2 Nephi 17-19

2 Nephi Lesson 8: 2 Nephi 17-19
Day 1: Read 2 Nephi 17:1-9 and Isaiah 7:1-9 with all footnotes; John 9:1-7
1. According to the footnote for Isaiah 7:3, what does the name of Isaiah’s son mean?


2. Find the pool of Siloam on the map of Jerusalem at the back of your Bible (map 12, C-7 in newer editions, map 17, C-4 in slightly older editions). The footnote for Isaiah 7:3c indicates this Pool of Siloam was where Isaiah and his son were to meet with Ahaz, king of Judah. Ahaz was probably worried about Jerusalem’s water supply being cut off by her enemies. Now go to John 9:1-7 where we read about an incident involving the same pool of water. Who did Jesus send to the Pool of Siloam seven centuries later? Why?



3. Use the footnote for Isaiah 7:4a to explain the term “fear not… the two tails of these smoking firebrands….” The last sentence of 2 Nephi 17:9 is explained in the footnote for Isaiah 7:9b. Use it to sum up the message of these verses.




Day 2: Read 2 Nephi 17:10-17 and Isaiah 7:10-17 with all footnotes; Matthew 1:20-23
4. Should Ahaz have asked for a sign? What might Ahaz have been trying to avoid?


5. What is the ultimate sign God gave the world?



6. Use the footnote for Isaiah 7:17a to clarify the message of these verses.



Day 3: Read 2 Nephi 17:18-25 and Isaiah 7:18-25 with all footnotes
7. How do the footnotes for Isaiah 7:18-25 explain the term “a razor that is hired”? Who hired the Assyrians? How are they like bees?



8. After the “razor” does its work, what will be left?


Day 4: Read 2 Nephi 18:1-10 and Isaiah 8:10 with all footnotes;
9. What is the meaning of Isaiah’s second son’s name? Compare this name to the meaning of the name Immanuel, which is “With us is God.”



10. In 2 Nephi 18:6, when the people reject the waters of Shiloah, this is another reference to the Pool of Shiloam (see footnote). What do you think this verse means? How do we refuse the waters of Shiloah today?


11. The footnote for Isaiah 8:9a indicates “associate yourselves,” means “form alliances.” In whom should Judah (and we) trust?


Day 5: Read 2 Nephi 18:11-22 and Isaiah 8:11-22 with all footnotes; D&C 109:45-46
12. How can the Lord be both a sanctuary and a “stone of stumbling”?




13. Read 2 Nephi 18:16 with D&C 109:45-46, which is the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple. What do you think it means to “bind up the testimony”?




14. What will happen to those who seek wisdom from sources that contradict the prophets and the scriptures?



Day 6: Read 2 Nephi 19:1-12 and Isaiah 9:1-12 with all footnotes; review 2 Nephi 3:5; D&C 84:53-57
15. Use the footnote for Isaiah 9:2a to explain one thing the “darkness” of 2 Nephi 18:20-22 and 19:1-2 represents. What is the “great light”? Use D&C 84:53-57 to make a modern application.



16. In what way or ways does the government rest upon Christ’s shoulder? Is there a future fulfillment?




17. 2 Nephi 19:8-21 is given by way of warning to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The first evil of Ephraim is outlined in verses 9-12. What is it?




Day 7: Read 2 Nephi 19:13-21 and Isaiah 9:13-21 with all footnotes
18. The second evil of Ephraim, wicked leaders, is explained in verses 13-17. What two kinds of corrupt leaders are described as the “head” and “tail” of Israel? What will happen to them?



19. Why will there be no mercy extended even to the widows and the fatherless of Israel?



20. The third evil of Ephraim is the fire of wickedness, shown in verses 18-21. What happens to the land when the people are wicked?