2 Nephi 21

2 Nephi 21;  Isaiah 11

2 Nephi 21:  1-8

rod, stem...............................................................prophetic statement about Christ
Spirit of the Lord.....................................................attributes of the Messiah
quick understanding................................................Messiah will understand and fulfill his calling
judge.................................................................He will have the commission to try all men
righteous and faithfulness......................................Messiah will be a Holy teacher
wolf and lamb.......................................................Messiah will bring all into harmony
cockatrice den..................................................The very deadliest things will be overruled

The Messiah will come to earth (first coming), and his works and deeds will lead to the greatest of all reconciliations.

2 Nephi 21: 9-16

earth, full of knowledge........................................the gospel of the Messiah given to men
root.................................................................a later prophecy, last days
second time.........................................................the great gospel gthering
assemble..........................................................missionaries go the four corners of the earth
Judah and Ephraim.............................................reconciliation of the two divisions in the House of Israel
spoil together...............................................they will form the strongest of nations

Prophecies about the second coming of Christ

2 Nephi 21

The Messiah will establish his life and leave great wisdom to the earth in his first coming.  In his Second coming, he will gather the House of Israel and other righteous believers.  Eventually this will lead to a world harmony as a part of the Atonement.

2 Nephi 20

2 Nephi 20;  Isaiah 10

2 Nephi 20: 1-4

unrighteous decrees....................................................The Lord forbids abuse of leadership
poor, widows, fatherless..............................................Leaders have a responsibility to protect these
without me..............................................................the Lord will not sustain groups that abandon these vulnerable groups

Very succinctly this scripture tells us to remember the most vulnerable members of the society.  Failure to do so will see the withdrawal of the spirit from that organization

2 Nephi 20: 5-17

rod of anger.....................................................The Lord identifies Assyria as a punishing instrument
hypocritical nation....................................................we are expected to actually live what we believe
pride of the North...................................................The nation of Israel has erroneous thinking
graven images.......................................................among accomplishments adulterous religion
will punish.....................................................both that nation and Syria the model cursed
robbed treasures...............................................the Lord will remove the ability to do those things
my hand..........................................................a bit too smug, and a failure to acknowledge God
ax boast................................................................forgetting the Lord in prosperity is wrong
kindle..............................................................the Lord will punish the abandoning people
a fire......................................................................the curse is on Israel for this, broken covenant

Isaiah itemizes many of the complaints the Lord has with the Children of Israel.  Among their faults is the sin of ingratitude, followed by vaunting pride and idolatry.  He will not allow the broken covenant to sustain their blessings of prosperity.  And he explains how the country is about to experience an invasion by a stronger and also doomed kingdom, and that they will cursed together.

2 Nephi 20: 18-26

child shall write them.....................................so few blessings that a small child can grasp it in totality
shall stay on the Lord.........................................at a future time, the people will worship correctly
remnant return...............................................the reestablishment of the Lord's kingdom
overflow....................................................a tremendous growth among the righteous
indignation cease...............................................removal of the curse on the House of Israel
stir up scourge...................................................will require severe chastening to get there

Within the Lord's plan is the need for the children of Israel to receive scourging until they finally realize the value of the Lord's leadership in his covenant.  Then they will repent and become an overpowering force than cannot be restrained.  However, this will never happen with any measure of apostate or evil workings.  It must be done in the Lord's way.

2 Nephi 20: 27-34

burden.........................................................Prosperity will be universal when done right
shake his hand.............................................will exert his leadership and his blessings or curses
lop................................................................He has the power to destroy the wicked
cut down.....................................................the most prosperous can be laid waste at His word

The Lord's omnipotent power and leadership can either prosper the nation or destroy it.

2 Nephi 20

This chapter of Isaiah and Nephi both illustrate the relationship the Lord has with the Children of Israel dealing with his leadership and the covenant made between the people and the Lord.  The Lord promises to prosper the nation when it follows his commandment, and he reminds us all that the underlying rules is the country must never abandon the most vulnerable of His people.  We need to start any discussion of divine protection and blessing on that premise.  This a great reminder to the present day Church.  In the hub bub of talk on the political front, we must never forget the elderly, the young, the handicapped, and the others that are at the mercy of the culture.

2 Nephi 19

2 Nephi 19;  Isaiah 9

2 Nephi 19: 1-5

darkness, light...............................................................the Lord will come to a blinded people
joy......................................................................the end effect, great hope for the people
broke the yoke.....................................................the great cause of the sadness removed
rod of oppressor......................................................the power of Satan eliminated

Christ will come to the earth when many ordinary people will be in a fallen state caused by spiritual depression and oppression

2 Nephi 19: 6-12

He shall be called...................................................Messianic mission of Christ
lighted on Israel..................................................Christ to appear among the Children of Israel
all the people...............................................although Christ comes to Palestine, will affect all
rebuild........................................................Christ's mission will repair the broken pieces of Israel
devour Israel.................................................the Lord will allow the dissolution of nationalism
stretched out still........................................although failing, a chance given for repentance

Christ will come at a time when Israel is destroyed as a political unit.  The work he does will establish the latter-day rebuilding of a political entity, but not until Israel understands the Lord's requirements.

