"13 And the blood of that great and aabominable church, which is the whore of all the earth, shall turn upon their own heads; for they shall bwar among themselves, and the sword of their cown hands shall fall upon their own heads, and they shall be drunken with their own blood."
At the time of the gathering of Israel, or the time when they shall know that Jesus Christ is the Savior, there are a few things that shall happen to the wicked. The wicked are a part of the great and abominable church. I still think that I believe that when Nephi mentions "the great and abominable church" or " the whore of all the earth" that he is referring to the people that persecute the saints or any righteous person and don't follow Christ. They may be a part of any religion.
Verse 13 says that they will turn their blood upon their own heads. They shall war among themselves. They shall cut each other down with their own swords, and they shall be drunken with their own blood. I believe that this is self-explanatory. They shall destroy themselves. Many civilizations have done this because of their wickedness, because they allow Satan to get a hold of their hearts. They let his enticings flourish in them and they do not shun them and follow Christ. May we follow Christ and push out any thoughts of temptation, that we may not be a part of the great and abominable church, because they are doomed to fall and be destroyed.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
1 Nephi 22:12
"12 Wherefore, he will abring them again out of bcaptivity, and they shall be cgathered together to the lands of their dinheritance; and they shall be ebrought out of obscurity and out of fdarkness; and they shall know that the gLord is their hSavior and their Redeemer, the iMighty One of Israel."
As we can see, this verse is packed with references, and a lot of discussion could take place. Feel free to click on the references to learn more about them. I'll just focus on a few things. The scattered descendants of the house of Israel shall be brought back together, out of captivity, and they shall inherit the lands of their inheritance (i.e., a promised land to them from the Lord). They shall be brought our of obscurity and darkness. I believe that this means that they shall be identified and shall know their fellow tribe members (i.e., tribes of Israel).
In the end of the verse, they shall know a great thing. They shall know that the Lord is their Savior and Redeemer, which means that He is the one to save them and redeem them from death and sin. This will happen if they accept Him and follow His commandments. They shall know that He is the Mighty One of Israel. This last reference sends you to the Topical Guide entry of "Jesus Christ - Jehovah." Jehovah denotes "Unchangeable One" or "the Eternal I AM" (see Bible Dictionary entry for "Jehovah").
We have now fished another small section from the Book of Mormon Institute manual. I include their thoughts on the part we've covered in the last couple of days:
1 Nephi 22:10–12. “Make Bare His Arm”
"Nephi speaks of God as making 'bare his arm in the eyes of the nations' (1 Nephi 22:10; see also v. 11). This phrase is borrowed from Isaiah (see Isaiah 52:10) and means that God will show his power unto men. Why does Nephi say God will do this? (see 1 Nephi 22:11). What four things will result from this? (see v. 12). The first two results are temporal, and the last two are spiritual, just as Nephi indicated earlier (see v. 3)."
As we can see, this verse is packed with references, and a lot of discussion could take place. Feel free to click on the references to learn more about them. I'll just focus on a few things. The scattered descendants of the house of Israel shall be brought back together, out of captivity, and they shall inherit the lands of their inheritance (i.e., a promised land to them from the Lord). They shall be brought our of obscurity and darkness. I believe that this means that they shall be identified and shall know their fellow tribe members (i.e., tribes of Israel).
In the end of the verse, they shall know a great thing. They shall know that the Lord is their Savior and Redeemer, which means that He is the one to save them and redeem them from death and sin. This will happen if they accept Him and follow His commandments. They shall know that He is the Mighty One of Israel. This last reference sends you to the Topical Guide entry of "Jesus Christ - Jehovah." Jehovah denotes "Unchangeable One" or "the Eternal I AM" (see Bible Dictionary entry for "Jehovah").
We have now fished another small section from the Book of Mormon Institute manual. I include their thoughts on the part we've covered in the last couple of days:
1 Nephi 22:10–12. “Make Bare His Arm”
"Nephi speaks of God as making 'bare his arm in the eyes of the nations' (1 Nephi 22:10; see also v. 11). This phrase is borrowed from Isaiah (see Isaiah 52:10) and means that God will show his power unto men. Why does Nephi say God will do this? (see 1 Nephi 22:11). What four things will result from this? (see v. 12). The first two results are temporal, and the last two are spiritual, just as Nephi indicated earlier (see v. 3)."
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
1 Nephi 22:10-11
"10 And I would, my brethren, that ye should know that all the kindreds of the earth cannot be blessed unless he shall make abare his arm in the eyes of the nations.
"11 Wherefore, the Lord God will proceed to make bare his arm in the eyes of all the anations, in bringing about his covenants and his gospel unto those who are of the house of Israel."
The last part of verses 8 and 9 says that the marvelous work that will be done will be of great worth unto all the house of Israel because it brings them to the knowledge of the covenants that the Lord made to their forefathers, which one part says that all the kindreds of the earth shall be blessed. Verse 10 says that this cannot happen unless the Lord makes bare his arm in the eyes of the nations. I wondered what this phrase meant. It is not a usual phrase. The word "bare" has a footnote to Isaiah 52:10, which says:
"10 The Lord hath made abare his holy barm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall csee the dsalvation of our God."
It seems that a result of the Lord making bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations is that they see the salvation of our God. So, I believe that a prerequisite to being blessed is that the people have to gain a testimony of the atonement. I think that this is discussed in the next few verses, which we will discuss over the next few days.
I believe that verse 11 is also a consequence (perhaps even more direct) of the Lord making bare His holy arm. And this consequence is to bring His covenants and His gospel to the house of Israel. This is the missionary work that we see today. Missionaries teach of faith, repentance, the atonement, baptism, and the Holy Ghost. These are just the beginning covenants. Missionaries hope to see their families and converts go to the temple where further covenants can be made. Then perhaps the phrase, "Make bare His holy arm," means to roll up your sleeves and get to work, which is what the Lord does and will do. I end by quoting the relevant scripture of what the work and the glory of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is (Moses 1:39):
"39 For behold, this is my awork and my bglory—to bring to pass the cimmortality and deternal elife of man."
The last part of verses 8 and 9 says that the marvelous work that will be done will be of great worth unto all the house of Israel because it brings them to the knowledge of the covenants that the Lord made to their forefathers, which one part says that all the kindreds of the earth shall be blessed. Verse 10 says that this cannot happen unless the Lord makes bare his arm in the eyes of the nations. I wondered what this phrase meant. It is not a usual phrase. The word "bare" has a footnote to Isaiah 52:10, which says:
"10 The Lord hath made abare his holy barm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall csee the dsalvation of our God."
It seems that a result of the Lord making bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations is that they see the salvation of our God. So, I believe that a prerequisite to being blessed is that the people have to gain a testimony of the atonement. I think that this is discussed in the next few verses, which we will discuss over the next few days.
I believe that verse 11 is also a consequence (perhaps even more direct) of the Lord making bare His holy arm. And this consequence is to bring His covenants and His gospel to the house of Israel. This is the missionary work that we see today. Missionaries teach of faith, repentance, the atonement, baptism, and the Holy Ghost. These are just the beginning covenants. Missionaries hope to see their families and converts go to the temple where further covenants can be made. Then perhaps the phrase, "Make bare His holy arm," means to roll up your sleeves and get to work, which is what the Lord does and will do. I end by quoting the relevant scripture of what the work and the glory of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is (Moses 1:39):
"39 For behold, this is my awork and my bglory—to bring to pass the cimmortality and deternal elife of man."
