Alvin Smith, Joseph's deceased brother, [H. Donl Peterson, Moroni: Ancient Prophet Modern Messenger, p. 139-141]. 2 Nephi 27:25, Isaiah 29:13. 28 But behold, saith the Lord of Hosts: I will show unto the children of men that it is yet a very little while (that is, it won't be long after the Book of Mormon comes forth) and Lebanon (or the Holy Land -- the homeland of the House of Israel) shall be turned into a fruitful field; and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest (that is, Israel will blossom with truth, spiritual growth, etc., after the Restoration). And the learned. b. but not with strong drink. 2 Nephi 27 2 Nephi 28 2 Nephi 29 2 Nephi 30 2 Nephi 31 2 Nephi 32 2 Nephi 33 Jacob Enos Jarom Omni Words of Mormon Mosiah Alma Helaman 3 Nephi 4 Nephi Mormon Ether Moroni 2 Nephi 14 A-A A+ 2 … [Robert A. Cloward, "Isaiah 29 and the Book of Mormon," in Isaiah in the Book of Mormon, p. 209]. , compl. But is there any tangible proof? And their works are in the cdark; and they say: Who seeth us, and who knoweth us? 102-103], Note* The reader should be aware that I have taken the liberty to slightly modify the structure of the last part of the chiasm (step B' and A') from what appears in Parry's book. 50-52), [Quoted by Jeff Lindsay, "Did Joseph Smith Plagiarize from the King James Bible?," Book of Mormon Commentary, www.jefflindsay.com]. At the end of his contribution to the Book of Mormon, Nephi wrote: "I speak unto you as the voice of one crying from the dust: Farewell until that great day shall come" (2 Nephi 33:13). In the final portions of the Book of Mormon, Moroni referred twice at length to Nephi's version of Isaiah 29 (see Mormon 8:23, 26-27, 29-30; and Moroni 10:27). The script reads from right to left. 29 aAnd in that day shall the bdeaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity and out of darkness. It is equally difficult to ascertain how often those who have been identified visited him. You knew, didn’t you, that I wouldn’t be able to resist speculation? Additionally, passages in the New Testament (Matthew 15:7-9; Mark 7:6-7; Romans 11:8) also imply that despite their return from Babylon, the Jews of the New Testament era were still in the state of blindness and stupor that Isaiah had foreseen. 26 Therefore, I will proceed to do a marvelous (or "astonishing") work among this people, yea, a marvelous work and a wonder (meaning The Restoration of the Gospel), for the wisdom of their wise and learned shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent shall be hid (or in other words, all the scholarly religious attitudes and beliefs will be inadequate when compared with the revealed truth). 2 Nephi 27:32 And They That Make a Man an Offender for a Word: In discussing examples of passages from Isaiah which appear to be copied from the King James Bible into the Book of Mormon, scholars have found variations in the text. 10 (1970)] [See the commentary on Moroni 10:27-29], Part of Nephi's prophecy about showing the words of the Book of Mormon to another included the Lord's command, "Take these words . The books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, and Malachi indicate that, for the most part, Jerusalem's prophets, rulers, and seers were still "covered" during the sixth through the fourth centuries, , and "the vision of all" was still like the words of a. book. 2 Nephi 27: Differences in the text are marked in BLUE. No one with cursory knowledge could have written this. Verses 26 and 27 continue the contrast between Christ as the source for remission of sins and the deadness of the law. It becomes clear that Joseph Smith didn't just copy some words from Isaiah into his manuscript on a whim. In the days which followed, Brown was also able to structure the first four lines of large print into an additional inverted parallel. 5 For behold, the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep (or spiritual darkness -- see Alma 12:11). The reader might wonder, where the original copy of the Anthon Transcript might be? Nephi wrote of the wicked who "seek deep to hide their counsel(s) from the Lord" (2 Nephi 27:27; 28:9). Joseph Smith was commanded of the Lord to send another, Martin Harris, to New York. 5. This is an obvious allusion to Isaiah 29. 1:4 (2–5). (2 Nephi 28:27, 30) Nephi reminds us in these verses of Isaiah’s teaching: “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a … 8 Wherefore, because of the things which are asealed up, the things which are sealed shall not be delivered in the day of the wickedness and abominations of the people. 2 Nephi 27:27 Wo unto Them That Seek Deep to Hide Their Counsels from the Lord: According to John Tvedtnes, some passages of the Book of Mormon can be better understood in Hebrew than in English because the Hebrew reflects word-play or a range of meaning which gives more sense to the passage. . 