2 Nephi 19: 13-21

do not turn to Christ...........................................Israel's biggest failure, not accepting the Messiah
head and tail.......................................................The Lord does not allow Israel to be a kingdom
cause err.............................................................the leadership of the country to blame
no joy............................................................the population does not prosper with faulty leadership
wickedness burneth.........................................the consequences of wickedness is burning
wrath of the Lord................................................the Lord removes himself from the wicked
eat the flesh of the arm.........................................the curse for evil doers, they destroy themselves
inside attack....................................................House of Judah v House of Joseph

A description of the force that are holding the children of Israel back.  They are not united, and they have rejected the mission of the Messiah

2 Nephi 19

This chapter underscores the importance of the people of Israel to seek for spiritual rather than political strength.  The seeking for power without submitting to the Lord will be overruled, for the covenant and promise of the Lord only occurs when the people do their work within the rules that the Lord himself has set.  When the people do this correctly, the Lord will exert his influence, and nothing can stop the country from prospering at that poi9nt.

2 Nephi 18

2 Nephi 18;  Isaiah 8

2 Nephi 18: 1-13

riches and spoil taken away......................................predicted fall of the nation of Assyria
refuse waters of Shiloh..................................................probably baptism or ritual washing?
waters of the river....................................................imminent invasion and enslavement
fill the land..........................................................the invasion will penetrate into Judah
broken...................................................................those who join with Damascus cursed
come to naught......................................................divinely controlled events
Him, the dread..........................................................only God is worshiped, not other countries

Isaiah prophesies the confederacy of Israel with Assyria, and he foretells its demise.  The Lord protests his people, and the people who follow the Lord under protection

2 Nephi 18: 14-22

stone of stumbling...............................................you cannot proceed without confronting
many snared.......................................................those who are not following the faith, enslaved
bind testimony.................................................teach the people, warn, and commit them to make a choice
signs and wonders..............................................the Lord protects his people, Miracles follow
peep............................................................those who follow animistic religion are doomed
no light.........................................................only the promises of God prevail.  Other sources fail
see trouble and darkness................................those who forsake God receive no help in troubles

The problem for the people is that they have abandoned God, and will not, therefore, receive help in their hour of need.

Isaiah is told to teach the people repentance, even if the people reject the message.  The fact that they receive the knowledge of the impending trials will hold them responsible for the consequences.

2 Nephi 17

2 Nephi 17;  Isaiah 6

2 Nephi 17:  1-7

Ephraim...........................................................the two nations are working counter to each other
Isaiah and son.....................................................use your own family to prophesy
smoking firebrands....................................................belligerents, Assyria and North kingdom
evil counsel.............................................................secret meetings and agreements
vex it.......................................................................intent to fight Judah
it shall not..............................................................overruled by the heavens

Political conspiracies at work.  The northern kingdom is entering secret negotiations with Assyria

2 Nephi 17:  8-16

65 years............................................................the number of years left for the Northern
believe.............................................................to receive divine help will require God's help
ask for a sign.....................................................interesting, why the north is adulterous
weary...............................................................God not amused when someone cites him
the sign.............................................................Christ, His advent and His mission to the earth
days to come.........................................................severe tests for both kingdoms

Despite the attitudes of invinciblity, both kingdoms are in severe trouble.  To prosper requires God's assistance

2 Nephi 17: 17-25

trials.......................................................hard trouble when the kingdoms split.  This is worse.
Lord will hiss.................................................the answer will be to use outside kingdoms
they will come..................................................invasions are about to take place
consume the beard..............................................idiomatic.  Beard is a sign of masculinity.
nourish young animals..........................................your sovreignty is limited
milk and honey.....................................................the righteous will prosper with God.
thousand.........................................................multiplication of blessings
briers.............................................................symbols of the troubles that come to those who attack the Lord's people

Isaiah remind people where real powers originate

2 Nephi 17

This chapter reminds the people of what happens with God's help, and what will happen if men fail to heed the Lord.  This is timely, because the Children of Lehi left Jerusalem in order to survive the terrible events in this chapter.

2 Nephi 16

2 Nephi 16

2 Nephi 16: 1-8

seraphim......................................................................................angelic being
glory smoke............................................................................imagery of heaven
unclean lips.....................................................................unworthy mortal, impure
live coal..................................................................................heaven corrects the weakness
sin purged...............................................................power to forgive in heaven, mercy
whom send?...................................................................people sent for purposes, to the earth
send me..................................................................like the Lord, his servants agree to act

A small glimpse into the heavenly, depicting how man is out of step with the requirements for membership, but through the instrumentality of the heavens, man can qualify.  Also, we learn that the Lord assigns his servants to perform certain works.  The Lord did so, and the mission of Isaiah has parallels

2 Nephi 16: 9-13

Go and tell.....................................................the prophetic message for Isaiah to teach
tell them to make them responsible............................then the people will be judged
how long?......................................................the message is to long term (his writings continue to instruct)
removed..............................................................a great scattering due to lack of faith
a tenth...........................................................a small group will continue through time

Isaiah to teach his people about repentance to prepare them for the judgement.

