(June 2018 Marci - blue; Kathy -green; Liz-purple; Sept 2020 Marci red; Orange 2021 Brown 2023)
Chapter 2
Wickedness and abominations increase among the people—The Nephites and Lamanites unite to defend themselves against the Gadianton robbers—Converted Lamanites become white and are called Nephites. About A.D. 5–16. I just must not be in tune today. No matter how hard I tried, the only thing that I could even stretch to look like ministering, was in verse 10. Okay, I took a nap after writing this, and when I woke up, I had the impression to look at this chapter with 'adversarial eyes,' and boy, were my spiritual eyes opened wide. Take 'ministering'--tend to; look after; treat; see to; attend to; administer to; assist;--and twist them in the evil direction, and we have Chapter 2. As Brother Stroud has said, "when great things happen, be prepared for all Hell to break loose." In the first chapter, we saw great ministering and manifestations; so now, it's Satan's turn to do his own 'ministering.'
1 And it came to pass that thus passed away the ninety and fifth year also, and the people began to forget those asigns and wonders which they had heard, and began to be less and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven, So signs and wonders in heaven were still happening? What were they and what were they for? It had only been 4 years since the night with no darkness and they are now doubting it's meaning? insomuch that they began to be hard in their hearts, and blind in their minds, and began to disbelieve all which they had heard and seen— As we minister to our brothers and sisters, let us remind them of signs and wonders; help them to remember their Savior and His love for them. Right off the bat, Satan is playing on human weakness and tendency to forget, and the power of powerful experiences becomes a fond, distant memory. Sometimes. doubts even occur as to whether a person experienced the events right, even within 3-9 years of the manifestations. And as sensational signs became more commonplace, it was easy for Satan's minions to place doubts and unbelief in peoples' hearts. Our whole country has become jaded by the prosperity and wealth and wonderful signs and manifestations of the Lord's goodness. In this Book of 3rd Nephi, I tend to compare the Nephites to America. Forgetting miracles of the past. Over and over in the Book of Mormon we see prophets teaching by helping people remember God's hand in their life in the past. Less and less astonished at signs/wonders in heaven Anything that takes place frequently (I wonder what these "signs/wonders in heaven" were exactly...) tends to make us take them for granted, to minimize their importance. Hence people can become "hard hearted, blind in their mind," and may doubt what they thought was a "wonder" previously. We can minister by helping people to keep from making sacred things casual, and by continually testifying the reality of God's "wonders" in our lives.
2 aImagining up some vain thing in their hearts, that it was wrought by men and by the power of the devil, to lead away and bdeceive the hearts of the people; Satan is more than happy to throw himself under the bus. This would only work if they didn't believe they were following Satan in the first place. They would have to believe he existed for the logic that it was by his power that the miracles were done. This is evidence that they were blind in their minds. They could believe it was by men if they didn't believe in God or the devil. and thus did Satan get possession of the hearts Yes, satan can "possess" your heart. To possess means: having or taking into control; control or occupancy of property without regard to ownership; a psychological state in which an individual's normal personality is replaced by another; so it would seem that a person gives up their agency to satan when he has possession of their heart. The only way to get personal power back is how? by hearing the word of God and being given another choice? of the people again, insomuch that he did blind their eyes and lead them away to believe that the doctrine of Christ was a cfoolish and a vain thing. We must be 'interrupters' - meaning, that we interrupt the lies of Satan with truth! As we testify of truth the powers from heaven will come down upon and unto those that we are ministering to. Satan wants their hearts but their hearts are connected to and belong to God. I think of a 'Code Blue' in the hospital where we have to shock the patients heart to get it back into a normal rhythm. We are the rescuers of our brothers and sisters hearts. Good point Liz. God is going to give His people a great "shock" soon to wake them up to their awful situation. Satan got possession of their hearts--the old calling good evil trick; he led them away, appealing to their pride and 'intelligence,' to the point that the doctrine of Christ becomes foolishness. I'm sure a lot of this was done "one by one." We see a lot of this today.
