2 Nephi 20

(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.)

The destruction of Israel and Assyria is a type of the destruction of the wicked in any age, including the latter days.

HISTORY: In his mercy the Lord sent prophets repeatedly to call his people to repentance. When the prophets were rejected, the Lord allowed Assyria to become a punishing rod to His people. When that purpose had been fulfilled, the Lord then punished Assyria for its wickedness by the hand of another nation, Babylon.

1. What examples can you think of where unrighteousness laws are decreed as legal and good? What is promised to those who make such laws? Why is it so important to always uphold the laws of God?

2. What examples can you think of in our day for the poor and the windows are preyed upon my unrighteous individuals? What is your responsibility to the poor and the needy?

3. For those who seek well, how will it benefit them in the day of the visitation the Lord? Of what worth of worldly riches in comparison to the spiritual blessings that have promised at the time of the second coming of our savior, Jesus Christ?

4. Even in the day of destruction the Lord's hand is stretched out still? How does this attitude and invitation from the Lord touch your heart? How is it testified to you of his great love for all mankind?

5. What did The Lord mean by, 'o Assyrian, the rod of mine anger'?

6. Who is the hypocritical nation? What is a hypocrite?  How can you ensure that you avoid the sin of hypocrisy?

7. In this verse the king of Assyria doesn't realize he is a tool in gods hands. How can you be in instrument in the hands of the Lord for good? Are you always aware that you are fulfilling his purposes? Why or why not?

12-13.Why did the Assyrians think they had successfully conquered so many other nations?

15-19. What did the Lord say would happen to Assyria because they had boasted in their own strength?

16. What promise does the Lord give to all those who become proud and lifted up in their own eyes? Why does he promise to humble us? Why do you need to be humble? How will humility bless your life?

20. How completely do you depend on the hand of the Lord in your life? What do you think it will be like to live in a time when all people will turn to God for their support and their strength, depending on and trusting in His goodness?

22. What can you do now to ensure that you are not among the number of those who will be consumed by the righteousness of the Lord and destroyed in their wickedness and unfaithfulness to Him? How can personally forsaking wickedness and turning to the Lord help you fulfill your life's mission?

24. Are you afraid of those who would smite, persecute or ridicule you? What advise does Isaiah give you? How does seeking to please God allay the fears that come when one seeks to please man instead?

27. How is Satan's oppression often like a burden upon your back or a yoke across your shoulder? What can you do to get rid of it? What is the promise for the last days concerning this oppression? Who is it that will lift that oppression from off the earth?

2 Nephi 19

(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.)

Jesus Christ is a God of judgment and mercy. His mercy is extended to those who repent and keep his commandments.

1-7. How do these verses prophesy that the Savior will come to earth and prepare a way for people to escape from spiritual darkness and despair?

"There will not remain a state of darkness over the land… which is now in a state of distress; but those very districts which God has hitherto caused to suffer deep humiliation, He will bring to honor by and by… The height of glorification would correspond to the depth of disgrace."

1-2. What two lands are referred to in these verses? What significance do they have to Messianic prophecy?

"Over the centuries prior to the time Isaiah wrote these verses, multiple wars had been fought in an attempt to control the area known as the Holy Land. Some referred to this area as the land of the shadow of death because so many had lost their lives there in battle. During New Testament times, Nazareth, Capernaum, Nain, and Cana were located in the regions formally known as the lands of Zebulun and Naphtali. These are cities where Jesus Christ spent much of his time, ministering to the people more than 500 years later. It is known today as the Galilee area." – Book of Mormon Study Guide for Home Study Seminary Students [2012], p. 65

2. What did Isaiah prophesy that the people of this region would eventually see?

"The people who lived in the Galilee area where walking in spiritual darkness, but when Jesus Christ lived and ministered among them, they saw a great light." – Book of Mormon Study Guide for Home Study Seminary Students [2012], p. 65

6. Contemplate which of the Saviors titles in this verse might have been especially meaningful to the people of Judah given their circumstances. How does one or more of these titles describe how you feel about the Savior?

12-21. What often happens in the world when one person gets really angry with another? Why is it so hard to forgive when we are hurt or wronged by another? For what reasons is the Lord angry with Israel in these verses? What did the Lord do about his anger over the wickedness of Israel? How can you tell that he loves Israel very much? How does it make you feel to know that even when you have offended the Lord or made him angry His hand is stretched out still to help you?

