Jacob 2

Jacob 2

Jacob 2: 1-6

magnify...................................................................exercising the priesthood and the assignment
rid garments of sin..................................................idiomatic, to absolve oneself of responsibility and accountability
weighed down..........................................................perplexed and disturbed
obedient...................................................................still within the parameters of divine protection
sin beginneth..............................................................although new and correctable
shrink with shame........................................................feels troubled lest he be held accountable

Jacob highly disturbed by a new trend that has begun among his people after the death of Nephi.  He sets the example that we must never seem to accept bad behavior through silence.  To magnify a calling, one must speak up.  Otherwise we will be held accountable for not exercising our priesthood and our calling.

Jacob 2: 7-11
exceedingly tender........................................................many are acutely troubled by changes
pleasing word of God................................................we all want to receive spiritual compliments
daggers to the soul.....................................................must address delicate matters, and will hurt some
strict commands........................................................he will disturb the balance and speak
go to temple...............................................................approach the saints themselves in the temple

The leader goes directly to the members of the Lord's church to address the oncoming societal sin.

Jacob 2: 12-19

digging for gold......................................................not good to become materialistic
blessed......................................................................the Lord did bring materialistic successes
pride of hearts.............................................................instead of benefitting, it is leading men away
justified?.......................................................................no.  pride does not save men
let not.............................................................................recognize the falling, change it
familiar...................................................................have generosity with those who lack
seek..........................................................................its not riches but spirituality that we should seek
will have...................................................................riches given freely when men live right

Reminder is given that we should not follow money, but rather we should dedicate ourselves to lifting and helping others.  We need to keep wealth in its proper place

Jacob 2: 20-22

persecute.................................................................there are those who misuse wealth to hurt
equality..................................................................God does not judge men by their wealth
grosser crime.............................................................materialism is bad.  Something is worse

Men start to think that wealth somehow shows a deeper commitment to God; however, this is simply false.  It can actually destroy people.  As bad as it is, their are worse things.

Jacob 2: 23-33

whoredoms.........................................................sins of a carnal nature much worse to men
wives and concubines.............................................men are marrying and prostituting
raise up...................................................................God's opinion concerning polygamy
not suffer..............................................................behavior is condemned.  Not of God.
one wife, no concubines...............................................the law of God.  Do not do these things.
chastity of women.................................................... the behavior is leading women to stray
curse land..............................................................the group will be severely chastened, if continued
only the Lord...........................................................polygamy only under direction.
sorrow and mourning...........................................destructive to women.  Makes men wicked
not suffer...............................................................He will overrule the polygamy
saith the Lord........................................................given the prophet's direct statement

Jacob approaches the whoredom associated with rise of polygamy among the Nephites.  he expressly tells them to stop it immediately under he penalty of severe curses from God

Jacob 2: 34-35

from father Lehi.................................................they have changed the rules, not Lehi who led them
greater iniquities................................................even the Lamanites are more righteous to families
sobbings.........................................................a result of women's prayers.  God has heard it.
deep wounds....................................................the Lord sees the hurt caused to the women.

These cultural developments did not come through the leadership.  It is condemned and it is not allowed.  any argument using David as the model will be thrown down.  God has spoken.

Jacob 2

This chapter demonstrates the way a prophet of God will stand up against the evils and errors of his times.  God will not allow his righteous followers to be hurt by members of His church.  He will warn them and will spell out the curse that is about to be poured out if his is ignored.  In this case, Jacob condemns materialism that leads away from God, but he forbids polygamy when it does not come directly from Him.