Difference between revisions of "2 Ne 3:1-25"

Revision as of 13:15, 1 January 2014

The Book of Mormon > Second Nephi > Chapters 1-5 > Chapter 3 (Verses 3:1-25)
Previous page: Chapter 2                      Next page: Chapter 4

This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.

Summary

This heading should be brief and may include an outline of the passage. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

The relationship of Chapter 3 to the rest of Chapters 1-5 is discussed at Chapters 1-5.

Discussion

This heading is for more detailed discussions of all or part of a passage. Discussion may include the meaning of a particular word, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout the passage, insights to be developed in the future, and other items. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

• Verses 5-17. These verses are closely aligned with JST Genesis 50:25-35 (though not always word-for-word; it appears that Lehi is mixing paraphrase, quotation, and explication). However, v. 18 has no parallel in JST Genesis 50, and the sole subsequent verse in JST Genesis that quotes Joseph has no parallel in 2 Ne 3. This suggests that in v. 18 Lehi is speaking for himself again: "And the Lord said unto me [Lehi] also [in addition to Joseph of Egypt]: I will raise up unto the fruit of thy [Lehi's] loins" etc.

• Verse 24. This verse has sometimes been interpreted that there will be a great prophet from the descendants of Lehi's son Joseph. Others interpret this as another reference to Joseph Smith, since the rest of the chapter seems to talk very clearly about Joseph Smith. As we read the verses carefully, it is important to note that Lehi does break the narrative to address his son Joseph in verse 23. However, this does not confirm that the "one mighty among them" will be from the seed of Joseph (Lehi's son). Verses 22-23 can be read parenthetically: Lehi pauses the story to tell his son that his seed will be among those who will accept the Book of Mormon translated by Joseph Smith. Verse 24 is a repetition or clarification of the prophecies of Joseph now told in his own words. This reading is strengthened by the words "do that thing which is great." This is referring to some "thing" not mentioned in verses 23-24; presumably, Lehi is referencing the events already described by Joseph as "great" (see verse 7: "of great worth," verse 8: "great in mine eyes," verse 9: "great like unto Moses"). Lehi also describes this person as "mighty." See verse 14, from Joseph's prophecy: "they that seek to destroy him shall be confounded." In verse 24 Lehi also mentions that this great thing will aid in the "restoration unto the house of Israel." See also a reference to Joseph Smith and the House of Israel in verse 13. While it is possible that another prophet from Lehi's son Joseph will also fit this model, it is also appropriate, upon a close reading of the chapter, to read verse 24 as referring to Joseph Smith.

Points to ponder

This heading is for prompts that suggest ways in which all or part of this passage can influence a person's life. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

I have a question

This heading is for unanswered questions and is an important part of the continual effort to improve this wiki. Please do not be shy, as even a basic or "stupid" question can identify things that need to be improved on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

• Entire chapter: Types and shadows. Lehi blesses his son Joseph by telling him of Joseph of old who prophesied of Moses and the latter-day Joseph. Presumably this blessing to Joseph was more than just information. Presumably it gave him something he could use in his own life. In addition, it compares Moses and Joseph Smith in a way that helps us understand each better. Is this use of types and shadows the way that we are to apply the scriptures to ourselves? Of what types do we see shadows in today’s world?

• Verses 1, 3. Why does Lehi make it a point to keep reminding Joseph that he was born during the time of Lehi's greatest afflictions?

• Verse 5. To what degree has this prophecy been fulfilled? If you think it is still being fulfilled, what would it take for it to be completed?

• Verse 5. Are the latter days mentioned in the prophecy of Joseph referring to the time that Christ visited the Nephites after His resurrection, or to some future time when He will gather in the Lamanites, or both, or some other time and event?

• Verse 5. What is meant by "the spirit of power," why does this not just say "power," what is the difference?

• Verses 7-8. Whom are these verses about? What does it mean to say “he shall do no other work, save the work which I shall command him"?

• Verse 9: Great like unto Moses. In what ways was Moses great? How does the delivering role of the seer being described here relate to the bringing forth of the word and convincing in verse 11ff?

• Verse 11. Why is Joseph Smith here described as a seer rather than a prophet? (How do the two differ, or do they?)

• Verse 11. How did Joseph Smith bring forth the Lord's word to Lehi's son Joseph's descendants?

• Verse 12. Lehi says that the writings of Judah and those of his descendants "shall grow together." What does that metaphor mean?

• Verse 12. What does that metaphor tell us about the relation of the Bible and the Book of Mormon?

• Verse 12. How will they, together, confound false doctrine, rid us of contention, and establish fruit among Lehi's son Joseph's descendants?

• Verse 15. How is the Prophet Joseph like Joseph in Egypt? How did the ancient Joseph bring the Lord's people salvation, and how is that like what modern Joseph did?

• Verse 16. What is “the promise of Moses"?

• Verse 17. How were the ancient Joseph and Moses the same? What is the significance of a rod? What rod did Joseph Smith have?

• Verse 18. How many spokesmen did Joseph Smith have? How does the fact that he had more than one cohere with this verse? What does this tell us about prophecy?

• Verse 23. What does it mean to say that Lehi’s son Joseph is blessed because of the covenant? How is he blessed? Why is it an important blessing to know that your descendants many generations hence will not be destroyed?

• A: As a possible answer, see D&C 107:42 and Abraham 1:4.

• Verse 24. To whom is this verse referring?

Resources

This heading is for listing links and print resources, including those cited in the notes. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Notes

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves, such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word. In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources are preferable to footnotes.

Previous page: Chapter 2                      Next page: Chapter 4