2 Nephi 5-10 – Early School Years
Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Nephite Timeline
Lehi, the great patriarch, has passed, and now left unchecked, the murderous disposition of Laman and Lemuel towards their younger brother is intensifying. Things get so heated that the Lord in his mercy warns Nephi to take all those that would listen, those that were willing to follow the Prophet, and flee into the wilderness (2 Ne 5:5-6). From this point on we have two distinct groups in the Promised Land, those that follow the Prophet Nephi are known as Nephites, those that have turned away from God are known as Lamanites.
The band of Nephites travel for some time and begin again to build a new community, in the Land of Nephi. Here they begin to harvest crops, raise flocks, build buildings including a Temple, and establish a system of government. Jacob and Joseph are consecrated as priests, and together with Nephi, they teach their people how to live “after the manner of happiness” (2 Ne 5:27). The rest of the chapters are doctrinal in nature, as Jacob teaches from Isaiah about the Restoration, the scattering and gathering of Israel, the Plan of Salvation, and more about the Promised Land.
Individual Timeline
We have made it to the promised land, now what? In our individual timeline, at least for those born into the church, this section covers the second half of elementary school, senior primary through graduating into YM/YW, approximately ages 8-12. I think the first thing the allegory is teaching here is that even though we’ve made it to the promised land, the real test is just beginning. This is highlighted by the most pivotal event in this section; the splitting of the two groups into Nephites and Lamanites. I believe there are two key teachings here.
Friends and Foes
The first, has to do with the initial decision, taking sides; this can be thought of in regards to making good and bad friends. Thinking back on my schooling years this is about the time that different groups of kids start to be identified. Those with similar interests, backgrounds, beliefs, races, hobbies, start to band together. Probably the most crucial decisions that happen during this period is the choosing of one’s friends, this choice will have far-reaching effects on the rest of our timeline. Hopefully at this juncture we will choose good friends, like those that chose to follow Nephi, who will teach us skills and life lessons, help us build and grow, and elevate our vision and character. If we do so, like the Nephites, we will “prosper exceedingly”; good seed will be sown and we will “reap again in abundance.” (2 Ne 5:11)
Alternatively, we can choose our friends poorly like those that followed Laman and Lemuel. Friends that don’t follow the prophet, and drag us down into spiritual darkness. If we do so we may find ourselves to a degree coming under the same cursing, being “cut off from the presence of the Lord” (2 Ne 5:20). Having now entered the age of accountability, gradually we are held to following the light that we have, even if it is small at this point. If we sin against the light that we have, slowly, like the Lamanites, we too can begin to “become an idle people, full of mischief and subtlety” (2 Ne 5:24), having “hardened… hearts” and figuratively “a (spirit) of blackness” that comes upon us (2 Ne 5:21). This cycle would continue unchecked “save they shall repent of their iniquities” (2 Ne 5:22) as Nephi details. Thanks be to Christ for providing us with this clause.
War begins
The second teaching we gain is what happens after the battle lines are drawn, after sides are taken. At this age during our journey, school, and life in general, can start to become more of a warzone than anything else, as we deal with bullies at school, influences from friends, and with sibling and family dynamics. Not just in the physical sense but also in the spiritual. Now that we have chosen to take the Lord’s side in baptism the real spiritual war breaks out. As Joseph Smith described in the previous chapter, we have left neutral ground and can never go back.
How sad it is that Nephi’s source of opposition comes from within his own family, those that had symbolically crossed the same waters of baptism, that were supposed to be covenantal members and followers of the God of the promised land. Too often we find ourselves in similar circumstances, especially where the church is well established. Some of the greatest opposition we face as children and young adults, either physical, emotional, or spiritual, can come from within our own ranks. In regards to such bullying behavior Elder Uchtdorf taught a powerful “two-word sermon” during the April 2002 General Conference; “Stop it!”
If we find ourselves on the wrong side of the battle line, either as a struggling saint behind enemy lines or as a fully enlisted soldier for the dark side, we would do well to heed his counsel. To stop, reassess where we stand, what friends we have made and how they are influencing us, or we them, and begin the process of de-defecting. Sometimes, associations made earlier in life, need to be cut off. For our own spiritual safety, we may need to distance ourselves, permanently, from those that don’t follow the counsel of the modern-day prophet. Like the Nephites, it could very well be a matter of spiritual life and death. If we realize we have ended up in the camp of the Lamanites and the association of the Nephites is long gone, it is never too late to cut ties, and go searching out the Land of Nephi.