Monday, July 27, 2009
1 Nephi 22:8-9
"8 And after our seed is scattered the Lord God will proceed to do a amarvelous work among the bGentiles, which shall be of great cworth unto our seed; wherefore, it is likened unto their being nourished by the dGentiles and being carried in their arms and upon their shoulders.
9 And it shall also be of aworth unto the Gentiles; and not only unto the Gentiles but bunto all the chouse of Israel, unto the making known of the dcovenants of the Father of heaven unto Abraham, saying: In thy eseed shall all the kindreds of the earth be fblessed."
In these verses, we have Nephi continuing to explain the recent citation from Isaiah about the house of Israel and their future. In previous verses, we have found out that the house of Israel shall be scattered. At some point after, the Lord will proceed to do a "marvelous work [and a wonder]" among all the children of men. Because we now live in the time when this prophesy is being fulfilled, we can see that the Gentiles (at least us in the U.S.) have begun missionary work. We have started to preach the gospel and teach the world about Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. We are teaching them about the Book of Mormon, modern-day prophets, the fact that the Church of Jesus Christ is restored again, and that there are blessings found therein that, as stated in verse 9, the covenants made to Abraham a long time ago shall be fulfilled.
The verses also say that this work shall be of great worth unto the seed of Lehi from the Book of Mormon and to the Gentiles. We can see that this is true due to the growth of the church in Latin America and the Pacific Islands. Of course, in the U.S. there has been tremendous growth in the church and missionary work performed. I say missionary work done because a lot of missionaries in foreign countries were from the U.S., but that is slowly changing.
We have to make all aware of the good news that Jesus Christ did what He did for all mankind and that He is ready to accept those that repent and follow Him. We end with a section of verses (Doctrine and Covenants 18:11-16):
"10 Remember the aworth of bsouls is great in the sight of God;
In these verses, we have Nephi continuing to explain the recent citation from Isaiah about the house of Israel and their future. In previous verses, we have found out that the house of Israel shall be scattered. At some point after, the Lord will proceed to do a "marvelous work [and a wonder]" among all the children of men. Because we now live in the time when this prophesy is being fulfilled, we can see that the Gentiles (at least us in the U.S.) have begun missionary work. We have started to preach the gospel and teach the world about Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. We are teaching them about the Book of Mormon, modern-day prophets, the fact that the Church of Jesus Christ is restored again, and that there are blessings found therein that, as stated in verse 9, the covenants made to Abraham a long time ago shall be fulfilled.
The verses also say that this work shall be of great worth unto the seed of Lehi from the Book of Mormon and to the Gentiles. We can see that this is true due to the growth of the church in Latin America and the Pacific Islands. Of course, in the U.S. there has been tremendous growth in the church and missionary work performed. I say missionary work done because a lot of missionaries in foreign countries were from the U.S., but that is slowly changing.
We have to make all aware of the good news that Jesus Christ did what He did for all mankind and that He is ready to accept those that repent and follow Him. We end with a section of verses (Doctrine and Covenants 18:11-16):
"10 Remember the aworth of bsouls is great in the sight of God;
"12 And he hath arisen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of brepentance.
"14 Wherefore, you are called to acry repentance unto this people.
"15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one asoul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!
Friday, July 24, 2009
1 Nephi 22:6-7
"6 Nevertheless, after they shall be anursed by the bGentiles, and the Lord has lifted up his hand upon the Gentiles and set them up for a standard, and their cchildren have been carried in their arms, and their daughters have been carried upon their shoulders, behold these things of which are spoken are temporal; for thus are the covenants of the Lord with our fathers; and it meaneth us in the days to come, and also all our brethren who are of the house of Israel.
"7 And it meaneth that the time cometh that after all the house of Israel have been scattered and confounded, that the Lord God will raise up a mighty nation among the aGentiles, yea, even upon the face of this land; and by them shall our seed be bscattered."
We begin today's talk about the descendants of the house of Israel. The Book of Mormon Institute Manual has some comments on the this verse and the past few, too:
(v. 3-4)
"In 1 Nephi 22:3–4 Nephi speaks of the scattering of Israel among the nations of the earth. Sometimes the scattering of the people led to their being lost to history, such as with the ten tribes after the fall of the northern kingdom. Sometimes groups of Israelites were led away but maintained their identity as a group. Lehi’s family is a good example of that aspect of the
scattering.
"Another way the scattering took place was for the people literally to be scattered among the nations of the world. The dispersion of the Jews after the fall of Jerusalem is an example of this kind of widespread scattering. This fact is supported by the following scriptural references: Deuteronomy 28:64, 30:1–3, Isaiah 11:11–12, Jeremiah 3:18, 31:8, Ezekiel 11:17–20, 36:19–24, Daniel 9:7, Hosea 8:8, Amos 9:9, 2 Nephi 10:20–22, 3 Nephi 16:4–5, 20:13, Ether 13:11, D&C 33:6, Moses 7:62."
(v. 4)
"According to a quotation by Reynolds and Sjodahl, 'Sir Isaac Newton observes that to the
Hebrews the continents of Asia and Africa were "the earth," because they had access to them by land, while the parts of the earth to which they sailed over the sea were "the isles of the sea."' (Commentary on the Book of Mormon, 1:214.)
"Thus, Nephi not only refers to the isles of the sea as the location of other remnants of the house of Israel, but he also indicates that he and his people were then living upon an 'isle of the sea' when he quite clearly is referring to the great land mass known as the American continent. (2 Nephi 10:20–21.)" (Ludlow, Companion to Your Study of the Book of Mormon, p. 121).
(v. 5-6)
"According to Nephi, the scattering and gathering of Israel are temporal matters (see 1 Nephi 22:6). In 1 Nephi 22:5–6, who was being scattered and gathered? Only the Jews? Read 1 Nephi 22:6 for Nephi’s answer."
And, thus, we are back to verse 6. From verse 5, we might think that the Jews were the only ones that were being scattered, but in verse 6, Nephi states that after the Gentiles shall help them, then they shall be scattered. He says, "it meaneth us in the days to come, and also all our brethren who are of the house of Israel." Indeed Lehi's posterity were the native inhabitants of the Americas in which the Spanish and Portuguese (and others) came over from Europe and conquered, scattered, and fought with in wars.
Verse 7 states that after this scattering has happened the Lord shall raise up a mighty nation among the Gentiles that will be upon this land of the Americas, and it shall scatter Lehi's seed, too. We have seen a mighty nation rise up (the United States) and scatter the Native Americans (descendants of Lehi) and perhaps others, too. This has been prophesied.
We begin today's talk about the descendants of the house of Israel. The Book of Mormon Institute Manual has some comments on the this verse and the past few, too:
(v. 3-4)
"In 1 Nephi 22:3–4 Nephi speaks of the scattering of Israel among the nations of the earth. Sometimes the scattering of the people led to their being lost to history, such as with the ten tribes after the fall of the northern kingdom. Sometimes groups of Israelites were led away but maintained their identity as a group. Lehi’s family is a good example of that aspect of the
scattering.
"Another way the scattering took place was for the people literally to be scattered among the nations of the world. The dispersion of the Jews after the fall of Jerusalem is an example of this kind of widespread scattering. This fact is supported by the following scriptural references: Deuteronomy 28:64, 30:1–3, Isaiah 11:11–12, Jeremiah 3:18, 31:8, Ezekiel 11:17–20, 36:19–24, Daniel 9:7, Hosea 8:8, Amos 9:9, 2 Nephi 10:20–22, 3 Nephi 16:4–5, 20:13, Ether 13:11, D&C 33:6, Moses 7:62."
