A Study of the Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 12:4-22 The remainder of this chapter is a reminder to the house of Jacob (and to me) that in the end "the Lord alone shall be exalted," ( 2 Nephi 12:17 ). All that man aspires to is of no worth in the end. These verses are very descriptive in depicting in great details that last day with abundant use of local symbolism that has great meaning in the regions surrounding Jerusalem. All the vain labors of man throughout all time will eventually be counted as nothing before the Lord in the end of times. This is thus a powerful reminder that the efforts expended in the work of the Lord are of such greater worth to man.

2 Nephi 12:1-3 In this chapter begins the lengthiest direct extraction from the Bible that is found in the Book of Mormon, all of which are the words of Isaiah the prophet. This first chapter, which is the second chapter from the book of Isaiah, begins with a prophecy of the House of the Lord being established in the tops of the mountains. Latter-day Saints believe this to be in reference to the Salt Lake Temple and its surrounding meeting halls. I find it particularly intriguing the prophecy that many shall go up to it to find truth and instruction. Then the distinction between Zion and Jerusalem: "out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem," ( see vs. 3 ). There is a relevant prophecy found in Zechariah .

2 Nephi 11 As a qualifier, Nephi states that both Isaiah and his brother Jacob had seen his Redeemer ( see vs 2-3 ). There is not clarification in these verse as far as whether this is seeing with the natural eyes or with the spiritual eyes. I submit that in these cases, each is developed enough spiritually, or at least purified enough personally to see with their spiritual eyes. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God," ( Matt 5:8 ). While in the flesh, the Lord was daily before the people, working great miracles, and the people believed him not to be the Lord their God. ( see John 12:37-41 ) This is my second day on this topic. When I reread the post title, Joseph Smith's personal testimony of the Savior came to mind, "For we saw him , even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father— " ( Doctrine and Covenants 76:21 ). A second thought came to me. Why would we trust the witness of...

2 Nephi 10:17-25 (I am still basking in the light of a glorious day of conference sessions. Here we are, the people of God ready to take action in a worldwide organization. There is no gathering like this anywhere on the earth. ) As I read through the final part of this chapter, I can't help but think of how optimistic and hopeful Jacob sounds as he concludes these remarks. This is a true mark of a Christian prophet. Jacob tells how the Gentiles will be raised up as a mighty people upon the land of promise, and that they will afflict their seed. Ultimately, however, they shall be the means of bringing the Gospel to their posterity. The outcome is optimistic. ( see vs. 17-18 ) Jacob tells about how they have been taken out of Jerusalem and the land of their inheretance. However, the Lord's will was done in this thing and as a result they had received an even greater land of promise. Additionally, Jacob references scriptural promises made to those that are found upon the isles o...