2 aImagining up some vain thing in their hearts, that it was wrought by men and by the power of the devil, to lead away and bdeceive the hearts of the people; Satan is more than happy to throw himself under the bus. This would only work if they didn't believe they were following Satan in the first place. They would have to believe he existed for the logic that it was by his power that the miracles were done. This is evidence that they were blind in their minds. They could believe it was by men if they didn't believe in God or the devil. and thus did Satan get possession of the hearts Yes, satan can "possess" your heart. To possess means: having or taking into control; control or occupancy of property without regard to ownership; a psychological state in which an individual's normal personality is replaced by another; so it would seem that a person gives up their agency to satan when he has possession of their heart. The only way to get personal power back is how? by hearing the word of God and being given another choice? of the people again, insomuch that he did blind their eyes and lead them away to believe that the doctrine of Christ was a cfoolish and a vain thing. We must be 'interrupters' - meaning, that we interrupt the lies of Satan with truth! As we testify of truth the powers from heaven will come down upon and unto those that we are ministering to. Satan wants their hearts but their hearts are connected to and belong to God. I think of a 'Code Blue' in the hospital where we have to shock the patients heart to get it back into a normal rhythm. We are the rescuers of our brothers and sisters hearts. Good point Liz. God is going to give His people a great "shock" soon to wake them up to their awful situation. Satan got possession of their hearts--the old calling good evil trick; he led them away, appealing to their pride and 'intelligence,' to the point that the doctrine of Christ becomes foolishness. I'm sure a lot of this was done "one by one." We see a lot of this today.
3 And it came to pass that the people began to wax strong in wickedness and abominations; and they did not believe that there should be any more signs or wonders given; and Satan did ago about, This makes it sound like Satan is walking around with them in person. He may not have a body, but he is real and he IS walking around with us constantly through his minions. leading away the hearts of the people, tempting them and causing them that they should do great wickedness in the land. Share the new teachings of our prophet and apostles. "Satan did go about leading away the hearts of the people (en masse, as well as one by one), tempting them and causing them that they should do great wickedness in the land." That's us today. There is no mention of preaching for 5 years. Is it possible that part of the problem during this time of confusion was that the righteous were too silent? Remember the "tipping point" science that says it only takes 10% of the group to sway the other 90%. We must keep our voices out there in the discussion.
4 And thus did pass away the ninety and sixth year; and also the ninety and seventh year; and also the ninety and eighth year; and also the ninety and ninth year;
5 And also an hundred years had passed away since the days of aMosiah, who was king over the people of the Nephites.
6 And six hundred and nine years had passed away since Lehi left Jerusalem.
7 And nine years had passed away from the time when the sign was given, which was spoken of by the prophets, that Christ should come into the world.
8 Now the Nephites began to areckon their time from this period when the sign was given, or from the coming of Christ; This would be a constant reminder forever to believer and non believer alike therefore, nine years had passed away.
9 And Nephi, who was the father of Nephi, who had the charge of the records, adid not return to the land of Zarahemla, and could nowhere be found in all the land. This is the second time this is mentioned. I wonder why Moroni included it again...Is he telling us that prophets will be removed if we fail to listen to them?
10 And it came to pass that the people did still aremain in wickedness, notwithstanding the much preaching and prophesying which was sent among them; this says there WAS much preaching and prophesying happening and thus passed away the tenth year also; and the eleventh year also passed away in iniquity. Here's the little jewel in the whole chapter, where we see the little band of the faithful continuing in righteousness, ministering much with "the preaching and prophesying which was sent among them." Mirrors today. It's not clear if this preaching was continual, or happened in the tenth year. The ministering point here is that we don't stop trying just because the majority are beating the other drum.
11 And it came to pass in the thirteenth year there began to be wars and contentions throughout all the land; for the aGadianton robbers had become so bnumerous, and did slay so many of the people, and did lay waste so many cities, and did spread so much death and carnage throughout the land, that it became expedient that all the people, both the Nephites and the Lamanites, should take up arms against them. Seems like in the past the Gads always hooked up with the Lamanites. But here it seems like they were against both Lamanites and Nephites. Guess they didn't need the help of the Lamanites anymore, since they were so large a group.
12 Therefore, all the Lamanites who had become converted unto the Lord did unite with their brethren, Looks like it's just the converted Lamanites the Nephites, Who were mostly all wicked...and were compelled, for the asafety of their lives and their women and their children, to take up arms against those Gadianton robbers, yea, and also to maintain their rights, and the privileges of their church and of their worship, and their freedom and their bliberty. Notice all they fought for: safety, rights, worship, freedom and liberty All those who turn and unite with us in the gathering of Israel will increase the strength of God's Army moving forward in this great battle for our freedoms, both of worship and of liberty of the land. This verse speaks to the importance of fighting to maintain our religious liberty. We need to unite with other Christians in this cause. We need to be aware of the attacks that are being waged against it and to rally with those who believe in Christ, to fight to maintain the laws that protect it.
