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Book of Mormon Commentary
2 Nephi Chapter 1
2 Ne 1:80 Wherefore, the ends of the law which the Holy One hath given, unto the inflicting of the
punishment which is affixed, which punishment that is affixed is in opposition to that of the happiness
which is affixed, to answer the ends of the atonement;
1:80 The title "the Holy One," and particularly "the Holy One of Israel," is frequently applied by
Isaiah to our Savior. It occurs twenty-five times in the book that bears his name, and only six
times elsewhere in the Old Testament. In Isaiah 29:32 the title is "the Holy One of Jacob,"
followed by this explanation, "the God of Israel”. Jacob and Israel were two names of the same
patriarchal ancestor.
There is a reason why the Prophet Isaiah prefers this title. When he was called to the prophetic
office, he saw, in a vision, the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and he heard the
attendant seraphim crying, one to another, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts; the whole earth
is full of his glory" (Isa. 6:1-4). To Isaiah our Lord after that was "the Holy One" or "The Holy
One of Israel" or "Jacob." The use of this title by Lehi in an address to his son Jacob, who was
named after the patriarch, is appropriate and full of meaning.
Whether one suffers affliction or enjoys happiness depends on his response to the laws of life. The
latter-day prophet declared, " And unto every kingdom is given a law; and unto every law there
are certain bounds also, and conditions" (85:9 b).
The "ends of the atonement" are 'that men might become like Christ and enjoy eternal life in his
presence. Because he gave his life in love for people, they are drawn toward him and learn to
forgive and love as he did.
2 Ne 1:95 For there is a God, and he hath created all things, both the heavens and the earth, and all
things that in them is;
1:95 Lehi concluded a philosophic discussion arid stated the conviction that God must exist. He
did not argue nor cite evidence for his conclusion. The heavens and the earth and all things which
are in them testify of a Creator.
"Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?" (Job
11:7). The Lord chooses his own ways to satisfy his creatures. It seems wise, therefore, to
hypothesize a Creator-God, and proceed as though he is ruler of this universe. Paul maintained
"He is not far from everyone of us; for in him we live, and move, and have our being" (Acts
17:26-28; see also Heb. 11:6).
THE LAW OF OPPOSITION AND PROBATION, VER. 97-128
2 Ne 1:97 And to bring about his eternal purposes in the end of man, after he had created our first
parents, and the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and in fine, all things which are created, it
must needs be that there was an opposition;
1:97 Then Lehi explained his theory of opposites. The forbidden fruit was opposed to the tree of
life (98).
The Lord presented this principle in September of 1830. “It must needs be that the devil should
tempt the children of men, or they could not be agents unto themselves, for if they never should
have bitter, they could not know the sweet" (D. and C. 28:10d).