12, 17, 21. What common sentence or question is asked in each of these verses? Substitute the word judgment in place of anger. Substitute the word mercy for the word hand. Read the sentence aloud: 'For all this his judgment is not turned away, but his mercy is stretched out still.' How does this sentence describe how the Lord responds to nations, families, or individuals who have rejected him? What meaning does this truth have to you? When have you felt the Saviours mercy in your life?

2 Nephi 18

(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.)

1-22. What are the dangers of putting your trust in worldly things and influences rather than in The Lord? When have you turned  to The Lord for strength when you were initially tempted to turn to other sources? What did you learn from the experience?

1. What prophecy did Isaiah record? What symbolism was embedded in this prophecy?

2. Why did Isaiah require witnesses as he recorded this prophecy? How does the Lord use witnesses to teach you?

3-4. How quickly was destruction to come upon the people?

5-6. What symbolism do you find in the waters of Shiloah? Do you know anyone who has refused the gentle help of Christ? How does this make you feel?

7-8. How can adversity and hardships often feel like a flood of many waters? How do you stay afloat amidst such turbulence?

9. How is the act of turning from God rectified when ye are broken in pieces? How does adversity help you be humble? Can you think of a time when you turn toward God in humility and received of his strength and goodness?

10. What promise do you have if you faithfully and obediently keep the commandments and seek to follow God's will in your life?

11. In whose ways do you walk?

12. Are you ever affected by the fears of others? Have you ever found it easy to tell others the things they want to hear rather than the counsel of the Lord you have received for happiness and joy?

13. Who do you ultimately seek to please? Why is it dangerous to rely on public approval?

14. What do the stone and rock symbolize in this verse? Who is both a sanctuary and a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offense? How was the unbelief of Israel and Judah in Christ, a stumbling block to the people?

"The waters of Shiloah had long been Jerusalem's water supply… Water flowed to Shiloah from the spring Gihon, which represented the Lord's providence, whereas the waters of the river, Euphrates, represented the forces of Asyria. King Ahaz did not follow the prophets advice, so Judah was invaded and Jerusalem besieged. It was not conquered, however, thanks to The stronger faith and better behavior of the next king, Hezekiah, son of Ahaz. Jerusalem was saved by the Lord, as promised by the stretching out of his wings over the land of Emmanuel. Nevertheless, the country was almost overwhelmed by Assyrian forces, reaching nearly to 'the neck'. - Ellis T Rasmussen, A Latter-day Saint Commentary on the Old Testament, p. 510

15. In our day many of the Jewish faith struggle with the concept and belief of Christianity? In what ways is a belief in the Savior a stumbling block to them? When this occurs, who is it that has snared and taken them captive?

16. How often do you take time to record your testimony?

17. What does it mean to wait upon the Lord? How can knowing that the Lord will bless you help you to seek for and acknowledge the blessings you received at his hand every day?

18. How did Isaiah and his sons become a symbol and a witness against the people in their day? How can you and your children be a reminder to the wayward that the Lord lives?

19. What is the danger of seeking for signs?

"To secret information… through any way contrary to the instruction the Lord has given is sin. The Lord gave positive instructions to Israel… that they were to go to him for revelation and to avoid the devices prevalent among the heathen nations." – Joseph Fielding Smith

21. Though many trials and hardships we suffer are the result of our own actions, why is it so typical to turn and curse God for the consequences of our own actions?

22. Why does sin and wickedness always thrust one into despair and spiritual darkness? What can you do to help and assist those who are on the threshold of spiritual darkness, to once again find and turn to the light of Christ?

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

2 Nephi 16

(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.)

We can be cleansed from unworthiness through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

SYMBOLS IN THIS CHAPTER:

SERAPHIM: angels who reside in the presence of God. The wings symbolize their power to move and act.

SMOKE: May indicate the presence of The Lord

UNCLEAN LIPS: Unworthiness

LIVE COAL: Purifying agent, like the cleansing power of the Holy Ghost

ALTAR: Literally, an altar was the place where sacrifices were made. It may refer here to the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ on our behalf - the Atonement.

1-13. Why do missionaries need to go to the temple before they go on a mission? Why do think Isaiah sees in vision the Lord's heavenly temple before he is called to serve?

1. What symbol in this verse symbolizes power and authority? If the temple is a symbol of the celestial kingdom, how full is it of The power of God?