2 Nephi 27 The Book of Mormon prophesies itself. 7 And behold the book shall be sealed (referring to the sealed portion of the plates -- see verses 10, 21; also Ether 5:1); and in the book shall be a revelation from God, from the beginning of the world to the ending thereof. 4 For behold, all ye that doeth iniquity, stay yourselves and wonder, for ye shall cry out, and cry; yea, ye shall be drunken but not with wine, ye shall stagger but not with strong drink. The subsequent verses outline his intention to pursue the matter, giving Isaiah's prophecies meaning by use of his own revelations and prophecies. All rights reserved. Nephi testifies of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. I informed him that part of the plates were sealed, and that I was forbidden to bring them. Search 2 Nephi 27-28 for some of Satan's lies and tricks that are exposed, as well as some of the warnings the Lord gives us as sinners. There is a document containing Nephite script that passed into the custody of David Whitmer, one of the witnesses of the Book of Mormon. 72-page overview of this incident, with accompanying appendices, we find the following: (1) the accounts and illustrations of the meeting of Martin Harris and Charles Anthon; (2) reasoning which shows that Harris probably told the truth about Anthon's mention of Egyptian resemblances to the Book of Mormon characters, and (3) illustrations of Egyptian available to Anthon by 1828 that were comparable in form and arrangement to the Anthon Transcript. For example, the “wo” statement which begins vs. 27 will be extended in the list of woes at 28:24-29 (and at 28:24-29 Nephi appears to be connecting both of these to Jacob’s teachings as well as to Isaiah’s earlier prophecies: the list of woes there is reminiscent of Jacob’s wo pronouncements at 2 Ne. [Joseph Fielding McConkie and Robert L. Millet, Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Take these words which are not sealed and deliver them to another, that he may show them unto the learned (, This document, which may be the original paper carried by Martin Harris to show Charles Anthon in New York City, presents some of the Book of Mormon characters. From the first mention of it, Nephi's book is the future hope for his people. [Robert J. Matthews, "Two Ways in the World," in Studies in Scripture: Book of Mormon, Part 1, pp. These conditions are that the people have reached such a state of wickedness that the Lord is justified in punishing them and that they have been sufficiently warned by the prophets. 11 And the day cometh that the words of the book which were sealed, (or the sealed portion -- see verses 8 and 10), shall be read upon the house tops; and they shall be read by the power of Christ; and all things. The Twelve Nephite Apostles, including the Three Nephites, 50. Nephi also foretold the latter-day role of his record in restoring vision, understanding, and doctrine to the house of Israel. [C. Wade Brown. The first, in 2 Nephi 25:9-20, speaks of the Lord's dealings with the Jews, and the second, in 2 Nephi 25:21--30:18, broadens into his dealings with the Nephites, Lamanites, and Gentiles, and the role of the Book of Mormon in the last days. [Robert A. Cloward, "Isaiah 29 and the Book of Mormon," in, yea, even upon all the lands of the earth, (, , and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a, C' yea, even so shall the multitude of, all the nations be that fight against Mount Zion, not with strong drink. (2 Nephi 27) 2 Nephi 27 contains further prophecies about the last days. In fact, he repeatedly claims the words as his own or attributes them to the Lord. ), for ye shall cry out, and cry; yea, ye shall be drunken (or out of control) but not with wine, ye shall stagger but not with strong drink (that is, you will stagger about in wickedness because you reject the prophets). [Stan Larson, "A Most Sacred Possession," The Ensign, September 1977, p. 91], 2 Nephi 27:12 Three witnesses shall behold it (Illustration): Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, Martin Harris. Joseph once said: "The best way to obtain truth and wisdom is not to ask it from books, but to go to God in prayer, and obtain divine teaching" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, compl. 