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Book of Mormon Commentary
2 Nephi Chapter 7
PROMISES TO THE RIGHTEOUS BRANCH, VER. 1-21
2 Ne 7:4 And our children shall be restored, that they may come to that which will give them the true
knowledge of their Redeemer.
7:4 Jacob explained that these promises were to be "according to the flesh" (2). While many "of
our children shall perish ...because of unbelief, "God's mercy would spare many (3). History has
shown the truth of this promise. As a nation the Nephites were spared for a thousand years. Their
blood is even now mixed with the Lamanites or American Indians.
2 Ne 7:5 Wherefore, as I said unto you, it must needs be expedient that Christ (for in the last night the
angel spake unto me that this should be his name) should come among the Jews, among those who are
the more wicked part of the world;
7:5 This is the first time the name "Christ" appears in the Book of Mormon.
An angel revealed this name to Jacob. Christ's coming and work was pointed out previously, but
reference to him was by such names as "Messiah" (I N. 1:20; 3:4-25), "Lamb of God" (I N. 3:12),
"Son of God" (I N. 3:25), and "Redeemer" (I N. 3:5; 19, 71).
"Christ" is from the Greek Christos and means "the anointed." It has the same meaning as the
Hebrew name "Messiah." Its implication is that Christ shall be King. The Jews installed their
kings by anointing their heads with oil and with a prayer of blessing (II Kings 9:3; II Sam. 2:4; I
Chron. 29:22). More will be said concerning the name in connection with II Nephi 11:36.
2 Ne 7:9 But because of priestcrafts and iniquities, they at Jerusalem will stiffen their necks against
him, that he be crucified.
7:9 The term "priestcraft" is generally used in a derogatory sense. Here it is associated with
iniquities which resulted in the Crucifixion. Later Nephi defines it in these words: "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" (II N. 11:106).
There is ample historical evidence 'that "the chief priests, and the Scribes, and the elders of the
people" contrived with Caiaphas, the high priest, on a subtle way to bring about the death of Jesus
(Matt. 26:3). Nephi alleges that no other nation on earth would crucify their God (7). The miracles
Jesus performed among them should have brought about their faith and repentance (8).
2 Ne 7:12 But behold, thus saith the Lord God: When the day cometh that they shall believe in me, that
I am Christ, then have I covenanted with their fathers, that they shall be restored in the flesh, upon the
earth, unto the lands of their inheritance.
7:12 The hope of Israel was thus kept alive by reminding them of the promise made centuries
before to Abraham and his progenitors. (See I N. 7:22 for comments.)
2 Ne 7:18 And this land shall be a land of liberty unto the Gentiles: and there shall be no kings upon the
land, who shall raise up unto the Gentiles.