Day 7 2 Nephi 15-20, D&C 25-28

[pam]

Discussion

[pam]

Well beloved - The Lord of Hosts-owner of the vineyard , Jesus Christ

Vineyard - House of Israel

Fertile hill - Promised covenant land

Choicest vine - The Tribe of Judah

Tower - Where prophets watch for evil, temple

Winepress - The Atonement of Christ, expectations of the Lord

Plump grapes - Righteous people

Sour (wild) grapes - Wicked people

Wall, hedge, watchtower - Protect vineyard

Briars and thorns - Transgressions, non-Israelite gentiles

Clouds and rain - Life, revelation, word of God

Stubble and chaff - Symbols of the wicked

Root - One's parentage

Blossoms - One's offspring

Ensign - Gospel, Book of Mormon

Whistle and hiss - God signaling the gathering of Israel

Arrows and bows - Protection of God

Edited July 7, 2009 by pam

[pam]

There is so much said in Chapter 15 I don't even know where to begin.

But here is pretty much a breakdown:

1. Rich who are covetous and oppress the poor (vs. 8-10).

2. Drunkenness of riotous living (vs. 11-12)

3. Vanity (vs. 18-19)

4. Deception—good-evil, evil-good

5. Pride (vs. 14-15, 21)

6. Lifestyle of those who reject God and think themselves good, justify wickedness (vs. 22-23)

[pam]

2 Ne 15:20 Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil

Spencer W. Kimball

“Fornication results from lust, not love. Across the desk from me sat a handsome nineteen-year-old boy and a beautiful, shy, but charming eighteen-year-old girl. They appeared embarrassed, apprehensive, near-terrified. He was defensive and bordering on belligerency and rebellion. They admitted they had broken the moral code and thus gone contrary to some standards, but they quoted magazines and papers and speakers approving premarital sex and emphasizing that sex was a fulfillment of human existence. ... Had it not been fairly well established, then, in their world, that sex before marriage was not so wrong? Did there not need to be a trial period? How else could they know if they would be compatible for marriage?

“Finally, the boy said, ‘Yes, we yielded to each other, but we do not think it was wrong because we love each other.’ I thought I had misunderstood him. Since the world began there have been countless immoralities, but to hear them justified by a Latter-day Saint youth shocked me. He repeated, ‘No, it is not wrong, because we love each other.’ ...

“The Savior said that if it were possible the very elect would be deceived by Lucifer. He uses his logic to confuse and his rationalizations to destroy. He will shade meanings, open doors an inch at a time, and lead from purest white through all the shades of gray to the darkest black.

“This young couple looked up rather startled when I postulated firmly, ‘No, my beloved young people, you did not love each other. Rather, you lusted for each other.’ ... The beautiful and holy word of love they had defiled until it had degenerated to become a bed fellow with lust, its antithesis. As far back as Isaiah, deceivers and rationalizers were condemned: ‘Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!’ (Isaiah 5:20.)

“If one really loves another, one would rather die for that person than to injure him. At the hour of sin, pure love is pushed out of one door while lust sneaks in the other. Affection has then been replaced with desire of the flesh and uncontrolled passion. Accepted has been the doctrine which the devil is so eager to establish, that illicit sex relations are justified. When the unmarried yield to lust, that is called fornication. When married fall into this same sin, that is called adultery.” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, edited by Edward L. Kimball, pp. 278-9)

[pam]

2 Nephi 17

At this time, the southern kingdom of Judah was threatened by an alliance of the northern kingdom of Israel with Syria. The kings of these two countries wanted Ahaz to join them in an alliance against the Assyrians, but the king of Judah decided to cast his lot with the Assyrians.

In verse 3, the Lord sends Isaiah to counsel Ahaz against entering any alliances; instead, he is to depend on the protection of the God of Israel. Isaiah prophesies that the threat from the northern kingdom and from Syria will come to naught and that these two countries will be the ones that will be destroyed.

The Lord offers to give the disbelieving Ahaz a sign of the verity of His words, but the king refuses to ask for confirmation of the prophecy. The Lord gives the king a sign anyway: a sign involving the future birth of the Messiah through the house of David.

Because of rejecting divine counsel, Judah suffers consequences that could have been avoided. The people are oppressed, scattered, and taken into slavery. The once-fertile lands are left barren of crops and become useful only for wandering animals.