13 And it came to pass that before this thirteenth year had passed away the Nephites were threatened with utter destruction because of this war, which had become exceedingly sore. The battle between good and evil ramps up. True for us, and our 'Watchman on the tower" is bearing down weekly, it seems, with guidance and preparation to strengthen us for what he sees coming down the pike. Here we are in 2021 and whatever preparation that was meant to strengthen us seems to have failed. We are weak as ever and blind as bats.
14 And it came to pass that those Lamanites who had united with the Nephites were numbered among the Nephites;
15 And their acurse was taken from them, and their skin became bwhite like unto the Nephites; This seems pretty literal. The comma separating the curse from the skin part may indicate that the curse of being separated from God was removed, but I don't think so, since they were "Lamanites who had been converted" so that curse would have already been removed. So, it seems that the curse of a dark skin to distinguish the believers from the non-believers was removed. This time the dark skinned Lamanites were the believers and the white Nephites were the non-believers. I wonder why it was removed then. It'd been so long since that curse was placed, you would think it would have lost it's purpose... Perhaps it was a genetic mingling of Lamanites with Nephites and the children were born white skinned? I wonder if the teaching of the "curse" had been passed down. If it was a literal change of skin color, how did the Lamanites feel about the change in how they looked?
4 And thus did pass away the ninety and sixth year; and also the ninety and seventh year; and also the ninety and eighth year; and also the ninety and ninth year;
5 And also an hundred years had passed away since the days of aMosiah, who was king over the people of the Nephites.
6 And six hundred and nine years had passed away since Lehi left Jerusalem.
7 And nine years had passed away from the time when the sign was given, which was spoken of by the prophets, that Christ should come into the world.
8 Now the Nephites began to areckon their time from this period when the sign was given, or from the coming of Christ; This would be a constant reminder forever to believer and non believer alike therefore, nine years had passed away.
9 And Nephi, who was the father of Nephi, who had the charge of the records, adid not return to the land of Zarahemla, and could nowhere be found in all the land. This is the second time this is mentioned. I wonder why Moroni included it again...Is he telling us that prophets will be removed if we fail to listen to them?
10 And it came to pass that the people did still aremain in wickedness, notwithstanding the much preaching and prophesying which was sent among them; this says there WAS much preaching and prophesying happening and thus passed away the tenth year also; and the eleventh year also passed away in iniquity. Here's the little jewel in the whole chapter, where we see the little band of the faithful continuing in righteousness, ministering much with "the preaching and prophesying which was sent among them." Mirrors today. It's not clear if this preaching was continual, or happened in the tenth year. The ministering point here is that we don't stop trying just because the majority are beating the other drum.
11 And it came to pass in the thirteenth year there began to be wars and contentions throughout all the land; for the aGadianton robbers had become so bnumerous, and did slay so many of the people, and did lay waste so many cities, and did spread so much death and carnage throughout the land, that it became expedient that all the people, both the Nephites and the Lamanites, should take up arms against them. Seems like in the past the Gads always hooked up with the Lamanites. But here it seems like they were against both Lamanites and Nephites. Guess they didn't need the help of the Lamanites anymore, since they were so large a group.
12 Therefore, all the Lamanites who had become converted unto the Lord did unite with their brethren, Looks like it's just the converted Lamanites the Nephites, Who were mostly all wicked...and were compelled, for the asafety of their lives and their women and their children, to take up arms against those Gadianton robbers, yea, and also to maintain their rights, and the privileges of their church and of their worship, and their freedom and their bliberty. Notice all they fought for: safety, rights, worship, freedom and liberty All those who turn and unite with us in the gathering of Israel will increase the strength of God's Army moving forward in this great battle for our freedoms, both of worship and of liberty of the land. This verse speaks to the importance of fighting to maintain our religious liberty. We need to unite with other Christians in this cause. We need to be aware of the attacks that are being waged against it and to rally with those who believe in Christ, to fight to maintain the laws that protect it.
13 And it came to pass that before this thirteenth year had passed away the Nephites were threatened with utter destruction because of this war, which had become exceedingly sore. The battle between good and evil ramps up. True for us, and our 'Watchman on the tower" is bearing down weekly, it seems, with guidance and preparation to strengthen us for what he sees coming down the pike. Here we are in 2021 and whatever preparation that was meant to strengthen us seems to have failed. We are weak as ever and blind as bats.
