“O How Great the Plan of Our God”

All Posts Archived Lessons New Testament Old Testament Book of Mormon Doctrine & Covenants Search “O How Great the Plan of Our God” CFMCorner Feb 17, 2024 19 min read CFM: February 19-25 2 Nephi 6–10 Videos, Podcasts, & Weekly Lesson Material Media ​Lesson Extension ​Additional Materials Scripture Central 2 Nephi 6-10 Insights Insights Revisited Study Guide Follow Him 2 Nephi 6-10 Part 1 Part 2 Transcripts Line Upon Line 2 Nephi 6-10 Teaching with Power 2 Nephi 6-10 ​ Teaching Bundle for Book of Mormon, available on Etsy. Don't Miss This 2 Nephi 6-10 ​ Book of Mormon Matters with John W Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson 2 Nephi 6-10 John W. Welch Notes ​Unshaken 2 Nephi 6-10 (part 1): Carried on their Shoulders 2 Nephi 6-10 (part 2): “O How Great the Plan of Our God!” ​ ​The Interpreter Foundation 2 Nephi 6-10 ​ Commentary by John Claybaugh ​Teaching Helps with John Hilton 2 Nephi 6-10 The Book of Mormon, A Master Class ​ ​Scripture Gems 2 Nephi 6-10 ​ Come Follow Up 2 Nephi 6-10 Latter Day Kids 2 Nephi 6-10 ( not yet posted ) Scripture Explorers 2 Nephi 6-10 Scripture Gems 2 Nephi 6-10 ​Ponderfun 2 Nephi 6-10 ( not yet posted ) ​Talking Scripture 2 Nephi 6-10 Show Notes Book of Mormon Minute, Brant A. Gardner Vol. 1 2 Nephi 6 2 Nephi 7 2 Nephi 8 2 Nephi 9 2 Nephi 10 Saving Talents: Devotionals & FHE for Children 2 Nephi 6-10 ​Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class , Book of Mormon Jacob's Teachings About the Messiah & The Gathering of Israel Video: Lesson Lesson 6: Notes , Slides arbm07_presentation .ppsx Download PPSX • 2.64MB Resources and Insights for this Week's Lesson The Book of Mormon and the Old Testament: A Cultural and Religious Dialogue As we delve into the Isaiah Chapters It is helpful to understand the basic context and outline of Isaiah's writings. The Bible project does an excellent job at providing a general overview of these chapters, and I would highly suggest beginning one's Isaiah study with this introduction as it will help to put the verses Jacob references in a better perspective: Book of Isaiah Summary: A Complete Animated Overview (Part 1) Book of Isaiah Summary: A Complete Animated Overview (Part 2) The writings of Isaiah are extensively quoted throughout 2 Nephi, and they hold profound significance for Nephi and his descendant, including us. One must remember that it was primarily for our day that these records were recorded, in part to help us reconnect with the voices of the dust, to better appreciate our place in God's eternal plan. The writings of Isaiah, embedded within the broader narrative of the Book of Mormon, offer both historical context and spiritual insight, resonating deeply with the experiences and challenges faced by Nephi's family after their departure from Jerusalem. Historical Context of Isaiah's Writings Isaiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in the history of Judah, marked by the threat of invasion from Assyrian forces under the reign of Sennacherib . One of the most notable miracles during Isaiah's time was the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian siege, where the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, saving Jerusalem from imminent destruction (2 Kings 19:35). This event underscored a central theme in Isaiah's prophecies: the power of God to save and the inviolability of His promises to Israel. Resonance with Nephi's Family For Nephi and his family, who had left Jerusalem shortly before its destruction by the Babylonians , the writings of Isaiah held particular resonance. They had departed with the conviction that Jerusalem would face divine judgment due to its inhabitants' wickedness, a message similar to the warnings issued by Isaiah to the people of Judah. The miraculous preservation of Jerusalem during Isaiah's time might have initially bolstered the belief among many, including possibly members of Nephi's family, that the city could not be destroyed due to God's promises and interventions. However, the eventual fall of Jerusalem challenged this belief, highlighting the conditional nature of divine protection based on the people's faithfulness. For Nephi's family, learning of Jerusalem's destruction after their departure would have been both a vindication of their prophetic warnings and a poignant reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. Significance of Isaiah's Writings to the Nephites Isaiah's writings offered the Nephites multiple layers of significance: 1. Comfort and Perspective : Amid their own trials and the profound loss of their homeland, Isaiah's assurances of God's sovereignty and His ultimate purposes for Israel would have provided comfort and a divine perspective. The themes of judgment, deliverance, and restoration prevalent in Isaiah's prophecies paralleled the Nephites' experiences and hopes for their own redemption and the eventual gathering of Israel. 