Hoyt W. Brewster, Jr., Isaiah Plain and Simple [salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1995], 62

[pam]

2 Nephi 20

Assyria and the Last Days

The first portion of this chapter prophesies of the coming destruction of Assyria, and the last part compares this destruction to what will happen to the wicked in the last days.

Daniel H. Ludlow, A Companion to Your Study of the Old Testament [salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1981], 289

[ruthiechan]

So, I am horribly behind. I keep plugging along though every day. So what I will do is respond to the day's reading after I've completed it even if it is super late. Hopefully that'll also help keep up interesting discussions.

[KeithLBrown]

2 Nephi 19:6,7 (Compare Isaiah 9:6,7)

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of government and peace there is no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this.

These verses are very familiar to most of us especially if we have ever heard Handel's Messiah which is very popular during the Christmas season. However, these verses are more than just words to be used to help set the tone for the true meaning of Christmas, for within these verses we gain a vast amount of information and knowledge about the One who became flesh and dwelt among us. This child that was born was no ordinary child. Of a truth, this child which was born, this Son which was given, was and is indeed the Son of the true and the living God. This One so Divine was not born to become a king, but this One - the Christ-child - was born King! And just as the prophet Isaiah of old prophesied, "Of the increase of [His] government and peace there is no end". This One is the Messiah, the Savior of the world! In John 3:16, 17 we further learn, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." This child that was born, this Son that was given, was a very special gift to the world from our Heavenly Father, wrapped in His Divine infinite love for all humanity.

From these verses we also learn the names given to this special child. Isaiah tells us that "his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

First, we are told that His name shall be called 'Wonderful'. Within this name is an appeal to the truth of God's love; it is the mystery of God becoming man; Divinity putting on humanity; the Creator appearing as a creature; the Eternal Son of God incarnate as the Son of Man. These precious infallible truths have many skeptics asking the question, "How can these things be?" How can this Child, called 'Wonderful' be both divine and human, both a helpless babe and the Sovereign Rulerof the universe? Isaih continues in the text by saying, "the government shall be upon his shoulder", implying that He directs the affairs of men, controls the forces of nature, and governs the vast universe. We must only believe and kneel down before this Wonder of the Ages as did the Magi of old and offer our gifts of the pure gold of our faith, the fragrant frankincense of our hope, and the mystic myrrh of our love. Jesus Christ "the same yesterday, and to day, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8), and men who think of Him at most as only an unusual man, will someday stand ashamed and overwhelmed as they hear this prophecy fulfilled: "His name shalled be called Wonderful."

Second, we are told that His name shall be called 'Counselor'. Here is the Counselor who is concerned first and foremost about the souls of His children. Here is the faithful and efficient Counselor who tells us, "But seek ye fisrt the kingdomn of God, and his righteousness" (Matthew 6:33). This is the all-wise Counselor who tells us, "I am the way, the truth, and the life:" (John 14:6). Never has His counsel failed. Never has there been a problem so difficult for Him to resolve. Never has there been any sorrowso deep that the healing balm of His counseling love could not heal. Therefore, when we think of the heartaches that we may have suffered in days past, let us rise above our circumstances and focus on the Counselor reposed in Bethlehem's manger, and believe Him when He calls unto us, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

Third, we are told that His name shall be called 'The Mighty God'. He had to be God to offer substitution for the overpowering weight of sin and its consequences. He had to be God to give to humanity a hope that is stronger than human power, truer than mortal truth, and more hopeful than earth's strongest hope. In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, do we take the time to fully realize the meaning of the truth that God became man? He lived and walked and had His being here on earth. What matchless love. What indescribable mercy. What amazing grace! What blessed assurance we have amidst all of the turmoil of the world today that there is One who has said, "lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world" (Matthew 28:20).

Fourth, we are told that His name shall be called 'The Everlasting Father'. He changes not and He fails not. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is the eternal Rock of Ages. In Him we have an anchor that will hold through all the storms of life. Friends may change, our hopes and our dreams may be shattered and crushed, all may seem hopeless at times, but take heart in knowing that "The Everlasting Father is always right there beside us. If we will let Him will lead us and guide us every step of the way along the pathways of life.

Fifth, we are told that His name shall be called 'The Prince of Peace'. He who proclaimed "Peace, I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you" (John 14:27) is rightfully called 'The Prince of Peace.' He who brought such peaceon earth was despised and rejected by men and still waits to be crowned on earth: but He gives before that royal day a peace that passes understanding to every trusting heart. Regardless of how bleak the world situation may appear, we can rest assured that although there appears to be no sign of peace on the horizon, there can be found real peace in 'The Prince of Peace.'

