Book of Mormon (Plain English Version)/2 Nephi/Chapter 6

by Timothy B. Wilson

Jacob relates his and Isaiah's vision...
(compare 2 Nephi, chapter 6)

These are the words that Jacob, Nephi's younger brother, spoke to his people:

My brothers and sisters, I have been called by God and ordained to His holy order.

I have been consecrated to serve God by my brother, Nephi, whom you look to as a king or protector, and on whom you depend for your safety.

I have often spoken to you, and J will speak to you again because I desire the well-being of your souls.

You know I have always been anxious for you to heed the words of my father, Lehi--words that I have diligently taught you.

I have also taught you everything that has been written, from the creation of the world until now.

Today I would like to speak about things that concern us now, and that will concern our descendants--things Isaiah wrote for us. These are the things Nephi wanted me to tell you so that you may learn about and glorify God.

Isaiah wrote many things having to do with all of Israel's descendants. And since we are Israel's descendants, Isaiah's words apply to us.

I will now read two verses of Isaiah's writings:

The Lord God said to me,

"Watch, for I will raise up my hand to the Gentiles and set my standard before all people. After I do this, the Gentiles will care for your sons and nurture your daughters.

Note: Gentiles who are great will do this (2 Nephi 10:8).

You, the oppressed of Israel, will not be disappointed after waiting for me. You will know that I am the Lord when you see Gentile kings and queens humbling themselves before you.”

Now I, Jacob, will comment on Isaiah's words.

First of all, the Lord has shown me in a vision that our people in Jerusalem have been killed and taken captive into Babylon.

Second, the Lord has shown me their return to Jerusalem.

Third, He has shown me that the Lord God—the Holy One of Israel--will come and serve His people in the flesh. After this, they will whip and crucify Him.

An angel showed me all these things, and said,

"Because the house of Israel, with hard hearts and stiff necks will do this to the Holy One of Israel, His judgments will come upon them, and many of them will be stricken and afflicted.

But because of the prayers of the faithful, the descendants of Israel will not be completely destroyed.

They will be hated, afflicted and scattered over the earth, but the Lord will be merciful to them, for after they come to know Him as their Redeemer, then they will be gathered again to their lands of inheritance."

Jacob continues to relate his vision:

If the Gentiles repent and do not fight against Zion by not joining that great, abominable church, then they, too will be saved.

Note: Moroni describes the latter-day Gentiles who will repent in Ether 4:6.

Isaiah wrote these things to give us hope that the Lord will fulfill the covenants He made to His children.

But those Gentiles who do not repent, who fight against Zion and the Lord's covenant people, will be humbled before the covenant people. For the Lord's people will not be let down after waiting so long for their Messiah.

Isaiah tells us the Messiah will show His power a second time.

Note: This second show of power is described in D&G 103:15-18.

When the house of Israel believes in Him, He will show His power and great glory by recovering them and destroying their enemies, saving all who believe in Him.

Those who will not believe in the Messiah will be destroyed by fire, tempests, earthquakes, wars, plagues and droughts.

Then they will know that He is the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel!

For can the oppressed be rescued from the tyrants, or can those put in prison by corrupt laws be set free?

The Lord tells us,

"Yes, even the tyrants’ prey and the well guarded prisoners will be delivered. For I, the Mighty God of my covenant people, will deliver

them. I will fight those who fight against Israel's descendants. I will cause your oppressors to war among themselves and destroy one another.

Then all who remain on earth will know that I, the Lord, am their Savior and Redeemer--the Mighty One of Jacob (Israel).”