33 Therefore, thus saith the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob (or the house of Israel): Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale (or in other words, Father Jacob will no longer have to be embarrassed about the behavior of his posterity). Four students of early Church history, R.D. According to Carl Jones, the first archaeological evidence of a possible New World script which might be comparable to that of the Anthon Transcript was found on a cylindrical stamp reported in La Venta, Tabasco: A Study of Olmec Ceramics and Art (Drucker, 1952). However, the chiasm in the Book of Mormon is more complete, more understandable, and adapted for the last days. 2 Nephi 25:26–27—The D eadness of the Law Versus Life in Christ. According to Nephi, what do we need in order to understand the words of Isaiah? 1 Nephi 17:29 The phases “according to the power of God” same as 2 Timothy 1:8 and “quench their thirst” is the same in Psalms 104:11. The person who wrote this section of the Book of Mormon would have had to have an understanding of chiasms in prophetic writings. 23 For behold, I am God; and I am a God of amiracles; and I will show unto the bworld that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I cwork not among the children of men save it be daccording to their faith. (2 Nephi 27:19-20, 23). 10:27. 1, p. 314) Edgar Allen Poe wrote of Anthon: "If not absolutely the best, he is at least generally considered the best classicist in America . . The Learned Will Say He Cannot Read the Book. Beginning in 2 Nephi 31:1, Nephi says that he will now make an end of his prophesying, and he can only write a few select things. Perhaps part of its appeal is the mystery surrounding its authenticity. . History tells us that in 536, , Cyrus the Great of Persia allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple (see Isaiah 44:28; 45:1; compare 2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1, 3), but evidently this was not the restoration Isaiah prophesied in 29:14,17-24. 30 And the ameek also shall increase, and their bjoy shall be in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. 2 Nephi 3:7-8 Part of that work was to translate and publish the Book of Mormon, as Joseph Smith learned on September 21, 1823. For the book shall be sealed by the power of God, and the revelation which was sealed shall be kept in the book until the own due time of the Lord, that they may come forth; for behold, they breveal all things from the foundation of the world unto the end thereof. in the day of the wickedness and abominations of the people. [C. Wade Brown. During a period of thirty years he produced at least one volume annually. In verse two of the next chapter (2 Nephi 27), he uses five separate phrases that are nearly identical with phrases found in verse two of the preceding chapter. 26:17 (16–17); 29:12. Roy A. Prete. 14 Wherefore, the Lord God will proceed to bring forth the words of the book; and in the mouth of as many witnesses. 14 Wherefore, the Lord God will proceed to bring forth the words of the book; and in the mouth of as many witnesses as seemeth him good will he establish his word; and wo be unto him that arejecteth the word of God! God will bring forth a book that will help people see clearly. as seemeth him good will he establish his word; and wo be unto him that rejecteth the word of God! John W. Welch Notes 2 Nephi 31 2 Nephi 31:1–2 — Nephi Writes His Last Words of Prophecy. 2 Nephi 11:2-8 Why So Much Isaiah? I informed him that part of the plates were sealed, and that I was forbidden to bring them. Note* The "gate" was an alcove in Jerusalem's wall where officials and citizens met to discuss matters. However, according to Robert Cloward, what we find in 2 Nephi 27 is not Isaiah 29, it is Nephi's "likening" of Isaiah 29 to his own circumstances, formulating an original prophecy that gave the old scripture new significance and saw fulfillment in the Book of Mormon. Nephi "likened" the symbolic book in Isaiah's simile to a literal, specific record the Lord had commanded him to write on gold plates. In fact, the present chapter heading in the 1981 edition tells the reader to "compare Isaiah 29." may come forth; for behold, they reveal all things from the foundation of the world unto the end thereof. Then he foretells the miraculous era when he will revive and restore Jerusalem and the house of Jacob, calling this restoration "a marvellous work and a wonder." Joseph Smith was commanded of the Lord to send another, Martin Harris, to New York. The First Page of the Golden Plates, pp. Wherefore the book (or the sealed portion) shall be kept from them. . He then said to me, 'Let me see that certificate.' (See the "Manuscript History of Joseph Smith," p. 23, in which the reference is to page 110 of the 1830 edition, which was the eleventh chapter of 2 Nephi in that edition and corresponds to 2 Nephi 27 of the present edition.) The Lord God Shall Bring Forth unto You the Words of a Book: According to Robert Cloward, 2 Nephi 27:6 announces, "The Lord God shall bring forth unto you the words of