2. How can you, like the angel covering his eyes, show reverence and respect for Your Father in Heaven and his Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ? How do angels help in furthering the work of God? Do you allow angels to minister to you? Do you ever find yourself so busy with things of the world that the lines of communication between yourself and Heaven are faint at best? What can you do to increase your ability to receive inspiration EVEN while engaged in the cares of mortality?

3. Can you imagine the conditions you would be living in when the whole earth is filed with His glory? What can you do in your life to be worthy of living in this period of time?

4. How is God's presence a cleansing influence?

"God Almighty Himself, dwells in eternal fire; flesh and blood cannot go there, for all corruption is devoured by the fire." - Joseph Smith

5. Why do you think Isaiah felt undone when he saw The Lord?  Do you ever feel unworthy to be in the Lord's presence? What can you do to change that? How does coming to understand the character and nature of God as you study from the scriptures, help you to realize the great extent to which you rely upon Him? How does learning of Him and His love for you encourage you to reach ever toward perfection, trusting in Him to help you along the path?

6. How does the live coal symbolize the Atonement?

7. How does the atonement help you to overcome your inadequacies, sins and imperfections? By what power is your iniquity taken from you? How grateful are you for this blessing? What must you do in order to stand in the presence of The Lord with confidence?

8. Now that Isaiah was cleansed from sin, how did he answer when The Lord said: 'Whom shall I send?' Who else answered a call with these same words? (Abraham 3:24-27) how would this experience prepare Isaiah to go out among the people and preach repentance?

9-11. What was Isaiah supposed to do when he preached?

"The Lord said that the more Isaiah taught the truth, the more the people would close their eyes and ears to it. Therefore, Isaiah's calling was to teach and testify until the people' sears were entirely shut and their eyes entirely closed or... until there is no one to preach to." -Book of Mormon Student Study Guide [2000], p. 48

10. How is the teachings and counsel of the prophets part of the process of making you accountable? Why is it so important that you be accountable for your actions? How active are you spiritual senses of sight, sound and feeling?

"There is self hardening in evil... sin from it's very nature bears it's own punishment. An evil act in itself is the result of self-determination proceeding from a man's own will. An individual cannot resist or reject the truth without eventually becoming spiritually hardened." - Old Testament Institute Manual, Isaiah 6:10

11. How long will people have the opportunity to accept the gospel?

2 Nephi 15

(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.)

If we do not repent, the consequences of our sins will bring deep sadness – especially at the time of judgment.

1. How does the Lord feel about his vineyard? What does his vineyard symbolize?

2. What object in this verse symbolizes divine protection? How can a people that are divinely protected bring forth the wild fruit of apostasy and wickedness?

3-4. What more could the Lord has done to bring forth sweet fruit?

5. Why does the Lord decide to take away the divinely protective wall?

6. Why will he of wow briars and thorns and drought to come upon his beloved then yard? How does opposition help you bring forth sweet fruit?

7. What does the Lord expect his people to do? How does he expect them to act? Why is he so often disappointed? What can you do to bring him joy? Why do you think that some people choose wickedness over righteousness?

8-10. Are there people today who use dishonest or unfair means to gain wealth? What has happened to the productivity of the land because of these sins?

"Joining one house to another refers to building upgrade landed estates by oppressive means." – Donald W Parry, Jay A Parry, Tina M Peterson, Understanding Isaiah, p. 56

8. Knowing that one was to be divided equally so that all could provide for their needs, how does the covetousness in this verse convey a reprehensible evil?

9. What are the fruits of wickedness? Why does righteousness yield blessings and wickedness yield a cursing? Do you prefer a blessing or a cursing?

10. Those who coveted the land and sought to own it all, are now finding that their vast amounts of land yield next to nothing. Why is this phenomenon often the fruit of selfish and covetous behaviors?

11. Can one who is overcome by strong drink recognize God's hand in their lives? Can the wicked who are drunken on the acts of evil they indulge in, acknowledge the power of God in their lives? What is the danger in developing a thirst for the carnal and sensual? Are there people today who are interested only in parties and entertainment?

12. How has the Lord manifest his hand in your life? Has there ever been a time when you failed to recognize inspiration and direction? The Lord's hand was directing Israelites in obvious ways. How is it that they could not at knowledge his power? What can you do to in sure that you acknowledge the Lord's hand in all things in your life? How does a lack of knowledge lead to captivity and bondage?

13. When one is unable to determine or discern the Lord's hand in their lives they are famished. How is the comparison to a famine in this verse a vivid way to describe the children of Israel? Are you in a state of feast or famine?

