spacious building, which thy father saw, is vain imaginations and the pride of the children of men. And a great and a terrible gulf divideth them; yea, even the word of the justice of the Eternal God, and the Messiah who is the Lamb of God, of whom the Holy Ghost beareth record, from the beginning of the world until this time, and from this time henceforth and forever.

Vain Imaginations--desires or thoughts with no lasting value.
We should only be concerned of things which uplift us. Worldly possessions, glory and pride contribute nothing to our spiritual growth. You cannot take your riches with you.

chapter 13 summary
Nephi sees in vision the destruction of his seed, the Nephites, by the seed of his brethren, the Lamanites. He also sees the gospel taken to the Gentiles, Christopher Columbus, the Pilgrims, the establishment of America, the Bible's plain and precious truths taken out, and the Restoration of the Gospel in the latter days.

Not all of Nephi's seed, or descendants, would be destroyed. Some would intermarry with the seed of his brothers.

This was something I had never considered. Interesting to think that Nephite blood may still exist in modern-day Native Americans Indians.

***

Family Home Evening

lesson: Hymns & Primary Songs 

activity: Learn sign language to song to be performed in primary program

treat: Brownies

friday: Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi, Chapter 2

chapter summary
Lehi's family leave their home to travel in the wilderness.

stand-out scriptures

2:4  And it came to pass that he departed into the wilderness. And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness.

Reading this verse always reminds me of a Family Home Evening we had when I was about 10 years old. My father sat us all down and, very seriously, told us that the prophet had asked us to sell our house, cars, toys and travel on foot to Jackson County, Missouri. I think my eyes were as big as saucers. Immediately, my mind went to my American Girl dolls. I suddenly panicked that I'd have to leave them. My dad then said that he had also been called to serve a second mission and that he would have to leave us for a few years. Dad's face was stern and unmoving. Brother and sisters all exchanged frantic looks, unsure how to react. We looked to mom. She wouldn't lie to us. But her face was unmoving as well. Dad asked something to the effect of: "So will we obey the Lord? Or stay here?" Quite terrified, we nonetheless nodded our heads and said that we would go. We would sell our toys and work hard while he was gone on a mission. Of course, it was just an object lesson and my parents quickly told us the comparison to Lehi and his family having to leave Jerusalem and everything they owned. They said they were proud of us that we had chosen to obey the Lord like Nephi and not complain and doubt the Lord like Laman and Lemuel. Though they reassured us several times that we weren't moving, I think the panic stayed with me for a few days. :) But I often think back on that FHE. If I was called today to sell everything and move, or if I was called to serve a mission and leave my husband and family, would I do it? Yes. I would. BUT...would I do it wholeheartedly with complete faith in the Lord and never once question my calling or murmur about the conditions? I hope so. I don't know if I would be as strong as Nephi. But I also know I'm not perfect, and often Nephi seems to be pretty perfect in everything. But that's always the goal: strive for perfection even though I will not achieve it on this earth. But I can achieve perfect faith while in this earthly tabernacle. One day at a time.

2:15 And my father dwelt in a tent.

I remember my Valiant 11 Primary class pretty vividly. Of course, the boys were always a little rowdy and always sarcastic. One teacher we had asked if anyone had a scripture memorized. One boy, tall and skinny with blonde haired, said, "I do! 'And my father dwelt in a tent.'" Everyone snickered, because in our minds he had outwitted the teacher by picking one of the shortest scriptures. (Oh how clever you think you are at that age.) Because of that experience, and the shortness of the verse, I've always had it memorized. But I never understood why that one sentence was so important. Couldn't it have just been added to the verse above it? Did it really need its own line? YES. In college, I learned in my Religion class that it does have a special significance.

"In the ancient Near East, to dwell in a tent was considered a great honor, especially compared to living in a house in the city. It represented living close to and trusting in the Lord. Also, the father's tent was considered the center of the whole community" (Hugh Nibley, An Approach to the Book of Mormon, 243).

2:20-24  20 And inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper, and shall be led to a land of promise; yea, even a land which I have prepared for you; yea, a land which is choice above all other lands.  21 And inasmuch as thy brethren shall rebel against thee, they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord.  22 And inasmuch as thou shalt keep my commandments, thou shalt be made a ruler and a teacher over thy brethren.  23 For behold, in that day that they shall rebel against me, I will curse them even with a sore curse, and they shall have no power over thy seed except they shall rebel against me also.  24 And if it so be that they rebel against me, they shall be a scourge unto thy seed, to stir them up in the ways of remembrance.

Everything rests on keeping the commandments. It is the one principle given Lehi's family for governing themselves in the Promised Land. If they keep the commandments they will prosper, meaning they will have the Spirit of the Lord. If they do not keep the commandments and rebel then they will be cut off from the Spirit of the Lord. I grew up in the church, so I know from the stories that Laman and Lemuel will rebel. As my little cousin Collette says, "Nephi chose the right, but Laman and Lemuel chose the left." So why bring Laman and Lemuel in the first place? They were cranky to begin with. Well, 1: Lehi loved them and hoped they would change. He kept his family together. The Lord does not want to see families torn apart. 2: It was all a part of the plan. Laman and Lemuel had their free agency. And Heavenly Father knew all the possible choices they could make and all of the possible end results from those choices. Had they chosen to choose righteousness instead of wickedness then some other body of people would be brought to serve its purpose. "For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things" (2 Nephi 2:11). The Lamanites (who will be the descendants of Laman and Lemuel) "shall be a scourge unto [the Nephites], to stir them up in the ways of remembrance." I can only imagine Nephi's devastation hearing this from the Lord. He must have worked with ferocity to keep his brothers on the right path and in righteousness. Lehi knows this, too. And in this chapter counsels with Laman and Lemuel individually on being firm, steadfast, and looking to Christ who is the "fountain of all righteousness" (2:9).

