Eight of the 39 books in the Old Testament were definitely in the brass plates, and another 16 may have been included. For Book of Mormon prophets, the brass plates were an essential part of their identity: connecting them to intergenerational covenants, testifying of the Savior, and bringing them closer to God.
The Branch of the Lord
The "branch of the Lord" in 2 Nephi 14 could mean at least three things: 1. The blessings we receive as we turn our hearts to God. 2. Jesus Christ, who came from the Father 3. We become the branch of the Lord as we bind ourselves to Him
Holy Places – 2 Nephi 14:5-6
The prophet Isaiah foretold a time when every home would be a holy place: And the Lord will create upon every dwelling-place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for upon all the glory of Zion shall be a defence. And there shall be... Continue Reading →
How Can the Words of Isaiah Bring Us Joy?
Nephi explained why he quoted so much from Isaiah: "My soul delighteth in his words." He introduced thirteen consecutive chapters of Isaiah by saying that he hoped the words would make us "lift up [our] hearts and rejoice for all men" (2 Nephi 11:2, 8). Immediately after, we begin to read, and we find phrases like... Continue Reading →
Which of Isaiah’s Writings Are Quoted in the Book of Mormon?
About a third of the book of Isaiah (21 out of 66 chapters) is quoted in the Book of Mormon. Here is a list of those chapters with a brief description of each: Isaiah 2 (2 Nephi 12) - There will be a great division in the last days: Many people will ascend to God's... Continue Reading →
Washed…and…Purged – 2 Nephi 14:3-4
3 And it shall come to pass, they that are left in Zion and remain in Jerusalem shall be called holy, every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem-- 4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from... Continue Reading →
A Place of Refuge – 2 Nephi 14:6
6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and a covert from storm and from rain. (2 Nephi 14:6, Isaiah 4:6) It's not hard for me to relate to this verse today. As I think about the people who have been... Continue Reading →
Upon Every Dwelling Place – 2 Nephi 14:5
5 And the Lord will create upon every dwelling-place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for upon all the glory of Zion shall be a defence.(2 Nephi 14:5, Isaiah 4:5)After Moses led the children of Israel out of slavery... Continue Reading →