DOCTRINES AND PRINCIPLES IN THIS LESSON:

•All things that God has given us typify Jesus Christ (see 2 Nephi 11:4–8).

•God will bring judgment and peace in the last days (see 2 Nephi 12–14).

•Isaiah prophesied that the Lord would lift an ensign to gather Israel (see 2 Nephi 12:1–3; 15:13–30).

Chapter 10 2 Nephi 11-16

2 Nephi 111 And now, Jacob spake many more things to my people at that time; nevertheless only these things have I caused to be written, for the things which I have written sufficeth me.

2 And now I, Nephi, write amore of the words of Isaiah, for my soul delighteth in his words. For I will liken his words unto my people, and I will send them forth unto all my children, for he verily saw my Redeemer, even as I have seen him.

3 And my brother, Jacob, also has seen him as I have seen him; wherefore, I will send their words forth unto my children to prove unto them that my words are true. Wherefore, by the words of three, God hath said, I will establish my word. Nevertheless, God sendeth more witnesses, and he proveth all his words.

A little introduction to the lesson…

Identify the three main writers in the small plates of Nephi.

The writings of Nephi, Jacob, and Isaiah constitute 135 of the 143 pages in the small plates (from the book of 1 Nephi through the book of Omni).

Why might it be important to have the testimonies of these three prophets near the beginning of the Book of Mormon?

According to 2 Nephi 11:3, how does God establish His word? Why do you think it is important to have multiple witnesses of God’s word?

Nephi said that in addition to providing witnesses, the Lord “proveth all his words” (2 Nephi 11:3). How has the Lord helped you see the truthfulness of His words?

When else has the Lord provided three witnesses?

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles wrote of the significance of the testimonies of these three great prophets:

“The Lord’s manner of teaching and affirming, especially when it involves a covenant, has always provided more than one testimony. His admonition has always been that ‘in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.’ Indeed, when the Book of Mormon was to come forth through the inspired hand of the Prophet Joseph Smith, it was prophesied that ‘three shall … be shown [the plates] by the power of God. … And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be established. …

“Those three witnesses were to be Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris. …

“In keeping with this same covenantal principle, it is interesting to note that there were three earlier witnesses—special witnesses—not only of the divine origins of the Book of Mormon but also of Divinity himself. These early witnesses were Nephi, Jacob, and Isaiah, and it is not by coincidence that their testimonies appear so conspicuously at the beginning of this ancient record. …

“… What is known is that most of the ‘greater views’ of the gospel found in the teachings of the small plates of Nephi come from the personal declarations of these three great prophetic witnesses of the premortal Jesus Christ—Nephi, Jacob, and Isaiah. These three doctrinal and visionary voices make clear at the very outset of the Book of Mormon why it is ‘another testament of Jesus Christ.’ …

“One could argue convincingly that the primary purpose for recording, preserving, and then translating the small plates of Nephi was to bring forth to the dispensation of the fulness of times the testimony of these three witnesses. Their writings constitute a full 135 of the [143] pages from the small plates. By the time one has read Nephi, Jacob, and Isaiah in these first pages, a strong foundation has been laid for what Nephi called ‘the doctrine of Christ’” (Christ and the New Covenant [1997], 33–35).

Nephi and his brother Jacob quoted Isaiah extensively, and they both declared that we should liken Isaiah’s teachings to ourselves (see 1 Nephi 19:23; 2 Nephi 6:5). Although Isaiah lived long ago and often spoke about people, places, and things that are unfamiliar to us, his teachings are relevant to our lives today. As you and your students search his words, you will find that his warnings, words of encouragement, and declarations about the Savior are as timely now as they were when he wrote them.

Each of the Isaiah chapters has its own message. However, some themes stretch through more than one chapter. This lesson, covering 2 Nephi 11–16, refers to the great judgments that will befall the wicked in the last days and the Lord’s promise to remember His people in those days. The next lesson covers 2 Nephi 17–24, which contain Isaiah’s prophecies of how the promise to preserve the humble and obedient followers of Jesus Christ will be fulfilled. Chapter 12 covers 2 Nephi 25–27, which include Nephi’s own commentary and help bring clarity and understanding to the Isaiah writings, removing many stumbling blocks readers may face. Nephi also testifies that the coming forth of the Book of Mormon helps fulfill specific prophecies of Isaiah.

