2 Nephi – Lesson 6: 2 Nephi 11-13
Day 1: Read 2 Nephi 11:1-3; D&C 6:28
1. In what does Nephi delight?
2. Why does Nephi say he will write more of the words of Isaiah?
3. How did Nephi use the law of witnesses? Who were the other witnesses Nephi referred to and to what did they witness?
Day 2: Read 2 Nephi 11:4-8
4. Underline the phrases “my soul delighteth” each time you find them in this chapter. List the themes from Isaiah that cause Nephi such joy.
5. According to verses 6-7, what would happen to the plan of salvation if Christ were not a part of it?
6. Why do you think Nephi would write that “all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world” are types of Christ (v.4) just before quoting 13 chapters of Isaiah?
Day 3: Read 2 Nephi 12:1-9; Isaiah 2, footnotes 2b, 3f, and v. 5; Micah 4:1-7
7. Underline words in the chapter heading that indicate what time period(s) might be described in 2 Nephi 12. Where will the “mountain of the Lord’s house” (temple) be established in the last days? From 2 Nephi 12:3, why do we attend the temple?
8. Compare 2 Nephi 12:5 with Isaiah 2:5 and Micah 4:5. What does it mean to walk with the Lord?
9. List some of the sins people commit, as described in 2 Nephi 12:6-9. Use footnotes in both 2 Nephi and Isaiah to help understand what these sins might be.
BONUS: Compare 2 Nephi 12:9 with Isaiah 2:9. What important word has Nephi twice restored to this verse?
Day 4: Read 2 Nephi 12:10-22
10. What are the consequences of these sins?
11. The verses in 2 Nephi 12:12-17 focus on one sin, which President Benson warned us about – and which is the root of most other sins. What is this sin?
12. Why will people try to hide (see 2 Nephi 12:10 and 19; also Revelation 6:15-17) at the Savior’s Second Coming?
Day 5: Read 2 Nephi 13:1-9
13. [Note: 2 Nephi 13:1-15 describe Isaiah’s day but may also foreshadow other times and fulfillments.]
In 2 Nephi 13:1, if “stay” means “supply” and “staff” means “support,” how was this prophecy fulfilled during Nephi’s lifetime?
14. According to 2 Nephi 13:1-9, what happens when the Lord removes his protection from a people?
15. Why did Jerusalem deserve her fate?
Day 6: Read 2 Nephi 13:10-15; D&C 104:18
16. According to 2 Nephi 13:10, do the righteous need to fear?
17. Who has caused the people to err? Who suffers because of it?
18. The sin described in 2 Nephi 13:14-15 is particularly heinous to the Lord. Read also D&C 104:18. What is the sin, why is it so serious, and what will become of those who are guilty of it?
Day 7: Read 2 Nephi 13:16-26; Isaiah 3:16-26
19. What is the problem with the daughters of Zion as described in these verses? (Note: Use footnotes in Isaiah 3:16-26 to help explain some of the idioms. “Daughters of Zion” can be literal or refer to cities in Judaea.)
20. Many of Isaiah’s vivid images reflect slavery as a consequence of sin (shaved heads, branding, spare clothing). To whom or to what are the daughters of Zion enslaved.
BONUS: Many of these images also imply disregard for the law of chastity. In what way(s) had Israel gone a-whoring during Isaiah’s time? How can we sometimes be unfaithful to the Lord today?
BOOK OF MORMON STUDY GUIDES
Monday, March 5, 2007
2 Nephi 9-10
2 Nephi – Lesson 5: 2 Nephi 9-10
Day 1: Read 2 Nephi 9:1-7; Mosiah 16:4-7
1. Joseph Fielding Smith wrote: “The Ninth chapter of Second Nephi should be carefully read by every person seeking salvation.” Read the chapter heading and tell why you think President Smith felt so strongly about this chapter.
2. From 2 Nephi 9:1, why did Jacob read (and record) Isaiah 50 – 52:2? How is an understanding of covenants critical to understanding the plan of salvation?
3. From 2 Nephi 9:3, why did Jacob address the topics in this chapter?
BONUS: after reading and pondering 2 Nephi 9:1-7 with Mosiah 16:4-7, write your feelings about the Savior’s gift of an “infinite atonement.”
DAY 2: Read 2 Nephi 9:8-18; Alma 34:9-14
4. List (and mark if you wish) the three times in 2 Nephi 9:8-16 Jacob exclaims, “O!” What three attributes of God cause him to exclaim thus?
5. According to 2 Nephi 9:8-10, what would happen to our spirits if there were no resurrection? How do these verses define hell?
Day 3: Read 2 Nephi 9:17-26
6. Who shall inherit the kingdom of God?
7. Find (and mark if you wish) the three times in 2 Nephi 9:17-26 Jacob exclaims “O!” Which attributes of God are listed here?
8. How des the atonement satisfy the demands of justice for those who “have not the law given to them”?
Day 4: Read 2 Nephi 9:27-41
9. “Wo” means suffering and sorrow. Find (and mark if you wish) the ten woes in 2 Nephi 9:27-38. List what groups of people incur the sorrows or woes for their sins as outlined by Jacob.
10. When is our wisdom foolishness?
11. What two things does Jacob exhort us to “remember” in 2 Nephi 9:39-40?
Day 5: Read 2 Nephi 9:42-54
12. Why does Jacob say he is shaking his garments in verse 44? What does he warn us to shake off in v. 45?
13. What is the purpose of a harrow in farming? Why does Jacob say he needs to “harrow up” our souls?
14. What do you think Jacob means when he advises us not to spend money or labor for that which is of no worth?
Day 6: Read 2 Nephi 10:1-9
15. What is priestcraft? (see 2 Nephi 26:29) According to Jacob, what was the result of priestcrafts and iniquities at Jerusalem?
16. 2 Nephi 10:7-9 is about the Jews and the house of Israel in the last days. What has the Lord promised the house of Israel in the last days?
Day 7: Read 2 Nephi 10:10-25
17. List promises to gentile nations in the Americas in the latter days from verses 10-18.
18. What comfort does Jacob have n the knowledge that his people are not the only remnants of Israel that have been scattered?
BONUS: Use James 4:7-10 to help explain how we can become “reconciled unto God.”
Day 1: Read 2 Nephi 9:1-7; Mosiah 16:4-7
1. Joseph Fielding Smith wrote: “The Ninth chapter of Second Nephi should be carefully read by every person seeking salvation.” Read the chapter heading and tell why you think President Smith felt so strongly about this chapter.
2. From 2 Nephi 9:1, why did Jacob read (and record) Isaiah 50 – 52:2? How is an understanding of covenants critical to understanding the plan of salvation?
3. From 2 Nephi 9:3, why did Jacob address the topics in this chapter?
BONUS: after reading and pondering 2 Nephi 9:1-7 with Mosiah 16:4-7, write your feelings about the Savior’s gift of an “infinite atonement.”
DAY 2: Read 2 Nephi 9:8-18; Alma 34:9-14
4. List (and mark if you wish) the three times in 2 Nephi 9:8-16 Jacob exclaims, “O!” What three attributes of God cause him to exclaim thus?
5. According to 2 Nephi 9:8-10, what would happen to our spirits if there were no resurrection? How do these verses define hell?