(v. 4)
"According to a quotation by Reynolds and Sjodahl, 'Sir Isaac Newton observes that to the
Hebrews the continents of Asia and Africa were "the earth," because they had access to them by land, while the parts of the earth to which they sailed over the sea were "the isles of the sea."' (Commentary on the Book of Mormon, 1:214.)
"Thus, Nephi not only refers to the isles of the sea as the location of other remnants of the house of Israel, but he also indicates that he and his people were then living upon an 'isle of the sea' when he quite clearly is referring to the great land mass known as the American continent. (2 Nephi 10:20–21.)" (Ludlow, Companion to Your Study of the Book of Mormon, p. 121).
(v. 5-6)
"According to Nephi, the scattering and gathering of Israel are temporal matters (see 1 Nephi 22:6). In 1 Nephi 22:5–6, who was being scattered and gathered? Only the Jews? Read 1 Nephi 22:6 for Nephi’s answer."
And, thus, we are back to verse 6. From verse 5, we might think that the Jews were the only ones that were being scattered, but in verse 6, Nephi states that after the Gentiles shall help them, then they shall be scattered. He says, "it meaneth us in the days to come, and also all our brethren who are of the house of Israel." Indeed Lehi's posterity were the native inhabitants of the Americas in which the Spanish and Portuguese (and others) came over from Europe and conquered, scattered, and fought with in wars.
Verse 7 states that after this scattering has happened the Lord shall raise up a mighty nation among the Gentiles that will be upon this land of the Americas, and it shall scatter Lehi's seed, too. We have seen a mighty nation rise up (the United States) and scatter the Native Americans (descendants of Lehi) and perhaps others, too. This has been prophesied.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
1 Nephi 22:5
"5 And since they have been led away, these things have been prophesied concerning them, and also concerning all those who shall hereafter be scattered and be confounded, because of the Holy One of Israel; for against him will they aharden their hearts; wherefore, they shall be scattered among all nations and shall be bhated of all men."
This is a somber verse. When I read it, it struck a familiar chord with me. Hadn't we discussed this before? Well, we have. It was back three chapters in 1 Nephi 19. But more on that later.
In the beginning of verse 5, we see that Nephi testifies of the scattering of Israel, that there were prophesies made concerning them. He testifies that they shall be scattered even more and even confounded. These consequences will be dealt to them because they harden their hearts against the Holy One of Israel, or Jesus Christ. As a result they shall be scattered among all nations and hated of all men. This seems like a harsh thing, but remember that those who are righteous shall prosper and those who are not shall not. They chose to not follow Christ. Later, Nephi shares more about their fate (2 Nephi 25:16):
"16 And after they have been ascattered, and the Lord God hath scourged them by other nations for the space of many generations, yea, even down from generation to generation until they shall be persuaded to bbelieve in Christ, the Son of God, and the atonement, which is infinite for all mankind—and when that day shall come that they shall believe in Christ, and worship the Father in his name, with pure hearts and cclean hands, and look not forward any more for danother
Here is more on their promise (2 Nephi 10:7):
"7 But behold, thus saith the aLord God: bWhen the day cometh that they shall believe in me, that I am Christ, then have I covenanted with their fathers that they shall be crestored in the flesh, upon the earth, unto the dlands of their inheritance."
Also, remember that the promises are still individual. Those who accept Christ in that group of people shall prosper and be saved. I believe that they might not have to wait until the above promises are fulfilled. Nephi details this in the following selection of scripture about a great and marvelous work to take place in the latter-days (2 Nephi 30:1-8):
This is a somber verse. When I read it, it struck a familiar chord with me. Hadn't we discussed this before? Well, we have. It was back three chapters in 1 Nephi 19. But more on that later.
In the beginning of verse 5, we see that Nephi testifies of the scattering of Israel, that there were prophesies made concerning them. He testifies that they shall be scattered even more and even confounded. These consequences will be dealt to them because they harden their hearts against the Holy One of Israel, or Jesus Christ. As a result they shall be scattered among all nations and hated of all men. This seems like a harsh thing, but remember that those who are righteous shall prosper and those who are not shall not. They chose to not follow Christ. Later, Nephi shares more about their fate (2 Nephi 25:16):
"16 And after they have been ascattered, and the Lord God hath scourged them by other nations for the space of many generations, yea, even down from generation to generation until they shall be persuaded to bbelieve in Christ, the Son of God, and the atonement, which is infinite for all mankind—and when that day shall come that they shall believe in Christ, and worship the Father in his name, with pure hearts and cclean hands, and look not forward any more for danother
Messiah, then, at that time, the day will come that it must needs be expedient that they should believe these things."
Here is more on their promise (2 Nephi 10:7):
"7 But behold, thus saith the aLord God: bWhen the day cometh that they shall believe in me, that I am Christ, then have I covenanted with their fathers that they shall be crestored in the flesh, upon the earth, unto the dlands of their inheritance."
Also, remember that the promises are still individual. Those who accept Christ in that group of people shall prosper and be saved. I believe that they might not have to wait until the above promises are fulfilled. Nephi details this in the following selection of scripture about a great and marvelous work to take place in the latter-days (2 Nephi 30:1-8):
"1 And now behold, my beloved brethren, I would speak unto you; for I, Nephi, would not suffer that ye should suppose that ye are more righteous than the Gentiles shall be. For behold, except ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall all likewise aperish; and because of the words which have been spoken ye need not suppose that the Gentiles are utterly destroyed.
"2 For behold, I say unto you that as many of the Gentiles as will repent are the acovenant people of the Lord; and as many of the bJews as will not repent shall be ccast off; for the Lord dcovenanteth with none save it be with them that erepent and believe in his Son, who is the Holy One of Israel.
"3 And now, I would prophesy somewhat more concerning the Jews and the Gentiles. For after the book of which I have spoken shall come forth, and be written unto the Gentiles, and sealed up again unto the Lord, there shall be many which shall abelieve the words which are written; and bthey shall carry them forth unto the cremnant of our seed.
"4 And then shall the remnant of our seed know concerning us, how that we came out from Jerusalem, and that they are descendants of the Jews.
"6 And then shall they rejoice; for they shall aknow that it is a blessing unto them from the hand of God; and their bscales of darkness shall begin to fall from their eyes; and many generations shall not pass away among them, save they shall be a pure and a cdelightsome people.
"8 And it shall come to pass that the Lord God shall commence his work among all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, to bring about the arestoration of his people upon the earth."
In verse 2 of this selection lies the individual promise to the Jews (and Gentiles). What a marvelous, merciful plan. I am eternally grateful for the love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for all that they have done and will do.
In verse 2 of this selection lies the individual promise to the Jews (and Gentiles). What a marvelous, merciful plan. I am eternally grateful for the love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for all that they have done and will do.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
1 Nephi 22:3-4
"3 Wherefore, the things of which I have read are things pertaining to things both atemporal and spiritual; for it appears that the house of Israel, sooner or later, will be bscattered upon all the face of the earth, and also camong all nations.
"4 And behold, there are many who are already lost from the knowledge of those who are at Jerusalem. Yea, the more part of all the atribes have been bled away; and they are cscattered to and fro upon the disles of the sea; and whither they are none of us knoweth, save that we know that they have been led away."
