2 Nephi 6-10 - Come Follow Me with Sam

 Welcome to Come Follow Me with Sam! This week is the teachings of Jacob. he re-emphasizes Nephi's prior notes on Isaiah, and then continues to teach and expound. We learn about going into darkness, scattering, and gathering, the anchor of the temple, redemption and Resurrection, and many more interesting gold boulders of the gospel rock slide!

Chapter 6 breakdown

Jacob repeats the main theme of Nephi's teachings in 1 Nephi 20 and 21. the next chapters launch into Isaiah after this. Likely, Nephi is including this to set the stage for the next two chapters that Jacob will go over.
Jacob must have been exceptionally spiritually gifted. he saw the Lord, the destruction of Jerusalem, and Jesus ministry.
In verse 13, it says 'for the people of the Lord are the people who wait for him; for they still wit for the coming of the messiah". I believe wait here is like a lady or gentleman in waiting - someone who is waiting to respond to the call when it comes, not someone simply waiting for God to come.
Jacob ends with verses 16 and 17 that I would like to quote.

For shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the ^blawful captive delivered?
17 But thus saith the Lord: Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; ^afor the ^bMighty God shall ^cdeliver his covenant people. For thus saith the Lord: I will contend with them that contendeth with thee

Chapter 7 Breakdown

Isaiah 50 is one of the most fascinating chapters in the entire old testament. It is reproduced 2 other times, once here in the Book of Mormon, and again in D&C 133 as an abbreviated version. The French Louis Segond translates some things a little differently, So I will refer to it in certain sections.

Vs 1 - 3 is a plea asking why the house of Israel turned away, and showing that they themselves gave up the covenant and the protection and power of God.

Vs 4-6 is a turning from this, showing the disciple's path. Whether Isaiah is speaking messianically, or teaching by example of what he does, the message is the same. wake our ears, speak the truth, and make the necessary sacrifice.
The French for vs 4 is The Lord has given me a tongue that is fit (ready for the job), that I may speak to sustain by the word him who is beaten down (kjv: speak word in season to him who is weary).  He wakes each morning, he wakes my ear that I may learn like a (ls) disciple. (teaches us better what tongue of learned is, also the purpose of speaking and teaching. 

Vs 7-9 speaks of power and doing that comes from the disciples path, as opposed to where Israel has gone. Isaiah speaks words of great courage and explains his strength to do God's will.
The French for vs 7 is "the Lord God has comforted me (give me succor) where fore, I was not at all dishonored.  … set my face like rock… knowing I will not be confounded (emphasizes stronger that this is the more honored noble path even though it doesn’t seem like one)."

Vs 10 and 11 is a plea to those who wish to follow God to give up their vanities and take on the path that Isaiah has described, escaping the condemnation that God gives in the first verses.
The French for vs 10 is  "who is among you that feareth the lord?  Listen to the voice of his servant!  (ls/kjv) Who walks in darkness and has no light?  Put confidence in God and trust in him! (adds the last line, and makes it a question/answer, which emphasizes the importance of following each of those things if you are a true disciple)."

Chiasmus in Chapter 7

There is a general pattern of chiasmus that happens here. Chiasmus is a form of Hebrew poetry where the second half of the verses reflect themes in the first half of the verses.  The first half crescendos to an important turning point, and the second half juxtaposes and compares in greater light or strength the first half.

Vs 1 compared to vs 10 and 11.  God asks who has condemned you?  You have condemned yourselves.  In 10 and 11 he says because you did not rely on me, and created your own sparks and did not face the darkness (actions you did yourselves), you will only have sorrow from me

Vs 2 and 3 compared to vs  9.  God speaks to his great power.  Isaiah speaks of God’s power and how same power gives him power.  Application from large to small

Vs 4-6 compared to vs 8 and 9.  Isaiah learns to and speak and listen with power.  Isaiah manifests that power in his challenge.  He also shows no fear of taking reproach in 6 and no fear of giving reproach in 8

Vs 7 compared to vs 9, starts with exact same repeated structure EXCEPT for, in ls version, it says in vs 7 for god HAS supported me (in the past) and in vs9 he WILL support me (in future)

Vs 8: climax.  I am close to the lord and have followed in his ways, I am no longer fearful of any challenger to my soul.

As you can see, Chapter 7 is one of my favorites. There are other hidden treasures in those 11 verses. Feel free to comment below what you find!

Chapter 8 breakdown

Chapter 8 is a continuation into Isaiah 51. The main message of Isaiah 8 is that even though Israel abandoned God, yet will He redeem them if they come unto him.

Chapter 9 and 10 and the peculiar way Jacob connects past, present and future.

Jacob has a unique way of taking things past present and future and connecting them together. In his commentary, he talks of resurrection and redemption, the last days, the coming of Jesus, and his own peoples challenges all in one. He intersperses temple language and missionary discussions throughout his discourse as well; for him, things are one eternal round.

created 2/16/2020

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