Book of Mormon Sunday II- 2 Nephi 21-27

    Isaiah is quoted so extensively by Nephi because his prophecies about Israel show the future completely. Nephi understands him and knows his world view. 

    Is the future for Israel bleak? Lehi left Jerusalem because the people no longer kept the laws of Jehovah and the future, according to Isaiah, is not much more hopeful. All the hope is contained in the coming of the Messiah. Jehovah of the Old Testament will come to earth and begin a marvelous work among the children of God. He who is called Jesus Christ will bring hope again in a world set upon destruction.
     2 Nephi 22:2 "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation."

    Knowing that many of his people would be confused by Isaiah, Nephi makes his own commentary and plainly teaches that Jehovah is Jesus Christ and it is to Him that we look to for salvation.

    2 Nephi 25:26 "And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins."

    At this season of Christmas it is fitting to recall the prophecies of the Savior's birth. Isaiah saw his birth, Nephi saw his birth, and many others who join together as witnesses that the birth of the Son of God is the hope of Israel.

   2 Nephi 26:9 "But the Son of righteousness shall appear unto them; and he shall heal them, and they shall have peace with him, until three generations shall have passed away, and many of the fourth generation shall have passed away in righteousness."

2 Nephi 27:34 "But when he seeth his children, the work of my hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel. They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine."