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

Book of Mormon Commentary
2 Nephi Chapter 12
12:25 It is human to want "to put the best foot forward," but it is well to remember that "Pride
goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Prov. 16:18). This is one of the
devices Satan has to cheat us of our souls (26). Jesus warned, "Woe unto you, when all men shall
speak well of you! For so did their fathers to the false prophets" (Luke 6:26). Paul added his note
of caution, "For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon
them" (I Thess. 5:3). Satan is a flatterer and tells people, "There is no hell" and "1 am no devil, for
there is none" (II N. 12:27).
2 Ne 12:30 Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion.
12:30 There is a time for rest, but it takes work and some weariness to make the rest rewarding.
Some want to "gather to Zion," not that they might contribute to its establishment and
advancement but so that they might have a wide variety of services and programs to choose from
and enjoy. At heart they are not participants but spectators.
WE NEED NO MORE FROM GOD, VER. 35-74
2 Ne 12:35 Wo be unto him that shall say, We have received the word of God, and we need no more of
the word of God, for we have enough.
12:35 When Jesus was preparing his disciples for his departure, he said: "Hereafter I will not talk
much with you" (John 14:29, 30). He did not say, '1 will not talk any more with you," but the
choice of the word "much” implies that he would speak some as the need arose. The canon of
scripture will not be closed by Christ. When men say, "We need no more; ...we have enough,” that
closes it effectively.
Isaiah, as quoted by Nephi, received the word of God: “I will give unto the children of men line
upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little" (II N. 12:36 and Isa. 28: 10) .Man
should never tell God that He should not give counsel and guidance, for from those who shall say,
"We have enough, shall be taken away even that which they have" (II N. 12:38).
2 Ne 12:40 Wo be unto the Gentiles, saith the Lord God of hosts; for notwithstanding I shall lengthen
out mine arm unto them from day to day, they will deny me;
12:40 It is a serious matter to reject the daily entreaties of God. These Gentiles cannot plead
ignorance, for the mercies of the Lord God of hosts are patiently offered with outstretched arms.
Peter saw a time when false prophets and teachers should privily "bring in abominable heresies,
even denying the Lord that bought them" (II Pet. 2:1).
2 Ne 12:43 And also, that I may remember the promises which I have made unto thee, Nephi, and also
unto thy father, that I would remember your seed; and that the words of your seed should proceed forth
out of my mouth unto your seed.
12:43 This doubtless refers to the Book of Mormon and hence gives us a time element to fix the
approximate date when the Lord would set his hand again the second time to recover his people of
the house of Israel ( 42) . The house of Israel refers particularly to the Jews who for centuries were