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Book of Mormon Commentary
2 Nephi Chapter 10
ISRAEL’S TRIUMPH OVER BABYLON, VER. 1-54
2 Ne 10:34 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! Art thou cut down to the
ground, which did weaken the nations!
10:34 This language was addressed to the king of Babylon by the prophet. The king's arrogance
and pride were pointed out. He had said, “1 will exalt my throne above the stars of God" (35). And
as though this was not enough, he indulged in further exultation, “1 will be like the Most High"
(36).
The war in heaven in which Satan offered to come and save mankind is learned by putting
together several scriptural texts of the King James Version. Jude wrote, "And the angels which
kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under
darkness unto the judgment 0£ the great day" (Jude 1:6). John wrote, "Neither was their place
found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil,
and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world; he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were
cast out with him" (Rev. 12:8,9, K.J.V.).
The Inspired Version gives the story with greater plainness in Genesis 3:1-5. When Christ's offer
was accepted, Satan rebelled and was cast down. Latter-day revelation says, "a third part of the
hosts of heaven turned he away from me" (D. and C. 28:10b).
Were it not for the inspired messages of Isaiah, and Joseph Smith, Jr., some of the story of man's
beginning would be difficult to comprehend.
2 Ne 10:41 But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and the remnant of those that
are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcass trodden under
feet.
10:41 This language refers to the king of Babylon. While the kings of other nations lie in glorious
tombs, he was to lie unburied on the field of battle.
Belshazzar was the last Chaldean king of Babylon, according to Daniel 5. He was the oldest son
0£ Nabonidus and prince-regent associated with his father, the king. He was the successor to
Nebuchadnezzar, rather than his son.
It was said the prince was surprised in the midst of merry-making and was killed by a sword at the
gate of his palace. Then his father, Nabonidus, was forced to surrender.
The selections from Isaiah end with Chapter 10 of Nephi's record. He next begins an exegesis of
the material he has quoted from the brass plates of Isaiah's writings.