2 Nephi 3-5 (part 1): Four Josephs and the Psalm of Nephi
Feb 8, 2024
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Prophet Joseph Smith and his role in the restoration of the gospel are discussed. Topics include Joseph in Egypt, restoring us to God, raising children right, the death of Lehi, the Psalm of Nephi, and depression and rejoicing.
The podcast discusses the importance of teaching and raising children to be faithful and warns against departing from God's commandments.
Lehi prophesies about a choice seer named Joseph who will have a significant role in restoring the house of Israel, aligning with the mission of Joseph Smith in restoring the gospel and bringing forth the Book of Mormon.
Nephi's psalm showcases his vulnerability and struggle between his shortcomings and his unfailing trust in God, emphasizing the importance of genuine and deep scripture study and relying on God's goodness and mercy.
Deep dives
Lehi's Final Father's Blessings and Words of Exhortation
Lehi gives his final Father's blessings and words of exhortation to his posterity, following the pattern of Moses on Mount Nebo and the Book of Mormon's equivalent of Deuteronomy. He emphasizes the importance of teaching and raising children to be faithful and warns against departing from God's commandments. Lehi specifically blesses his grandchildren, hoping they will not depart from the path of righteousness. He trusts in God's mercy and promises that if they are faithful, their cursing will be taken away. Lehi's passing marks a significant turning point as it leads to the division among his posterity.
Joseph's Role in the Restoration
Lehi prophesies about a choice seer who will be raised up among his posterity. This seer, who bears the name of Joseph, will have a significant role in restoring the house of Israel. Lehi compares the later Joseph to his ancestor, Joseph of Egypt, emphasizing that he will not be forgotten by God. He also likens the experiences of both Josephs, highlighting the significance of their mission to bring their families to the promised land and save them from darkness and captivity. Lehi's blessings and prophecies about the later Joseph's work align with the role and mission of Joseph Smith in restoring the gospel and bringing forth the Book of Mormon.
Challenges in Parenting and Trusting in God's Promises
Lehi expresses concern about the faithfulness of his grandchildren. He acknowledges the challenges of parenting and the fear of children departing from God's ways. Lehi blesses them, placing his trust in God's mercy and promises. He teaches the importance of choosing between blessings and curses by observing God's commandments. Lehi's hope is that his grandchildren will overcome challenges and be faithful to God, preserving their identity as children of Israel, and receiving the promised blessings.
Lehi's Passing and the Impending Division
Following Lehi's final blessings, he waxes old and dies, leaving a void in the family. Shortly after his passing, Layman and Lemuel, along with the sons of Ishmael, become angry with Nephi because of the Lord's admonitions. This friction foreshadows the division that will soon occur among Lehi's posterity. Despite this interruption, Nephi stretches out the narrative to include Lehi's final soul, highlighting the blessings and prophecies he gave to his entire household before his death.
Nephi's Deep Regret and Reflection
In this episode, Nephi's deep regret and reflection on his inability to fulfill his father's mission of keeping the family together is explored. The absence of a blessing for Nephi is highlighted, suggesting that Nephi may have purposely omitted it from the record because it was too painful to acknowledge his failure. Despite his regret, it is acknowledged that agency is a real thing and Nephi has had numerous positive experiences working with his older brothers. However, the impending split of the family is addressed, shifting the focus to Nephi's magnificent psalm. Nephi's psalm is described as a masterpiece, encompassing various subgenres of psalms and offering a glimpse into the glorious soul of Nephi. The importance of genuine and deep scripture study is emphasized, with Nephi expressing his love and delight in the scriptures and the continuous pondering of the things he has seen and heard. The psalm then transitions into a lamentation, where Nephi expresses sorrow over his own sins and temptation. Despite these challenges, Nephi's psalm shifts back to praise, emphasizing his trust in the Lord and the understanding that true strength lies in relying on God's goodness and mercy. Nephi's psalm showcases his vulnerability, the struggle between his shortcomings and his unfailing trust in God.
Nephi's Plea for Redemption and Trust in God
In this part of the episode, Nephi offers a heartfelt prayer to the Lord, pleading for redemption and deliverance from his enemies. He acknowledges his own weaknesses and sins, highlighting the battle between his better nature and the temptations that surround him. Nephi prays for strength and guidance, asking the Lord to encircle him with the robe of righteousness and to make a way for his escape. He expresses his desire for a straight path and for the Lord to remove any stumbling blocks in his way. Despite his own challenges, Nephi reaffirms his trust in God, rejecting the idea of putting his trust in the arm of flesh or mortal man. He knows that God will generously give to those who ask in faith, and he commits to lifting up his voice in prayer, acknowledging God as his rock and everlasting God. This deeply personal plea emphasizes Nephi's unwavering faith and reliance on God's grace and righteousness.
Part 1 of a 2-part study of 2 Nephi 3-5 (this part will cover chapters 3-4). This lesson focuses on Joseph in Egypt, Joseph Smith, the Bible and the Book of Mormon, restoring us, being sure, raising children, the death of Lehi, the Psalm of Nephi, depression and rejoicing, and more.
0:00 Introduction
3:06 Joseph of Lehi & Joseph of Egypt
10:26 Joseph Smith
16:09 Bible & Book of Mormon
24:14 Restoring Us to God
27:31 Confounding Joseph's Enemies
32:43 I Am Sure
37:15 Crying from the Dust
45:04 Raising Children Right
55:13 The Death of Lehi
1:01:33 The Psalm of Nephi
1:08:30 O Wretched Man that I Am
1:16:37 Depression & Rejoicing
1:27:30 Encircled in the Robes of Righteousness
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