Book of Mormon Commentary CofC - Odessa, Missouri Community ...

Book of Mormon Commentary
2 Nephi Chapter 11
2 Ne 11:93 And there are also secret combinations, even as in times of old, according to the
combinations of the devil, for he is the foundation of all these things; yea, the foundation of murder, and
works of darkness;
11:93 The Inspired Version makes clear what is meant by “as in times of old." Satan told Cain,
“Swear unto me by thy throat, and if thou tell it thou shalt die; and swear thy brethren by their
heads, and by the living God. ...And all these things were done in secret" (Gen. 5:14- 15). (See II
N. 7:22.)
Such “secret combinations" laid the “foundation of murder, and works of darkness" (93). Truth
and righteousness need no cover-up planning. When a person wants to tell you something on a
pledge that you will tell no one, beware! You might be led into trouble. Jesus said, “Every one
who doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved"
(John 3: 20). If you have to pledge someone to secrecy before you can talk, either you may be
talking to the wrong person, or the thing should not be said.
COMMENTS ON THE LAWS OF ZION, VER. 95-124
2 Ne 11:96 He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even
that he layeth down his own life, that he may draw all men unto him.
11:96 The doctrine of "a chosen people" makes more difficult the acceptance of the universality of
God's love and salvation. Nephi does not negate the idea that Israel carried the chosen seed
through which the gospel should be revealed in the meridian of time, but he saw the necessity of
affirming God's love for all nations, tongues, and people. Jesus did not submit to death on the
cross only for white men or the Hebrew race but to "draw all men unto him."
This idea might seem overstressed to us, but we have not inherited any of the chosen family
traditions." All men are privileged the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden" (105). This
is not intended to say that we all have equal opportunities to share the gospel privileges, but that it
is God's will and purpose that all should hear and be drawn to him through the gospel.
2 Ne 11:106 He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men
preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain, and praise of the world;
but they seek not the welfare of Zion.
11:106 This pronouncement is against hypocrisy. Men may claim to bring the light of salvation
but have ulterior motives: "to get gain and praise of the world, but they seek not the welfare of
Zion."
"The Lord hath forbidden this thing" (107). (See comments on II N. 7:9.)
2 Ne 11:109 But the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion; for if they labor for money, they shall perish.
11: 109 This is still directed against priestcraft, though men with greedy motives cannot build up
the kingdom of God. "Lay not up for yourselves treasure upon the earth, ...but ...in heaven ...For
where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matt. 6:19-21).