2 Nephi 8:4-5

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Reference Search: 2 Nephi 8:4-5

4 Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation; for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light for the people.

5 My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arm shall judge the people. The isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.

Quote for Discussion

The “law” which will come from the Lord may be the U.S. Constitution (see comments on 2 Nephi 12:2-3), the Book of Mormon, or both. The law is associated with judgment (vv. 4-5), and it will come forth from the “isles.” Jacob considered the Americas an isle of the sea (2 Nephi 10:20-21, commented on later in this chapter). The law is to judge the nations as well as the people. Nephi later says “the nations who possess [the Book of Mormon records] shall be judged of them” (2 Nephi 25:21-22). The same is true regarding the U.S. Constitution (see D&C 98:4-8).

Monte S. Nyman, I, Nephi, Wrote This Record, p. 466