Day 3: Read 2 Nephi 9:17-26
6. Who shall inherit the kingdom of God?
7. Find (and mark if you wish) the three times in 2 Nephi 9:17-26 Jacob exclaims “O!” Which attributes of God are listed here?
8. How des the atonement satisfy the demands of justice for those who “have not the law given to them”?
Day 4: Read 2 Nephi 9:27-41
9. “Wo” means suffering and sorrow. Find (and mark if you wish) the ten woes in 2 Nephi 9:27-38. List what groups of people incur the sorrows or woes for their sins as outlined by Jacob.
10. When is our wisdom foolishness?
11. What two things does Jacob exhort us to “remember” in 2 Nephi 9:39-40?
Day 5: Read 2 Nephi 9:42-54
12. Why does Jacob say he is shaking his garments in verse 44? What does he warn us to shake off in v. 45?
13. What is the purpose of a harrow in farming? Why does Jacob say he needs to “harrow up” our souls?
14. What do you think Jacob means when he advises us not to spend money or labor for that which is of no worth?
Day 6: Read 2 Nephi 10:1-9
15. What is priestcraft? (see 2 Nephi 26:29) According to Jacob, what was the result of priestcrafts and iniquities at Jerusalem?
16. 2 Nephi 10:7-9 is about the Jews and the house of Israel in the last days. What has the Lord promised the house of Israel in the last days?
Day 7: Read 2 Nephi 10:10-25
17. List promises to gentile nations in the Americas in the latter days from verses 10-18.
18. What comfort does Jacob have n the knowledge that his people are not the only remnants of Israel that have been scattered?
BONUS: Use James 4:7-10 to help explain how we can become “reconciled unto God.”
2 Nephi 6-8
2 Nephi – Lesson 4: 2 Nephi 6-8
Day 1: Read 2 Nephi 6:1-7
[Note from Seminary Manual: “The events written of in 2 Nephi 6 are not listed in the order in which they happened or will happen. If the events were placed chronologically, the approximate order of the verses would be 8-11, 6-7, 11-18.”]
1. What motivated Jacob to give this address? What does he list as credentials?
2. What is Jacob’s purpose in quoting Isaiah?
3. Read 2 Nephi 6:6 with 2 Nephi 29:2, D&C 45:9-10 and D&C 115:3-5. What is the “standard” the Lord will lift up through gentile nations in the latter days?
Day 2: Read 2 Nephi 6:8-18
4. When will the house of Israel be gathered again to the lands of their inheritance?
5. What three things qualify the Gentiles (us?) for salvation?
6. Compare Jacob’s accounts of the first and second times Jesus Christ would “manifest himself” (2 Nephi 6:9-10, 14-15). What similarities and differences do you find?
Day 3: Read 2 Nephi 7:1-5
7. Look at the chapter heading for 2 Nephi 7. What does it mean when it states “Isaiah speaks Messianically”? Who is the “I” in these verses?
8. What is the question in 2 Nephi 7:2 and how is it answered?
9. From verse 4, who wakes every morning and why is that important?
Day 4: Read 2 Nephi 7:6-11
10. What do you think it means to set one’s face “like a flint”? What are the qualities of flint?
11. What will happen to those who fight against the Lord?
12. What is the question and implied answer in 2 Nephi 7:10?
BONUS: What happens when we walk in our own light?
Day 5: Read 2 Nephi 8:1-8
13. How will the Lord comfort Zion in the last days?
14. Isaiah uses many examples of parallelism in this chapter – that is, he restates his message in similar words. In verses 6 and 8 he repeats for emphasis what we can rely on when all else fails. On what can we rely?
15. How does the Lord write his law on our hearts? Why would he want to do this?
Day 6: Read 2 Nephi 8:9-16
16. 2 Nephi 8:9-11 represent the reply of the righteous to the Lord’s promises. “Rahab” can be interpreted as “the proud” or any who serve Satan (in Isaiah’s context it probably referred to Egypt). Use D&C 113:8 to explain how the Lord puts on his strength.
17. 2 Nephi 8:12-13 contain a series of rhetorical questions. To what do all these questions point?
18. How can we be called the Lord’s people?
Day 7: Read 2 Nephi 8:17-25; D&C 113:9-10
19. Use the footnote for 2 Nephi 8:19 to help explain who the “two sons” of this verse might be.
20. If Jerusalem is drunken but not with wine, with what might she be drunk?
21. In v. 22, the Lord says he will take something out of Jerusalem’s hand. What does he take and to whom does he then give it?
22. Use D&C 113:9-10 to explain how Zion can loose herself from the bands of her neck.
Day 1: Read 2 Nephi 6:1-7
[Note from Seminary Manual: “The events written of in 2 Nephi 6 are not listed in the order in which they happened or will happen. If the events were placed chronologically, the approximate order of the verses would be 8-11, 6-7, 11-18.”]
1. What motivated Jacob to give this address? What does he list as credentials?
2. What is Jacob’s purpose in quoting Isaiah?
3. Read 2 Nephi 6:6 with 2 Nephi 29:2, D&C 45:9-10 and D&C 115:3-5. What is the “standard” the Lord will lift up through gentile nations in the latter days?
Day 2: Read 2 Nephi 6:8-18
4. When will the house of Israel be gathered again to the lands of their inheritance?
5. What three things qualify the Gentiles (us?) for salvation?
6. Compare Jacob’s accounts of the first and second times Jesus Christ would “manifest himself” (2 Nephi 6:9-10, 14-15). What similarities and differences do you find?
Day 3: Read 2 Nephi 7:1-5
7. Look at the chapter heading for 2 Nephi 7. What does it mean when it states “Isaiah speaks Messianically”? Who is the “I” in these verses?
8. What is the question in 2 Nephi 7:2 and how is it answered?
9. From verse 4, who wakes every morning and why is that important?
Day 4: Read 2 Nephi 7:6-11
10. What do you think it means to set one’s face “like a flint”? What are the qualities of flint?
11. What will happen to those who fight against the Lord?
12. What is the question and implied answer in 2 Nephi 7:10?
BONUS: What happens when we walk in our own light?
Day 5: Read 2 Nephi 8:1-8
13. How will the Lord comfort Zion in the last days?
14. Isaiah uses many examples of parallelism in this chapter – that is, he restates his message in similar words. In verses 6 and 8 he repeats for emphasis what we can rely on when all else fails. On what can we rely?
15. How does the Lord write his law on our hearts? Why would he want to do this?
Day 6: Read 2 Nephi 8:9-16
16. 2 Nephi 8:9-11 represent the reply of the righteous to the Lord’s promises. “Rahab” can be interpreted as “the proud” or any who serve Satan (in Isaiah’s context it probably referred to Egypt). Use D&C 113:8 to explain how the Lord puts on his strength.
17. 2 Nephi 8:12-13 contain a series of rhetorical questions. To what do all these questions point?
18. How can we be called the Lord’s people?
Day 7: Read 2 Nephi 8:17-25; D&C 113:9-10
19. Use the footnote for 2 Nephi 8:19 to help explain who the “two sons” of this verse might be.
20. If Jerusalem is drunken but not with wine, with what might she be drunk?
21. In v. 22, the Lord says he will take something out of Jerusalem’s hand. What does he take and to whom does he then give it?
