A Study of the Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 21:10-16 In verse 10 , Isaiah prophesies of a root of Jesse being set up as an ensign for the Gentiles. Distinct from the covenant people of the Lord, these people shall also find rest through Jesus Christ, of whom the root of Jesse is reference to. In verse 12 , we read about the Lord setting up an ensign to the nations. It serves as a gather tool to bring whomever will come, unto Him: the outcasts of Israel, the dispersed of Judah, the remnants of his people wherever they are found, even upon the isles of the sea. In a politically charged world of conflict, where every person seems to have their own personal interests at stake, verse 13 is reassuring: Ephraim and Judah will put aside their envy and vexation. There will be cooperation and unity in the final gathering of the Lord's people. There will be a highway in the end of times that will allow for safe passage for all that are left to come to Zion. There are multiple scriptures that talk about this prophecy from Isaia...

2 Nephi 17:1-9 The title of this post is part of the council of the Lord via Isaiah to the king of Judah, Ahaz. As a backdrop, we learn from this passage that two other kingdoms, Syria and Ephraim, had joined together to wage war against the house of David ( vs 2 ). Ephraim is the head of the ten tribes of Israel that had been driven north out of the land of Canaan. There is some poignancy in this affront because of Ephraim's fall from the house of Israel. It reminds me of those that leave the fold of God, but for whatever reason cannot leave it alone. Ephraim, despite their fiery threatening, is prophesied to be completely dispersed within 65 years of the time of this attack on Judah. And thus the Lord says to Ahaz, "It shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass," ( vs 7 ). I find a great deal of courage in the face of potential opposition and fear. The Lord is with his people. And so we are blessed to follow the guidance of a prophet of God.