14 And it came to pass that those Lamanites who had united with the Nephites were numbered among the Nephites;
15 And their acurse was taken from them, and their skin became bwhite like unto the Nephites; This seems pretty literal. The comma separating the curse from the skin part may indicate that the curse of being separated from God was removed, but I don't think so, since they were "Lamanites who had been converted" so that curse would have already been removed. So, it seems that the curse of a dark skin to distinguish the believers from the non-believers was removed. This time the dark skinned Lamanites were the believers and the white Nephites were the non-believers. I wonder why it was removed then. It'd been so long since that curse was placed, you would think it would have lost it's purpose... Perhaps it was a genetic mingling of Lamanites with Nephites and the children were born white skinned? I wonder if the teaching of the "curse" had been passed down. If it was a literal change of skin color, how did the Lamanites feel about the change in how they looked?
16 And their young men and their daughters became exceedingly fair, and they were numbered among the Nephites, and were called Nephites. And thus ended the thirteenth year. Just like the skins of the Lamanites being turned to white - as we minister to others and they being to repent, their will be a great change come upon them.
17 And it came to pass in the commencement of the fourteenth year, the war between the robbers and the people of Nephi did continue and did become exceedingly sore; nevertheless, the people of Nephi did gain some advantage of the robbers, insomuch that they did drive them back out of their lands into the mountains and into their secret places. Some blessings were still happening-the Lamanites joined ranks with the Nephites, strengthening them, and the 'curse' was lifted from them. They were able to drive the Gadiantons back to the mountains. Perhaps, some of the things going on politically are giving us a little reprieve to prepare, as powers are afoot attempting to 'drain the swamp?'
18 And thus ended the fourteenth year. And in the fifteenth year they did come forth against the people of Nephi; and because of the wickedness of the people of Nephi, and their many contentions and dissensions, the Gadianton robbers did gain many advantages over them. "wickedness, contention, dissension" - we need to be on guard against these things. Blessed are the peacemakers! We can minister by putting down contention and dissension and maintaining our righteous standards without picking up our sword when others contend.
19 And thus ended the fifteenth year, and thus were the people in a state of many afflictions; and the asword of destruction did hang over them, insomuch that they were about to be smitten down by it, and this because of their iniquity. The sword of destruction hangs over the people because of their iniquity. And here we are! Unfortunately, until we are taken out as a group to 'dwell in righteousness' we may suffer the "group" consequences of those who choose iniquity. We must not be discouraged.
17 And it came to pass in the commencement of the fourteenth year, the war between the robbers and the people of Nephi did continue and did become exceedingly sore; nevertheless, the people of Nephi did gain some advantage of the robbers, insomuch that they did drive them back out of their lands into the mountains and into their secret places. Some blessings were still happening-the Lamanites joined ranks with the Nephites, strengthening them, and the 'curse' was lifted from them. They were able to drive the Gadiantons back to the mountains. Perhaps, some of the things going on politically are giving us a little reprieve to prepare, as powers are afoot attempting to 'drain the swamp?'
18 And thus ended the fourteenth year. And in the fifteenth year they did come forth against the people of Nephi; and because of the wickedness of the people of Nephi, and their many contentions and dissensions, the Gadianton robbers did gain many advantages over them. "wickedness, contention, dissension" - we need to be on guard against these things. Blessed are the peacemakers! We can minister by putting down contention and dissension and maintaining our righteous standards without picking up our sword when others contend.
19 And thus ended the fifteenth year, and thus were the people in a state of many afflictions; and the asword of destruction did hang over them, insomuch that they were about to be smitten down by it, and this because of their iniquity. The sword of destruction hangs over the people because of their iniquity. And here we are! Unfortunately, until we are taken out as a group to 'dwell in righteousness' we may suffer the "group" consequences of those who choose iniquity. We must not be discouraged.
1. Let us all press on in the work of the Lord,
That when life is o’er we may gain a reward;
In the fight for right let us wield a sword,
The mighty sword of truth.
That when life is o’er we may gain a reward;
In the fight for right let us wield a sword,
The mighty sword of truth.
2. We will not retreat, though our numbers may be few
When compared with the opposite host in view;
But an unseen pow’r will aid me and you
In the glorious cause of truth.
When compared with the opposite host in view;
But an unseen pow’r will aid me and you
In the glorious cause of truth.
3. If we do what’s right we have no need to fear,
For the Lord, our helper, will ever be near;
In the days of trial his Saints he will cheer,
And prosper the cause of truth.
(Chorus)For the Lord, our helper, will ever be near;
In the days of trial his Saints he will cheer,
And prosper the cause of truth.
Fear not, though the enemy deride;
Courage, for the Lord is on our side.
We will heed not what the wicked may say,
But the Lord alone we will obey.
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