Mosiah 2

King Benjamin mentions - 

"And even I, myself, have labored with mine own hands that I might serve you, and that ye should not be laden with taxes, and that there should nothing come upon you which was grievous to be borne—and of all these things which I have spoken, ye yourselves are witnesses this day."  (Mosiah 2:14)

I think that statement is interesting.  Were his people not taxed in any manner?  How did they make any common improvements?  Or, is the emphasis on "laden" suggesting less burdensome.  Jus my thoughts this morning.

Mosiah 1

 King Benjamin instructs his son, Mosiah, to gather the people for he wanted to talk with them.  One reason - 

"...I shall give this people a name, that thereby they may be distinguished above all the people which the Lord God hath brought out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I do because they have been a diligent people in keeping the commandments of the Lord.

12 And I give unto them a name that never shall be blotted out, except it be through transgression."  (Mosiah 1:11–12)

We learn later that the name is "Christ".  Because Christ become the Father of Eternal Life, you would have to believe that those who obtain exaltation, their surnames may be considered His.

Words of Mormon

 Mormon writes - 

"...behold, I shall take these plates, which contain these prophesyings and revelations, and put them with the remainder of my record, for they are choice unto me; and I know they will be choice unto my brethren.

7 And I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will."  (Words of Mormon 1:6–7)

I have experienced that in giving blessings that I don't know all things but it worketh in me to be His will.

Omni 1

 Though we learn in the book of Omni that - 

"...Mosiah discovered that the people of Zarahemla came out from Jerusalem at the time that Zedekiah, king of Judah, was carried away captive into Babylon."  (Omni 1:15)

...that we didn't know of Mulek or his name until later in the book of Mosiah.  There is no mention in The Book of Mormon of mulekites.  It's a modern developed name.

Jarom 1

 Jarom again reiterates - 

"...we multiplied exceedingly, and spread upon the face of the land, and became exceedingly rich in gold, and in silver, and in precious things, and in fine workmanship of wood, in buildings, and in machinery, and also in iron and copper, and brass and steel, making all manner of tools of every kind to till the ground, and weapons of war—yea, the sharp pointed arrow, and the quiver, and the dart, and the javelin, and all preparations for war.

9 And thus being prepared to meet the Lamanites, they did not prosper against us. But the word of the Lord was verified, which he spake unto our fathers, saying that: Inasmuch as ye will keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land."  (Jarom 1:8–9)

I believe this promise still holds today.

Enos 1

 As Enos prays for his fellow brethren, -

"...while I was thus struggling in the spirit, behold, the voice of the Lord came into my mind again, saying: I will visit thy brethren according to their diligence in keeping my commandments. I have given unto them this land, and it is a holy land; and I curse it not save it be for the cause of iniquity; wherefore, I will visit thy brethren according as I have said; and their transgressions will I bring down with sorrow upon their own heads."  (Enos 1:10)

Even though we pray for family members and others, the Lord may provide opportunities for them, but he still allow agency.

Jacob 7

 I find it interesting that Sherem finally confessed before he died - 

"...he spake plainly unto them and denied the things which he had taught them, and confessed the Christ, and the power of the Holy Ghost, and the ministering of angels.

18 And he spake plainly unto them, that he had been deceived by the power of the devil. And he spake of hell, and of eternity, and of eternal punishment.

19 And he said: I fear lest I have committed the unpardonable sin, for I have lied unto God; for I denied the Christ, and said that I believed the scriptures; and they truly testify of him. And because I have thus lied unto God I greatly fear lest my case shall be awful; but I confess unto God."  (Jacob 7:17–19)

Who knows what he suffered many days after the sign was given.  His words suggest repentance.  It will be interesting to learn of his final state.

Jacob 5

 Just for reference sake, David, J. Rigdes provided the following interpretation of the elements of Zenos's "The Allegory of the Olive Tree" - 

Item Interpretation 1. The vineyard 1. The world 

2. Master of the vineyard 2. Jesus Christ 

3. The servant 3. The Lord's prophets 

4. Tame olive tree 4. The house of Israel, the Lord's covenant people

5. Wild olive tree 5. Gentiles, or non-Israel (later in the parable, wild branches are apostate Israel) 

6. Branches 6. Groups of people 

7. The roots of the tame olive tree 7. The gospel covenant and promises made by God that constantly give life and sustenance to the tree 

8. Fruit of the tree 8. The lives or works of men 

9. Digging, pruning, fertilizing 9. The Lord's work with his children, which seeks to persuade them to be obedient and produce good fruit 

10. Transplanting the various branches 10. The scattering of groups throughout the world, or restoring them to their original position 

11. Grafting 11. The process of spiritual rebirth wherein one is joined to the covenant 

12. Decaying branches 12. Wickedness and apostasy 

13. Casting the branches into the fire 13. The judgment of God

Ridges, David J.. The Book of Mormon Made Easier, Part 1: 1 Nephi to Words of Mormon (Your Study of The Standard Works Made Easier by David Ridges) (pp. 375-376). Cedar Fort, Inc. Kindle Edition. 