2 Nephi 16

This chapter is instructive about the prophetic mission of Isaiah and can be likewise applied to others who serve the Lord.  They come as emissaries of the Lord.

2 Nephi 15

2 Nephi 15 ; Isaiah 5

2 Nephi 15:  1-7

my vineyard......................................................God as the vineyard owner, and his people
the tower ...........................................................He keeps special watch on the vineyard
sees the grapes, wild grapes..................................a careful look at the results of the work
men of Judah...................................................this is your people.  Pay attention
take away..................................................abandonment of a failing orchard
waste.............................................................Christ to step completely away from the people
looketh for judgement........................................Christ has expectations, but they are not happening
no rain.......................................................even the usual outside conditions are removed
a cry..............................................................the actual picture is a troubling.  People hurt

Christ keeps a careful watch on his people, but when the people sink to a position that nothing good is coming of the work, the work will cease, and the orchard will be abandoned.  Unlike a real vineyard, he will return when the fruits return.

2 Nephi 15: 8-16

wo, house to house............................................conditions where the people associate too much together (in sin)
desolate...........................................................such conditions overruled.  He will not allow.
follow strong drink..........................................example.  Party attitude.  People drink more than work
revelers..........................................................partiers have abandoned their duties.  Rejected.
multitudes thirst.........................................due to the malfeasance of leaders, the people languish
humbled.................................................both the leader and the followers need humbling
sanctified......................................................The Lord will chasten the people.  Shaped to the corrects ends.

God has a purpose for his people.  He does not want an evil group attitude that pursues the meaningless side of life, for example drunkards.  He will curse such behaviors because it leads both the leaders and the followers to destruction.  The people lose sight of their life purpose, and must undergo a changing humility, or they will not meet the expectations that the Lord has for his people.

2 Nephi 15: 17-25

cart rope...............................................pretty chains are still chains.  Men are to be free.
wisdom of Lord......................................men should seek God's will, not man's
twisting good and evil......................................men should not spin reality to meet their carnal desires
wise in own sight.............................................wisdom does not work that way.  Truth is truth,
remove righteousness from the righteous...................dwindling faith, caused by falsehoods
chaff.....................................................a destruction of the wicked.  This is not fruit.
kindle................................................................God will destroy the wicked.  Such behavior not allowed
Hand outstretched.................................................He will allow repentance, but man must act

The hope is with man.  When he discovers his wickedness, he ready for destruction, but the Lord allows man the opportunity to repent and to return to the fold.

2 Nephi 15: 26-30

ensign from afar.............................................Latter-day kingdom to be set up far away
none weary.......................................................these servants will do His will and succeed
none sleep.....................................................will be worthy workers in his kingdom
sharp arrows................................................the spiritual army is ready to redeem His kingdom.
roar like lions...................................................the youth of the group will make them invincible
look into the land.............................................these people will work and labor in a very dismal and wicked world

Christ will set up His kingdom in the last days.  The servants will do things the way he wants them act, and they will be very successful, negating the bad behavior of many years.  They will work tirelessly to build up the kingdom in a very wicked world.

2 Nephi 15

This chapter describes the very sad results of what happens to the Kingdom that he has set up, but He will remember the covenants as the people repent.  Then he sets up his Kingdom and sends his righteous servants to cry repentance and convert the evil and wicked world.  He indicates that they will be successful because they are diligent.

2 Nephi 14

2 Nephi 14

2 Nephi 14: 1-6

stumbling blocks......................................................remove the hindrances for faith
harden hearts..........................................................choose to distance oneself
blessed forever..............................................the followers of Christ are promised prosperity
the pit...............................................................a trap.  Ironically it traps those who build it
abominable church.............................................a community that encompasses those who do evil
wickedness and abominations..................................breaking the rules given by God
Gentiles..............................................................offered all the blessings of the Lord's church
wo....................................................................should Gentiles reject Christ, they will be destroyed

America is a place that is to serves as a home for those who follow Christ.  If the European peoples follow Christ, they will live in prosperity and in safety, but if they reject the Lord, they will be removed.

2 Nephi 14: 7-14

great and marvelous work.....................................terminology indicating a restoration of the gospel
delivery...................................................the function of the Church is to lead men to God
covenants remembered..........................................must believe in the promises of God
two churches.............................................men make one of two choices,  God or Satan.
whore of the earth..........................................no legitimate.   Full of evil and sinfulness.
upon many waters............................................fills the 4 corners of the earth.  Huge group.
group few......................................................God's church relatively small in comparison
gather to fight..............................................the larger group constantly wars the smaller one.
power from on high...........................................God's church is protected by divine help

In the last day, the Lord reestablishes his Church to counter the Church of the Devil.  It has strong power, because God himself protects the church and its members, but the members must keep the covenants of God.

2 Nephi 14: 15-17

wrath.......................................................much of the great and abominable destroyed by war
upon the whore..........................................God curses the evil church, full wrath

A decree to end the great and abominable church prophesied.  Christ will remove it from captivating his people.