22. Use D&C 113:9-10 to explain how Zion can loose herself from the bands of her neck.
2 Nephi 4-5
2 Nephi – Lesson 3: 2 Nephi 4-5
Day 1: Read 2 Nephi 4: 1-7; Alma 9:14-17
1. Later in 2 Nephi 4, Nephi tells us his soul delights in the scriptures. What evidence do we have in 2 Nephi 4:1-2 that both Nephi and Lehi studied and gained strength from the scriptures (brass plates)?
2. What is contained in Lehi’s blessing to his grandchildren through Laman? Does this sound fair to you? Why or why not? How does Alma explain the blessing in Alma 9:14-17?
Day 2: Read 2 Nephi 4:8-12; Jacob 2:34-35, 3:3-6
3. Lehi’s grandchildren through Lemuel and the sons of Ishmael were given the same blessing as Laman’s children. What part of Lehi’s blessing to his grandchildren is the same as his blessings to all his sons and their posterity?
4. What did Jacob say had happened to Lehi’s posterity in the generation when these grandchildren came of age? (see Jacob 2:34-35; 3:3-6)
5. Whose inheritance would Sam’s children share?
BONUS: List three character traits of Lehi that you admire.
Day 3: Read 2 Nephi 4:13-25
6. What two things does Nephi say he writes on these (small) plates? Why does he write them?
7. List the stresses you know of in Nephi’s life at this point in the narrative. What does Nephi list as the cause of his sorrow in 2 Nephi 4:17-19?
8. To whom does Nephi look for comfort in his sorrow? List the results of mighty prayer in Nephi’s life as given in 2 Nephi 4:24-25.
Day 4: Read 2 Nephi 4:26-35
9. Who are Nephi’s enemies? (see vv. 28, 29, 33)
10. Nephi uses beautiful metaphors in his “Psalm” (vv. 15-35). What images in 2 Nephi 4:31-33 impress you, as Nephi pleads with the Lord?
11. List the elements of the covenant Nephi makes with the Lord in 2 Nephi 4:34-35.
Day 5: Read 2 Nephi 5:1-13; Mosiah 10:11-17
12. Why did Nephi’s brethren seek to take away his life? From Mosiah 10:11-17, what did Laman and Lemuel’s descendants believe hundreds of years after Nephi died?
13. Who went with Nephi and why?
14. How were Nephi’s people blessed for their righteousness?
Day 6: Read 2 Nephi 5:14-23
15. What did Nephi do to ensure the physical safety of his people?
16. What did Nephi do to ensure the spiritual safety of his people?
17. What was the nature of the curse that fell upon the Lamanites?
Day 7: Read 2 Nephi 5:24-34; 2 Nephi 7:1
18. List ways in which the withdrawal of the Lord’s Spirit affected the Lamanites.
19. From 2 Nephi 7:1, who is responsible to ensure we are not separated from the Lord?
20. Using all of 2 Nephi 5, why were Nephi’s people happy?
Day 1: Read 2 Nephi 4: 1-7; Alma 9:14-17
1. Later in 2 Nephi 4, Nephi tells us his soul delights in the scriptures. What evidence do we have in 2 Nephi 4:1-2 that both Nephi and Lehi studied and gained strength from the scriptures (brass plates)?
2. What is contained in Lehi’s blessing to his grandchildren through Laman? Does this sound fair to you? Why or why not? How does Alma explain the blessing in Alma 9:14-17?
Day 2: Read 2 Nephi 4:8-12; Jacob 2:34-35, 3:3-6
3. Lehi’s grandchildren through Lemuel and the sons of Ishmael were given the same blessing as Laman’s children. What part of Lehi’s blessing to his grandchildren is the same as his blessings to all his sons and their posterity?
4. What did Jacob say had happened to Lehi’s posterity in the generation when these grandchildren came of age? (see Jacob 2:34-35; 3:3-6)
5. Whose inheritance would Sam’s children share?
BONUS: List three character traits of Lehi that you admire.
Day 3: Read 2 Nephi 4:13-25
6. What two things does Nephi say he writes on these (small) plates? Why does he write them?
7. List the stresses you know of in Nephi’s life at this point in the narrative. What does Nephi list as the cause of his sorrow in 2 Nephi 4:17-19?
8. To whom does Nephi look for comfort in his sorrow? List the results of mighty prayer in Nephi’s life as given in 2 Nephi 4:24-25.
Day 4: Read 2 Nephi 4:26-35
9. Who are Nephi’s enemies? (see vv. 28, 29, 33)
10. Nephi uses beautiful metaphors in his “Psalm” (vv. 15-35). What images in 2 Nephi 4:31-33 impress you, as Nephi pleads with the Lord?
11. List the elements of the covenant Nephi makes with the Lord in 2 Nephi 4:34-35.
Day 5: Read 2 Nephi 5:1-13; Mosiah 10:11-17
12. Why did Nephi’s brethren seek to take away his life? From Mosiah 10:11-17, what did Laman and Lemuel’s descendants believe hundreds of years after Nephi died?
13. Who went with Nephi and why?
14. How were Nephi’s people blessed for their righteousness?
Day 6: Read 2 Nephi 5:14-23
15. What did Nephi do to ensure the physical safety of his people?
16. What did Nephi do to ensure the spiritual safety of his people?
17. What was the nature of the curse that fell upon the Lamanites?
Day 7: Read 2 Nephi 5:24-34; 2 Nephi 7:1
18. List ways in which the withdrawal of the Lord’s Spirit affected the Lamanites.
19. From 2 Nephi 7:1, who is responsible to ensure we are not separated from the Lord?
20. Using all of 2 Nephi 5, why were Nephi’s people happy?
2 Nephi 2-3
2 Nephi – Lesson 2: 2 Nephi 2-3 (to be discussed January 18)
Day 1: Read 2 Nephi 2:1-5; 2 Nephi 32:9
1. Why had Jacob suffered sorrow and affliction? Reading 2 Nephi 32:9, tell how we can better consecrate our afflictions for our gain.
2. Taking just 2 Nephi 2:3-4, what do we know about Jacob?
3. From 2 Nephi 2:5, which focuses on the law of justice, what would happen to us without a Savior?
Day 2: Read 2 Nephi 2:6-13; Alma 34:14-16
4. Verses 6-10 explain why we need a Savor. List (and mark?) what these verses teach about the Savior’s sacrifice and his love for us.
5. What does it mean to have a “broken heart and a contrite spirit”?
6. Why must there be opposition in all things? How does it follow that if there were no law there would be no sin?
BONUS: Use Alma 34:14-16 to explain how opposition answers “the ends of the atonement” (2 Nephi 2:10).
Day 3: Read 2 Nephi 2:14-20; Alma 42:11-17
7. What were the opposites Adam and Eve had to choose from in the Garden of Eden? Which do you think was sweet and which bitter?
8. According to Lehi, what does the devil seek? Would men still have agency if there were no opposition? if there were no Satan?
Day 4: Read 2 Nephi 21-25; Moses 5:10-11
9. Why were the days of men prolonged?
10. What would have happened if Adam and Eve had not transgressed and fallen?
Day 5: Read 2 Nephi 2:27-30
11. How can we “choose” eternal life? Who is the “Great Mediator” of all men?
12. According to 2 Nephi 2:29, what gives the devil power?
Day 6: Read 2 Nephi 3:1-16; Genesis 49:22-26
13. Compare Lehi’s blessing to Joseph with Jacob’s blessing to his son Joseph in Genesis 49:22-26. In what ways are the blessings similar?
