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.