Do not be overly concerned about the meanings of symbolic language for now. Instead, try to see how Isaiah’s message applies in your lives.

All things that God has given us typify Jesus Christ. 2 Nephi 11:4-8representor symbolizeAt times, Isaiah wrote using symbols or types. Nephi spoke of the

importance of understanding that all things typify Jesus Christ. The word typify means “to represent by an image, form, model, or resemblance” (Noah Webster’s First Edition of an American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828 [1967]). These things serve as a reminder or an emblem of Christ. The scriptures constantly bear witness of and teach about Jesus Christ. Some examples of types include the sacrifice of a male lamb without blemish, which was a “similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father” (Moses 5:7; see also Leviticus 1:3–5). The symbols of the sacrament bread and wine represent or typify the atoning sacrifice (see Moroni 4:3; 5:2). These reminders of the Lord and His saving mission for mankind are designed to instruct us and help us draw closer to the Lord our Redeemer.

Why do you think the Lord uses types, or symbols, to teach His people?

Why is it helpful for us to be aware of this teaching method?

What types of Jesus Christ have you seen in the scriptures? in your life? in the world around you?

2 Nephi 114 Behold, my soul delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ; for, for this end hath the claw of Moses been given; and all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him.

5 And also my soul delighteth in the covenants of the Lord which he hath made to our fathers; yea, my soul delighteth in his grace, and in his justice, and power, and mercy in the great and eternal plan of deliverance from death.

6 And my soul delighteth in proving unto my people that save Christ should come all men must perish.

7 For if there be no Christ there be no God; and if there be no God we are not, for there could have been no creation. But there is a God, and he is Christ, and he cometh in the fulness of his own time.

Which of these statements about Jesus Christ are the most important to you? Why?

2 Nephi 11:8 And now I write some of the words of Isaiah, that whoso of my people shall see these words may lift up their hearts and rejoice for all men. Now these are the words, and ye may liken them unto you and unto all men.

According to this verse, why did Nephi share the words of Isaiah with us?

2 Nephi 12–24 and 27 contain words of Isaiah. Nephi’s testimony of the Savior in 2 Nephi 11 prepares us to look for types of Jesus Christ in Isaiah’s teachings. Nephi’s testimony also prepares us to understand Isaiah’s teachings concerning the Lord’s work in the latter days. As you read these chapters, look for ways these teachings can change your lives and help youprepare for the great events of the last days.

Elder Gene R. Cook:

"It is absolutely essential to apply the scriptures to your-self...[when] we're searching to apply them to our own hearts is when they really come alive...If you really want to come unto the Lord, if you really want to draw close to Him and find out how He is, how He works, how He thinks, what He counts to be important and what He doesn't, you'll find it in the scriptures." (LDS Church News, Deseret News, Nov. 19, 1988)

God will bring judgment and peace in the last days. 2 Nephi 12-14When Isaiah speaks to the house of Jacob in 2 Nephi 12–13, he is speaking to all the house of Israel, in his day and in the latter days. In his prophecy about the daughters of Zion, he refers to members of the Church who become prideful and worldly (the daughters of Zion are part of the house of Jacob; see Isaiah 3:16–26). When he speaks of “them that are escaped” (2 Nephi 14:2), he refers to members of the house of Israel who, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and their own righteousness, will escape the judgments that come upon the wicked. (See Nephi’s commentary in 2 Nephi 25–26 and 28–30.)

GROUP 1 2 Nephi 12:5; 13:1-15

“House of Jacob”

The house of Israel, including Judah and

Jerusalem

ACTIVITY

GROUP 2 2 Nephi 13:16-26

“Daughters of Zion”

Members of the Church who become prideful and

worldly

GROUP 3 2 Nephi 14:2-6

“Them that are escaped”

Righteous members of the house of Israel in the

millennial day

Examine the consequences of the actions of three groups of people. Fill the chart provided.

2 Nephi 12:8 Their land is also full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made.

What are some forms of idolatry today?

Isaiah said that one reason the house of Jacob would suffer such terrible consequences was that their land was “full of idols”.