Jacob 5

 Much like Isaiah, I don't think all the allegory of Zenos is all necessarily chronological.  Zenos taught - 

"And it came to pass that they went down into the nethermost parts of the vineyard. And it came to pass that they beheld that the fruit of the natural branches had become corrupt also; yea, the first and the second and also the last; and they had all become corrupt."  (Jacob 5:39)

Much like Isaiah where his prophesies had double meaning, this could also mean much of this country in our day, for He asked - 

"...what could I have done more in my vineyard? Have I slackened mine hand, that I have not nourished it? Nay, I have nourished it, and I have digged about it, and I have pruned it, and I have dunged it; and I have stretched forth mine hand almost all the day long, and the end draweth nigh. And it grieveth me that I should hew down all the trees of my vineyard, and cast them into the fire that they should be burned. Who is it that has corrupted my vineyard?

48 And it came to pass that the servant said unto his master: Is it not the loftiness of thy vineyard—have not the branches thereof overcome the roots which are good? And because the branches have overcome the roots thereof, behold they grew faster than the strength of the roots, taking strength unto themselves. Behold, I say, is not this the cause that the trees of thy vineyard have become corrupted?"  (Jacob 5:47–48)

Jacob 4

 Jacob writes - 

"Wherefore, beloved brethren, be reconciled unto him through the atonement of Christ, his Only Begotten Son, and ye may obtain a resurrection, according to the power of the resurrection which is in Christ, and be presented as the first-fruits of Christ unto God, having faith, and obtained a good hope of glory in him before he manifesteth himself in the flesh."  (Jacob 4:11)

Obviously, that "ye may obtain a resurrection" is in reference to a Celestial resurrection being the "first-fruits" of Christ.

Jacob 3

 With general conference coming up, I thought the words of Jacob were very relevant in our day - 

"O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever."  (Jacob 3:2)

Jacob 2

 Teaching about materialism, Jacob comments - 

"Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you.

18 But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.

19 And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted."  (Jacob 2:17–19)

The purpose of desiring riches is clear.

Jacob 1

 Jacob defines what seems to be the three major categories of sin - 

"...now it came to pass that the people of Nephi, under the reign of the second king, began to grow hard in their hearts, and indulge themselves somewhat in wicked practices, such as like unto David of old desiring many wives and concubines, and also Solomon, his son.

16 Yea, and they also began to search much gold and silver, and began to be lifted up somewhat in pride."  (Jacob 1:15–16)

Immorality, materialism, and pride. 

2 Nephi 33

 Again, teaching the Doctrine of Christ, Nephi explains plainly - 

"I have charity for the Jew—I say Jew, because I mean them from whence I came.

9 I also have charity for the Gentiles. But behold, for none of these can I hope except they shall be reconciled unto Christ, and enter into the narrow gate, and walk in the strait path which leads to life, and continue in the path until the end of the day of probation."  (2 Nephi 33:8–9)

Ordinances and covenants are essential to eternal life.

2 Nephi 31

 Nephi teaches the essential nature Doctrine of Christ including - 

"Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.

18 And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive.

19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.

20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

21 And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen."  (2 Nephi 31:17–21)

2 Nephi 30

 Nephi prophesied that the day would come when a great division would separate the righteous form the wicked - 

"For the time speedily cometh that the Lord God shall cause a great division among the people, and the wicked will he destroy; and he will spare his people, yea, even if it so be that he must destroy the wicked by fire."  (2 Nephi 30:10)

It seems to me that this division is becoming more and more apparent.

2 Nephi 28

 Nephi warns of several ways Satan delivers the chains of hell.  One that seems, in my mind, so common amongst Christians is - 

"Yea, wo be unto him that saith: We have received, and we need no more!

28 And in fine, wo unto all those who tremble, and are angry because of the truth of God! For behold, he that is built upon the rock receiveth it with gladness; and he that is built upon a sandy foundation trembleth lest he shall fall.

29 Wo be unto him that shall say: We have received the word of God, and we need no more of the word of God, for we have enough!"  (2 Nephi 28:27–29)

He states the doctrine - 

"...thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have."  (2 Nephi 28:30)

2 Nephi 27

 As I contemplate the lineage of Israel in the last days, Isaiah prophesied - 

"Therefore, thus saith the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob: Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale.

34 But when he seeth his children, the work of my hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel."  (2 Nephi 27:33–34)

This must bring Jacob a great deal of happiness and joy.