May we never forget about the greatest gift ever known to mankind. It was a very special gift wrapped in the Divine love of the Father Himself. That gift was His only Begotten Son - He who was born King, the Messiah -- Savior of the world, the redeemer and lover of our souls - the Lord Jesus Christ.

[pam]

Section 25 Emma Smith is called to aid and comfort her husband. This section is also where she is also given the responsibilty to compile a selection of sacred hymns.

[pam]

I thought section 28 interesting.

Here is where revelation is given through Joseph Smith concerning a stone that Hiram Page claimed allowed him to receive revelation.

In the revelation through Joseph Smith, it is revealed that ONLY Joseph Smith will receive revelation and commandments from the Lord. That Hiram and many others had been deceived by Satan.

[Seanette]

Gaining ground on catching up. Writing this on 7/13, now only six days behind (smile).

2 Nephi 14 – Compare Isaiah 4. A shortage of suitable husbands is foretold (seven women to one man). Zion will be cleansed, beautified, and made a refuge.

2 Nephi 15 – Compare Isaiah 5. The Lord again compares Israel to a vineyard (as in Jacob 5). Woe comes to those who seek their own pleasures above the work of God. An ensign will be lifted to gather scattered Israel.

2 Nephi 16 – Compare Isaiah 6. Isaiah is cleansed of his sins and called to prophesy. He is told that Israel will reject God’s word.

2 Nephi 17 – Compare Isaiah 7. Isaiah is told of the virgin birth of Christ.

2 Nephi 18 – Compare Isaiah 8. The people will stumble over and be offended by Christ’s words and actions. We are to seek the Lord and look to His word for guidance, not turn to sorcerers, divination, and such.

2 Nephi 19 – Compare Isaiah 9. Isaiah speaks of the Messiah. The Lord will continue to offer His hand to us, even when we reject Him.

Section 25 – Emma Smith, called an “elect lady”, is told that her work is to aid and comfort her husband. She is told not to complain about things her husband cannot tell her, since he is acting by the Lord’s instructions, in His wisdom. She is called as a scribe for her husband, and to expound Scripture and exhort the Church. She should seek the things of the better world to come, not focus on the things of this world. She is instructed to make a selection of hymns for the Church. The Lord says that the song of the righteous is a prayer to Him (being a horrible singer myself, I can’t help wondering if this still applies to those of us whose singing can be most accurately described as “a joyful noise”). Emma is instructed to beware of pride and to keep her covenants and the commandments of God. This section closes by stating this is a revelation to all, not just Emma (I assume that the major points apply to men as well as to women).

Section 26 – The leaders of the Church are told to study and preach. The law of common consent is given.

Section 27 – The specifics of what is eaten or drunk in the Sacrament is not important, so long as it is done with an eye single to God’s glory, remembering Christ’s sacrifice. Christ and His servants from all dispensations will take the Sacrament together at Christ’s return. We are to put on the armor of God: truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the guidance of the Spirit.

Section 28 – Only the President of the Church (at the time of this revelation, Joseph Smith) is authorized to receive revelation for the whole Church, since he holds the necessary keys. Hiram Page thought he was receiving revelation, but had been deceived. The Church operates in order, through lines of authority.

Abraham 5 – The Gods finish planning the Creation and carry out Their plan. Adam is placed on the earth. Eve is created and given to him. Adam names the animals. (The Book of Abraham ends at this point. I do wish we had more of that and of the book of Moses. For that matter, I wish we had a lot more Scripture than we do, but per discussion I’ve recently been involved in, the Church as a whole is not really living up to all that we already have, so it’s probably as well we don’t have more that will lead to our condemnation when we fail to abide by it.)

JS-Matthew – This is the JST of Matthew 24. Major changes are to organize the chapter better, putting the verses referring to the AD 70 destruction of Jerusalem together, and grouping the verses referring to the Second Coming of Christ. Jesus tells the apostles of the coming destruction of Jerusalem. He tells them about the Second Coming – conditions will be similar to those of the time in which Jerusalem is destroyed, with wars, famines, disasters, and great evil among humanity comparable to the time of Noah. Only God the Father knows the day and hour of Christ’s return, so we should be ready for this event to occur at any time.