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Book of Mormon Commentary
2 Nephi Chapter 3
3:25 Even before his father's death (26) Nephi was moved by the Spirit to admonish his brethren
and the sons of Ishmael. A few days after the burial, they manifested their displeasure. What form
this took is not told. Nephi simply states that they "were angry with me" (24).
NEPHI GRIEVES OVER HIS SINS, VER. 27-49
2 Ne 3:32 My soul grieveth because of mine iniquities.
3:32 The prophet has a lonely life, and at times he becomes discouraged. Elijah once lamented that
the prophets of Israel had all been slain or gone over to the worship of Baal. "And I, even I only,
am left; and they seek my life." But the Lord told him that there were "seven thousand in Israel, all
the knees which have not bowed unto Baal" (I Kings 19:13-18).
This part of the chapter, verses 30-66, is regarded by some as a remarkable piece of poetry. For
example, "0 wretched man that I am; yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh" (31). See also
Romans 7:18-27.
2 Ne 3:41 And mine eyes have beheld great things; yea, even too great for man; therefore I was bidden
that I should not write them.
3:41 Like many inexperienced writers today, Nephi here did not complete his thought. The great
things he beheld were not too great for man-for he was man-but perhaps, like Paul, too great for
man to describe, therefore he should not attempt to write about them.
Paul relates an experience of "a man in Christ- caught up to the third heaven." While the apostle
uses the third person, the experience was undoubtedly his own. He later identifies the third heaven
as "paradise." Here he "heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter" (II Cor.
12:2-7; see also Rev. 10:4; D. and C. 76:8 a).
2 Ne 3:44 Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart, to
destroy my peace and afflict my soul?
3:44 As one counts his blessings and thinks of God's mercies, his soul is flooded with peace. Then
the "evil one" moves hastily to destroy the image he has of himself as a child of God.
When Jesus had finished his forty-day fast, the devil came to him and said, "If thou be the Son of
God, command that these stones be made bread'. (Matt. 4:2-4) It is the common lot of man that
when he has had mountaintop experiences, and is feeling rather pleased with his spiritual progress,
or when he is physically depleted, the devil is most apt to try to overthrow him.
NEPHI PRAYS FOR STRENGTH, VER. 50-66
2 Ne 3:57 O Lord, wilt thou make a way for mine escape before mine enemies?
3:57 Once a man sees himself in his natural state of human weakness, he feels his dependence on a
higher power. Nephi declared, "My heart is broken and my spirit is contrite" (54). He was then in
a state of readiness for God's help. Many times men pray for an escape route from Satan or other