Isaiah pronounced six woes in chapter 5 and then another six woes in chapters 28-33. After quoting some of them, Nephi offered some woes of his own in 2 Nephi 28. Undergirding these woes are two principles: We should open our minds to God's revelation, and we should trust God instead of worldly power.
Nephi’s Isaiah Synthesis: 2 Nephi 28
In 2 Nephi 28, Nephi draws upon numerous quotations from the Old Testament, particularly the thirteen chapters from Isaiah he has just quoted, to teach the importance of prioritizing God's wisdom over human knowledge. He ends with the assurance that God's merciful arm is stretched out toward us "all the day long."
Psalms 11-20
11. Foundation and Tempest 12. Pure Words Like Tried Silver 13. How Long? 14. None that Doeth Good 15. Who Shall Abide in Thy Tabernacle? 16. Thou Wilt Not Leave My Soul in Hell 17. Night Visit 18. The Steel Bow 19. More Precious than Gold, Sweeter than Honey 20. The Lord Hear Thee
“Get Thee Hence”: Learning from Moses About Overcoming Temptation
Moses showed us how to overcome Satan's insidious temptations. (1) Remember your true identity as a child of God. (2) Be persistent. (3) Rely upon the Savior; He has power over the devil.
Reason and Revelation
God invites His disciples to blend sound judgment with spiritual direction. Nephi and Moroni taught that we can learn "all things" from the Holy Ghost, yet Jacob teaches us to "be wise." D&C 62:8 fuses these concepts, encouraging us to decide “according to judgment and the direction of the Spirit.” This combination facilitates spiritual growth.
Revelation Upon Revelation
When God answers your prayers with spiritual insight, don't stop there—ask if there is more. Knowledge comes “line upon line,” and the Lord promises “revelation upon revelation” to those who seek it (D&C 42:61). We will receive greater light if we continue asking and listening, with confidence that God has more to teach us.
Trembling Nations and Shaking Heavens
Ancient prophets foretold dramatic upheavals preceding the Second Coming of Jesus Christ—heavens shaking, nations trembling. Those prophecies have been reiterated in modern revelation. Though these events sound daunting, their purpose is redemptive: to awaken, gather, and bless. As Elder Renlund taught, we need not fear. We can prepare to meet the Savior with joy.
Endless
Book of Mormon authors use the phrase "endless torment" to describe the suffering from which God has delivered us. The Lord encouraged Martin Harris to think of this suffering as enormous, not unending. With this context, "endless punishment" means God's punishment, or in other words, the punishment God willingly suffered on our behalf.
The Holy Ghost “Giveth Utterance”
When we rely on our own knowledge, the content of our communication is limited. If we're willing to trust God guide us, the Holy Ghost will give us utterance and help us say what needs to be said.
“In Their Own Snare”
The Lord taught Joseph Smith that you can't justify dishonesty by arguing that your victim is also dishonest. He said that the devil causes us "to catch [ourselves] in [our] own snare." Those who attempt to deceive others only harm themselves in the end.