14. List five things from 2 Nephi 3:12 which the Lord said would be accomplished as the Bible and the Book of Mormon “grow together.”
15. How were Joseph of Egypt and Joseph Smith alike?
Day 7: Read 2 Nephi 3:17-25
16. What principle of the gospel is mentioned once in 2 Nephi 3:19 and twice in 2 Nephi 3:21 as being a force in bringing forth the Book of Mormon? Does it sound as though this same principle is critical in making weak things strong?
17. What promise does Lehi repeat in 2 Nephi 3:3 and 3:23? In verse 23 he specifies that the promise is based on “this covenant.” What is “this covenant” (Hint: see Genesis 17:1-8).
18. What final counsel did Lehi give Joseph in 2 Nephi 3:25?
Quote from Ezra Taft Benson, April 1988: “The Book of Mormon teaches that ‘it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things’ (2 Ne. 2:11)—and so there is. Opposition provides choices, and choices bring consequences—good or bad. The Book of Mormon explains that men ‘are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil’ (2 Ne. 2:27).God loves us; the devil hates us. God wants us to have a fulness of joy as He has. The devil wants us to be miserable as he is. God gives us commandments to bless us. The devil would have us break these commandments to curse us. Daily, constantly, we choose by our desires, our thoughts, and our actions whether we want to be blessed or cursed, happy or miserable. One of the trials of life is that we do not usually receive immediately the full blessing for righteousness or the full cursing for wickedness. That it will come is certain, but ofttimes there is a waiting period that occurs, as was the case with Job and Joseph. The great test of life is obedience to God. The great task of life is to learn the will of the Lord and then do it. The great commandment of life is, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength” (Mark 12:30). May God bless us to put the first commandment first and, as a result, reap peace in this life and eternal life with a fulness of joy in the life to come. “
Day 1: Read 2 Nephi 2:1-5; 2 Nephi 32:9
1. Why had Jacob suffered sorrow and affliction? Reading 2 Nephi 32:9, tell how we can better consecrate our afflictions for our gain.
2. Taking just 2 Nephi 2:3-4, what do we know about Jacob?
3. From 2 Nephi 2:5, which focuses on the law of justice, what would happen to us without a Savior?
Day 2: Read 2 Nephi 2:6-13; Alma 34:14-16
4. Verses 6-10 explain why we need a Savor. List (and mark?) what these verses teach about the Savior’s sacrifice and his love for us.
5. What does it mean to have a “broken heart and a contrite spirit”?
6. Why must there be opposition in all things? How does it follow that if there were no law there would be no sin?
BONUS: Use Alma 34:14-16 to explain how opposition answers “the ends of the atonement” (2 Nephi 2:10).
Day 3: Read 2 Nephi 2:14-20; Alma 42:11-17
7. What were the opposites Adam and Eve had to choose from in the Garden of Eden? Which do you think was sweet and which bitter?
8. According to Lehi, what does the devil seek? Would men still have agency if there were no opposition? if there were no Satan?
Day 4: Read 2 Nephi 21-25; Moses 5:10-11
9. Why were the days of men prolonged?
10. What would have happened if Adam and Eve had not transgressed and fallen?
Day 5: Read 2 Nephi 2:27-30
11. How can we “choose” eternal life? Who is the “Great Mediator” of all men?
12. According to 2 Nephi 2:29, what gives the devil power?
Day 6: Read 2 Nephi 3:1-16; Genesis 49:22-26
13. Compare Lehi’s blessing to Joseph with Jacob’s blessing to his son Joseph in Genesis 49:22-26. In what ways are the blessings similar?
14. List five things from 2 Nephi 3:12 which the Lord said would be accomplished as the Bible and the Book of Mormon “grow together.”
15. How were Joseph of Egypt and Joseph Smith alike?
Day 7: Read 2 Nephi 3:17-25
16. What principle of the gospel is mentioned once in 2 Nephi 3:19 and twice in 2 Nephi 3:21 as being a force in bringing forth the Book of Mormon? Does it sound as though this same principle is critical in making weak things strong?
17. What promise does Lehi repeat in 2 Nephi 3:3 and 3:23? In verse 23 he specifies that the promise is based on “this covenant.” What is “this covenant” (Hint: see Genesis 17:1-8).
18. What final counsel did Lehi give Joseph in 2 Nephi 3:25?
Quote from Ezra Taft Benson, April 1988: “The Book of Mormon teaches that ‘it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things’ (2 Ne. 2:11)—and so there is. Opposition provides choices, and choices bring consequences—good or bad. The Book of Mormon explains that men ‘are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil’ (2 Ne. 2:27).God loves us; the devil hates us. God wants us to have a fulness of joy as He has. The devil wants us to be miserable as he is. God gives us commandments to bless us. The devil would have us break these commandments to curse us. Daily, constantly, we choose by our desires, our thoughts, and our actions whether we want to be blessed or cursed, happy or miserable. One of the trials of life is that we do not usually receive immediately the full blessing for righteousness or the full cursing for wickedness. That it will come is certain, but ofttimes there is a waiting period that occurs, as was the case with Job and Joseph. The great test of life is obedience to God. The great task of life is to learn the will of the Lord and then do it. The great commandment of life is, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength” (Mark 12:30). May God bless us to put the first commandment first and, as a result, reap peace in this life and eternal life with a fulness of joy in the life to come. “
2 Nephi 1
Study Guide
2 Nephi – Lesson 1: 2 Nephi 1 (to be discussed January 11)
Day 1: Read 2 Nephi 1:1-5; Jeremiah 44:2-6
1. To whom is Lehi speaking in this chapter? What two main evidences of God’s mercy are listed in the first five verses?
2. Jeremiah and Lehi were contemporaries. Jeremiah stayed in Jerusalem and saw in person what Lehi said he saw in vision – the destruction of Jerusalem. Read Jeremiah 44:2-6 and list details from Jeremiah’s first-hand account.
Day 2: Read 2 Nephi 1:6-11
3. To whom is the promised land consecrated?
4. List all the promises you can find just in 2 Nephi 1:6-11. What are the conditions or warnings associated with the promises?
5. Why were the Americas kept from the knowledge of so many for so long?
Bonus: What does the term “land of promise” mean to you?
Day 3: Read 2 Nephi 1:12-15; Alma 34:16; Mormon 6:17; D&C 6:20
6. Give four verbs from 2 Nephi 1:12-13 which are given by commandment.
7. What do you think it means to “awake and arise from the dust”?
8. Lehi tells his sons he is “encircled about eternally” in the arms of the Savior’s love. Compare his statement to similar comments by Amulek (alma 34:16), Mormon (Mormon 6:17) and the Lord himself (D&C 6:20). What is the connection between this embrace and the plan of redemption?
Day 4: Read 2 Nephi 1:16-20
9. What is the anxiety of Lehi’s soul? How long has this been a concern?
10. What kind of a curse does Lehi fear for his sons and their posterity?
11. What does it mean to be a “choice and a favored people of the Lord”? (see v. 19)
Day 5: Read 2 Nephi 1:21-27
12. Lehi gives his sons instructions in how to be “men.” List six or more points of instruction from 2 Nephi 1:21-24.
13. Do you think Lehi loved all of his sons equally? Why or why not?
14. What compelled Nephi to speak plainly to his brethren?
BONUS: How many times did Lehi refer to the powers of Satan in his blessings to Laman and Lemuel?
