2 Nephi 17

(Below is a list of questions and quotes that help me think about each verse as I read it. The numbers represent the verses in the chapter.)

God will be with us when we trust in him, even during times of difficulty and fear.

HISTORICAL: This prophecy of the destruction of Ephriam (the northern kingdom of Israel) and Syria was fulfilled in 721 BC when they were conquered by Assyria. The Assyrians carried away captive many Israelites of the northern kingdom and they became known as the lost times of Israel.

1-25. Think of a time when you were faced with a fearful situation. Do you recall your first reaction? As you read try to identify Isaiah's counsel to those who find themselves in a difficult or fearful situation.

1-2. Syria is Confederate with Ephraim means that these two countries formed an alliance or agreement. How do you think you would feel about a message from the prophet if you were King Ahaz?

3-8. What is the Lords message to a house and his people as given through the prophet Isaiah? Why is it important for us to turn to the Lord when we need help rather than relying only on other people to help us? What are some ways in which you may be tempted to put your relationships with other people before your relationship with heavenly father and Jesus Christ?

9. What did Isaiah say would happen if Ahaz refused to have faith in the Lords promises? What have you experienced that causes you to have faith in the Lords promises?

12-17. What sign was Ahaz given to show that both Ephraim and Syria would be defeated by Assyria? See 2 Kings 15-17 for the fulfillment of this prophecy. What does this teach you about the Lords foreknowledge and the role of prophets? How vital will it be to listen to our modern prophet if you want to be prepared for the difficult times prophesied for the future?

14. What does the word Immanuel mean? See Matthew 1:22-23. How would a sign that meant God with us help Ahaz at this time? How could such a prophecy by Isaiah also have reference to the birth of Jesus Christ centuries later?

"There are plural or parallel elements to this prophecy, and with so much of Isaiah's writing. The most immediate meaning was probably focus on Isaiah's wife, a pure and good woman who brought forth a son about this time, the child becoming a tight and the shadow of the greater, later fulfillment of the prophecy that would be realized in the birth of Jesus Christ." – Jeffrey R Holland, Christ and the New Covenant [1997], p. 79