2. Covenant and Identity : Isaiah's emphasis on the covenant between God and Israel helped the Nephites understand their place in God's plan. Despite their physical separation from the land of their ancestors, Isaiah's words reinforced their identity as covenant people with a role in the larger narrative of God's dealings with Israel. 3. Prophecies of Christ : Isaiah's messianic prophecies were of particular importance to the Nephites. Predictions of a coming Messiah who would redeem Israel and fulfill God's promises offered hope and a forward-looking faith in God's plan of salvation, which was central to Nephite religious belief and practice. For Nephi and his descendants, the writings of Isaiah served as a spiritual anchor, providing guidance, consolation, and a sense of continuity with their spiritual heritage. In the face of displacement, cultural shifts, and the challenges of establishing a new society, Isaiah's prophecies offered a vision of divine faithfulness and the assurance that despite the vicissitudes of history, God's purposes would ultimately prevail. How to approach and better understand the writings of Isaiah Approaching the writings of Isaiah can be a rewarding yet complex endeavor, given the depth and richness of his prophecies. Here are some tips and resources to help deepen your understanding of Isaiah's texts: Tips for Studying Isaiah: 1. Start with Prayer : Seek divine guidance as you study Isaiah's writings. The Holy Spirit can provide insights and understanding beyond what scholarly resources alone can offer. 2. Understand the Historical Context : Familiarize yourself with the historical backdrop of Isaiah's time, including the geography, political, social, and religious circumstances of ancient Judah. This context is crucial for understanding the nature and implications of his prophecies. 3. Consult a Concordance : A concordance can help you locate where specific themes or words are mentioned throughout Isaiah and the rest of the scriptures. This can reveal patterns and connections that are not immediately obvious. 4. Use an Interlinear Bible : An interlinear edition of the Bible, which presents the original Hebrew text alongside a direct English translation, can be invaluable. It allows you to see the original words used by Isaiah, providing insights into the nuances that may be lost in translation. 5. Explore Commentaries and Scholarly Works : Scholarly commentaries on Isaiah offer various interpretations and insights into his prophecies. While these should not replace personal study and revelation, they can provide valuable perspectives. 6. Reflect on the Application : Consider how the themes and teachings in Isaiah's writings apply to your life and to the world today. Isaiah's prophecies are not only historical but also contain principles and warnings relevant to modern readers. Helpful Websites and Resources: - Blue Letter Bible ( blueletterbible.org ) : Offers a range of study tools, including an interlinear Bible, concordances, commentaries, and dictionaries to enhance your study of Isaiah. - Scripture Notes ( Scripturenotes.com ) : Provides a platform for organizing your personal study notes and insights, facilitating deeper exploration of themes and connections within Isaiah's writings. - LDS Scripture Study Tools : The official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offers various resources, including conference talks that reference Isaiah, guides, and manuals that can provide doctrinal insights. A good list of some of the Tools available can be found here . - Academic Bible ( academic-bible.com ) : Hosted by the German Bible Society, this site offers access to scholarly editions of biblical texts, including the Hebrew Bible, which can be helpful for those looking to study Isaiah in its original language. - The Isaiah Institute ( isaiahexplained.com ) : Offers extensive resources on the book of Isaiah, including translations, interpretations, and thematic studies designed to make Isaiah's prophecies more accessible. - Video and Podcasts on Isaiah : Look for podcasts that focus on biblical studies or Latter-day Saint scriptures. Episodes that feature discussions with scholars on Isaiah can offer fresh insights and make complex themes more understandable. I compiled a shortlist of some excellent options for this type of material that is available on Youtube . Conclusion Studying Isaiah's writings can be a profound spiritual journey, offering insights into the nature of God, His plans for His children, and the fulfillment of prophecy. By leveraging these tips and resources, you can gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of one of the most pivotal prophets in all of scriptures. Overview 2 Nephi 6 Jacob, Nephi's brother, delivers a sermon to the Nephites, drawing extensively from the prophecies of Isaiah. He emphasizes the covenant God made with Abraham and its relevance to their l