2 Nephi 6

Jacob Teaches Isaiah’s Words

The words of Jacob, Nephi’s brother, which he spoke to the people:

My brothers and sisters, you know me—Jacob. God called me and ordained me as a priest. My brother Nephi consecrated me, and you look to him as your king and protector, your source of safety. You know I’ve taught you many things. But I need to speak again, because I care deeply about your souls. My concern for you is great—you know it always has been. I’ve urged you with everything I have. I’ve taught you what our father taught me. I’ve shared with you everything written since the creation of the world. Now I want to talk about things that are happening and things yet to come. So I’m going to read you Isaiah’s words. My brother asked me to share these with you. I’m doing this for your benefit—so you can learn and bring honor to God’s name. The words I’m about to read are what Isaiah said about the whole house of Israel. They apply to you, because you’re part of Israel’s family. Many things Isaiah spoke can be applied to you, since you’re descendants of Israel.

Isaiah’s Prophecy: Israel’s Restoration

Here are the words: The Lord God says: 'I will raise my hand as a signal to the nations and lift up my banner for all people to see. They will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their shoulders.' 'Kings will care for you like fathers, and queens will nurse you like mothers. They will bow down before you, their faces to the ground, and lick the dust from your feet. Then you’ll know I am the Lord—those who wait for me will never be disappointed.'

Jacob Explains the Prophecy

Now let me explain what these words mean. The Lord has shown me that the people in Jerusalem—where we came from—have been killed and taken captive. But the Lord has also shown me they’ll return. And he showed me something else: the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, will appear to them in the flesh. And after he appears to them, they’ll beat him and crucify him—just as the angel told me. After they’ve hardened their hearts and become stubborn against the Holy One of Israel, his judgment will fall on them. The day is coming when they’ll be struck down and suffer terribly. They’ll be driven from place to place—the angel said many will suffer physically, but they won’t be wiped out completely because faithful people will pray for them. So they’ll be scattered, beaten, and hated. But the Lord will show them mercy. When they finally come to know their Redeemer, they’ll be gathered back to their own lands.

And the Gentiles—those the prophet wrote about—will be blessed if they repent and don’t fight against Zion. If they don’t join that great and corrupt church, they’ll be saved. The Lord God will keep the promises he made to his children. That’s why the prophet wrote these things. So those who fight against Zion and God’s covenant people will lick the dust from their feet. And God’s people won’t be ashamed, because they wait for him. They’re still waiting for the Messiah to come. According to the prophet, the Messiah will act a second time to bring them back. He’ll appear to them in power and overwhelming glory, destroying their enemies. This will happen when they finally believe in him—and he won’t destroy anyone who believes. But those who don’t believe in him will be destroyed—by fire, storms, earthquakes, violence, disease, and starvation. And they’ll know that the Lord is God, the Holy One of Israel.

The Lord Will Deliver His People

Can prisoners be rescued from warriors? Can captives be freed from those who captured them lawfully? But this is what the Lord says: 'Even captives held by warriors will be taken away. Even prey seized by the terrifying will be freed. The Mighty God will rescue his covenant people. This is what the Lord says: I will fight anyone who fights you.' 'I’ll make those who oppress you eat their own flesh and get drunk on their own blood as if it were sweet wine. Then everyone will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.'