Spencer W. Kimball:

Modern idols or false gods can take such forms as clothes, homes, businesses, machines, automobiles, pleasure boats, and numerous other material deflectors from the path to godhood. …

Intangible things make just as ready gods. Degrees and letters and titles can become idols. …

Many people build and furnish a home and buy the automobile first—and then find they “cannot afford” to pay tithing. Whom do they worship? Certainly not the Lord of heaven and earth. …

Many worship the hunt, the fishing trip, the vacation, the weekend picnics and outings. Others have as their idols the games of sport, baseball, football, the bullfight, or golf. …

Still another image men worship is that of power and prestige. … These gods of power, wealth, and influence are most demanding and are quite as real as the golden calves of the children of Israel in the wilderness.

And so it often seems to be with people, having such a firm grasp on things of the world—that which is telestial—that no amount of urging and no degree of emergency can persuade them to let go in favor of that which is celestial. Satan gets them in his grip easily. If we insist on spending all our time and resources building up for ourselves a worldly kingdom, that is exactly what we will inherit.

“Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods before Me”, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball, (2006)

Golden Calves Today (Refusing to Worship Today’s Graven Images BY DENNIS LARGEY)

President Spencer W. Kimball wrote: “There are unfortunately millions today who prostrate themselves before images of gold and silver and wood and stone and clay. But the idolatry we are most concerned with here is the conscious worshipping of still other gods. Some are of metal and plush and chrome, of wood and stone and fabrics. They are not in the image of God or of man, but are developed to give man comfort and enjoyment, to satisfy his wants, ambitions, passions and desires. Some are in no physical form at all, but are intangible.” 2

I recently asked some Latter-day Saints, “What is the modern application of the second commandment?” The following represent a sample of the responses I received:

• “The scriptures say to have thoughts of God always within our hearts. Many people now fill their hearts with thoughts of riches, power, and fame. They worship their possessions, loving things without life.”• “We serve ourselves much too often when we should be serving the Lord. We must not worship our time—a graven image that takes the place of God in many cases. God asks us to sacrifice our time, making sure that he, not our own selfish interests, is first in our lives.”• “The graven images I see people worshipping are clothing, cars, homes, hobbies, and recreation. The fact that I spend more time deciding what to wear each morning than I do in prayer is very telling.”• “Alma 1:32 says, ‘Those who did not belong to their church did indulge themselves in sorceries, and in idolatry or idleness.’ This is something that I had never contemplated before. Idleness as a possible form of idolatry, or that it could be equated as such.”• “Money is one of the most common images that people bow down to today. They bow down by giving up their integrity and honesty in dealing with others in order to obtain it. They bend their principles as they are bowing down.”• “Too often people make men their graven images. Because we are afraid of the opinion of others, we won’t serve others or be kind to those society looks down on. We worship others’ praise and honor; we desire above all else the prestige others can give us. We want the right titles and awards. We want to wear the right clothing. We want to fit in.”

But there are always consequences—serious consequences. Idol worship gratifies present desires and keeps people from seeking eternal riches. Idol worship takes our minds off God.

Worshipping modern graven images still results in confusion, corruption, and a divided heart. Since material possessions cannot save, trusting in them will eventually lead to a personal scattering away from God and his kingdom. The following true accounts illustrate the consequences of placing worldly things above God in our lives:

• “I have a friend who was a gifted salesman, but he started to use his Sundays for selling. As he became more successful, he lost his testimony. He now belittles ‘foolish’ religious traditions. This has affected his entire family. They aren’t a happy family, but they do have money. He worshipped money, and now he is cursed with it.”• “A boy I know has devoted his life to body building, and he now has huge muscles. He didn’t go on a mission because he was afraid of losing the physique he was developing.”• “I know of a lady who, as a teenager, put alcohol and drugs above the Lord. Her obsessions later ruined her marriage and were passed on to her children. In time, she realized she needed to change her life. She came back to the Church and eventually went to the temple. But the damage was already done. Her worship of graven images is reflected in the way her children are living their lives.”

CONSEQUENCES OF WORSHIPPING GRAVEN IMAGES

GUARDING AGAINST IDOLATRYKey to countering the influence of modern images is keeping our hearts centered on God. If we do, we will live our lives in harmony with life’s real purposes.