2 Nephi 14: 18-30

white robe..................................................the Holy One of Israel works with John the Revelator
remainder.......................................................Nephi does not record the rest of the vision
the book......................................................the bible is given as a legacy to the Gentiles
was pure....................................................many changes entered into the Bible, not the original
rest to see....................................................the servant sees the rest of the prophecy, sealed.
apostle to write...............................................a duty of the apostle to record the remainder
John.......................................................even his name foretold
angel made known......................................a divine vision, to which he bears testimony.
is true...........................................................bears his testimony of the vision's truth

Nephi lets the reader know that the vision is divine, given through the Lord's manner of prophecy.
He indicates that the vision is the beginning of John's vision, but that the vision of John is not recorded for the Nephites, but rather for the Gentiles.  The word will go forth to the Gentiles through the Bible, and important, divine book, but the evil Church will have removed and altered the points of the gospel.

2 Nephi 14

This chapter enlarges Isaiah's words to explain how America will be featured in the latter-day.
The Lord's church will be established in America, and it will be spread to the whole world, but the world will largely belong to Satan's system.  The evil system will go to war with the Saints, but the Lord will protect the Saints.  Eventually the evil will destroy themselves, but the Lord will protect his children.

2 Nephi 13

2 Nephi 13    Isaiah 3

2 Nephi 13: 1-8

doth take away....................................................removal of self governance and self reliance
list of leaders.........................................................Lord will take the leadership of the people
children over thee....................................................Replace good leaders with selfish ones
oppressed...........................................................the people will have severe trials at hands of proud
take hold of brother.............................................those perceived well off will be mobbed by needy
make me not.....................................................no desire and no means to help others, all in trouble
Jerusalem ruined.................................................the situation dire, no ability to prosper

Isaiah recounts the horrors of losing a mandate to run the Jewish nation.  The people will long for leadership and for help in oppression.

2 Nephi 13: 9-14

Sodom............................................................the people are ruin and deserve it
well with..........................................................the righteous are blessed, regardless of the day
wicked.................................................................the curse is heavy
do err...........................................................the horrors of poor leadership hurt the people
judgement...................................................can be said that it is a righteous judgement of God

Isaiah describes the terrible conditions of Israel when it deserts the Lord and lives with pride and with childishness

2 Nephi 13: 15-26

grind the poor...........................................the people show no kindness to the poor
haughty.....................................................the children of Israel and Zion are proud and materialistic
scab..........................................................the Lord will ruin their property and humble them
take away..............................................a huge fortune of showiness is depleted and ruined
fall by sword............................................warfare
sit on the ground............................................humbled to the very dirt.

In the day of judgement, the purpose of the Lord is to teach humility.  It will require a total loss of the items that bring and promote pride and arrogance

2 Nephi 13

Jacob shares Isaiah's warning to Israel.  Israel is not to follow idols and riches, because they lead to arrogance and pride.  Those qualities destroy men's reliance on God and on spirituality.  This will lead to suffering at the hands of childish leaders, arrogant people who disregard and persecute the poor, and who are ripe for outside attack at the hands of enemies.

2 Nephi 12

2 Nephi 12;  Isaiah 2

2 Nephi 12: 1-6

top of the mountains...............................................latter-day center for the Lord's faithful
exalted above hills.....................................................the leader of all believers
his ways..............................................................to teach the gospel of Christ
the law...............................................................only source for knowing God's will
the word..............................................................Christ comes through Jews.  together they work to teach mankind
rebuke...............................................................corrective nature of the two together
the sword..........................................................establishes peace and leads to harmony
the light.......................................................a need to follow the teachings of the prophets
all gone astray.......................................................requires a restoration of the gospel

The latter-days will see the establishment of the kingdom of God.  It will serve as the spiritual leader for all the inhabitants of the earth.  Many will find it and look to that place for direction.  The result will be peace

2 Nephi 12: 7-11

land full of Gold......................................................the future scene will be one of wealth
of their own hands......................................................a proud people, proud of achievements
humbleth not............................................................a picture of terrible pride and idolatry
forgive not.............................................................will miss the saving graces of Christ
wicked ones..............................................................a state of tremendous wickedness
hide.....................................................................proper attitude, repentance and remorse
Lord exalted........................................................a sudden unheaval.  Christ is the exalted one.

Conditions at the time of the latter-day kingdom will be highly infused with human pride and wickedness.  Repentance will be taught to the peoples, but it will be difficult.  Many will be in danger of losing their place in the kingdom.

2 Nephi 12: 12-19

sudden day..........................................................Christ warns of the sudden correction of these conditions
day of the Lord...................................................the corrections will catch many proud ones
all...................................................................the consequences will reach to every human
loftiness of man...................................................we will learn humility
idols abolished.................................................in his kingdom their will be no idols.  One God.
holes and caves....................................................such behaviors will not be allowed

The day of the Lord will see the destruction of the conditions that lead men to such terrible haughtiness and pride.  They will not be allowed within the kingdom of God

2 Nephi 12: 20

cast their idols................................................men will desert the idolatrous to follow Christ
cease ye from man............................................men will follow a divine law, not human

The establishment of Zion will undermine the pride of the future day.  The elimination of wealthy pride will lead to much more divinity and towards humility

2 Nephi 12

The chapter forewarns about the attitudes of people who establish themselves in a terribly proud and wicked system.  God will suddenly overrule it and institute his own system.