14. Why is the image of hell expanding used in this verse? What attitudes and actions have you found in this verse that will fill the pits of hell? What can you do to guard against the attitude of rejoicing in riotous living?

15. Who needs to be humbled?

16. How does coming to understand your need and dependence upon the Lord humble you? How does turning to the Lord and seeking his will sanctify you in righteousness?

18. How is an unwillingness to repent of sin like being tied to a cart like beasts to their burdens? Why does unresolved sin continue to follow you around and weigh you down? Do you know people who are tied to their sins like a donkey to a cart because they are too proud to admit that their sinful behavior is wrong?

19. Why do people who are blind to God's dealings with them proudly declare things like: "If God wanted me to know He existed he would be more obvious about his existence"? Why is it so important to understand the principle that we will see ONLY what we choose to see whether its existence is real or imagined? Do you know people who will not believe unless they see some sign or proof that the gospel is true?

20. What change occurs in a person for them to be able to call good things evil and evil things good? What indicators are there that this change is taking place? What can you do to guard against becoming ensnared in this way of thinking? What role does justifying sin play in the development of this attitude?

"The infidelity of our day, and the movies, books, and magazines that glamorize the unfaithful husbands and wives and make them heroes and heroines remind me of this verse." Spencer W Kimball, GC, October 1962

21-23. Are the poor ever treated unfairly today because they are poor? Do the wicked ever go free because they are wealthy?

21. What danger is there in depending upon the arm and the learning of the flesh? Why do you need to be dependent upon God? How does your dependence upon your father in heaven bless your life? How does it strengthen your testimony of his existence and love for you?

22. Why do those who depend upon their own learning seek strength in strong drinks and like substances? In truth, how much strength do they actually receive from this source?

23. How does the critical and judgmental communications of the wicked condemn the righteous? Do you need to fear what the wicked can do to your reputation? Who do you seek to please, God or man? Why?

24. What is the saddest thing about this verse? Why does the act of despising The Lord and his word result in the giving up of every good gift? Why would one do this?

25. How does the Lord humble his people? What power does destruction have to bring humility and remembrance of God to our hearts and minds? What does it mean to you that his hand is stretched out still? How is that a blessing and a genuine show of love to you from him?

26. How can you recognize the call of the Lord? How can you, in your own ward and stake, be an ensign to those around you?

27-28. When you align yourself with God how quickly do you seek after spiritual things? How deeply do you desire to be cleansed and purified? How dedicated and devoted are you to this process?

"Since there were neither trains nor airplanes in that day, Isaiah could hardly have mentioned them by name. However, he seems to have described them in unmistakable words. How better could their horses loves me counted like Flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind then in the modern train? How better could there roaring be like a lion than in the roar of the airplane? Trains and airplanes do not stop for night. Therefore, was not Isaiah justified in saying: nine show slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken? With this manner of transportation the Lord can really his onto them from the end of the earth that they shall come with speed swiftly. Indicating that Isaiah must have foreseen the airplane, he stated: who are these that fly as a cloud and as the doves to their windows?" – LeGrande Richards, Israel! Did you know? p. 182

2 Nephi 14

(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.)

1. How important is the protection of the Lord to you? How deeply do you desire to return to him at the low times that you have wandered off the path?

"Being unfaithful and worshiping idols, Israel had symbolically left the Lord and married another.… However, those idols provide no protection and are destroyed in the day of the Lord. Then Israel realizes that what she put her trust in provides no help. [This verse] symbolically describes the humility of the daughters of Zion as they seek to become married again, or return to the Lord. That kind of humility results in their redemption and cleansing." – Book of Mormon Student Study Guide [2000], p. 47

2. How can you escape the judgments that befall the wicked? How does this help you to appreciate your blessings more? How does it help you prepare to stand in Zion?

3. In the last day who will be left to stand in Zion? What characteristics and qualities do the people of Zion exemplify?

4. How will the Lords people, the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, be purified in preparation for the establishment of God's kingdom in the last days? Why is it necessary for us to be purged?

5-6. What kinds of storms do you need protection from? How would living with the righteous in Zion help with all of life's storms? How grateful are you to the Lord for his protection? How often do you seek out his presents? Does the light of his gospel cause you to glory in his name? How does your testimony and your knowledge of God shelter you as the shade of a tree from the heat of the adversaries flames that seek to devour you?