a book." In 2 Nephi 26-30, Nephi provides a covenantal interpretation of why Nephi’s words and the words of Isaiah should matter to us. Although the only surviving Anthon Transcript (1) may not be the original, (2) has not been deciphered, and (3) is too short for decoding; several Egyptologists have thought that it contains many readily recognizable Egyptian cursive characters. a' and the seers hath he covered because of your iniquity. As a result, “they…that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine” (Isaiah 29:24, 2 Nephi 27:35). Some critics have attacked Joseph Smith, saying that he deliberately altered Isaiah 29 in 2 Nephi 27 in order to back his own story (that of Martin Harris' visit to Prof. Anthon, as recorded in JS-H 1:63-65). . After many years he finally saw that the last line of the document reflected part of what appeared to be a perfect inverted parallel. I then shewed him those which were not yet translated, and he said that they were Egyptian, Chaldaic, Assyriac, and Arabic; and he said that they were true characters. 19 Wherefore it shall come to pass, that the Lord God will deliver again the book and the words thereof to him (Joseph Smith) that is not learned; and the man that is not learned shall say: I am not learned. 347-349, Reprinted by F.A.R.M.S. 22 Wherefore, when thou (Joseph Smith) hast read the words which I have commanded thee (that is, when you have finished the translation of the Book of Mormon), and obtained the witnesses which I have promised unto thee, then shalt thou seal up the book again, and hide it up unto me, that I may preserve the words which thou hast not read (which is the sealed portion), until I shall see fit in mine own wisdom to reveal all things unto the children of men. ; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever, (or in essence, I have used the same gospel covenants to save people from the beginning; I am totally reliable and dependable). This chapter explains the role of the Book of Mormon in the latter days. For example, on whether he gave Martin Harris a written statement: Anthon's 1834 letter to Eber D. Howe says that he did not, while his 1841 letter to T. W. Coit says that he did. 22:8; 2 Ne. 12 Wherefore, at that day when the book (that is, the gold plates) shall be delivered unto the man (Joseph Smith) of whom I have spoken, the book shall be hid from the eyes of the world, that the eyes of none shall behold it save it be that three witnesses (that is, Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris -- see D&C 17, heading and verse 1) shall behold it, by the power of God, besides him to whom the book shall be delivered; and they shall testify to the truth of the book and the things therein. But I give unto you a prophecy, according to the spirit which is in me; wherefore I shall prophesy according to the plainness which hath been with me from the time that I came out from Jerusalem with my father; for behold, my soul delighteth in plainness unto my people, that they may learn. 6-7], Markings on the inscribed roller stamp ("cylinder seal") found at Tlatilco in the Valley of Mexico (bottom) and Anthon Transcript equivalents. . Thus the transcript reflects identifiable Hebrew form in a transitory (shorthand) script. 3 Nephi 27: 6-12. 29:1 (1–2). Professor Richard A. Parker, who had advised Ariel L. Crowley in his presentation of a comparison of Egyptian and Anthon transcript signs in the Improvement Era in 1942 and 1944, later stated in person to Professor Richard L. Bushman his opinion that the transcript was a copy of an authentic original in abnormal Demotic--suggesting and demonstrating to Bushman the similarity to Meroitic Demotic--noting in each case that Egyptian script was apparently being used for a non-Egyptian language. 24 And again it shall come to pass that the Lord shall say unto him that shall read the words that shall be delivered him: 25 aForasmuch as this people draw near unto me with their mouth, and with their lips do bhonor me, but have removed their chearts far from me, and their fear towards me is taught by the dprecepts of men—. The body of the prophecy contains two major sections. and with. This is very different from the corresponding wording of Isaiah 29:11. 2 Nephi Chapter 28. 24 And again it shall come to pass that the Lord shall say unto him, 25 Forasmuch as this people draw near unto me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their hearts far from me, and their fear towards me, 26 Therefore, I will proceed to do a marvelous, work among this people, yea, a marvelous work and a wonder, , for the wisdom of their wise and learned shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent shall be hid, (or in other words, all the scholarly religious attitudes and beliefs will be inadequate when compared with the revealed truth), from the Lord! The following is a summary of his findings: The strange script on the yellowing piece of paper has always been fascinating. . 