2 Nephi 11

2 Nephi 11

2 Nephi 11: 1-3

sufficeth...............................................................Jacob only records what he feels he should
words of Isaiah.........................................................he feels that the words are very important
saw redeemer...................................................some prophets record seeing Christ, Isaiah, Jacob
words are true...................................................expression of testimony
words of three........................................................Law of witnesses

Jacob gives his writing purpose, and establishes it firmly on his testimony of Christ's divinity.  He also bears witness to having seen Christ himself, and adds his name to his brother Nephi, Isaiah, and others.

2 Nephi 11: 4-7

law of Moses........................................................Jacob predicates belief on following divine law
grace...................................................................Jacob applauds the Lord's mercy
Christ.......................................................................no one saved, except through Christ
if.......................................................................Jacob's spiritual logic.  Things go together.
Isaiah.................................................................a preface of testimony for Isaiah's message

Isaiah and others teach us of the divinity of Christ's message.  They indicated that we really need to study and to gain testimonies of their words.

2 Nephi 11

This chapter serves as a preface to the recorded words of Isaiah

2 Nephi 10

2 Nephi 10

2 Nephi 10: 1-6

righteous branch.............................................a righteous break off group
perish from unbelief..........................................many people do not find the faith in life
children restored.......................................the Lord's atonement will cover many of the lost
Jesus to the Jews..........................................prophecy of where Jesus would live
crucify him....................................................long before he was born, his type of death foretold
if:  would repent..............................................a particularly difficult people to work with
priestcrafts.................................................not called of God, rather self appointed
scattered.....................................................after the crucifixion, the fallen people forced to move

Jacob teaches his people about the first coming of Christ, how he would be born in the ancestral home for the people of Israel.  His crucifixion will lead to a scattering of the people who rejected him, because of their many sins.

2 Nephi 10: 7-16

day of belief...............................................the people gathered when they turn to Christ
gathered in the far reaches................................the Gentiles will be the place where the movement resumes
kings and queens......................................the movement will be protected and fostered by the leaders of the gentiles
this land.................................................America itself will be a center for the movement
liberty, no kings......................................America will reject monarchies, and they will be strong
fortify................................................divine strengthening of the American nation
Zion....................................................another name for the region.  Under divine protection
I will be their king.....................................America forms a kind of theocratic government
secret works.........................................to preserve America, the secret group must be destroyed
whore of the earth....................................the greatest danger for the future is the secret group

Before the second coming, America will become a great center for the establishment of Christ's church.  The country will be very strong, and will enjoy the protections of heaven.  This will continue as long as the people live in the Lord's way.  If secret works arise, Christ will overrule it.

2 Nephi 10: 17-21

promises................................................Can have faith in this.  Christ promised it.
afflict my people................................at first the Gentiles will be devastating to the children of Lehi
father to them...................................A change.  The Gentiles will strengthen the natives
consecrated......................................Land blessed forever to those of the House of Israel.
merciful God....................................Accept the Lord.  He has given the great promise.
plural, isles........................................God works with many peoples.  Never assume one is alone.

We must never lose sight of the fact that God will bless all those who join with the House of Israel. This goes to Jew, Gentile, American, native, male, female, and etc.

2 Nephi 10: 22-25

Lord remembereth..................................God knows where he leads his people, and he gathers them
free to act...........................................Learn the purpose and the plan.  But act and choose correctly
reconcile............................................our expectation in the atonement covenant
may he raise you.....................................the bottom line.  Each individual must earn his own place.

We can count on the promises of God.  He shows us an outline of what will occur, but each of us must decide independently what we will do.

2 Nephi 10

After all the outlines, and prophecies, each man must choose for himself how he will stand in the rolling out of history.  In the future, God will keep all his promises, including the one that he will cleanse the American continent of the secret combination that will lead to much of the corruptions and abominations that will arise.

2 Nephi 9

2 Nephi 9

2 Nephi 9: 1-6

Covenants..........................................................Jacob wants people know the Lord's promises
until........................................................................a law that will last until the Church comes
lift up.....................................................purpose, to inspire and to give hope to Israel
in bodies.....................................................a physical visit from God in the future
show.............................................................Christ to be born in the land of Jerusalem (Judah)
subject.....................................................he earns the right to rule by submitting to man
his plan..........................................................to die for man, atone, and to give choices

This illustrates the savior's part in the great plan of life and to His people.  He is born among his people to save them, although they will kill him.  If we meet the conditions and make the right choice, he will give us eternal life.

2 Nephi 9: 7-18

infinite atonement..........................................not just an earthly covenant.  It is forever.
first judgement............................................. our mortality's end. Death
the monster................................................physical death.  It must be overruled.  Christ does that.
give up the dead............................................Christ offers life to all.  Death is overruled.
spiritual death................................................a much more dangerous thing.  Losing the divine.
overruled......................................................Christ can save from that death as well.
deliver up.....................................................Mortal death has been conquered by Christ.
perfect remembrance.....................................Christ will join us in the final judgement.  We are accountable
go their way.................................................Men divided by Christ.  Righteous and Evil.

There are two stages of Christ's salvation.  He has already saved us for the earthly physical death.  But the second salvation comes when we meet the requirements for eternal life, and an eternal residence with God and all the righteous.  This part is subject to the choices by each person.