Day 6: Read 2 Nephi 1:28-32
15. According to footnote 28a, what is the “first blessing” Lehi refers to? List those to whom he says it might fall if they hearken to Nephi. (Any irony here?)
16. What compliment does Lehi pay to Zoram? Does his blessing sound any less (or more) than his blessings to his literal sons? What does Zoram’s blessing teach you about adoption into the house of Israel?
Day 7: (application)
17. In the end, what was most important to Father Lehi?
18. If you knew your time on earth was short, what counsel would you give your children or loved ones?
2 Nephi – Lesson 1: 2 Nephi 1 (to be discussed January 11)
Day 1: Read 2 Nephi 1:1-5; Jeremiah 44:2-6
1. To whom is Lehi speaking in this chapter? What two main evidences of God’s mercy are listed in the first five verses?
2. Jeremiah and Lehi were contemporaries. Jeremiah stayed in Jerusalem and saw in person what Lehi said he saw in vision – the destruction of Jerusalem. Read Jeremiah 44:2-6 and list details from Jeremiah’s first-hand account.
Day 2: Read 2 Nephi 1:6-11
3. To whom is the promised land consecrated?
4. List all the promises you can find just in 2 Nephi 1:6-11. What are the conditions or warnings associated with the promises?
5. Why were the Americas kept from the knowledge of so many for so long?
Bonus: What does the term “land of promise” mean to you?
Day 3: Read 2 Nephi 1:12-15; Alma 34:16; Mormon 6:17; D&C 6:20
6. Give four verbs from 2 Nephi 1:12-13 which are given by commandment.
7. What do you think it means to “awake and arise from the dust”?
8. Lehi tells his sons he is “encircled about eternally” in the arms of the Savior’s love. Compare his statement to similar comments by Amulek (alma 34:16), Mormon (Mormon 6:17) and the Lord himself (D&C 6:20). What is the connection between this embrace and the plan of redemption?
Day 4: Read 2 Nephi 1:16-20
9. What is the anxiety of Lehi’s soul? How long has this been a concern?
10. What kind of a curse does Lehi fear for his sons and their posterity?
11. What does it mean to be a “choice and a favored people of the Lord”? (see v. 19)
Day 5: Read 2 Nephi 1:21-27
12. Lehi gives his sons instructions in how to be “men.” List six or more points of instruction from 2 Nephi 1:21-24.
13. Do you think Lehi loved all of his sons equally? Why or why not?
14. What compelled Nephi to speak plainly to his brethren?
BONUS: How many times did Lehi refer to the powers of Satan in his blessings to Laman and Lemuel?
Day 6: Read 2 Nephi 1:28-32
15. According to footnote 28a, what is the “first blessing” Lehi refers to? List those to whom he says it might fall if they hearken to Nephi. (Any irony here?)
16. What compliment does Lehi pay to Zoram? Does his blessing sound any less (or more) than his blessings to his literal sons? What does Zoram’s blessing teach you about adoption into the house of Israel?
Day 7: (application)
17. In the end, what was most important to Father Lehi?
18. If you knew your time on earth was short, what counsel would you give your children or loved ones?
1 Nephi 19-22
1 Nephi - Lesson 6: 1 Nephi 19-22 (to be discussed December 14)
Day 1: Read 1 Nephi 19:1-8
[Note: 1 Nephi 19 sets up the reader for the two chapters of Isaiah that follow. Themes include the promised Messiah, the scattering and gathering of Israel and the covenants of the Lord.]
1. To whom does Nephi seem to be writing in this chapter?
2. List four things from 1 Nephi 19:1 Nephi included in his firs record, or large plates (“these plates” refers to the small plates; see “A Brief Explanation About the Book of Mormon,” following the introduction and testimonies at the beginning of the book).
3. Nephi says he makes historical, instructional and theological records, but that they all contain “sacred” writings. What does “sacred” mean and how does it apply to all his writing?
Day 2: Read 1 Nephi 19:9-24
4. Why did Jesus suffer the indignities of mortality?
5. List details about the Savior’s mission that Nephi learned from Zenock, Zenos and Neum. How might the history of the world have been different if we had these writings in all religious canon?
6. Nephi writes to persuade his people to “remember the Lord their Redeemer” (v.18). Why did he read them the writings of Isaiah?
7. What does Nephi say will give us hope?
Day 3: Read 1 Nephi 20 (see handout with outlines of chapters 20 and 21)
8. What evidences does Isaiah give in this chapter that witness of the power and integrity of the Lord?
9. Isaiah begins and ends chapter 20 with images of water. Compare the water in verses 1, 18 and 21 with the fountain of living waters described in Lehi’s dream (see 1 Nephi 11:25).
a. How had ancient Israel (and Laman and Lemuel) rejected the living waters of baptism? How do we?
b. How is peace like a river and righteousness like waves?
c. How was ancient Israel sustained by living waters in the desert? What happens when we forget or
ignore the tender mercies of the Lord?
10. From verses 12-20, what is Israel called to do?
Day 4: Read 1 Nephi 21:1-12; 1 Nephi 22:10-12; D&C 86:7-11
11. Why, according to 1 Nephi 21:1, was Israel scattered?
12. According to 1 Nephi 21:3, who is the “me” whom the Lord has called from the womb? As with much of Isaiah, there are multiple interpretations. Are the prophecies in verses 1-12 fulfilled in other ways or by other people?
13. Many people believe 1 Nephi 21;4-6 refer specifically to Ephraim. Assuming this interpretation, list the things Ephraim is called to do in the latter days.
14. From 1 Nephi 21:14, 21 and 24, list Israel’s three “objections” or excuses for her lack of faith in the Lord’s promises. How do we use these objections today?
15. Nephi gives an interpretation for 1 Nephi 21:9-12 in 1 Nephi 22:10-12. Using these passages together, who might be the prisoners Israel is to free, and in what way(s) will they be brought out of darkness? (see also D&C 45:28; D&C 86:7-11)
Day 5: Read 1 Nephi 21:13-26 (see footnote to v.24); 1 Nephi 22:6-9; D&C 45:9
16. What did the Lord say would always remind him of his people? What helps you remember Him? (Note: replace the word “walls” with “lives” in v. 16.)
17. Nephi had seen in vision the future of his descendants and the restoration of the gospel in the latter days on the American continents. He quoted the prophecies of Isaiah with a hope that 1) his brethren would catch that vision 2) his descendants (and theirs) would recognize who they were, and 3) we (latter-day Israel) would continue in the marvelous work of the gathering.
According to Nephi’s interpretation in 1 Nephi 22:6-9 and modern revelation in D&C 45:9, what is the “standard” mentioned in 1 Nephi 21:22?
18. In what way(s) have kings and queens nurtured Israel in the latter days?
19. What does it mean to “wait” for the Lord?
Day 6: Read 1 Nephi 22:1-16
20. How can we understand the teachings of Isaiah?
21. Are Isaiah’s writings temporal or spiritual?
22. What will happen to those who fight against Israel?
Day 7: Read 1 Nephi 22:17-31
23. Why do the righteous have nothing to fear?
24. In 1 Nephi 22:23, again substitute the word “organizations” for “churches.” List four main goals of the kingdom of the devil.