To combat idol worship, therefore, we need to focus on things that help us to “always remember” the Lord. Brigham Young offered one remedy:

“We are under the necessity of assembling here from Sabbath to Sabbath, and in Ward meetings, and besides, have to call our solemn assemblies, to teach, talk, pray, sing, and exhort. What for? To keep us in remembrance of our God and our holy religion. Is this custom necessary? Yes; because we are so liable to forget—so prone to wander, that we need to have the Gospel sounded in our ears as much as once, twice, or thrice a week, or, behold, we will turn again to our idols.”

As we “meet together often” in the Church, we focus on positive images that instruct, intensify, and call attention to important aspects of the mission of Christ. (D&C 20:75.) For example, remembering that Jesus is the “rock of our salvation,” the “true shepherd,” “the redeemer,” “the living water,” “the King of kings” brings to mind strong images of our relationship with Christ. (See 2 Ne.9:45; Hel. 15:13; D&C 18:11; Jer. 2:13; 1 Tim. 6:14–15.) A savior is one who saves; a rock is an immovable object; a shepherd is one who nurtures his flock; and so forth. Feasting upon such images separates our minds from the alternate images Satan would have us worship and imitate.

Anything can become a “golden calf.” When activities or material blessings become so important that by turning to them we turn from God, we are breaking the second commandment. We are walking “in [our] own way, and after the image of [our] own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish.” (D&C 1:16; emphasis added.) The solution is to prioritize our loyalties and turn our affections back to God.

Isaiah prophesied of the blessings that would come to “them that are escaped of Israel” and to those whose filth has been washed away by the Lord.

2 Nephi 142 In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious; the fruit of the earth excellent and comely to them that are escaped of Israel.

4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment and by the spirit of burning.

In what ways is overcoming temptation like an escape? In what ways does the Lord help us escape?

“The past several verses have been speaking of the dawn of the Millenial day, when evil is destroyed and the glory of the Lord redeems Zion and Jerusalem. In order for that glorious day to come, the wicked must first be destroyed. Those that are left must be holy enough to dwell on the newly cleansed earth, 'when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Jerusalem.' During the Millenium, the earth will exist in a terrestrial state. Only those worthy of a terrestrial (or higher) glory will be allowed to live at that time. DC 88:98 speaks of the celestial inhabitants of the earth during the Millenium; DC 88:99 speaks of the terrestrial inhabitants. The next two verses describe those of a telestial glory and those of Perdition which will not be allowed on the earth during the Millenium, 'they live not again until the thousand years are ended, neither again, until the end of the earth.’” gospeldoctrine.com

Nephi said that the words of Isaiah could help his people “lift up their hearts and rejoice for all men”.

2 Nephi 11:8 And now I write some of the words of Isaiah, that whoso of my people shall see these words may lift up their hearts and rejoice for all men. Now these are the words, and ye may liken them unto you and unto all men.

What are some things that can lead us to rejoice? How do the words of Isaiah help us rejoice?

Isaiah prophesied of daughters of Zion who would allow themselves to be overcome by the world.

How can we guard against worldly attitudes in our lives?

How can the words of Isaiah help us as we make important decisions in our lives? How can the words of Isaiah help us live in the perilous times of the last days?

Isaiah prophesied that the Lord would lift an ensign to gather Israel. 2 Nephi 12:1-3; 15:13-30

a banner or symbol or flag which was raised in

a high place, so that everyone can see it--like a beacon, indicating the

principles or ideas around which the people

could rally or gather. mormonblog.com

After describing some of the consequences of Israel’s apostasy, Isaiah gives specific warnings.

2 Nephi 15:18 Wo unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope;

19 That say: Let him make speed, hasten his work, that we may see it; and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it.

20 Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

21 Wo unto the wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight!

22 Wo unto the mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink;

23 Who justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!

In this passage, Isaiah repeats the word wo, which refers to sorrow and suffering.

Isaiah prophesied that the Lord would lift an ensign to gather Israel

2 Nephi 15:26 And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth; and behold, they shall come with speed swiftly; none shall be weary nor stumble among them.

President Joseph Fielding Smith defined the meaning of the ensign spoken of by Isaiah:

“Over 125 years ago, in the little town of Fayette, Seneca County, New York, the Lord set up an ensign to the nations. It was in fulfillment of the prediction made by the Prophet Isaiah, which I have read [Isaiah 11:11–12]. That ensign was the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which was established for the last time, never again to be destroyed or given to other people [see Daniel 2:44]. It was the greatest event the world has seen since the day that the Redeemer was lifted upon the cross and worked out the infinite and eternal atonement. It meant more to mankind than anything else that has occurred since that day” (Doctrines of Salvation, 3:254–55).