2 Nephi 9: 19-27

delivereth the saints..........................................Christ has a special salvation for saints.
resurrection......................................................We will stand physically before God.
damned......................................................fail to meet the qualifications
knows...........................................................Christ knows all.  The judgement is complete
suffered.........................................................All things subject to his desires
law.................................................................men held it.
no law...............................................................no expectations
atonement.........................................................will cover all those without law
woe..............................................................He gives the choice, then men are accountable

To receive the blessings, man must follow the law.  but there are no penalties for those without law.  We teach the law, because it offers men everlasting life, and it will come to every one, because there is a choice.  The atonement will meet all the needs of these requirements.

2 Nephi 9: 28-38

cunning one....................................................Satan works to stop the Lord's work,   He is a failure
the learned.....................................................a trick to make men think distorted and false thoughts.
the rich..............................................................false security in things and materialism
blind.................................................................cannot see the blessings
uncircumcised heart........................................failure to make necessary changes.
liar.......................................................................hell
murderer...............................................................shall die
whoredoms........................................................cast to hell
idols.......................................................................triumph of Satan
sins.........................................................................must be atone for.  They must be overcome.

Satan is working to stop and confine men, so that they do not reach the high potential laid before them.

2 Nephi 9: 39-49

awfulness.................................................................men can make it impossible to have the Holy Ghost
hard against revilers....................................................The truth hurts the evil doers
keeper of the gate...............................................Christ, who cannot be deceived
knock, and is open................................................if we seek Christ, he will be there.
despises those...................................................the wise, who will not listen;  the rich who are satisfied
happiness for the saints......................................to earn eternal life, one must be above such things
shook the garments.......................................by teaching others, the curse is lifted from us
partake.....................................................what God offers is precious, but it is not to be bought

Christ wants us to learn of him, and to reject simply pursuing money.  Such things can cause people to fail in their goals to succeed.

2 Nephi 9: 50-54

hearken diligently..........................................follow the Lords commandments very carefully
pray continually............................................we need his assistance.  Satan is busy
righteous branch..............................................a great promise made to the children of Lehi/Nephi

In order to succeed we will need divine assistance.  The promises are sure, and they are great, both spiritually, and on this world

2 Nephi 9

This chapter emphasizes the need and the importance of following the commandments of Christ

2 Nephi 8

2 Nephi 8;  Isaiah 51 and 52

2 Nephi 8: 1-6

rock....................................................................people are built from the "rock"
Abraham and Sarah...............................................blessings of prosperity from God.
blessed him...................................................promises to Abraham offered to the faithful
comfort Zion...............................................in trials we have the power of God to sustain
Joy................................................................the everlasting promise is given to the faithful
law from me..................................................God offers a sure path for men to have joy
righteousness is near..............................................idiomatic that the offering is now, immediate, universal
temporal and eternal............................................regardless of earthly conditions, God prevails above

The Lord reminds us continually that he maintains the promise perpetually with men.  If a man meets the conditions he is saved, regardless of the world's attempts to interfere.

2 Nephi 8: 7-10

reproach and revilings.......................................some men are very hateful.  Trust God, and endure it
the moth.................................................idiomatic of the futility of human's bad behavior.  Overruled
cut Rahab, slay dragon.......................................God had already defeated the work of Satan.
dried the sea................................................his power overcomes the most devastating worldly powers

The Lord has overcome any and all attacks that can come upon man.  Accept him and rely on him

2 Nephi 8: 11-21

redeemed.................................................God promises complete separation from the ills of life
I am he.......................................................The Lord tells us that he has done it all.  Why fear men?
Lord of Hosts.............................................The Avenger, the Creator, the Comforter
my people..............................................He will certainly stand with his people, despite the world
awake.................................................Israel too often fails to have the proper faith in God
guide...................................................if asked, he will guide us throught the pitfalls of life.
the sons.................................................parable.  As sons we will be helped by the good Father
hear this.............................................the Atonement supercedes all the troubles of this world.

Trust the Lord, the Messiah.  He has won the battle, and all his followers are under his care.  He will help us if he is asked, and his work overrules all the ills of this world.  Trust him.

2 Nephi 8: 22-25

pleadeth the case.....................................Savior intercedes for the faithful.  His promised mercy.
as dry ground..........................................the faithful will escape the punishment of the evil
shake yourself.......................................the man must do some things for himself.  Each man must choose either to follow God, or not do it.

Men must choose whom they follow.  Follow the sure.  Follow Christ.  The Savior possesses the power to have mercy, that will be accepted at the final judgement by the Father.

2 Nephi 8

Men are reminded why they must follow Christ.  He is the only means for receiving forgiveness.  There is complete freedom to choose.

