2 Nephi 6-8
To be discussed January 7
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 6:1-7. Who is speaking in this chapter of 2 Nephi? What is his purpose in writing? Why did he want to quote Isaiah? What is the "standard" Isaiah suggested would be lifted up through gentile nations in the latter days? (See also D&C 45:9-10.)
2. Read 2 Nephi 6:8-18. List past and future events Jacob had seen in vision. When will the Jews be gathered again to the land of their inheritance? Who are the "people of the Lord," and why will they not be ashamed?
3. Read 2 Nephi 7:1-5. Rewrite 2 Nephi 7:1-3 in your own words. What is your general impression of the coming Messiah based on this declaration?
4. Read 2 Nephi 7:6-11. Here, the Lord through Isaiah says he will not be ashamed. What does it mean to be ashamed? Which people in Lehi's dream were ashamed? What will happen to those who condemn the Lord, according to these verses?
5. Read 2 Nephi 8:1-8. What will the Lord do for waste places and wildernesses? How can this be applied to people rather than land? How does the Lord write His law in our hearts?
BONUS: Give examples of parallelism in these verses. In other words, can you find examples of Isaiah saying the same thing twice, using different words? How does this method of writing enhance your understanding?
6. Read 2 Nephi 8:9-16. In what state of mind will the redeemed of the Lord return to Zion? What does the Lord call Himself in 2 Nephi 8:15?
7. Read 2 Nephi 8:17-25. In 2 Nephi 8:17 and 24, the Lord calls on His people to "Awake." In 2 Nephi 8:21, He says they are "drunken, and not with wine." What kind of sleep might we need to awaken from today? What are the promises if we do?
Links to Related Articles:
"Brief History of the Scattering of Israel," Institute Manual, appendix
"The Gathering of Israel," Institute Manual, appendix
"Which Way Do You Face?" Lynn G. Robbins, November 2014 Ensign
"Stand Tall and Stand Together," Sheri L. Dew, November 2000 Ensign
"The Purifying Power of Gethsemane," Bruce R. McConkie, May 1985 Ensign
