2 Nephi 24

Again, as we liken the words of Isaiah to ourselves, I believe Babylon in the last days is Satan's kingdom and wick leaders.  Of such, Isaiah said -

"THE burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 23:1)


"...Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 23:19)


For -

"The Lord hath broken the staff of the wicked, the scepters of the rulers.
6 He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted, and none hindereth."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 24:5 - 6)

And -


"Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming..."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 24:9)


And of Satan, the wicked will say -

"All they shall speak and say unto thee: Art thou also become weak as we? Art thou become like unto us?
11 Thy pomp is brought down to the grave..."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 24:10 - 11)


Even -

"How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! Art thou cut down to the ground, which did weaken the nations!
13 For thou hast said in thy heart: I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north;
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High.
15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and shall consider thee, and shall say: Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms?"  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 24:12 - 16)

And it will be the Lord that will do it!

2 Nephi 23

As Isaiah speaks of Babylon or wickedness that will be rampant in the last days he also sees the work of the Lord... -

"Lift ye up a banner upon the high mountain, exalt the voice unto them, shake the hand, that they may go into the gates of the nobles.
3 I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones, for mine anger is not upon them that rejoice in my highness.
4 The noise of the multitude in the mountains like as of a great people, a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together, the Lord of Hosts mustereth the hosts of the battle.
5 They come from a far country, from the end of heaven..."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 23:2 - 5)

As I read that this morning, I could not help but envision noble priesthood leaders declaring the restoration of the gospel, being an ensign to all nations, the gathering of Israel as a great missionary force moving throughout the world.

2 Nephi 20

We hear over and over that history repeats itself.  In that Nephi taught that we should liken the words of Isaiah to ourselves, I believe that his words are also prophecy concerning our day.  The Assyrians are symbolic of the wicked in the last days.   Of the Assyrian leaders, the Savior says –

"...I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks.

13 For he saith: By the strength of my hand and by my wisdom I have done these things; for I am prudent; and I have moved the borders of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man..."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 20:12 - 13)

And with that -

“…it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them, but shall stay upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 20:20)

"Therefore, thus saith the Lord God of Hosts: O my people that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian..."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 20:24)

Obviously, the faithful shall not fear.

2 Nephi 19

I know I have blogged on this before but I was touched how many times the Savior reminds the wicked -

"...his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 15:25)


"...his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 19:12)


"...his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 19:17)


"...his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 19:21)


"...his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 20:4)


Obviously, He never gives up on us.

2 Nephi 18

Isaiah taught -

"Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 18:16)

Interesting enough, modern revelations states

"...bind up the law and seal up the testimony..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:84)

Isaiah added -

"...should not a people seek unto their God for the living to hear from the dead?
20 To the law and to the testimony; and if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 18:19 - 20)

In my mind, prophets that wrote scripture are they that received the law and taught it.  And then, having obeyed the law, bore testimony of its truth.  This is the same for all men -

"If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."  (New Testament | John 7:17)

In my mind, this is what bind up the law and seal up the testimony or vice versa means.

2 Nephi 16

I believe there is great incite in this chapter.  I seems that throughout many prophecies of Isaiah, things are not necessarily chronological.  My thoughts this morning could have been first, that Isaiah said -

 "Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said: Here am I; send me."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 16:8)

And it was upon realizing the callings the Lord had for him is when he exclaimed -

"...Wo is unto me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips..."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 16:5)

Which in my mind would suggest that I am unworthy, unqualified and inadequate.  It is then that -

"...flew one of the seraphim unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar;
7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said: Lo, this has touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 16:6 - 7)

Which suggests receiving the Holy Ghost or being baptized by fire.  Maybe to the extent -

"...even as the Lamanites, because of their faith in me at the time of their conversion, were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not."  (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 9:20)

2 Nephi 15

Again, likening the scriptures unto ourselves, Isaiah wrote -

"Therefore, my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge..."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 15:13)

In my mind, this would suggest that many do not understand why this world was created, the purposes of life, and the plan of salvation, thus -

"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!"  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 15:20 - 21)

Much is because they choose to avoid such knowledge -

"Therefore, hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure; and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 15:14)