2 Nephi 7

2 Nephi 7  Isaiah 50

2 Nephi 7: 1-5

divorcement..........................................................had good completely disowned Israel?
yourselves...............................................any separation comes from the human perspective
have I no.................................................a phrase to remind men that God is divine.  His power is greater than anything of the world
blackness, sack clothe.............................symbols of sorrow.  God is saddened by man's separation
tongue of the learned..................................idiomatic of Isaiah's intellectual gift
he waketh...............................................Isaiah views his gifts as divinely bestowed
turn away back.............................................idiomatic.  God does not abandon men

2 Nephi 7: 6-8

gave my back.................................Isaiah allows himself to suffer in his service to God
not confounded....................................such attacks will not defeat Isaiah
he justifies..............................................the Lord will strengthen his faithful servant
set like flint................................................this allows men to remain faithful in trials
strength of mouth...................................ability to chastise correctly and righteously

Isaiah recounts the gifts that the Lord has endowed upon him.  He knows that faithfulness increases the power of the gifts.

2 Nephi 7: 9-11

eat them up................................................the curse on those who reject and work against God
feareth the Lord.................................................true followers and servants of God
voice.............................................................what the servant speaks is the errand from God
walk in light/darkness..........................................the governing path chosen by the person
sparks..............................................................many assume the power of God wrongly.  It is not us, rather than God that gives life.  Sparks start fires that destroy, while God's light leads men.
lie down in sorrow.........................................end result.  Those who reject God are condemned

The purpose of life is joy, but those who reject God and still desire enlightenment cannot find that joy.  The servant of God imparts God's will.   Those who reject the message, reject the Lord

2 Nephi 7

This chapter instructs the servant of God to be fearless in doing his work, regardless of the reaction from the audience.  Those who accept God's word, especially his servants who work faithfully, are blessed by God's righteous oversight.  Those who reject or counter God's word are fooling themselves.  They delude themselves in their wisdom, because it has no divine stamp of approval and will ultimately lead to sorrow.

2 Nephi 6

2 Nephi 6

2 Nephi 6: 1-5

Jacob............................................................Nephi's younger brother
ordained to holy order......................................a member of the priesthood, worthy servant
anxiety......................................................as a servant, he worries about others' welfare
diligent....................................................faithful student and teacher of the word
Isaiah.........................................................assigned to teach Isaiah to his people
likened.......................................................when reading stories, place yourself into them

As a servant of God, Jacob is assigned to teach and expound on the words of Isaiah for the edification of his people.

2 Nephi 6: 6-12

Geniles, my standard.........................................the Gentile will receive the word of God
bring my people............................................Lord will use the group to protect the Jews
lick the dust..................................................These people will give honor to Israel
captive....................................................by prophecy he teaches the fall of Jerusalem
smitten and afflicted...................................Under condemnation, Israel is humbled
driven and smitten.................................To be forced to migrate and to endure great troubles
Blessed Gentiles..........................................Those who join with Israel and who reject the worldly

Jacob teaches about the way the Children of Israel will endure and great chastening.  The reversal will come with the help of the European peoples, who will help them with honor.  The Gentiles will be saved with Israel if they will reject the worldly and evil things of the world.

2 Nephi 6: 13-

Messiah..................................................will save and establish those who come to him
Second time............................................At the second coming, many will join Christ and be saved
destroyed...................................................those who are given the choice to follow Christ and reject him will be destroyed
divine deliverance....................................Christ will save his people, and none can stop
drunk with their own blood............................The evil will use evil to destroy themselves.

A great blessing awaits the faithful, but at the time of separation, those who choose evil will place themselves in a situation in which their own evil will bacfire and destroy them.

Jacob gives an overview of the teachings of Isaiah concerning the scattering and the later gathering of the House of Israel.  He explains the role of the Gentile peoples in this process, indicating that many will be numbered with Israel because of their acceptance of the gospel.

2 Nephi 5

2 Nephi 5

2 Nephi 5: 1-7

anger....................................................the anger of the brothers grows to a killing level
afflicted by words.......................................Offended?  Afflicted?  distorted thinking
flee.......................................................commanded to separate and to take adherents with him
leaves................................................takes Zoram, Joseph, Jacob, Sam
many days..............................................they make the distance quite considerable

Due to the anger of the older brothers, it becomes necessary for Nephi and those who follow him to leave.  They pack up quickly and move several days away.

2 Nephi 5: 8-13

place Nephi..............................................named after the leader
observe.........................................................practiced the tenets of their religion
prosper............................................................the group works together well and prospers
brought with................................................sacred objects.  The record and the Liahona

The people of Nephi approach the separation very seriously and they do very well.

2 Nephi 5: 14-20

sword of Laban.......................................used as a master template for the making of other swords
metals......................................................the people were quite up to date for weaponry and building
temple.....................................................the temple is built for worship purposes
industrious................................................a productive people.  Good economy
king.......................................................Nephi against having a king.  But he leads.
ruler and teacher.........................................the prophecy of the angel had been fulfilled

Nephi makes the group strong by initiating a strong work ethic and for worship and self defense.

2 Nephi 5: 21-25

curse.................................................the followers of Laman and Lemuel were cursed with skin
curse......................................................all who joined them would have the same mark
mischief.............................................traits of these people not so good.  Legacy of idleness
loathsome..............................................so different that the Nephites would abhor them
scourge.................................................Lord would use them to cleanse the Nephites

After the separation some kind of genetic mutation occurred, making the Lamanites different than the Nephites.  The new ethnic group falls.