We see that Nephi answers Laman and Lemuel's question (see v. 1) saying that the things from the selection of Isaiah's words pertained to things temporal and spiritual. He goes on to say that in order for the prophesies to come to pass about a gathering and such, the house of Israel must be scattered among all nations. In the next verse, he says that there are already many that have been led away and scattered upon the isles of the sea and because of this they have lost their knowledge of those who are at Jerusalem. I'm thinking that this is a good thing in light of something Nephi said near the end of his life (2 Nephi 25:6):
"6 But behold, I, Nephi, have not taught my children after the manner of the Jews; but behold, I, of myself, have dwelt at Jerusalem, wherefore I know concerning the regions round about; and I have made mention unto my children concerning the judgments of God, which ahath come to pass among the Jews, unto my children, according to all that which Isaiah hath spoken, and I do not write them."
This verse reiterates Isaiah's prophesy concerning the house of Israel and the Jews being a part of that, being scattered among all nations because of their wickedness.
We see that Nephi answers Laman and Lemuel's question (see v. 1) saying that the things from the selection of Isaiah's words pertained to things temporal and spiritual. He goes on to say that in order for the prophesies to come to pass about a gathering and such, the house of Israel must be scattered among all nations. In the next verse, he says that there are already many that have been led away and scattered upon the isles of the sea and because of this they have lost their knowledge of those who are at Jerusalem. I'm thinking that this is a good thing in light of something Nephi said near the end of his life (2 Nephi 25:6):
"6 But behold, I, Nephi, have not taught my children after the manner of the Jews; but behold, I, of myself, have dwelt at Jerusalem, wherefore I know concerning the regions round about; and I have made mention unto my children concerning the judgments of God, which ahath come to pass among the Jews, unto my children, according to all that which Isaiah hath spoken, and I do not write them."
This verse reiterates Isaiah's prophesy concerning the house of Israel and the Jews being a part of that, being scattered among all nations because of their wickedness.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
1 Nephi 22:1-2
We have just finished a bit on Nephi teaching his brothers the words of Isaiah. He loves Isaiah and applies them to his life and the life of his family. I was impressed that his brothers listened to him, reading something that was not totally comprehensible and trying to understand it.
So, in verse 1, after Nephi has finished reading the selections of Isaiah to them, they asked what those things meant. Should they be interpreted as just spiritual events and not temporal?
Nephi answers this question in an interesting way. He begins his answer in verse 2, by testifying to his brothers of the process of revelation from the Lord to His prophets. He says:
"Behold they were amanifest unto the prophet by the voice of the bSpirit; for by the Spirit are all things made known unto the cprophets, which shall come upon the children of men according to the flesh."
There may have been several reasons he did this, but I think that he wanted to instruct and testify to them that this is the Lord's method. This is what happened, how, and why we left Jerusalem, came across the desert, built a ship, sailed to the Americas, and settled here. They were commandments from the Lord. Now, in addition to instruction, the Lord shows his prophets all things that will happen to mankind. Nephi did have such a vision.
I know that the prophets and apostles today are inspired by Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. We must heed their counsel and also receive a confirmation of their revelation.
So, in verse 1, after Nephi has finished reading the selections of Isaiah to them, they asked what those things meant. Should they be interpreted as just spiritual events and not temporal?
Nephi answers this question in an interesting way. He begins his answer in verse 2, by testifying to his brothers of the process of revelation from the Lord to His prophets. He says:
"Behold they were amanifest unto the prophet by the voice of the bSpirit; for by the Spirit are all things made known unto the cprophets, which shall come upon the children of men according to the flesh."
There may have been several reasons he did this, but I think that he wanted to instruct and testify to them that this is the Lord's method. This is what happened, how, and why we left Jerusalem, came across the desert, built a ship, sailed to the Americas, and settled here. They were commandments from the Lord. Now, in addition to instruction, the Lord shows his prophets all things that will happen to mankind. Nephi did have such a vision.
I know that the prophets and apostles today are inspired by Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. We must heed their counsel and also receive a confirmation of their revelation.
Monday, July 20, 2009
1 Nephi 21:24-EoC
Today we consider verses 24, 25, and 26 of chapter 21:
"24 For shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the alawful captives delivered?
"The 'prey' mentioned in Isaiah 49:24 is the house of Israel in her scattered condition. She is 'prey' or 'captive' because she has been unable throughout the centuries to return to her promised home or to claim her gospel blessings. Until recently many gentile countries would not permit Jewish residents to emigrate, and many still do not permit the gospel to be preached freely in their borders..."
So, verse 24 poses the question: Shall the prey be taken from the mighty? Shall the lawful captives be delivered? Shall Israel be allowed to gather?
Verse 25 answers that question. It seems to reflect a promise made to someone or some people. Thus, verses 25 and 26 state that it will happen. More from the Institute manual:
"...All of that will change, for 'even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered' (v. 25). When Jacob quoted this verse in the Book of Mormon, he added these significant words: 'For the Mighty God shall deliver his covenant people' (2 Nephi 6:17), and thus, 'all flesh shall know that I the Lord am thy Savior and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob' (v. 18). First the Lord predicts it, then He brings it to pass; only a 'mighty one' could perform such a task. Nephi made it very clear that all who seek to thwart the Lord in bringing this great thing to pass shall be destroyed, for 'they shall fall into the pit which they digged to ensnare the people of the Lord' (1 Nephi 22:14)."
The Institute manual says that Nephi makes it clear in verse 14 of chapter 22 (which is probably for the sake of his brothers' understanding), but I think that Isaiah makes is clear, too. He says that the Lord will contend with those that contend with the gathering of the house of Israel. He continues in the last verse to say that He will feed them that oppress the gathering with their own flesh and they shall be drunken with their own blood and they shall know that He is the Lord and that you can't fight Him and win. This is also the lesson that we can learn from all this.
"24 For shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the alawful captives delivered?
"25 But thus saith the Lord, even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.
"26 And I will afeed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; they shall be drunken with their own blood as with sweet wine; and all flesh shall bknow that I, the Lord, am thy cSavior and thy Redeemer, the dMighty One of Jacob."
For verse 24, I believe that the Old Testament Institute manual has a great explanation:
For verse 24, I believe that the Old Testament Institute manual has a great explanation:
"The 'prey' mentioned in Isaiah 49:24 is the house of Israel in her scattered condition. She is 'prey' or 'captive' because she has been unable throughout the centuries to return to her promised home or to claim her gospel blessings. Until recently many gentile countries would not permit Jewish residents to emigrate, and many still do not permit the gospel to be preached freely in their borders..."
So, verse 24 poses the question: Shall the prey be taken from the mighty? Shall the lawful captives be delivered? Shall Israel be allowed to gather?
Verse 25 answers that question. It seems to reflect a promise made to someone or some people. Thus, verses 25 and 26 state that it will happen. More from the Institute manual:
"...All of that will change, for 'even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered' (v. 25). When Jacob quoted this verse in the Book of Mormon, he added these significant words: 'For the Mighty God shall deliver his covenant people' (2 Nephi 6:17), and thus, 'all flesh shall know that I the Lord am thy Savior and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob' (v. 18). First the Lord predicts it, then He brings it to pass; only a 'mighty one' could perform such a task. Nephi made it very clear that all who seek to thwart the Lord in bringing this great thing to pass shall be destroyed, for 'they shall fall into the pit which they digged to ensnare the people of the Lord' (1 Nephi 22:14)."
The Institute manual says that Nephi makes it clear in verse 14 of chapter 22 (which is probably for the sake of his brothers' understanding), but I think that Isaiah makes is clear, too. He says that the Lord will contend with those that contend with the gathering of the house of Israel. He continues in the last verse to say that He will feed them that oppress the gathering with their own flesh and they shall be drunken with their own blood and they shall know that He is the Lord and that you can't fight Him and win. This is also the lesson that we can learn from all this.