2 Nephi 14

Though many would suggest that this chapter is in reference to the millennium, which well it is, I an't help but consider it also in preparation to the millennium as Isaiah writes -

"...the Lord will create upon every dwelling–place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for upon all the glory of Zion shall be a defence.
6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and a covert from storm and from rain."  "Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 14:5 - 6)

I believe that these verses are in reference to stakes of Zion much like the 115th section of the Doctrine and Covenants -

"...that the gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 115:6)

Obviously, a cloud and smoke by day, and a shining flaming fire by night is in reference to the presence of the Lord

2 Nephi 13

As we like the words of Isaiah to ourselves, Isaiah warns -

"FOR behold, the Lord, the Lord of Hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem, and from Judah, the stay and the staff, the whole staff of bread, and the whole stay of water—
2 The mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, and the prophet, and the prudent, and the ancient;
3 The captain of fifty, and the honorable man, and the counselor, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator.
4 And I will give children unto them to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 13:1 - 4)

As the nation becomes more wicked, I believe that Lord is suggesting the nation will struggle economically with less supplies and support.  We will begin to lose great leadership and will have to rely on those with far less abilities or experience.  The results being -

"...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."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 13:12)

I don't believe the Lord is suggesting that women cannot be leaders.  I think it suggests the failure in the home where men will not carry out their obligations and duties.

Why?

"...because their tongues and their doings have been against the Lord, to provoke the eyes of his glory.
9 The show of their countenance doth witness against them, and doth declare their sin to be even as Sodom, and they cannot hide it."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 13:8 - 9)

These truths can be quite disappointing to the nation.

2 Nephi 12

As we are counseled to liken the words of Isaiah to us and our day,Isaiah chastises Israel for their pride, haughtiness, and lofty looks.  Obviously, he sees our day.  But with that he  also sees in our day -

"...the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it.
3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 12:2 - 3)

I believe Isaiah is teaching that in the latter days, it will be in the temple that we will receive "exalted" laws and words...higher than that which is common in accepted scripture.  That is why Isaiah continues -

"O house of Jacob, come ye and let us walk in the light of the Lord..."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 12:5)

2 Nephi 11

Nephi comments of Isaiah that -

"...he verily saw my Redeemer, even as I have seen him."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 11:2)

Then adding -

"...my brother, Jacob, also has seen him as I have seen him..."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 11:3)

Now with these three testimonies, Nephi writes -

"...wherefore, I will send their words forth unto my children to prove unto them that my words are true. Wherefore, by the words of three, God hath said, I will establish my word. Nevertheless, God sendeth more witnesses, and he proveth all his words.
4 Behold, my soul delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ..."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 11:3 - 4)

I find it interesting that the Lord said that three witnesses is all that is necessary to establish or prove His word...even though He sends out many more witnesses.  Therefore, we will stand accountable with only three witnesses...it is proof enough.

2 Nephi 10

As Jacob preaches a second day, he says -

"...he that fighteth against Zion shall perish, saith God.
14 For he that raiseth up a king against me shall perish, for I, the Lord, the king of heaven, will be their king, and I will be a light unto them forever, that hear my words.
15 Wherefore, for this cause, that my covenants may be fulfilled which I have made unto the children of men, that I will do unto them while they are in the flesh, I must needs destroy the secret works of darkness, and of murders, and of abominations.
16 Wherefore, he that fighteth against Zion, both Jew and Gentile, both bond and free, both male and female, shall perish; for they are they who are the whore of all the earth; for they who are not for me are against me, saith our God."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 10:13 - 16)

Jacob warns the people of our day that fight against Zion or raises  up leaders that do the same will perish.  Thus as we witness the secret works of darkness of governmental leaders, we know the day will come that those works shall be destroyed.

This is a great warning in our day.

2 Nephi 9

As Jacob taught the plan of salvation and the need of an infinite atonement, he teaches of the Savior -

"...that all might stand before him at the great and judgment day.
23 And he commandeth all men that they must repent, and be baptized in his name, having perfect faith in the Holy One of Israel, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.
24 And if they will not repent and believe in his name, and be baptized in his name, and endure to the end, they must be damned; for the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has spoken it."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:22 - 24)

The question that came to me was "what does it mean to be saved?" and "what does it mean to be damned?". 