25. How will Satan be bound during the millennium?
Day 1: Read 1 Nephi 19:1-8
[Note: 1 Nephi 19 sets up the reader for the two chapters of Isaiah that follow. Themes include the promised Messiah, the scattering and gathering of Israel and the covenants of the Lord.]
1. To whom does Nephi seem to be writing in this chapter?
2. List four things from 1 Nephi 19:1 Nephi included in his firs record, or large plates (“these plates” refers to the small plates; see “A Brief Explanation About the Book of Mormon,” following the introduction and testimonies at the beginning of the book).
3. Nephi says he makes historical, instructional and theological records, but that they all contain “sacred” writings. What does “sacred” mean and how does it apply to all his writing?
Day 2: Read 1 Nephi 19:9-24
4. Why did Jesus suffer the indignities of mortality?
5. List details about the Savior’s mission that Nephi learned from Zenock, Zenos and Neum. How might the history of the world have been different if we had these writings in all religious canon?
6. Nephi writes to persuade his people to “remember the Lord their Redeemer” (v.18). Why did he read them the writings of Isaiah?
7. What does Nephi say will give us hope?
Day 3: Read 1 Nephi 20 (see handout with outlines of chapters 20 and 21)
8. What evidences does Isaiah give in this chapter that witness of the power and integrity of the Lord?
9. Isaiah begins and ends chapter 20 with images of water. Compare the water in verses 1, 18 and 21 with the fountain of living waters described in Lehi’s dream (see 1 Nephi 11:25).
a. How had ancient Israel (and Laman and Lemuel) rejected the living waters of baptism? How do we?
b. How is peace like a river and righteousness like waves?
c. How was ancient Israel sustained by living waters in the desert? What happens when we forget or
ignore the tender mercies of the Lord?
10. From verses 12-20, what is Israel called to do?
Day 4: Read 1 Nephi 21:1-12; 1 Nephi 22:10-12; D&C 86:7-11
11. Why, according to 1 Nephi 21:1, was Israel scattered?
12. According to 1 Nephi 21:3, who is the “me” whom the Lord has called from the womb? As with much of Isaiah, there are multiple interpretations. Are the prophecies in verses 1-12 fulfilled in other ways or by other people?
13. Many people believe 1 Nephi 21;4-6 refer specifically to Ephraim. Assuming this interpretation, list the things Ephraim is called to do in the latter days.
14. From 1 Nephi 21:14, 21 and 24, list Israel’s three “objections” or excuses for her lack of faith in the Lord’s promises. How do we use these objections today?
15. Nephi gives an interpretation for 1 Nephi 21:9-12 in 1 Nephi 22:10-12. Using these passages together, who might be the prisoners Israel is to free, and in what way(s) will they be brought out of darkness? (see also D&C 45:28; D&C 86:7-11)
Day 5: Read 1 Nephi 21:13-26 (see footnote to v.24); 1 Nephi 22:6-9; D&C 45:9
16. What did the Lord say would always remind him of his people? What helps you remember Him? (Note: replace the word “walls” with “lives” in v. 16.)
17. Nephi had seen in vision the future of his descendants and the restoration of the gospel in the latter days on the American continents. He quoted the prophecies of Isaiah with a hope that 1) his brethren would catch that vision 2) his descendants (and theirs) would recognize who they were, and 3) we (latter-day Israel) would continue in the marvelous work of the gathering.
According to Nephi’s interpretation in 1 Nephi 22:6-9 and modern revelation in D&C 45:9, what is the “standard” mentioned in 1 Nephi 21:22?
18. In what way(s) have kings and queens nurtured Israel in the latter days?
19. What does it mean to “wait” for the Lord?
Day 6: Read 1 Nephi 22:1-16
20. How can we understand the teachings of Isaiah?
21. Are Isaiah’s writings temporal or spiritual?
22. What will happen to those who fight against Israel?
Day 7: Read 1 Nephi 22:17-31
23. Why do the righteous have nothing to fear?
24. In 1 Nephi 22:23, again substitute the word “organizations” for “churches.” List four main goals of the kingdom of the devil.
25. How will Satan be bound during the millennium?
1 Nephi 16-18
1 Nephi – Lesson 5: 1 Nephi 16-18 (to be discussed at next class, December 7)
Day 1: Read 1 Nephi 16:1-20
1. According to Nephi, who takes the truth to be hard? Look back in chapter 15 of 1 Nephi and list what “hard things” Nephi had said.
2. What advice did Nephi give his brothers to help them be more receptive to the truth?
3. What trial caused even Lehi to murmur and become sorrowful? Why do you think this trial caused so much difficulty?
Day 2: Read 1 Nephi 16:21-39; Alma 37:38-45
4. How did Nephi solve the family’s food problem? Why do you think he went to Lehi for direction?
5. Why do you think Lehi and his family felt fear when they read the words on the Liahona? What might they have read?
6. The curious ball found by Lehi worked according to what three principles? Mark Nephi’s lesson in v. 29 that follows his words, “And thus we see…” Cross reference to Alma 37:6-8
7. What has the Lord provided that can give direction in our lives today?
BONUS: Note the two names given in this chapter for the places where Lehi’s family set up camp in the wilderness. Mark meanings of these names in each of the accompanying footnotes.
Day 3: Read 1 Nephi 17:1-22
8. Mark the IF/THE promise in 1 Nephi 17:3. Give blessings, promised if we keep the commandments of God.
9. Nephi states in v. 6 that his family “suffered many afflictions and much difficulty” on their journey, too many to list. Make a short list of the afflictions Nephi DID record.
10. What was Nephi’s reaction to the Lord’s injunction to build a ship? How did his brethren react to the news? Why?
11. From 1 Nephi 17:19-22, list all the incorrect statements Laman and Lemuel made. On what was their argument based?
Day 4: Read 1 Nephi 17:23-47; Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:14-16
12. 1 Nephi 17:23-47 contains Nephi’s response and counsel to his brethren. Why do you think he used the story of Moses leading Israel out of bondage as the basis for his response?
13. How was Lehi’s exodus like the exodus of the children of Israel with Moses? How were they different? How does Nephi’s address illustrate his mission statement in 1 Nephi 1:20?
14. In I Nephi 17:45, what problems does Nephi say Laman and Lemuel had? What do you think it means to “feel” God’s words? Can you think of a scripture you FELT as you read it?
Day 5: Read 1 Nephi 17:48-55
15. What was the reaction of Laman and Lemuel to Nephi’s address?
16. How did Nephi gain confidence?
17. On what was the testimony expressed in v. 55 based?
Day 6: Read 1 Nephi 18:1-16
18. How was Nephi able to build a sea-worthy ship? Why were Nephi’s brethren humbled?
19. Why did Laman and Lemuel bind their brother? Had they done this successfully before? Why did the Lord allow it? About how long was Nephi bound?
20. What was Nephi’s reaction after he was freed from the bonds?
Day 7: Read 1 Nephi 18:17-25
21. How did Lehi, Sariah, Jacob and Joseph suffer while Nephi was bound?
22. Why do you think their pleadings did nothing to soften Laman’s and Lemuel’s hearts?
23. What did you learn in this chapter about coming to Christ?
Day 1: Read 1 Nephi 16:1-20
1. According to Nephi, who takes the truth to be hard? Look back in chapter 15 of 1 Nephi and list what “hard things” Nephi had said.