Friday, July 17, 2009
1 Nephi 21:22-23
"23 And akings shall be thy bnursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers; they shall bow down to thee with their face towards the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the Lord; for they shall not be ashamed that cwait for me."
In the last days, the Lord will set up His standard among the Gentiles. This has happened. He prepared this land of the Americas for the Gentiles, or mostly non-Jews from Europe, as a place for them to practice freedom of religion. This is how He has lifted His hand to the Gentiles. Then the Lord established His church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is the standard that is spoken of in verse 22. When He speaks of the Gentiles bringing sons in arms, daughters upon shoulders, kings being nursing fathers, and queens nursing mothers it means that we will help raise the house of Israel and nurture them in the gospel. I'm not sure what the licking of the dust of the feet means, but it seems that the house of Israel will know that He is the Lord and it will be well with those who wait for Him.
The Old Testament Institute manual has a lot on this subject and it is very interesting. They mention specific instances from history that are direct fulfillments of this prophesy. That is the neat part. It states:
"(17-9) Isaiah 49:22–26. How Will the Gentiles Be Nursing Fathers and Mothers to Israel?
"Isaiah 49:22–26 speaks of the day when God’s promises will be fulfilled and of how it will be done. The 'how' is made clear in verses 22 and 23. God will set up His 'standard,' the gospel, or the new and everlasting covenant (see D&C 66:2), 'and they [the Gentiles] shall bring thy [the house of Israel’s] sons in their arms and thy daughters shall be carried on their shoulders. And kings shall be thy nursing fathers and their queens thy nursing mothers.' (Isaiah 49:22–23.)
This prophecy has, as Nephi said, both a temporal and spiritual fulfillment (see 1 Nephi 22:3).
"The 'when' of the prophecy is now. Converts from throughout the world have joined the Church and then have gone throughout the world seeking to reclaim the house of Israel and bring them back to the Lord. President Spencer W. Kimball saw a partial fulfillment of these verses in the Church’s modern missionary efforts, specifically with the descendants of Lehi:
"'This day of the Lamanite brings opportunity. Millions farm the steep hillsides of Andean ranges and market their produce with llamas and horses and burros. They must have the emancipating gospel. Millions serve in menial labor, eke out bare subsistence from soil and toil. They must hear the compelling truths of the gospel. Millions are tied to reservations, deprived, untrained, and less than they could be. They must have the enlightening gospel. It will break their fetters, stir their ambition, increase their vision, and open new worlds of opportunity to them. Their captivity will be at an end—captivity from misconceptions, illiteracy, superstition, fear. . . .
"'The brighter day has dawned. The scattering has been accomplished; the gathering is in process. May the Lord bless us all as we become nursing fathers and mothers (see Isa. 49:23 and 1 Nephi 21:23) unto our Lamanite brethren and hasten the fulfillment of the great promises made to them.' (In Conference Report, Oct. 1965, p. 72.)
"But there is another side as well. Following the end of World War I, Great Britain was given the mandate over Palestine and began to facilitate the ingathering of the Jews scattered throughout the earth. Other gentile nations, such as the United States, also rallied to assist.
"President Joseph Fielding Smith spoke of the role Great Britain played in the establishment of the nation of Israel:
"'From the time of the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus until the year 1917, Jerusalem was trodden down of the Gentiles. After General Allenby, at the head of the British forces, captured Palestine, that country became free from the tyranny and oppression of the Turkish empire, and after peace was declared, England sent to Palestine Dr. Herbert Samuel, a Jew, to be governor of
the land, and that is the first time in all those years that a Jew has ruled in Palestine. . . .
"'We see today a miracle being performed before our eyes. Following the war, which we are pleased to call the first world war, the British Premier issued a proclamation to the Jews telling them they could gather and they could have in Palestine a Jewish Home, or state. They began to gather in great numbers. At the beginning of [the 20th] century things in Palestine were in a deplorable condition. They were using wooden plows, water wheel irrigation; they had infested wells and streams. They carried water in skins as of old. Sanitation was deplorable.
"'The British government changed all of this, when they obtained the mandate. You see, the mandate of Palestine was given to Great Britain. That nation and other nations spent millions of pounds in rehabilitating that land. The Sea of Galilee is now a great reservoir, and the flood waters from the various streams are being diverted into it.
"'Canals have been built for irrigation, and the Jordan has been changed from its natural channel into channels or into canals on each side of the original stream. These irrigate some seven million acres, which could not be under cultivation otherwise. Hydro-electric stations have been built on these streams.' (Doctrines of Salvation, 3:259–60.)
"In 1947 the United Nations voted to partition Palestine and create a Jewish state in the land for the first time in nearly two thousand years. Thus, the Gentiles participated in the fulfillment of this prophecy, although there may yet be future fulfillment."
In the last days, the Lord will set up His standard among the Gentiles. This has happened. He prepared this land of the Americas for the Gentiles, or mostly non-Jews from Europe, as a place for them to practice freedom of religion. This is how He has lifted His hand to the Gentiles. Then the Lord established His church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is the standard that is spoken of in verse 22. When He speaks of the Gentiles bringing sons in arms, daughters upon shoulders, kings being nursing fathers, and queens nursing mothers it means that we will help raise the house of Israel and nurture them in the gospel. I'm not sure what the licking of the dust of the feet means, but it seems that the house of Israel will know that He is the Lord and it will be well with those who wait for Him.
The Old Testament Institute manual has a lot on this subject and it is very interesting. They mention specific instances from history that are direct fulfillments of this prophesy. That is the neat part. It states:
"(17-9) Isaiah 49:22–26. How Will the Gentiles Be Nursing Fathers and Mothers to Israel?
"Isaiah 49:22–26 speaks of the day when God’s promises will be fulfilled and of how it will be done. The 'how' is made clear in verses 22 and 23. God will set up His 'standard,' the gospel, or the new and everlasting covenant (see D&C 66:2), 'and they [the Gentiles] shall bring thy [the house of Israel’s] sons in their arms and thy daughters shall be carried on their shoulders. And kings shall be thy nursing fathers and their queens thy nursing mothers.' (Isaiah 49:22–23.)
This prophecy has, as Nephi said, both a temporal and spiritual fulfillment (see 1 Nephi 22:3).
"The 'when' of the prophecy is now. Converts from throughout the world have joined the Church and then have gone throughout the world seeking to reclaim the house of Israel and bring them back to the Lord. President Spencer W. Kimball saw a partial fulfillment of these verses in the Church’s modern missionary efforts, specifically with the descendants of Lehi:
"'This day of the Lamanite brings opportunity. Millions farm the steep hillsides of Andean ranges and market their produce with llamas and horses and burros. They must have the emancipating gospel. Millions serve in menial labor, eke out bare subsistence from soil and toil. They must hear the compelling truths of the gospel. Millions are tied to reservations, deprived, untrained, and less than they could be. They must have the enlightening gospel. It will break their fetters, stir their ambition, increase their vision, and open new worlds of opportunity to them. Their captivity will be at an end—captivity from misconceptions, illiteracy, superstition, fear. . . .
"'The brighter day has dawned. The scattering has been accomplished; the gathering is in process. May the Lord bless us all as we become nursing fathers and mothers (see Isa. 49:23 and 1 Nephi 21:23) unto our Lamanite brethren and hasten the fulfillment of the great promises made to them.' (In Conference Report, Oct. 1965, p. 72.)
