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

Book of Mormon Commentary
2 Nephi Chapter 7
7: 18 This unusual prophecy has had a remarkable fulfillment. Though European nations have held
possessions in or near the Americas, in no instance has a kingdom worthy of the name been set up
and long maintained. Mosiah declared, "Because all men are not just, it is not expedient that ye
should have a king or kings to rule over you” (Mos. 13:21). The Lord promised to "fortify this
land against all other nations” (19). The Monroe Doctrine has proved effectual for many decades
and has had a potent influence in preventing foreign acquisitions.
GEN11LES TO BE NUMBERED AMONG ISRAEL, VER. 22-44
2 Ne 7:23 Wherefore, he that fighteth against Zion, both Jew and Gentile, both bond and free, both male
and female, shall perish:
7:23 "Wherefore, he that fighteth against Zion, ...shall perish. "-It might be difficult for the Saints
of this age to see that the enemies of Zion had perished. We are inclined to mistake a skirmish for
the real battle. God takes a long view of bringing about his purposes. The revelation of December
16, 1833, tells why the Saints were driven out of Jackson County by mob action of the early
settlers. "I, the Lord, have suffered the affliction to come unto them ...in consequence of their
transgressions" (98:1-5).
Peter declared, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise and coming, as some men count
slackness" (II Pet. 3:9). He prefaced this with the statement, "One day is with the Lord as a
thousand years" to us.
God has told the church, "1, the Lord, would fight their battles" (95:6e; 102:3). This is not in the
spirit of vengeance or retaliation, but of justice and judgment. As Zechariah said, "Not by might,
nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts" (Zech. 4:6).
Nephi once spoke of certain ones in Zion who would perish. "But the laborer in Zion shall labor
for Zion; for if they labor for money, they shall perish" (11 N. 11:109). Should effect follow cause
in rapid or immediate succession, it would be coercion. God does not want us to feel compelled,
but free agents to determine our own course.
2 Ne 7:29 Wherefore, the Gentiles shall be blessed and numbered among the house of Israel.
7:29 The Gentiles will afflict the seed of Lehi for a time (27), but later "1 will soften the hearts of
the Gentiles, that they shall be like unto a father to them" (28). This can be applied particularly to
the United States of America. The early history was one of despoiling and humiliation of the
Lamanites. Many privileges and welfare programs are now being used. The process has been slow
and painful, because the Indian wanted to perpetuate his habits and customs of the centuries. The
government wanted to entice him away from his tepee and blanket existence. Each group was
insisting on the only kind of life which seemed to fit the need and the times.
Still better relations are predicted when the barriers of race will break down and they shall all be
numbered as Israel. The Gentiles are to become Israelites by adoption according to Paul (Rom.
8:15-17; Gal. 4:5-7). This condition shall be brought about by the terms of the gospel. It may seem
like a fanciful hope to some; but to those who take the time to study the changes already made,
there should come a basis for hope that God's promises will all be fulfilled.
2 Ne 7:35 For the Lord has made the sea our path, and we are upon an isle of the sea.