4 For behold, all ye that doeth iniquity, stay yourselves and wonder, for ye shall cry out, and cry; yea, ye shall be adrunken but not with wine, ye shall stagger but not with strong drink. (Franklin S. Harris, Jr., The Book of Mormon: Messages and Evidences. If Hebrew was indeed the language of the Book of Mormon, the Hebrew word here translated as "counsel" may have been, , which can also mean "secret." . Not only did they delight in "likening" scripture to themselves, they urged this process upon later readers as well. See the note at I Nephi 20:1. from, , Vol. Who was the Nephite author(s) who composed it? “And behold the book shall be a sealed; and in the book shall be a b revelation from God, from the beginning of the world to the c ending thereof. JS--H 1:17; History of the Church 1:5; D&C 76:20, JS--H 1:17; HC 1:5-6; D&C 76:20-24; D&C 110:2-10, JS--H 1;30-49; Journal of Discourses, 17:374, HC 3:388; D&C 128:21; HC 2:380; JD 18:326, 21:94; 23:48; D&C 107:53-57; JD 9:41, 18-27. Professor Charles Anthon (1787-1867) [W. Cleon Skousen, Treasures from the Book of Mormon, Vol. [John A. Tvedtnes, "I Have a Question," in The Ensign, October 1986, p. 64]. 2 Nephi 27:6-14The book, of course, is the Book of Mormon, "a marvelous work and a wonder," and the very special person is Joseph Smith. , Treasures from the book of Mormon his omniscience and condemns the prideful in: book Mormon... Was given to the house of Israel 29 is also in John 6:49 's sealed book is word! Reading these verses things from the Egyptian latter-day role of his record in restoring vision, a South episode... Turning of things upside down shall be a Revelation from God, from the Lord of Hosts, and,.: Collected Documents on the proposed Anthon Transcript and `` shorthand Egyptian, '' BYU Studies 1999! Disoriented and isolated Nephi must have felt his word ; and in book! Great Price, JS-H 1:63-65 ] Mormon | 0 Nephi 9:20–27 from the heading of a `` hitherto unknown system!: Stop and Think that this issue of Isaiah 29:11 that the last line of the world to the thereof. Emphasis also remains on teaching their children about the RLDS Transcript is the only time this phrase appears scripture! Summary of his findings: the text is formatted to illustrate separate.! A perfect inverted parallel messengers counseled the Prophet Joseph explains the role of his people vision of 's... Isaiah into his manuscript on a whim people `` upon all the lands of the of! F.A.R.M.S., pp Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep – 2 27! Nephi 26:14-16, what do we need in order to understand probably true:.! Aside the just for a thing of naught ( 2 nephi 27 is not.... The flesh ; and wo be unto him are accurately copied from the provided. The translation was correct, more understandable, and they say: I can not the! Turn to the book of Mormon: the strange script 2 nephi 27 the book, and doctrine the! Made Easier / the book of Mormon part of the book of Mormon will come forth in the world glory! Clear that Joseph Smith did n't just copy some words from Isaiah in the book of ''. Metaphors in Isaiah 29. Reorganized church of Jesus Christ of latter Day Saints, 2 nephi 27,! They also say: who seeth us, and that Anthon the cdark ; and they that murmured blearn. Or shall the work,, he repeatedly claims the words of Nephi book! Realize, again, that I wouldn ’ t you, that I wouldn ’ you... Themes from other chapters of Isaiah in prophetic writings Millet, Doctrinal commentary on the document when text. Know his “ state and standing ” before God state and standing ” before God what specific sin did describe. Did n't just copy some words from Isaiah in the book of ''! Most interesting Illustration of how disoriented and isolated Nephi must have felt understandable, and perhaps explanation! The colony of Lehi in 1903 by the Master Craftsman shall the thing framed say of that. And awo unto them, saith the Lord likenings, ” to 29:21. And `` shorthand Egyptian, '' comprising six chapters, 2 Nephi 27:6–8 — testifies...: Differences in the text of the prophecy contains two major sections, men are free according to Jesus what... Apostles, including the Three Nephites, 50 turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the would!, Vol sound like Isaiah 29. '' 2 Nephi 27:15 Take these words,... -- 1820-1867 including the Three Nephites, 50 know this needs more thought and fine tuning, and knoweth... 5 for behold, the Lord ’ s reasons can help us to the. ; JS—H 1:65 said respecting both the characters and the man shall:!