"But there is another side as well. Following the end of World War I, Great Britain was given the mandate over Palestine and began to facilitate the ingathering of the Jews scattered throughout the earth. Other gentile nations, such as the United States, also rallied to assist.
"President Joseph Fielding Smith spoke of the role Great Britain played in the establishment of the nation of Israel:
"'From the time of the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus until the year 1917, Jerusalem was trodden down of the Gentiles. After General Allenby, at the head of the British forces, captured Palestine, that country became free from the tyranny and oppression of the Turkish empire, and after peace was declared, England sent to Palestine Dr. Herbert Samuel, a Jew, to be governor of
the land, and that is the first time in all those years that a Jew has ruled in Palestine. . . .
"'We see today a miracle being performed before our eyes. Following the war, which we are pleased to call the first world war, the British Premier issued a proclamation to the Jews telling them they could gather and they could have in Palestine a Jewish Home, or state. They began to gather in great numbers. At the beginning of [the 20th] century things in Palestine were in a deplorable condition. They were using wooden plows, water wheel irrigation; they had infested wells and streams. They carried water in skins as of old. Sanitation was deplorable.
"'The British government changed all of this, when they obtained the mandate. You see, the mandate of Palestine was given to Great Britain. That nation and other nations spent millions of pounds in rehabilitating that land. The Sea of Galilee is now a great reservoir, and the flood waters from the various streams are being diverted into it.
"'Canals have been built for irrigation, and the Jordan has been changed from its natural channel into channels or into canals on each side of the original stream. These irrigate some seven million acres, which could not be under cultivation otherwise. Hydro-electric stations have been built on these streams.' (Doctrines of Salvation, 3:259–60.)
"In 1947 the United Nations voted to partition Palestine and create a Jewish state in the land for the first time in nearly two thousand years. Thus, the Gentiles participated in the fulfillment of this prophecy, although there may yet be future fulfillment."
Thursday, July 16, 2009
1 Nephi 21:21
We consider this passage for today:
"21 Then shalt thou say in thine heart: Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am adesolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? And who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where have they been?"
I believe that the house of Israel is talking about those that have been gathered in during the last days (our day). Apparently some will not be able to have children or know about their posterity. To know a little more about this point, we look at the two scriptures found in the footnote, 21a:
1. From Isaiah 54:1, we have:
"1 aSing, O bbarren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the Lord."
Here the important point is that those who do not know or have posterity will in the end have more than those who are married and do have posterity. It is an interesting promise because one might think the other way around. But this shows that the Lord knows His people and blesses them.
2. From Galatians 4:27, we have:
"27 For it is written, aRejoice, thou bbarren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband."
This verse reiterates that through the covenant with the house of Israel made with God, this will come to pass and that those that could not or do not know their posterity will have more and those who do in the end.
We now turn to a small part from the Institute manual on this verse:
"Thus the reaction voiced in verse 21 is quite real [because of the overpopulation at the gathering]: 'Who hath begotten me these . . . ; where had they been?' In other words, where in the world did all these people (Israelites) come from?"
There will be so many gathered that those who have been in this thing forever will wonder at where the lost have been.
I think that we should work our hardest at gathering in the house of Israel in order to make this prophesy come true, and that comes with hard missionary work. It is hard, and good missionary work is not convenient and easy. We need to take leaps of faith, because there are many who don't become converted because we haven't asked them to commit to follow Jesus Christ. We may get turned down, and it seems almost necessary that we get turned down a number of times before someone says yes. And that person that does is the key. They are the ones that make it all worthwhile. Statistics show, I believe, that such a question usually does not negatively affect a friendship. It can only make it better! I am including myself in the call as much as anyone else. : )
"21 Then shalt thou say in thine heart: Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am adesolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? And who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where have they been?"
I believe that the house of Israel is talking about those that have been gathered in during the last days (our day). Apparently some will not be able to have children or know about their posterity. To know a little more about this point, we look at the two scriptures found in the footnote, 21a:
1. From Isaiah 54:1, we have:
"1 aSing, O bbarren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the Lord."
Here the important point is that those who do not know or have posterity will in the end have more than those who are married and do have posterity. It is an interesting promise because one might think the other way around. But this shows that the Lord knows His people and blesses them.
2. From Galatians 4:27, we have:
"27 For it is written, aRejoice, thou bbarren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband."
This verse reiterates that through the covenant with the house of Israel made with God, this will come to pass and that those that could not or do not know their posterity will have more and those who do in the end.
We now turn to a small part from the Institute manual on this verse:
"Thus the reaction voiced in verse 21 is quite real [because of the overpopulation at the gathering]: 'Who hath begotten me these . . . ; where had they been?' In other words, where in the world did all these people (Israelites) come from?"
There will be so many gathered that those who have been in this thing forever will wonder at where the lost have been.
I think that we should work our hardest at gathering in the house of Israel in order to make this prophesy come true, and that comes with hard missionary work. It is hard, and good missionary work is not convenient and easy. We need to take leaps of faith, because there are many who don't become converted because we haven't asked them to commit to follow Jesus Christ. We may get turned down, and it seems almost necessary that we get turned down a number of times before someone says yes. And that person that does is the key. They are the ones that make it all worthwhile. Statistics show, I believe, that such a question usually does not negatively affect a friendship. It can only make it better! I am including myself in the call as much as anyone else. : )
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
1 Nephi 21:19-20
We shall consider the following text for today:
"19 For thy waste and thy desolate places, and the land of thy destruction, shall even now be too narrow by reason of the inhabitants; and they that swallowed thee up shall be far away.
"19 For thy waste and thy desolate places, and the land of thy destruction, shall even now be too narrow by reason of the inhabitants; and they that swallowed thee up shall be far away.
"20 The children whom thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the first, shall aagain in thine ears say: The place is too strait for me; give place to me that I may dwell."
We are discussing a little more about the gathering of Israel. I like the description in the Institute manual with respect to these two verses:
"So many people will come, both to Zion and the Old Jerusalem, that they will complain that the land is 'too strait [narrow] for me: give place to me that I may dwell' (Isaiah 49:20). This overcrowding has occurred wherever the modern gathering has taken place. The Church has a difficult time keeping up with needs for chapels and leadership because of its many converts. Modern Israel has received so many ingatherers that the land is literally 'too narrow by reason of the inhabitants' (v. 19)."
There are a lot of constraints for the Church because of the gathering of Israel. In addition to the ones mentioned above, the recent economical recession has put a strain on church building. It is interesting, because in my stake they are building a new stake center. Many construction companies tried to outbid each other for it. Times are hard here for construction companies. We got a great deal from a company that says they usually don't do such small jobs. (That made me wonder what their regular jobs were like if a stake center is small.)
In another related subject to the verse, one of the fruits of a Patriarchal Blessing if you are a member of the church is the knowledge of what tribe if Israel, or part of the house of Israel, you are from. They are truly being gathered in in these days. I have heard that there are some of the tribes that have only a few people identified from them at this time, and they know each other and have their contact information. How great is that!
The saints gather at churches in their neighborhoods. Some are overflowing in capacity and some are not. But, there are prophesies about certain areas of the world that seem, to me, very consistent about the gathering of Israel. There is a prophesy about the southeast United States that says there will be more that a million members of the church here. The last statistic that I heard was that we have about half of that right now, maybe a little less. We need to gather Israel, and identify them and give them the opportunity to receive the blessings of the church.