2 Nephi 26

 Nephi teaches how the Savior manifests Himself to us writing - 

"...he manifesteth himself unto all those who believe in him, by the power of the Holy Ghost; yea, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, working mighty miracles, signs, and wonders, among the children of men according to their faith."  (2 Nephi 26:13)

It becomes clear that His method of manifestation is through the Holy Ghost.

2 Nephi 25

 As Nephi explains some of the writings of Isaiah, very plain and clear so they could not be misunderstood, he writes - 

"For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.

24 And, notwithstanding we believe in Christ, we keep the law of Moses, and look forward with steadfastness unto Christ, until the law shall be fulfilled.

25 For, for this end was the law given; wherefore the law hath become dead unto us, and we are made alive in Christ because of our faith; yet we keep the law because of the commandments.

26 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins."  (2 Nephi 25:23–26)

This is what we believe.

2 Nephi 24

 Isaiah prophesied - 

"Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, art dissolved; for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none shall be alone in his appointed times.

32 What shall then answer the messengers of the nations? That the Lord hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it."  (2 Nephi 24:31–32)

Seem appropriate in our day.

2 Nephi 23

 As Isaiah compares Babylon to wickedness in the latter days - 

"...For I will destroy her speedily; yea, for I will be merciful unto my people, but the wicked shall perish."  (2 Nephi 23:22)

2 Nephi 22

 Being of the lineage of Israel, I love this verse - 

"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation."  (2 Nephi 22:2)

2 Nephi 20

 Even though Isaiah reveals that the Lord would use the Assyrians to punish Israel due to wickedness, He also follows with the Assyrians to be punished for pride, idolatry and wickedness writing - 

" ... and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction.

26 And the Lord of Hosts shall stir up a scourge for him according to the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb..."

(2 Nephi 20:25–26)

2 Nephi 19

 As much as Isaiah warns of the justice of the Lord, the Lord still pleads - 

"...For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still."  (2 Nephi 19:12)

"...For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still."  (2 Nephi 19:17)

"...For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still."  (2 Nephi 19:21)

2 Nephi 18

 As Isaiah understood the pending destruction because Judah would not repent, he states - 

"For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying:

12 Say ye not, A confederacy, to all to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.

13 Sanctify the Lord of Hosts himself, and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.

14 And he shall be for a sanctuary..."  (2 Nephi 18:11–14)

Isaiah specifically was commanded that his family and followers should avoid being part of the world.  The prophets of today declare the same thing.  Even in patriarchal blessings I have given lately, the Lord has said the same thing.

2 Nephi 17

 After the Kingdom of Israel had caused so much death and destruction to the Kingdom of  Judah, Isaiah had the confidence to tell Ahaz  of his concerns - 

"Thus saith the Lord God: It shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass."   (2 Nephi 17:7)

Obviously, Ahaz did not believe him or follow his counsel.

Would the leaders of our day not believe also?

2 Nephi 15

 I specifically noted this morning - 

"Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

21 Wo unto the wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight!

22 Wo unto the mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink;

23 Who justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!"  (2 Nephi 15:20–23)

In verse 23, Isaiah prophecies, "Who justify the wicked for reward".  We see much of this today as politicians and a corrupt judicial system will deprive innocent rights for some type of reward.

2 Nephi 13

 As Isaiah prophesied concerning Israel in his day as well as our own, he said - 

"Wo unto the wicked, for they shall perish; for the reward of their hands shall be upon them!

12 And my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they who lead thee cause thee to err and destroy the way of thy paths."  (2 Nephi 13:11–12)

What caught my thoughts this morning is "and women rule over them".  At first, many would think that Isaiah is suggesting that women are inferior.  I think it is just the opposite.  I believe that in our day, husbands and fathers of families are the culprit here leading women to manage or rule the family on their own.

2 Nephi 12

 It appears to me that much of Isaiah's revelations are jointly his day and ours.  He states concerning Israel - 

:O house of Jacob, come ye and let us walk in the light of the Lord; yea, come, for ye have all gone astray, every one to his wicked ways.

6 Therefore, O Lord, thou hast forsaken thy people, the house of Jacob, because they be replenished from the east, and hearken unto soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers.

7 Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots.

8 Their land is also full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made.

9 And the mean man boweth not down, and the great man humbleth himself not, therefore, forgive him not.

10 O ye wicked ones, enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for the fear of the Lord and the glory of his majesty shall smite thee.

11 And it shall come to pass that the lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.a"  (2 Nephi 12:5–11)

2 Nephi 11

 Nephi states - 

"...my soul delighteth in the covenants of the Lord which he hath made to our fathers..."  (2 Nephi 11:5)

Those are our promises and covenants.