Understanding the Scriptures
2 Nephi 8
| Hewn (v. 1) | Cut |
| Arm (vv. 5, 9) | Strength, power |
| Abolished (v. 6) | Done away with |
| Reproach (v. 7) | Blame or disapproval |
| Revilings (v. 7) | Insults, abusive language |
| Ransomed (v. 10) | Redeemed, rescued from captivity (this verse seems to refer to Israel’s exodus from Egypt in the days of Moses and their crossing the Red Sea) |
| Fury of the oppressor (v. 13) | The fierce or violent anger of the enemy |
| Captive exile (v. 14) | A person in bondage outside of his or her native land |
| Hasteneth (v. 14) | Hurries |
| Dregs (vv. 17, 22) | The sediment and foreign matter that settle at the bottom of a container of wine; to “drink the dregs” of something is to drink the worst part of it |
| Rebuke (v. 20) | Chastisement given for correction |
| Uncircumcised (v. 24) | Not of the covenant; people who do not respect or obey the Lord |
Studying the Scriptures
Do activities A and B as you study 2 Nephi 8.
In Your Own Words
In 2 Nephi 8:17–21 (see also Isaiah 51:17–21) the Lord invited Israel to awake to the fact that there is neither peace nor comfort in sin. In contrast, the Lord testified of the peace and comfort that come from following Him. Read 2 Nephi 8:3, 6–8, 11–12, 22–24 and list, using your own words, what the Lord said to Israel about those who trust and follow Him.
Liken the Scriptures
Select one of the following statements and write what you might say to a friend who expressed such feelings. Use what you learned in 2 Nephi 8 and include one or more of the Lord’s promises you identified in activity A.
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1.
“I know I should repent and return to church and live according to gospel teachings, but I’m worried about what my friends and employer will think and say. I would have to change my life a lot!”
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2.
“I’ve been trying to repent, but I feel guilty all the time. Can I ever really be forgiven and feel clean again? And even if I repent—I’ve already hurt so many others through my sins. What’s the use?”
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3.
“Why should I repent? How is living a religious life better than the way I am living now?”