2. What advice did Nephi give his brothers to help them be more receptive to the truth?
3. What trial caused even Lehi to murmur and become sorrowful? Why do you think this trial caused so much difficulty?
Day 2: Read 1 Nephi 16:21-39; Alma 37:38-45
4. How did Nephi solve the family’s food problem? Why do you think he went to Lehi for direction?
5. Why do you think Lehi and his family felt fear when they read the words on the Liahona? What might they have read?
6. The curious ball found by Lehi worked according to what three principles? Mark Nephi’s lesson in v. 29 that follows his words, “And thus we see…” Cross reference to Alma 37:6-8
7. What has the Lord provided that can give direction in our lives today?
BONUS: Note the two names given in this chapter for the places where Lehi’s family set up camp in the wilderness. Mark meanings of these names in each of the accompanying footnotes.
Day 3: Read 1 Nephi 17:1-22
8. Mark the IF/THE promise in 1 Nephi 17:3. Give blessings, promised if we keep the commandments of God.
9. Nephi states in v. 6 that his family “suffered many afflictions and much difficulty” on their journey, too many to list. Make a short list of the afflictions Nephi DID record.
10. What was Nephi’s reaction to the Lord’s injunction to build a ship? How did his brethren react to the news? Why?
11. From 1 Nephi 17:19-22, list all the incorrect statements Laman and Lemuel made. On what was their argument based?
Day 4: Read 1 Nephi 17:23-47; Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:14-16
12. 1 Nephi 17:23-47 contains Nephi’s response and counsel to his brethren. Why do you think he used the story of Moses leading Israel out of bondage as the basis for his response?
13. How was Lehi’s exodus like the exodus of the children of Israel with Moses? How were they different? How does Nephi’s address illustrate his mission statement in 1 Nephi 1:20?
14. In I Nephi 17:45, what problems does Nephi say Laman and Lemuel had? What do you think it means to “feel” God’s words? Can you think of a scripture you FELT as you read it?
Day 5: Read 1 Nephi 17:48-55
15. What was the reaction of Laman and Lemuel to Nephi’s address?
16. How did Nephi gain confidence?
17. On what was the testimony expressed in v. 55 based?
Day 6: Read 1 Nephi 18:1-16
18. How was Nephi able to build a sea-worthy ship? Why were Nephi’s brethren humbled?
19. Why did Laman and Lemuel bind their brother? Had they done this successfully before? Why did the Lord allow it? About how long was Nephi bound?
20. What was Nephi’s reaction after he was freed from the bonds?
Day 7: Read 1 Nephi 18:17-25
21. How did Lehi, Sariah, Jacob and Joseph suffer while Nephi was bound?
22. Why do you think their pleadings did nothing to soften Laman’s and Lemuel’s hearts?
23. What did you learn in this chapter about coming to Christ?
1 Nephi 13-15
1 Nephi – Lesson 4: 1 Nephi 13-15
Note: Nephi’s vision is retold in chapters 11-14 of First Nephi. Chapters 11-12 contain Nephi’s prophecy regarding the Savior’s mortal ministry. Chapters 13-14 contain Nephi’s prophecy about the future of the promised land (the Americas) and the formation of two “churches.” The “great and abominable church” described in these chapters might more properly be called an abominable “kingdom” or “organization.” No specific church or denomination is implied.
Day 1: Read 1 Nephi 13:1-18
1. As your read 1 Nephi 1:1-9, list what Nephi said are the desires of those under the influence of Satan.
2. Read the article under “Gentile” in the Bible Dictionary. What are the two meanings of the word “gentile” as used in scripture? Which meaning do you think Nephi intended in these verses? How were they in captivity?
3. Give possible meanings for “many waters” (v.10); “a man among the Gentiles” (v. 12); “other Gentiles” (v.13); “mother Gentiles” (v.17)’ and “battle” (v.18 – in other words, which battle or war?).
Day 2: Read 1 Nephi 13:19-33
4. What do you think is represented by the book Nephi describes as being carried by the Gentiles, which “proceedeth out of the mouth of a Jew”?
5. What did Nephi see would happen to this book that would cause the Gentiles to stumble?
6. What were the promises to Nephi regarding his seed in vv. 30-33?
Day 3: Read 1 Nephi 13:34-42
7. How will we be blessed if we seek to bring forth Zion and endure to the end?
8. List some possible explanations or interpretations of the records Nephi saw which would come forth to restore plain and precious truths.
9. How will the first be last and the last first?
Day 4: Read 1 Nephi 14:1-14
10. 1 Nephi 14:1-3 contains multiple IF/THEN statements. What are the two “IF” parts of the promise? Now, list two “THEN” promises in verse one and three from vv. 2-3.
11. Using the Topical Guide heading in footnote 7a, what is the “marvelous work” foreseen by Nephi? How does this work sift people?
12. Substitute the word “organizations” or “kingdoms” for the word “churches” in v.10. How do our covenants protect us against wickedness?
Day 5: Read 1 Nephi 14:15-30; Revelation 17 and Revelation 18:2
13. What additional insight(s) regarding “the mother of harlots’ do you get from John the Revelator?
14. Why was Nephi forbidden to write further regarding his vision?
15 (BONUS) How was Nephi’s vision of the future of the Americas and the two churches instructive in interpreting Lehi’s vision of the tree of life?
Day 6: Read 1 Nephi 15:1-18
16. Why was Nephi so burdened with grief?
17. Outline Nephi’s IF/THEN pattern for receiving revelation in v.11.
18. How is Israel like an Olive tree?
Day 7: Read 1 Nephi 15:19-36
19. How is the word of God like an Iron Rod?
20. Read John 1:1-5, 14. What is another meaning for the Word of God?
21. What is “the greatest of all the gifts of God” (v.36)?
22. Do you notice a difference in Nephi’s preaching to his brethren after he has seen the future of their sed in vision? If so, how is it different?
Note: Nephi’s vision is retold in chapters 11-14 of First Nephi. Chapters 11-12 contain Nephi’s prophecy regarding the Savior’s mortal ministry. Chapters 13-14 contain Nephi’s prophecy about the future of the promised land (the Americas) and the formation of two “churches.” The “great and abominable church” described in these chapters might more properly be called an abominable “kingdom” or “organization.” No specific church or denomination is implied.
Day 1: Read 1 Nephi 13:1-18
1. As your read 1 Nephi 1:1-9, list what Nephi said are the desires of those under the influence of Satan.
2. Read the article under “Gentile” in the Bible Dictionary. What are the two meanings of the word “gentile” as used in scripture? Which meaning do you think Nephi intended in these verses? How were they in captivity?
3. Give possible meanings for “many waters” (v.10); “a man among the Gentiles” (v. 12); “other Gentiles” (v.13); “mother Gentiles” (v.17)’ and “battle” (v.18 – in other words, which battle or war?).
Day 2: Read 1 Nephi 13:19-33
4. What do you think is represented by the book Nephi describes as being carried by the Gentiles, which “proceedeth out of the mouth of a Jew”?
5. What did Nephi see would happen to this book that would cause the Gentiles to stumble?
6. What were the promises to Nephi regarding his seed in vv. 30-33?
Day 3: Read 1 Nephi 13:34-42
7. How will we be blessed if we seek to bring forth Zion and endure to the end?
8. List some possible explanations or interpretations of the records Nephi saw which would come forth to restore plain and precious truths.