2 Nephi 5: 26-34

consecrate...........................................the younger brothers are made into spiritual leaders
happiness.............................................the separation brings a great increase to the Nephites
30 years............................................Nephi probably reaching his 60s
records................................................Nephi writes in the journals that he has started
other records.............................................Nephi keeps two sets of records, one spiritual, one secular
please God............................................He takes care to keep the record in tune with Lord.
contentions.............................................In the next 10 years, wars have begun between the groups.

Time moves.  Nephi ages.  The group prospers, but eventually comes into contact with the Lamanites, and skirmishes begin

This chapter sees the division of Lehi's family into two groups.  The Lamanites become a loathsome people, while the Nephites prosper.

2 Nephi 4

2 Nephi 4

2 Nephi 4: 1-6

prophecies about Joseph.............................................Lehi's prophetic emphasis on House of Joseph
concerning his seed.............................................makes predictions about those who come through him
Laman...............................................................Lehi calls his oldest son's family
prosperity..............................................................contingent on following commandments
blessing.................................................................loves them.  Still contingent
curse?...................................................................head of your parents

Predictions and both blessings and curses come upon the House of Joseph.  Great blessings come from following the Lord.  Severe penalties accompany the departures.

2 Nephi 4:  7-17

merciful............................................................promise that the group will not disappear
Lemuel...............................................................Second son.  similar issues
same blessing.......................................................both sons have contingencies
Ishmael................................................................blessing parallels with Nephi's
waxed old..........................................................He reaches senescence and dies
angry................................................................with Lehi gone, the brothers rebel again
Nephi's delight..................................................following the commandments, doing what is right
heart sorrow...................................................grave concerns about his brothers

Same blessings of prosperity for all those associated with Lehi.  Some are more likely to receive them.  Without the cornerstone of the family, a huge schism occurs

2 Nephi 4: 18-27

temptations......................................................Nephi recognizes his shortcomings and temptations
trust in God.....................................................Nephi understands the mercy of God
heard my cry...................................................Nephi's safety has always been a result of prayer
high mountains....................................................the spiritual is a blessing of God to man
why................................................................how does this come to be?  such lows?
yielding.........................................................sometimes it is hard to understand our motivations

Psalm of Nephi.  He studies his heart and he dislikes what he sees.  However, he has learned to trust God in temporal terms, and he intends to follow the same path in spiritual situations.

2 Nephi 4: 28-35

Nephi commands himself to follow his own advice.  Do it!
gates of hell..................................................asks God to help him avoid spiritual failure
asks for an easing...........................................severe trials cause him to falter.  He prays for easing
trust................................................................the ultimate strengthening.  He knows his God
not amiss........................................................if we are in tune, we will receive the help of God

Nephi applies contigentcy rules to his predicament.  He pursues the problems with foresight, recognizing his shortcomings and his fear in proceeding through the trials.  The situation that causes the greatest trouble for him is his difficult relationship with his brothers, who are insanely jealous of him.  He also has just listened to his dying father bless his brothers, but the cautions given them also apply to him.  He is definitely questioning his own behaviors, determined to do what is right.  Sometimes that just means that we follow the Lord's path, in trust.

2 Nephi 3

I've had a few medical problems.  Now, I'm just getting back to a reading schedule

2 Nephi 3

2 Nephi 3: 1-7

rudeness of brethern...........................................this young man had suffered because of his brothers
consecrate afflictions......................................Jacob will be blessed for his faithfulness
salvation...................................................Spirit has accepted Jacob's works and faith
glory....................................................men can experience some of the power of God
justification.............................................the law condemns all men
Holy Messiah.......................................the mercy of God that overrules the justification
broken heart, contrite Spirit................................the requirements for mercy

Jacob learns from his father the power of repentance in the laws of salvation.  Each person must receive the approval of the Lord.

2 Nephi 3: 8-13

make known........................................servants of God teach the power of repentance
intercession.........................................Christ is the focal point for forgiveness
judged............................................Christ will judge all men to see if they meet the standards
opposition in all things.............................men must have a clear choice
denial of the purpose..............................denial has no logic to it.  It makes living meaningless

We do not need to fight the oppositions that we face.  These many tough decisions are the way that we demonstrate what makes us function.  Christ is aware of all our battles and of our decisions.

2 Nephi 3: 14-25

God...............................................God does oversee all and he is the creator
the forbidden fruit.................................this is the other choice, the one not meant to save
agent...................................................men are given the choice to follow God or not do so
devil.................................................Lehi explains the existence of Satan
Eve....................................................this devil enticed Eve to partake of the forbidden fruit
human family..................................all men come as a result of this decision to make choices
Adam fell that............................................the purpose of life.  Falling under the power of the forbidden fruit, but given a chance to improve and be forgiven
might have joy....................................if we choose correctly, we will be saved.

2 Nephi 3: 26-30

Christ.............................................the Messiah makes it possible to change and to be saved
men are free...................................people have full freedom to choose Christ or reject him
hearken............................................men should choose Christ and follow him
choose..............................................consequences for the path we choose
object..................................................the salvation of your souls

Christ's atonement makes it possible to overcome the punishments of the law.  Christ's mercy is on those who choose him and follow what he teaches us to do.  We receive the Holy Spirit as we move in the way.