Second Nephi
Second Nephi is the abbreviated title for the Second Book of Nephi in the Book of Mormon. As with the First Book of Nephi, this section was written by Nephi the son of Lehi, although many chapters are included excerpts from the prophet Isaiah in the Old Testament. Additionally, Nephi's brother Jacob contributes a few words. Whereas the First Book of Nephi dedicates the majority of its word count to the history of Lehi and his family's journeys, Second Nephi has a more doctrinal orientation. This section of the Book of Mormon begins sometime between the year 588 and 570 B.C.
Synopsis
The Second Book of Nephi continues the story of the prophet Lehi and his family immediately following the close of the First Book of Nephi. Having arrived in the modern-day Americas, otherwise known to the group as "a land of promise,"[1] Lehi, realizing that his time in mortality is drawing to a close, summons his children and grandchildren to his side to give them parting advice and blessings.[2]
To his oldest two sons, Laman and Lemuel, Lehi gives stern warning and strong exhortation to righteousness. Laman and Lemuel had complained often during the family's travels in the wilderness, and in particular, had been quite antagonistic against their younger brother Nephi, attempting to kill him on more than one occasion.[3] Lehi pleads with them to change their ways, admitting that his "heart hath been weighed down with sorrow" as a result of their frequent wickedness.[4] He urges Laman, Lemuel, and Sam—as well as the sons of Ismael—to heed Nephi's spiritual guidance.[5]
Lehi then briefly addresses Zoram, who joined the family in the wilderness years prior.[6][7] Following this, Lehi speaks to his sons Jacob and Joseph, who were both born during the family's journeys through the wilderness.[8][9]
After imparting his wisdom with his children and grandchildren, Lehi dies.[10] Despite their father's admonitions to heed Nephi as a spiritual leader, Laman and Lemuel succumb to anger at their circumstances. They plan in secret to murder Nephi, though their younger brother is informed of the plans by the Lord. God instructs Nephi to "depart from them and flee into the wilderness." Zoram, Sam, Jacob, and Joseph, in addition to the people who comprised their respective families, follow Nephi.[11]
From this point onward (i.e. for the remainder of the Book of Mormon), the people who followed Nephi (Nephites) and those who were supporters of Laman (Lamanites) are divided most of the time. To make the distinction visually apparent, God causes a curse to befall the Lamanites.[12]
The remainder of the Second Book of Nephi comprises various sermons from Nephi and Jacob, as well as numerous excerpts from the prophet Isaiah of the Old Testament. This section of the Book of Mormon ends with Nephi's final words to any who may be reading the book. He then passes the records to his brother Jacob for future safekeeping.[13]
Doctrinal Significances
Isaiah Comparisons
Book Sections
Chapters 1 through 5 provide a historical account of Lehi's family after their arrival in the promised land. In the first four chapters of Second Nephi, Lehi gives parting counsel and blessings to his children and grandchildren. Chapter five chronicles the separation among the children of Lehi into two groups afterwards designated as Nephites and Lamanites.
Chapters 6 through 11 primarily contain a series of sermons delivered by Nephi's brother Jacob about the future coming of Jesus Christ. His words are supplemented by inserts of the Book of Isaiah in the Old Testament. In Chapter 11, Nephi provides some closing commentary on his brother's words and introduces an additional portion of Isaiah's works.
Chapters 12 through 24 contain a transcription of the record of Isaiah as contained on the brass plates described in First Nephi. This section of Second Nephi can be compared to Isaiah chapters 2-14 in the Old Testament.
Chapters 25 through 33 contain Nephi's teachings about the mission and sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the gathering of Israel in the last days. One final Isaiah chapter is inserted in the midst of these writings.
