2 Nephi 11-13,
to be discussed January 21
In your reading, try to identify doctrines of Christ by looking for the main message of the writer. In other words, what basic principle(s) of the gospel might the writer want you to recognize and apply in your own life? What is his purpose in writing?
1. Read 2 Nephi 11:1-8. List five reasons why Nephi quotes Isaiah. From 2 Nephi 11:4-6, in what does Nephi delight?
2. Read 2 Nephi 12:1-4, with chapter headnote. According to the first part of the chapter headnote, what did Isaiah foresee? List phrases from 2 Nephi 12:1-4 that relate to these three visions of the latter days.
3. Read 2 Nephi 12:5-12, with footnote 9b and footnotes to Isaiah 2:6a,c. Isaiah's comments in 2 Nephi 12:5 shift from his vision of the latter days to his injunctions or warnings regarding Israel in his own day. Why do you think Nephi included these verses? Which of these warnings might apply to us today?
4. Read 2 Nephi 12:13-22, with footnote 16a and footnotes to Isaiah 2:20a, 22a. At His Second Coming, what will happen to the prideful and those who have rejected the Lord?
5. Read 2 Nephi 13:1-8, with the chapter headnote and footnote to Isaiah 3:7a. What, specifically, did Isaiah foresee regarding Jerusalem? Why?
6. Read 2 Nephi 13:9-15, with footnotes to Isaiah 3:11b, 13a, 14b,c,d,e. Which phrases from 2 Nephi 13:9-15 suggest a breakdown of the traditional family? What do you think it means to "grind the faces of the poor" (v.15)?
NOTE: In 2 Nephi 13:15, the phrase "What mean ye?" might be rendered, "What do you have to say for yourselves?"
7. Read 2 Nephi 13:16-26, with footnotes to Isaiah 3:16a, 17a, 18a,b, 19a, 22a, 23a, 24a,c,d, 26d. In 2 Nephi 13:16-26, the beautiful ornaments and accoutraments of the "daughter of Zion" (eg: bracelets, bonnets, tablets - perfume boxes) turn into images of slavery (eg: stink, baldness, sackcloth). Who are the daughers of Zion and to what do they become enslaved? Do you think Isaiah was warning the people in his day or in our day?
Links to Related Articles:
"Now is the Time to Arise and Shine!" Elaine S. Dalton, May 2012 Ensign
"The Light in Their Eyes," James E. Faust, November 2005 Ensign
"Stand Ye in Holy Places," Lance B. Wickman, November 1994 Ensign
"Overcoming the Stench of Sin," Spencer V. Jones, May 2003 Ensign
"Catch the Wave," Russell M. Nelson, May 2013 Ensign
"Chastity - Fundamental to Our Civilization," Joseph Fielding Smith, CR April 1964