We are discussing a little more about the gathering of Israel. I like the description in the Institute manual with respect to these two verses:
"So many people will come, both to Zion and the Old Jerusalem, that they will complain that the land is 'too strait [narrow] for me: give place to me that I may dwell' (Isaiah 49:20). This overcrowding has occurred wherever the modern gathering has taken place. The Church has a difficult time keeping up with needs for chapels and leadership because of its many converts. Modern Israel has received so many ingatherers that the land is literally 'too narrow by reason of the inhabitants' (v. 19)."
There are a lot of constraints for the Church because of the gathering of Israel. In addition to the ones mentioned above, the recent economical recession has put a strain on church building. It is interesting, because in my stake they are building a new stake center. Many construction companies tried to outbid each other for it. Times are hard here for construction companies. We got a great deal from a company that says they usually don't do such small jobs. (That made me wonder what their regular jobs were like if a stake center is small.)
In another related subject to the verse, one of the fruits of a Patriarchal Blessing if you are a member of the church is the knowledge of what tribe if Israel, or part of the house of Israel, you are from. They are truly being gathered in in these days. I have heard that there are some of the tribes that have only a few people identified from them at this time, and they know each other and have their contact information. How great is that!
The saints gather at churches in their neighborhoods. Some are overflowing in capacity and some are not. But, there are prophesies about certain areas of the world that seem, to me, very consistent about the gathering of Israel. There is a prophesy about the southeast United States that says there will be more that a million members of the church here. The last statistic that I heard was that we have about half of that right now, maybe a little less. We need to gather Israel, and identify them and give them the opportunity to receive the blessings of the church.
Monday, July 13, 2009
1 Nephi 21:18
We consider this verse today:
"18 Lift up thine eyes round about and behold; all these agather themselves together, and they shall come to thee. And as I live, saith the Lord, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on even as a bride."
I believe here that the Lord is still speaking to the house of Israel, but it appears to be Zion too. Lift up your eyes and behold the gathering, the gathering of Israel in the last days. They shall be clothed like a bride. There are several references to this found in the scriptures. The Old Testament Institute Manual explains this well, under the chapter of Isaiah 49 (Which I don't know why I didn't look here before! : )
"(17-8) Isaiah 49:18–21. Israel’s Latter-day Gathering Shall Be Rapid and Sustained
"In Isaiah 49:18–21, the latter-day gathering of Israel is spoken of. In the same way that a new bride adorns herself for her wedding day, so will the Zion of the latter days spiritually adorn those who come to her for blessings. This imagery of Christ as the Bridegroom and His covenant people as His bride is seen elsewhere in the scriptures (see Isaiah 54:5; Jeremiah 3:14; Matthew 25:1–13; Revelation 19:7; D&C 33:17; 133:10, 19). And just as a bride puts on her finest clothing in preparation for the marriage, so will Israel clothe herself in righteousness in preparation for her coming 'marriage' (see Revelation 19:8, where the 'clothing' of the bride is described)."
"18 Lift up thine eyes round about and behold; all these agather themselves together, and they shall come to thee. And as I live, saith the Lord, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on even as a bride."
I believe here that the Lord is still speaking to the house of Israel, but it appears to be Zion too. Lift up your eyes and behold the gathering, the gathering of Israel in the last days. They shall be clothed like a bride. There are several references to this found in the scriptures. The Old Testament Institute Manual explains this well, under the chapter of Isaiah 49 (Which I don't know why I didn't look here before! : )
"(17-8) Isaiah 49:18–21. Israel’s Latter-day Gathering Shall Be Rapid and Sustained
"In Isaiah 49:18–21, the latter-day gathering of Israel is spoken of. In the same way that a new bride adorns herself for her wedding day, so will the Zion of the latter days spiritually adorn those who come to her for blessings. This imagery of Christ as the Bridegroom and His covenant people as His bride is seen elsewhere in the scriptures (see Isaiah 54:5; Jeremiah 3:14; Matthew 25:1–13; Revelation 19:7; D&C 33:17; 133:10, 19). And just as a bride puts on her finest clothing in preparation for the marriage, so will Israel clothe herself in righteousness in preparation for her coming 'marriage' (see Revelation 19:8, where the 'clothing' of the bride is described)."
Thursday, July 9, 2009
1 Nephi 21:17
Here is the Isaiah text that we shall consider for today:
"17 Thy children shall make haste against thy destroyers; and they that made thee awaste shall go forth of thee."
He is quoting the Lord, most likely speaking to the house of Israel, who states that the children of the house of Israel shall make haste against their destroyers. Plus, those that have made the house of Israel waste shall go forth of (or from) them.
I think that this verse is saying that the house of Israel should be patient in their afflictions and that the Lord has a plan for those that afflict them. He lets us suffer at times (either if we've been righteous or wicked) to help us know that life has trials to make us (hopefully, if we learn) better. With this He reiterates to us that He is a just God. Those who seek to make us suffer will receive their reward. Sometimes it happens in this life and sometimes it happens in the life to come.
"17 Thy children shall make haste against thy destroyers; and they that made thee awaste shall go forth of thee."
He is quoting the Lord, most likely speaking to the house of Israel, who states that the children of the house of Israel shall make haste against their destroyers. Plus, those that have made the house of Israel waste shall go forth of (or from) them.
I think that this verse is saying that the house of Israel should be patient in their afflictions and that the Lord has a plan for those that afflict them. He lets us suffer at times (either if we've been righteous or wicked) to help us know that life has trials to make us (hopefully, if we learn) better. With this He reiterates to us that He is a just God. Those who seek to make us suffer will receive their reward. Sometimes it happens in this life and sometimes it happens in the life to come.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
1 Nephi 21:14-16
Today we consider these three verses:
"14 But, behold, Zion hath said: The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me—but he will show that he hath not.
"14 But, behold, Zion hath said: The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me—but he will show that he hath not.
"15 For can a awoman forget her sucking child, that she should not have bcompassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may cforget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel.
"16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the apalms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me."
I really like these verses. Mostly verse 16 because it was one of the first verses that I understood from Isaiah. I remember that it was one of the times that I read it as a youth that it made a connection with me.
It is interesting that Zion says, in verse 14, that the Lord hath forsaken them and hath forgotten them. Zion is the pure in heart, a people that have all things common among them. They are in a temporal and spiritual setting where they depend on God to help them be in that state where they give all for the common good. Well, it seems that they feel (or will feel) this way. However, the Lord responds that He will show them that He has not forgotten them, and it is in a miraculous way.
In verse 15, we are given the analogy of the fact that a woman cannot forget her little child, her little baby that depends on her so much to how the Lord feels about His people. He also states that the people may forget the Lord, but the Lord will never forget them, and this is why:
In verse 16, we can see the reason...the Lord states that He has engraven them upon the palms of His hands. When Christ was resurrected He received a perfect body, but the wounds that were the result of His crucifixion were left as that reminder. When He comes again in all His glory, the Jews who crucified Him will see the marks and know that it was the Savior whom they crucified. Jesus remembers us. Let us always remember Him in order to have His help and assistance in our lives. So we can have our walls continually before Him and, if it be right, He will clear the way for us. If not, He won't. Let's follow Him instead of trying to forge on without Him.
I really like these verses. Mostly verse 16 because it was one of the first verses that I understood from Isaiah. I remember that it was one of the times that I read it as a youth that it made a connection with me.
It is interesting that Zion says, in verse 14, that the Lord hath forsaken them and hath forgotten them. Zion is the pure in heart, a people that have all things common among them. They are in a temporal and spiritual setting where they depend on God to help them be in that state where they give all for the common good. Well, it seems that they feel (or will feel) this way. However, the Lord responds that He will show them that He has not forgotten them, and it is in a miraculous way.