9. How will the first be last and the last first?
Day 4: Read 1 Nephi 14:1-14
10. 1 Nephi 14:1-3 contains multiple IF/THEN statements. What are the two “IF” parts of the promise? Now, list two “THEN” promises in verse one and three from vv. 2-3.
11. Using the Topical Guide heading in footnote 7a, what is the “marvelous work” foreseen by Nephi? How does this work sift people?
12. Substitute the word “organizations” or “kingdoms” for the word “churches” in v.10. How do our covenants protect us against wickedness?
Day 5: Read 1 Nephi 14:15-30; Revelation 17 and Revelation 18:2
13. What additional insight(s) regarding “the mother of harlots’ do you get from John the Revelator?
14. Why was Nephi forbidden to write further regarding his vision?
15 (BONUS) How was Nephi’s vision of the future of the Americas and the two churches instructive in interpreting Lehi’s vision of the tree of life?
Day 6: Read 1 Nephi 15:1-18
16. Why was Nephi so burdened with grief?
17. Outline Nephi’s IF/THEN pattern for receiving revelation in v.11.
18. How is Israel like an Olive tree?
Day 7: Read 1 Nephi 15:19-36
19. How is the word of God like an Iron Rod?
20. Read John 1:1-5, 14. What is another meaning for the Word of God?
21. What is “the greatest of all the gifts of God” (v.36)?
22. Do you notice a difference in Nephi’s preaching to his brethren after he has seen the future of their sed in vision? If so, how is it different?
1 Nephi 10-12
1 Nephi - Lesson 3: 1 Nephi 10-12
Day 1: Read 1 Nephi 10:1-11
1. In 1 Nephi 10:3, Nephi recounts Lehi’s prophecy regarding the destruction of Jerusalem. To what great capital city were the Jews taken captive? In what modern country would you find the ruins of this ancient city today?
2. List the important details of Christ’s first advent as shown to Lehi in 1 Nephi 10:4-11.
Extra Credit: Read BD entries “Babylon or Babel” and “Assyria and Babylonia” for more background.
Day 2: Read 1 Nephi 10:12-22
3. Who do the “natural branches of the olive tree” in verse 14 represent? How are they “grafted in”?
4. Do you think Nephi wanted to “see, and hear, and know” for himself because he didn’t believe Lehi’s vision? Why was it so important for him to have his own witness?
Day 3: Read 1 Nephi 11:1-11
5. Read D&C 76:19 and D&C 138:1-5, 11. What do Nephi, Joseph Smith and Joseph F. Smith have in common?
6. What was Nephi’s desire? Why was the Spirit willing to accommodate that desire?
7. Why do you think Nephi was taken to an “exceedingly high mountain”?
8. What was the first thing Nephi saw in vision? Read Revelation 22:1-2 and Ezekiel 47:12. Nephi didn’t have either of these prophetic descriptions. What do John the Revelator and Ezekiel say the leaves of the tree are for?
Day 4: Read 1 Nephi 11:12-25
9. In answer to Nephi’s desire to know the interpretation of the vision of the tree, what does the Spirit show him next?
10. What did Nephi learn about the “condescension of God”?
11. How did Nephi know the meaning of the tree?
12. How has the word of God helped you taste the joy that comes from God’s love?
BONUS: Read Abraham 5:8-10. Why do you think Abraham 5:9 is cross-referenced with 1Nephi 11:25?
Day 5: Read 1 Nephi 11:26-36
13. Circle, underline or box each time the word “look” appears in these verses (optional). How do these further visions help Nephi understand the condescension of God?
14. What did the great and spacious building represent? What happened to it?
Day 6: Read 1 Nephi 12: 1-10
15. Nephi and his family were probably still in the valley of Lemuel when he received this vision (see 1 Nephi 10:16). Why do you think he was shown his descendants in the land of promise?
16. List the key elements of the vision in 1 Nephi 12:1-10.
Day 7: Read 1 Nephi 12:11-23
17. What do the “mists of darkness” represent? List three things the mists do to the children of men.
18. All of chapter 12 can be organized into an inverse parallelism, or chiasmus. Verses 6-12 are at the center of the chiasmus. What great events are listed in this central portion?
EXTRA CREDIT: Find and mark verses that could be seen as the A, B and C of this chiasmus – and the corresponding A1, B1 and C1. Do not be limited by A, B and C – use as many letters to designate sections as you find appropriate.
Day 1: Read 1 Nephi 10:1-11
1. In 1 Nephi 10:3, Nephi recounts Lehi’s prophecy regarding the destruction of Jerusalem. To what great capital city were the Jews taken captive? In what modern country would you find the ruins of this ancient city today?
2. List the important details of Christ’s first advent as shown to Lehi in 1 Nephi 10:4-11.
Extra Credit: Read BD entries “Babylon or Babel” and “Assyria and Babylonia” for more background.
Day 2: Read 1 Nephi 10:12-22
3. Who do the “natural branches of the olive tree” in verse 14 represent? How are they “grafted in”?
4. Do you think Nephi wanted to “see, and hear, and know” for himself because he didn’t believe Lehi’s vision? Why was it so important for him to have his own witness?
Day 3: Read 1 Nephi 11:1-11
5. Read D&C 76:19 and D&C 138:1-5, 11. What do Nephi, Joseph Smith and Joseph F. Smith have in common?
6. What was Nephi’s desire? Why was the Spirit willing to accommodate that desire?
7. Why do you think Nephi was taken to an “exceedingly high mountain”?
8. What was the first thing Nephi saw in vision? Read Revelation 22:1-2 and Ezekiel 47:12. Nephi didn’t have either of these prophetic descriptions. What do John the Revelator and Ezekiel say the leaves of the tree are for?
Day 4: Read 1 Nephi 11:12-25
9. In answer to Nephi’s desire to know the interpretation of the vision of the tree, what does the Spirit show him next?
10. What did Nephi learn about the “condescension of God”?
11. How did Nephi know the meaning of the tree?
12. How has the word of God helped you taste the joy that comes from God’s love?
BONUS: Read Abraham 5:8-10. Why do you think Abraham 5:9 is cross-referenced with 1Nephi 11:25?
Day 5: Read 1 Nephi 11:26-36
13. Circle, underline or box each time the word “look” appears in these verses (optional). How do these further visions help Nephi understand the condescension of God?
14. What did the great and spacious building represent? What happened to it?
Day 6: Read 1 Nephi 12: 1-10
15. Nephi and his family were probably still in the valley of Lemuel when he received this vision (see 1 Nephi 10:16). Why do you think he was shown his descendants in the land of promise?
16. List the key elements of the vision in 1 Nephi 12:1-10.
Day 7: Read 1 Nephi 12:11-23
17. What do the “mists of darkness” represent? List three things the mists do to the children of men.
18. All of chapter 12 can be organized into an inverse parallelism, or chiasmus. Verses 6-12 are at the center of the chiasmus. What great events are listed in this central portion?
EXTRA CREDIT: Find and mark verses that could be seen as the A, B and C of this chiasmus – and the corresponding A1, B1 and C1. Do not be limited by A, B and C – use as many letters to designate sections as you find appropriate.
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