7 But behold, I proceed with mine own prophecy, according to my plainness; in the which I know that no man can err; nevertheless, in the days that the prophecies of Isaiah shall be fulfilled men shall know of a surety, at the times when they shall come to pass.
8 Wherefore, they are of worth unto the children of men, and he that supposeth that they are not, unto them will I speak particularly, and confine the words unto mine own people; for I know that they shall be of great worth unto them in the last days; for in that day shall they understand them; wherefore, for their good have I written them.
2 Nephi 25:7-8 (Emphasis mine)
Nephi(1) tells us he will continue with his own prophecy, in plainness. Nephi(1) uses the term “plainness” a number of times in reference to his words. What does he mean by this. Richard Rust has some observations.
“Some might think that since Nephi affirms the plainness of his writing (see for example 2 Nephi 25:7, 33:6), it is unliterary. Quite the contrary. Nephi uses poetic and rhetorical rhythms and structures with powerful effectiveness. By the word ‘plain’ he means ‘easy to understand’ (1Nephi 14:23, 16:29)—and indeed, impossible to be misunderstood (2 Nephi 25:7, 28). Perhaps it is Nephi's claim to such a style, however, that has kept many from thinking about the book in literary terms. As Nibley has commented, it contains none of the ‘fantastic imagery, the romantic descriptions, and the unfailing exaggerations that everyone expected in the literature of [Joseph Smith's] time.” [1] (Emphasis mine)
Why does he quote Isaiah so much in his record. The words of Isaiah are “of worth to the children of men.” Since they are prophecies that refer to the Jews, he believes they are important to those in the last days. Hugh Nibley comments:
“In explaining Isaiah to his people, Nephi makes some important points. Much remains of Isaiah's words to be fulfilled, he tells them, and in whatever age a fulfillment takes place his words stand as a witness, each fulfillment guaranteeing the validity of the prophecies whose fulfillment yet remains (2 Nephi 25:7); hence his writings are of peculiar ‘worth unto the children of men’ in general (2 Nephi 25:8).” [2] (Emphasis mine)
9 And as one generation hath been destroyed among the Jews because of iniquity, even so have they been destroyed from generation to generation according to their iniquities; and never hath any of them been destroyed save it were foretold them by the prophets of the Lord.
10 Wherefore, it hath been told them concerning the destruction which should come upon them, immediately after my father left Jerusalem; nevertheless, they hardened their hearts; and according to my prophecy they have been destroyed, save it be those which are carried away captive into Babylon.
11 And now this I speak because of the spirit which is in me. And notwithstanding they have been carried away they shall return again, and possess the land of Jerusalem; wherefore, they shall be restored again to the land of their inheritance.
2 Nephi 25:9-11 (Emphasis mine)
Why are Isaiah’s prophecies important? The Jews have suffered because of their sin. Yet, they were not destroyed save the prophets warned them of their destruction. An example of this was the warnings given them before Lehi and company left Jerusalem.
Nephi(1) reminds us that he had been told that Jerusalem had been destroyed. Even so, the day will come that they will return and gain the land of their inheritance.
12 But, behold, they shall have wars, and rumors of wars; and when the day cometh that the Only Begotten of the Father, yea, even the Father of heaven and of earth, shall manifest himself unto them in the flesh, behold, they will reject him, because of their iniquities, and the hardness of their hearts, and the stiffness of their necks.
13 Behold, they will crucify him; and after he is laid in a sepulchre for the space of three days he shall rise from the dead, with healing in his wings; and all those who shall believe on his name shall be saved in the kingdom of God. Wherefore, my soul delighteth to prophesy concerning him, for I have seen his day, and my heart doth magnify his holy name.
14 And behold it shall come to pass that after the Messiah hath risen from the dead, and hath manifested himself unto his people, unto as many as will believe on his name, behold, Jerusalem shall be destroyed again; for wo unto them that fight against God and the people of his church.
2 Nephi 25:12-14 (Emphasis mine)
Nephi(1) begins to prophecy about Christ. He will be born among the Jews. Because of their wickedness, they will reject Him and crucify Him. He will lie in the grave for three days and will rise from the dead. All who believe in Him will be saved in the kingdom of God. After He has risen, He will appear to His people; however, after this Jerusalem will be destroyed. (Again, we see that the Jews are warned before the destruction occurs).
1 AND Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.
2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
Matthew 24:1-2 (Emphasis mine)
24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
Luke 21:24 (Emphasis mine)
[1] "To Come Forth in Due Time" – Introduction, Richard Dilworth Rust, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed December 22, 2011.
[2] The Bible in the Book of Mormon, Hugh Nibley, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed December 22, 2011.
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