In verse 15, we are given the analogy of the fact that a woman cannot forget her little child, her little baby that depends on her so much to how the Lord feels about His people. He also states that the people may forget the Lord, but the Lord will never forget them, and this is why:
In verse 16, we can see the reason...the Lord states that He has engraven them upon the palms of His hands. When Christ was resurrected He received a perfect body, but the wounds that were the result of His crucifixion were left as that reminder. When He comes again in all His glory, the Jews who crucified Him will see the marks and know that it was the Savior whom they crucified. Jesus remembers us. Let us always remember Him in order to have His help and assistance in our lives. So we can have our walls continually before Him and, if it be right, He will clear the way for us. If not, He won't. Let's follow Him instead of trying to forge on without Him.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
1 Nephi 21:13
We consider this verse for today:
"13 aSing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; for the feet of those who are in the east shall be established; and bbreak forth into singing, O mountains; for they shall be smitten no more; for the Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his cafflicted."
"Sing, O heavens," I believe, means that there will be a time that the angels should rejoice and "be joyful, O earth," is when the people (or the earth itself) should rejoice, too. (At the end of the verse is the reason, in case you were wondering.) "Break forth into singing, O mountains," and the promise that they shall be smitten no more refers to the time when the earth will be renewed at the Second Coming. This is good, because in Genesis 3:17-18, the ground is cursed. I believe that this prophesy is telling about the time the curse will be lifted. The end of the verse tells the reason to rejoice. The Lord comforted His people (see Alma 7:11-12) and has mercy on those that are afflicted for His sake (see Matthew 5:44).
"13 aSing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; for the feet of those who are in the east shall be established; and bbreak forth into singing, O mountains; for they shall be smitten no more; for the Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his cafflicted."
"Sing, O heavens," I believe, means that there will be a time that the angels should rejoice and "be joyful, O earth," is when the people (or the earth itself) should rejoice, too. (At the end of the verse is the reason, in case you were wondering.) "Break forth into singing, O mountains," and the promise that they shall be smitten no more refers to the time when the earth will be renewed at the Second Coming. This is good, because in Genesis 3:17-18, the ground is cursed. I believe that this prophesy is telling about the time the curse will be lifted. The end of the verse tells the reason to rejoice. The Lord comforted His people (see Alma 7:11-12) and has mercy on those that are afflicted for His sake (see Matthew 5:44).
Monday, July 6, 2009
1 Nephi 21:12
We will think about this verse for today:
"12 And then, O house of Israel, behold, athese shall come from far; and lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim."
When the Lord makes all His mountains a way and exalt His highways (from verse 11), then people will come from far. I believe the "these" in verse 12 are scattered tribes of Israel. They will come from the north, the west, and the land of Sinim. If we take Sinim to be a land in the direction other than the north and west, then it must mean from the east or south. Some have taken this to mean China or Australia. Their argument links can be found in the Wikipedia entry for Sinim. However, I do not endorse their ideas, only the logic in the fact that Sinim could be opposite north and west.
"12 And then, O house of Israel, behold, athese shall come from far; and lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim."
When the Lord makes all His mountains a way and exalt His highways (from verse 11), then people will come from far. I believe the "these" in verse 12 are scattered tribes of Israel. They will come from the north, the west, and the land of Sinim. If we take Sinim to be a land in the direction other than the north and west, then it must mean from the east or south. Some have taken this to mean China or Australia. Their argument links can be found in the Wikipedia entry for Sinim. However, I do not endorse their ideas, only the logic in the fact that Sinim could be opposite north and west.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
1 Nephi 21:9-11
We have the following as a passage to consider for today:
"9 That thou mayest say to the aprisoners: Go forth; to them that sit in bdarkness: Show yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their cpastures shall be in all high places.
"9 That thou mayest say to the aprisoners: Go forth; to them that sit in bdarkness: Show yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their cpastures shall be in all high places.
"10 They shall not hunger nor thirst, neither shall the heat nor the sun smite them; for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.
"11 And I will make all my mountains a way, and my ahighways shall be exalted."
Last time we talked about the Lord giving his servant as a (fulfillment of a) covenant to restore the gospel to the descendants of the house of Israel at the time of Isaiah. The servant will do this, in part, by saying to the prisoners who sit in darkness (those that are without the gospel), show yourselves. Feed in (partake of) the ways (of righteousness). By doing so, their pastures shall be in high places. Like sheep that feed in the pastures, so shall we, if we are righteous and follow the prophet, feed in high pastures, ones close to God.
Verse 10 says what will happen. We shall not hunger nor thirst (for spiritual truth), neither shall the heat nor the sun smite us. We shall have power to keep growing spiritually. He that has mercy shall lead by springs of water we shall be guided (kind of like feeding in high pastures). This verse reminded me a lot of the conversation Jesus had with the woman at the well (see John 4:5 and on).
Verse 11 states that He will make all his mountains a way and His highways shall be exalted. We have been taught that the Lord has used mountains as sacred places, e.g., Mount Sinai and the mountain(s) Nephi was sent to for building his ship and his vision there. The highways of the Lord (that shall be exalted in this verse) is something that I'm not as familiar with, as far as what has been taught before. So I looked at the footnote and one helpful verse comes from Isaiah 62:10, which says:
"10 ¶ Go through, go through the gates; aprepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the bhighway; gather out the stones; lift up a cstandard for the people."
We have been taught that the gate of the Lord is baptism. So, I believe that the highway that shall be exalted is the one on the Lord's side of the gate. I think that the people that are on it are the ones that Lehi says are on the path that leads to the tree of life. We read in 1 Nephi 8 about those who stay on and are faithful partakers of the fruit of the tree of life. Let us be among those, and we will be exalted with the highways.
Last time we talked about the Lord giving his servant as a (fulfillment of a) covenant to restore the gospel to the descendants of the house of Israel at the time of Isaiah. The servant will do this, in part, by saying to the prisoners who sit in darkness (those that are without the gospel), show yourselves. Feed in (partake of) the ways (of righteousness). By doing so, their pastures shall be in high places. Like sheep that feed in the pastures, so shall we, if we are righteous and follow the prophet, feed in high pastures, ones close to God.
Verse 10 says what will happen. We shall not hunger nor thirst (for spiritual truth), neither shall the heat nor the sun smite us. We shall have power to keep growing spiritually. He that has mercy shall lead by springs of water we shall be guided (kind of like feeding in high pastures). This verse reminded me a lot of the conversation Jesus had with the woman at the well (see John 4:5 and on).
Verse 11 states that He will make all his mountains a way and His highways shall be exalted. We have been taught that the Lord has used mountains as sacred places, e.g., Mount Sinai and the mountain(s) Nephi was sent to for building his ship and his vision there. The highways of the Lord (that shall be exalted in this verse) is something that I'm not as familiar with, as far as what has been taught before. So I looked at the footnote and one helpful verse comes from Isaiah 62:10, which says:
"10 ¶ Go through, go through the gates; aprepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the bhighway; gather out the stones; lift up a cstandard for the people."
We have been taught that the gate of the Lord is baptism. So, I believe that the highway that shall be exalted is the one on the Lord's side of the gate. I think that the people that are on it are the ones that Lehi says are on the path that leads to the tree of life. We read in 1 Nephi 8 about those who stay on and are faithful partakers of the fruit of the tree of life. Let us be among those, and we will be exalted with the highways.
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