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

Book of Mormon Commentary
2 Nephi Chapter 7
7:35 Jacob's description of the Lehites' voyage to America is poetic and beautiful. He gives God
credit for their safe arrival. We do not know how long they were on the ocean. They had a sailing
ship (I N. 5:181) which could be steered (I N. 5:211), and that is a slow way to travel. "The isles of
the sea" here refers to the American continents; it was land out in the ocean to them. (See note on I
N. 7:9)
2 Ne 7:40 Therefore cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves; to choose
the way of everlasting death, or the way of eternal life.
7:40 Jacob's address is brought to a close with another plea that his brethren be ...reconciled unto
God" (41). Freedom to choose our own ways has a strong appeal, but it also carries a tremendous
responsibility. Like the airplane pilot crossing the ocean; when he has gone so far that his fuel will
not permit him to reverse his course, his choice is final. The plane has reached the "point of no
return."
This point is much farther away than many who now face a wasted life may think. All who have
part in the first resurrection will receive teaching and training through the millennial reign of
Christ on earth. However, the rebellious will reach a place where they must accept a reward
"which is not a kingdom of glory" because they were "not willing to enjoy that which they might
have received ...Therefore, they must remain filthy still" (D. and C. 85:5c, 6g, 8b).