The Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 3

Today, we’ll be looking at 2 Nephi 3.

This is Lehi’s Patriarchal Blessing to his youngest son, Joseph.  To read my commentary regarding the use of the word “patriarchal” in Mormon culture and the Scriptures, click here.  Of all Lehi’s blessings, this one probably has the most prophecy.  That being said, I fully recommend praying before you dig into this chapter, just as you would with the Isaiah chapters.

We know from Sunday School lessons that four men with the same name are mentioned in this chapter:

• Joseph, the youngest son of Lehi and Sariah. (v1)
• Joseph, the son of Jacob/Israel. (v4)
• Joseph Smith, Jr.(v 14)
• Joseph Smith, Sr.(v15)

However, you might have some difficulty finding the prophecy Lehi is talking about in the Old Testament.  The main reason for this is that it is part of the plain and precious truths removed when the Bible was first published.  However, if you want to read it, you’ll find it in Joseph Smith’s translation of Genesis 50:24-38 in the Appendix (or after following the earlier given link, click the link to the word “And” just after the number 24). 

Furthermore, we are told in this chapter that eventually a book written by Lehi’s seed and one written by the Jews would “grow together unto the confounding of false doctrines(v12)…”  This is a prophecy that is coming true today.  The book written by Lehi’s seed is the Book of Mormon.  The book written by the Jews is commonly known as the Holy Bible.  They are commonly in use together, sometimes (more frequently in fact) found together between the same set of covers.  The word “confounding,” incidentally, means bringing into ruin, baffling or frustrating, putting to shame, throwing into confusion or perplexity.  In other words, the use of the Book of Mormon and the Bible will utterly flummox people who are trying to come up with false doctrines meant to lead the children of God astray.  They won’t be able to do it because compared to the beauty of the gospel contained in the standard works, their arguments will appear to be, among other things, confused.

Applying the Scripture to My Life

I’m grateful for the clarity the Book of Mormon brings to my life.  Studying it brings such light and hope to each day that things always seem to go more smoothly.  I’m not perfect at studying, yet, but I get better every day. 

I’m sorry that this entry is so short.  If you can think of anything that I’ve missed or if you have an insight you think needs mentioning, please don’t hesitate to leave it in the comments section below.