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Book of Mormon Commentary
1 Nephi Chapter 3
CHAPTER 3 LEHI PROPHESIES CONCERNING THE JEWS, VER. 1-12
1 Ne 3:2 For behold, it came to pass after my father had made an end of speaking the words of his
dream, and also of exhorting them to all diligence, he spake unto them concerning the Jews, that after
they should be destroyed, even that great city Jerusalem, and many be carried away captive into
Babylon, according to the own due time of the Lord they should return again; yea, even be brought back
out of captivity;
3:2 When Lehi had this enlightenment, Jerusalem was still standing. The first captivity occurred in
597 B.C., while Jehoiachin was king of Judah. This followed the evil reign of his father
Jehoiakim. In this captivity most of the chief men, both of the priestly class and the civilians, were
taken, including the prophet Ezekiel. The city was not destroyed until 586 B.C. and this was
because of the treachery of King Zedekiah (II Kings 24:18-20; 25:1-7; Ezek. 17:12-16).
Ezekiel prophesied that they should return from their captivity, as did Lehi (3:3) and Jacob (II N.
5:22, 29). Cyrus, king of Persia, conquered Babylon in 536 B.C. and permitted those Jews who
desired to return to go back to Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1-3).
1 Ne 3:4 Yea, even six hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem, a prophet would the
Lord God raise up among the Jews, even a Messiah; or, in other words, a Savior of the world.
3:4 Lehi prophesied of the coming of Christ. He said that many of the Hebrew prophets had also
spoken of "this Redeemer of the world.” None had spoken more clearly, however, than did Lehi.
Nephi received confirming light on this from an angel (5:236).
1 Ne 3:7 And he spake also concerning a prophet, who should come before the Messiah, to prepare the
way of the Lord;
3:7 This was John the Baptist. Of him Jesus said, "For this is the one of whom it is written,
Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. ...Among
them that are born of women, there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist” (Matt. 11:10,
11).
1 Ne 3:11 And my father said he should baptize in Bethabara, beyond Jordan; and he also said he
should baptize with water; even that he should baptize the Messiah with water.
3:11 This prophecy is remarkably clear as well as literally true. Nephi delighted in writing in
plainness in which "I know that no man can err" (II N. 11:7-11; I N. 5:223, 224).
THE MESSIAH AND THE OLIVE TREES, VER. 12-22
1 Ne 3:15 And after they had slain the Messiah who should come, and after he had been slain, he should
rise from the dead, and should make himself manifest by the Holy Ghost unto the Gentiles.