***

picture 1: Lehi's Family Leaving Jerusalem, by Scott Snow
picture 2: Lehi Building an Altar of Stones in the Valley of Lemuel, by Clark Kelley Price

thursday: Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi, Chapter 1

chapter summary
Nephi describes his father's visions while in Jerusalem.

stand-out scriptures

1:1  I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days.

 Often, it seems, we focus on the phrase "born of goodly parents." I, myself, was born of goodly parents, but also born of goodly grandparents, aunts, uncles and ancestors in general. Each member, each ancestor, that makes up my family contributes to this "goodly" legacy that created the parents I was born to. More and more I realize the importance of knowing our ancestors, knowing their goodly attributes, and how their trials and triumphs make me goodly. A little over a year ago, my great-grandmother, Virginia Kartchner Larkins, passed away. She was 89 years old. More than two years ago, my other great-grandmother, Ella Watterson Smith Getty, passed away. She was 96 years old. I count my blessings that I enjoyed the company of my two great-grandmothers and knew them. It is a sobering thought that my own children will not know them here on this earth. I wrote this the weekend of Grandma GG's (Larkins) funeral: 

After dinner Sunday night we went to the Kaysville Cemetary. We looked at both the Larkins and Smith sides. My grandma Trudy bounced around with a passion telling everything she could about our dear ancestors. She so greatly wants us to remember them. Remember that they lived. Remember their importance as our forbears.

I feel "highly favored of the Lord" because of my family. We are told that one of the most important words in the scriptures is remember. Not only do we need to remember our Savior, remember the commandments, and remember that we are children of God, but we need to remember our ancestors and turn our hearts to them.

It seems like Nephi is saying towards the end of this verse that since he has been favored and since he has a knowledge of God, he must make a record. When you are blessed to have the gospel, you are commanded to share it. It is a written testimony.

1:2  Yea, I make a record in the language of my father, which consists of the learning of the Jews and the language of the Egyptians.

This scripture had never stood out to me before. It seems pretty self-explanatory. But I did a little research on it and found that this verse is much more interesting when you know the differences in length between Hebrew and Egyptian. The gold plates were written in reformed Egyptian which was a type of shorthand. In Mormon 9:32-33, Mormon explains, "that if the plates had been larger they would have been written in Hebrew, and then the record would have been without imperfections" (Book of Mormon Student Manual, 4). But the plates weren't larger and writing on them was difficult enough to begin with. The interesting thing is that Hebrew is already a very compact language. "A typical English sentence of fifteen words will often translate into seven to ten Hebrew words...if they rejected Hebrew because the plates were not 'sufficiently large' then reformed Egyptian must have been a language remarkable for its ability to convey a lot of information with few words" (4). My testimony of Joseph Smith and his translation of the gold plates just swells with that simple fact. He "translated the Book of Mormon from hieroglyphics, the knowledge of which was lost to the world" (History of the Church 6:74).

1:12  And it came to pass that as he read, he was filled with the Spirit of the Lord.

Another simple scripture. But powerful in its promise. I think that's why daily scripture study is so vital. If we are filled with the Spirit daily, we will draw closer to him, and like Lehi be spiritually prepared to receive counsel and guidance from the Lord.

1:20  And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away. But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.

What an awesome promise. If we are faithful we will have those tender mercies from the Lord bestowed upon us. I've noticed that the phrase "tender mercies" has become more commonly used in church since Elder Bednar gave his talk, "The Tender Mercies of the Lord" in General Conference April 2005. And that's wonderful! It is the small things that sometimes matter the most when we desperately need assurance from on high. Elder Bednar explains in his talk that as a new apostle he was nervous about his calling and felt inadequate. But right before he came to the pulpit to give his talk, the congregation sang "Redeemer of Israel." That simple but powerful hymn assured Elder Bednar that he was called of God.

He says, "My mind was drawn immediately to Nephi’s phrase 'the tender mercies of the Lord,' and I knew in that very moment I was experiencing just such a tender mercy. A loving Savior was sending me a most personal and timely message of comfort and reassurance through a hymn selected weeks previously. Some may count this experience as simply a nice coincidence, but I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are real and that they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Often, the Lord’s timing of His tender mercies helps us to both discern and acknowledge them."

It is a wonderful talk and can be read in its entirety here.

***

And so the chapter ends with Lehi desperately trying to warn the people of their imminent destruction and captivity. Even though countless other prophets warned the people as well, they would not listen. Jeremiah, the "head prophet" you could say, was imprisoned for his warnings. "The declaration that God would turn against his chosen people and allow his sacred temple and his holy city to be destroyed was considered an outrage...Had Lehi remained in Jerusalem, he likely would have received a similar fate or worse" (5). Jerusalem was ripe in both spiritual and political corruption. It was only a matter of time. And so, Lehi will be called to leave and start anew.