A significant part of what Isaiah saw will begin to be fulfilled (“shall come to pass”) in a time period focusing upon another location in the earth, namely the latter-day Zion of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Elder LeGrand Richards (1886–1983) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke of the fulfillment of this prophecy:

“Isaiah saw the mountain of the Lord’s house established in the top of the mountains in the latter days. …

“How literally that has been fulfilled, in my way of thinking, in this very house of the God of Jacob right here on this block! This temple, more than any other building of which we have any record, has brought people from every land to learn of his ways and walk in his paths” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1971, 143; or Ensign, June 1971, 98).

Gordon B. Hinckley:

“Ever since the Salt Lake Temple was dedicated, we have interpreted that scripture from Isaiah … as applying to this sacred house of the Lord. And of this place, since the day of its dedication, an ever-increasing number from across the world have said in effect, ‘Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that He might teach us of His ways, that we might walk in His paths.’

“I believe and testify that it is the mission of this Church to stand as an ensign to the nations and a light to the world. We have had placed upon us a great, all-encompassing mandate from which we cannot shrink nor turn aside. We accept that mandate and are determined to fulfill it, and with the help of God we shall do it” (in Conference Report, Oct. 2003, 86; or Ensign, Nov. 2003, 82–83).

How do latter-day temples fulfill the prophecy in 2 Nephi 12:2–3?The term "mountain of the Lord's house" refers to the temple. But which temple is Isaiah speaking about? Many of the brethren have interpreted this passage as having reference to the building of temples amongst the Rocky Mountains, specifically, the Salt Lake Temple. Certainly, many have come to Salt Lake from all over the world to learn of His ways and walk in His paths. Elder LeGrand Richards, while speaking of this prophecy said, "Can you go anywhere in the world and find a record of the fulfillment of that promise of Isaiah except in the gathering of the Latter-day Saints here to these valleys of the mountains?" (BYU Speeches of the Year, Feb, 10, 1960, p. 9) If this statement is true regarding the Salt Lake Temple, it must also refer to the many other temples now in use.

gospeldoctrine.com

A little about 2 Nephi 16…

SUMMARY:

verses 1–4 Isaiah sees the Lord.

verses 5–7Isaiah’s sins are forgiven.

verses 8–13Isaiah is called to warn, cry repentance, and prophesy.

2 Nephi 16:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said: Here am I; send me.

What significance do you find in the fact that Isaiah’s words were the same as the Savior’s words in the premortal council?

Isaiah is often used in his own prophecies as a type for Christ. This is an excellent example. Obviously, the phrase, 'whom shall I send,' has reference to the discussion had in the beginning when the Savior was chosen to be the Redeemer of the world. The Pearl of Great Price teaches this doctrine:

'And the Lord said: Whom shall I send? And one answered like unto the Son of Man: Here am I, send me. And another answered and said: Here am I, send me. And the Lord said: I will send the first.

When considering Isaiah as the one who said, Here am I; send me, we must understand that Isaiah was volunteering for the mission of preaching to the house of Israel. His mission was a type for Christ. His people were like those of Christ's day-they had ears but were spiritually deaf, and they had eyes but were spiritually blind.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

“Isaiah is by every standard the messianic prophet of the Old Testament and as such is the most penetrating prophetic voice in that record. He, more than any other witness in the Old World, saw and wrote and prophesied of the Savior’s coming both in the meridian of time and again in the latter days. He is quoted more often in the New Testament, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and contemporary documents such as the Dead Sea Scrolls than any other Old World prophet. …

“It would seem even from Isaiah’s name (‘Jehovah saves’ or ‘The Lord is salvation’) that he was prepared at birth—or, more accurately, from before birth—to testify of the Messiah, bearing witness of the divinity of Christ in anticipation of both his first and second comings” (Christ and the New Covenant: The Messianic Message of the Book of Mormon [1997], 75–76, 77–78).

What did Elder Holland teach about the significance of Isaiah’s life and ministry?

What was Isaiah foreordained to do?