W. Cleon Skousen Insights

2 Nephi 6 - 10 O How Great the Plan of Our God

Sermons delivered by Jacob, Nephi's enlightened younger brother. These teachings explore prophecies from the brass plates, namely Isaiah chapters 50-52, with Jacob urging the Nephites to liken the teachings of Isaiah unto themselves, as part of the House of Israel. Jacob emphasizes the importance of repentance and recognizing the blessings and covenants of the Lord, providing a deep dive into the themes of the atonement, crucifixion and resurrection.

Jacob prophesies of the captivity of the Jews, the ministry of Jesus Christ, and the latter-day gathering of Israel. He explains the scattering, afflictions, and eventual restoration of the Jewish people. Moreover, Jacob emphasizes that both Jews and Gentiles must accept the Messiah and adhere to God’s covenants to partake in the blessings of salvation.

Jacob explains the necessity of death and the infinite atonement of Christ, which, through mercy, overcomes the demands of justice. He passionately appeals to his brethren, encouraging them to turn away from sin and embrace the gospel. He warns against pride and the worship of worldly riches, pleading with his brethren to shake off the chains of sin, reminding them of the need for humility, faith, repentance and baptism; then let your hearts rejoice in the covenants of the Lord. 

2 Nephi 1 - 5 Lehi's Final Words: Prophecies and Promises

Nephi relates the prophecies of his father Lehi. The promised land will be a land of liberty, never to be brought down into captivity if the people remain righteous. Lehi teaches the law of opposition in all things, a core principle that lays the groundwork for understanding agency, justice and mercy. The seed of Lehi will prosper, if they keep God's commandments, otherwise they shall be smitten and scattered.

We learn about the passing of Lehi and his deathbed messages to his sons, recounting the divine interventions and the great mercies of God, guiding them to the promised land. He relates Joseph of old to his son Joseph and the  prophesies of the future Joseph (Smith).

Following Lehi's death, Laman, Lemuel and the sons of Ishmael become so vile against Nephi that the Lord instructs Nephi to take his family and separate themselves from his wicked brethren. Here, Nephi, Sam, Jacob, Joseph and Zoram, along with their families, find a new territory and become industrious, establishing a land of peace, while his wicked brethren become angry, idle and mischievous, cursed by God and cutoff from the Lord.

1 Nephi 16 - 22 The Lord will Prepare the Way Before You

Lehi's family continue their travels to the uncharted expanses of the wilderness. Nephi, amidst murmurs and dissent, strives to lead with unwavering faithfulness, coaxing his brethren towards righteousness, even as they challenge his authority.

The son's of Lehi, along with Zoram, marry the daughters of Ishmael. Lehi receives the Liahona from the Lord, a type of compass that points them the way according to their faith. As the family endures the vast Arabian desert, their path is marked by trials—including Nephi's broken bow and the resultant hardship for sustenance—ultimately leading to miraculous interventions and renewed faith.

Arriving in Bountiful, the family rests momentarily until Nephi is called through visions and inspiration to build a ship. Laughing and mocking, his brothers refuse to assist Nephi until God's power through Nephi changes their hearts. Profound lessons of humility, obedience, and divine guidance are learned as they launch into the sea towards the Promised land. Laman and Lemuel's transformative journey from doubt to faith and regresss back to disobediance, despite their angelic expreiences and other marvelous, spiritual signs. 

Nephi teaches his brethren the literal fulfilling of prophesy as he reads Isaiah from the brass plates. Special emphasis is placed upon the allegorical and literal interpretations of Isaiah's prophecy, providing hope and anticipation of a day when scattered Israel will be regathered.

1 Nephi 11 - 15 Nephi's Incredible, Divine Revelation

Nephi petitions the Lord that perhaps he could see and understand the same dream that his father had seen. Not only did the Holy Ghost answer Nephi's petition, but from this vision we learn some of the most beautiful and profound information in the Book of Mormon. Nephi not only sees in perfect detail all that his father saw, but receives a full and complete interpretation.

Nephi also sees many events in future centuries, including the birth, life and crucifixion of Christ.

Nephi sees his own posterity living in America (the Promised Land), and Christ's visitation among them as a resurrected Savior. He witnesses the eventual wickedness and complete destruction of his own seed. He sees Columbus and the discovery of America, the influx of Gentiles who bring with them the record of the Jews (Bible) which has lost many of its plain and precious truths by the great and abominable church.

Finally, Nephi sees the restoration of the gospel, the gathering of Israel and the second coming of Chirst. Most of the details pertaining to the final last days were forbidden for Nephi to record because these events would be recorded by a future apostle named John.

 

1 Nephi 8 - 10 Lehi's Dream of the Tree of Life

Lehi has a profound dream with symbolic beauty, from the path, rod of iron, mist of darkness, great and spacious building, and the ultimate goal - the tree of life with it's fruit most sweet.

Further, Lehi shares prophecies concerning the coming of a Messiah and a prophet to prepare His way, foretelling events that will unfold over centuries, including the scattering and eventual gathering of Israel.

This episode captures the poignant moment where divine revelation meets the intimate struggles of a family striving to comprehend their place in God's grand narrative.

1 Nephi 1 - 7 I Will Go and Do

In 600 BC, the prophet Lehi is warned by God to flee wicked Jerusalem with his family and take refuge in the wilderness. It doesn't take long for contention to arise within the family.

By God's command, youngest son Nephi leads his older brothers back to Jerusalem to obtain the brass plates from Laban, a powerful and wealthy man. The brass plates contain the family genealogy and the holy scriptures current to that time.

The sons try asking Laban for the plates without success; then they attempt to purchase the plates with the gold and silver father Lehi abandoned when he fled into the wilderness. Laban sends servants to capture the sons of Lehi to kill them and retrieve their treasure. The sons survive but become discouraged. Nephi won't give up and they return. Nephi relies on the Spirit, not knowing what to do beforehand. The Lord directs Nephi to a drunken Laban and is instructed to slay Laban, which he does reluctantly. Dressed as Laban, he enters Laban's palace and fools the treasury keeper to give him the brass plates and they return to Lehi with plates in hand.

Again, by God's command, Nephi leads his older brothers back to Jerusalem for the last time and enlists Ishmael and his family to flee Jerusalem and join Lehi's family in the wilderness. Ishmael's heart is softened and he complies.