In my mind, the word "saved" or being saved from what suggests that it is through the atonement of Jesus Christ, one may be saved from "the fall of Adam".  Which means we overcome both physical death and spiritual death meaning we return to the presence of God.  Being saved in my mind does not represent eternal life or exaltation. That requires additional ordinance, laws and covenants.

Being damned in my mind also means being stopped in our progression of ever receiving eternal life or exaltation.

2 Nephi 9

As Jacob teaches his people concerning the plan of salvation and the need of a Savior, he comments -

"For as death hath passed upon all men, to fulfil the merciful plan of the great Creator, there must needs be a power of resurrection..."   (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:6)

My thoughts this morning was in regards to the blessing of death.  Even though many would have it that they would never die, the older I get, the more corruptible my body becomes.  Thus the idea of death and putting of this corruptible body that I might receive a perfect resurrected body, to me, is considered a great blessing.  Thus -

"...it must needs be an infinite atonement—save it should be an infinite atonement this corruption could not put on incorruption."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:7)

What a great gift of the Savior that all men may put on incorruption.

Another thought this morning.  Jacob tells of the condition if there was no atonement saying -

"For behold, if the flesh should rise no more our spirits must become subject to that angel who fell from before the presence of the Eternal God, and became the devil, to rise no more.
9 And our spirits must have become like unto him, and we become devils, angels to a devil, to be shut out from the presence of our God, and to remain with the father of lies, in misery, like unto himself..."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:8 - 9)

Jacob would then follow with this saying -

"O how great the plan of our God!  For on the other hand, the paradise of God must deliver up the spirits of the righteous, and the grave deliver up the body of the righteous; and the spirit and the body is restored to itself again, and all men become incorruptible, and immortal, and they are living souls, having a perfect knowledge like unto us in the flesh, save it be that our knowledge shall be perfect."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:13)

My thought this morning was that without the atonement, there would no be a paradise of God in that there would be no righteous.  A very disturbing thought.  Thus we would all be confined to death and hell.

2 Nephi 8

Through the writings of Isaiah, the Lord says to Israel -

"Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation; for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light for the people."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 8:4)

And -

"Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart I have written my law, fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 8:7)

In both cases, the Lord refers to "law" or "my law".  Ordinances, laws, and covenants are closely related.  With ordinances comes His Law by which we covenant to obey which laws are written on our hearts.  In other words -

"Awake, awake, put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments..."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 8:24)

Great promises follow such -

"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."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 8:3)

2 Nephi 7

My thoughts this morning are the questions asked of Israel by the Savior, as Isaiah writes -

"...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?..."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 7:1)

The Savior answers His own question -

"...Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.
2 Wherefore, when I came, there was no man; when I called, yea, there was none to answer."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 7:1 - 2)

Obviously, the Jews rejected Him.  He then also asks -

"...Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness and hath no light?"  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 7:10)

Obviously no one.  If we follow His prophets, we will walk in the light.

2 Nephi 6

Long before the holocaust which happened after the translation of the Book of Mormon, Jacob prophesied concerning the Jews that they would -

"...scourge him and crucify him, according to the words of the angel who spake it unto me.
10 And after they have hardened their hearts and stiffened their necks against the Holy One of Israel, behold, the judgments of the Holy One of Israel shall come upon them.  And the day cometh that they shall be smitten and afflicted.
11 Wherefore, after they are driven to and fro, for thus saith the angel, many shall be afflicted in the flesh...they shall be scattered, and smitten, and hated..."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 6:9 - 11)

But in the last days, the Lord would be merciful to the Jews suggesting the words of Isaiah and the Lord  -

"...Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; for the Mighty God shall deliver his covenant people. For thus saith the Lord: I will contend with them that contendeth with thee—
18 And I will feed them that oppress thee, with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood as with sweet wine; and all flesh shall know that I the Lord am thy Savior and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob"  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 6:17 - 18)

What great promises are had for believing Israel in the last days.