Jesus is the perfect leader. During the millennium, we will benefit and learn from his wise and compassionate leadership. People will live together in peace, because they will have more knowledge. People will flock to His standard, “and His rest shall be glorious” (2 Nephi 21:10).
Chapter Outline
- Jesus (the stem of Jesse) will be a wise and kind leader (v. 1-5).
- Natural enemies such as wolves and lambs will live together in peace (v. 6-9).
- God will set up an ensign for the nations and gather scattered Israel (v. 10-16). (See also 2 Nephi 15:26-30.)
My Takeaways
- When we act on behalf of Christ, we are not only recipients but also conduits of His power.
- We treat people more kindly when we understand them better.
- God speaks to us today just as He did anciently.
Featured Blog Posts
❖ The Stem of Jesse – 2 Nephi 21:1-5
The Stem, the Rod, and the Root
After prophesying that Israel would be conquered, using a metaphor of a tree being chopped down or burned, Isaiah presents an image of rebirth: And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. Isaiah 11:1, 2 Nephi 21:1 As he does frequently, Isaiah gives us two parallel phrases…
❖ Wolves and Lambs – 2 Nephi 21:6-9
Knowledge and Peace
A good friend of mine says that there are only two kinds of people in the world: the people you love, and the people you don’t know. If that is true on an individual level, it is also true, tragically, on a large scale. Why do many Christians fear Muslims? Why do many Republicans and…
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About the Millennium?
A millennium is a period of a thousand years. The Millennium is a thousand-year period of peace following the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The apostle John foresaw a time when Satan would be bound for a thousand years. Jesus Christ and His followers would govern the earth during that time (Revelation 20:1-7). Isaiah foresaw…
“A Little Child Shall Lead Them”
In the middle of a prophecy about the Millenium, Isaiah inserted a fascinating phrase: “and a little child shall lead them.” Elder Boyd K. Packer said that this phrase has meaning for us today. We can learn much from children, if we are willing to listen.
❖ An Ensign for the Nations – 2 Nephi 21:10-16
An Ensign to the Nations – 2 Nephi 15:26, 2 Nephi 21:12
26 And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth; and behold, they shall come with speed swiftly; none shall be weary nor stumble among them. (2 Nephi 15:26, Isaiah 5:26) 12 And he shall set up an ensign for the…
Old Testament Foundations
He Will Teach Us of His Ways
The following passage appears in the books of both Micah and Isaiah: In the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let…
How Will the Meek Inherit the Earth?
Why do dishonest, unkind, and undisciplined people succeed in life? All around us, we see decent, hard-working people with more than their fair share of suffering, while people who should be penalized for their actions appear to get off scot-free. This temporary injustice has been a cause of consternation throughout history. King David warned his…
New Testament Parallels
The Root and the Offspring
Jesus was a descendant of King David, but was also his progenitor, the source of his life and spiritual strength. Jesus highlighted these contrasting roles of Creator who lived among us by calling Himself “the root and the offspring of David.”
“Reprove the World”
The Holy Ghost is a teacher, a reminder, and a comforter. He is also a reprover. Part of teaching us “all things” is teaching us things that are difficult to hear. The Lord is gathering those who are willing to receive and act upon that feedback.
Church History Connections
A Standard for My People
Isaiah prophesied that the Lord would one day erect a standard which would attract people from all nations: Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders. Isaiah 49:22, 1 Nephi 21:22, 2 Nephi 6:6…
Old Testament Scriptures Quoted by Moroni to Joseph Smith
When Moroni, the last author in the Book of Mormon, appeared to Joseph Smith on Sunday, September 21, 1823, he quoted a number of passages from the Old Testament, most of which also appear in the Book of Mormon. Here is a list of four of those passages, as recorded in Joseph Smith—History 1:36-41, with…
Old Testament Prophecies of the Second Coming
Four Old Testament prophecies quoted by Moroni to Joseph Smith teach us how to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ: 1. Strengthen families with priesthood power 2. Gather Israel and preach the gospel 3. Hear Him 4. Receive personal revelation
“The Rod of My Mouth”
In the scriptures, a rod represents correction, protection, and guidance. Nephi taught that the iron rod represents the word of God. Isaiah prophesied that God would smite the wicked with “the rod of his mouth.” He always speaks the truth, and His words can prompt us to change and return to the path that leads…
All Posts Referencing 2 Nephi 21
- Contents of the Brass Plates (1/3/2026)
- Shoots from Stumps (10/11/2025)
- What Does It Mean to “Gird Up Your Loins”? (7/3/2025)
- “The Rod of My Mouth” (3/6/2025)
- Old Testament Prophecies of the Second Coming (1/24/2025)
- “A Little Child Shall Lead Them” (3/6/2024)
- The Remnant Shall Return (3/5/2024)
- The Branch of the Lord (2/28/2024)
- The Root and the Offspring (12/28/2023)
- “Reprove the World” (6/10/2023)
- He Will Teach Us of His Ways (11/27/2022)
- The Stem, the Rod, and the Root (10/7/2021)
- “The Girdle of His Loins” (6/13/2021)
- A Standard for My People (5/1/2021)
- Promises to Covenant Israel (3/18/2021)
- Old Testament Scriptures Quoted by Moroni to Joseph Smith (1/13/2021)
- Knowledge and Peace (2/22/2020)
- What Is Meekness? (12/22/2019)
- What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About the Millennium? (10/13/2019)
- How Will the Meek Inherit the Earth? (9/21/2019)
- How Does Isaiah Point Us Toward Christ? (6/1/2019)
- Which of Isaiah’s Writings Are Quoted in the Book of Mormon? (5/31/2019)
- The Earth Shall Be Full of the Knowledge of the Lord – 2 Nephi 21:6-9 (10/13/2018)
- An Ensign to the Nations – 2 Nephi 15:26, 2 Nephi 21:12 (10/7/2018)
- “The Earth Shall Be Full of the Knowledge of the Lord” – 2 Nephi 21:6-9 (9/21/2017)
- An Ensign for the Nations – 2 Nephi 21:11-12 (3/7/2015)
- He Shall Not Judge After the Sight of His Eyes – 2 Nephi 21:1-4 (3/6/2015)