Industry/Hobbies
If running around half naked, robbing, plundering, hunting, and preying on weaker things doesn’t sound like your bag, then you probably belong in the Nephite camp. As a young Nephite, what can we expect to be doing to fill our time? Nephi gives us some clues in 2 Nephi 5 what he, the prophet, taught his fledgling flock to do:
Vs 10, keep the commandments. This is a great time to focus on the Lord, His commandments, and His Church, getting involved in all the programs and ancillary activities provided. Nephi taught his people that the Lord’s commands are to be observed in “all things”, not just on Sunday or when people are watching; all things, all places, and all the time.
Vs 11, sow seed. What a great time in life to get kids into gardening, hard work like weed pulling, and horticulture in general. Not just in growing plants but anything that requires hard work, time, and patience to “reap again in abundance”. Practicing music and sports, mechanics, woodworking, sewing, anything that takes the dedication and patience of skill development. Now is the time to be sowing seeds into the fertile soil of the youth, for them to reap the benefits many years down the road.
Vs 11, raise animals. Those that are in a position to have livestock can attest to the responsibility, work ethic, and life lessons gained through animal husbandry. Still most of us these days are not in this position, yet almost anyone can have a pet. Nearly everyone knows the joy, satisfaction, and growth that comes from having, caring for, and raising pets. Dogs, cats, birds, even reptiles and rodents, all can aid in the growth and development of our youth.
Vs 12, keep/read records. Another plug for reading scriptures and keeping a journal starting around this age. This can be broadened to reading from the “best books” in general, fiction and nonfiction, engaging in creative writing, and other literary pursuits.
Vs 14, learning warfare. Learning to fish and hunt, martial arts, and sports in general can all lead to a healthy development of self-confidence, skill, and competition that will translate to skills needed in the home, workplace, and church in the future. Those that have played sports at a high degree are quick to acknowledge the benefit gleaned from coaches, their teams, and the dedication of the sport in general.
Vs 15, build buildings and wood/metal working. Build things with your kids; tree houses, science projects, woodworking, model airplanes, pinewood derby cars, all should be staples of childhood development. Arts and crafts would also fall under this category. These are all great ways to increase your child’s creativity.
In today’s culture there really is something for almost everyone, the key is finding what compliments our strengths and likes and sticking to it. Trouble often isn’t knowing what to do, it’s knowing what not to do. As the saying goes, “You can do anything, but not everything”. We all have talents, when our talents are cultivated with dedication, hard work, and perseverance, we can do anything we put our minds to; but with the limitation of time we just can’t do everything and do it well. Help your kids choose well, to “seek… earnestly the best gifts” (D&C 46:8), and to “be anxiously engaged in a good cause” (D&C 58:27). The key is “A good cause”, not all good causes.
Temple Worship
In verse 16 Nephi introduces temple worship into the narrative, stating that he “did build a temple… after the manner of the temple of Solomon… and the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine” (2 Ne 5:16). This is the first time the temple is mentioned in the Book of Mormon. Just as this is the first reference to temple worship in our allegorical teaching of the covenant path, it is also the first time we are able to attend the temple on our individual timeline.
With the lowering of the age of deacons receiving the priesthood to the year they turn 12, and subsequently attending the temple for baptisms for the dead, thousands of young men are serving in the temple that much earlier and receiving the blessings therefrom. Truly the Lord is hastening his work in the redemption of the dead, and as indicated in the allegory, our pre-teen youth are to be a big part in initiating the work.
Jacob’s Sermon
The rest of this section is a sermon taught by Nephi’s younger brother Jacob. While it pains me to not go into detail about the doctrine taught in these beautiful chapters, as this is not the scope of this book, I feel the choice of topics covered are instructive as well. The first major doctrinal section given in this life’s allegorical timeframe was at the end of 1st Nephi and beginning of 2nd Nephi, during the newly baptized member phase. This focused on the scattering and gathering of Israel, the land of promise, the plan of salvation, and the restoration. What I find interesting in this next doctrinal section is that it is a near identical duplicate of the first’s topics, only deeper.
Jacob starts off quoting select scriptures from Isaiah 49 regarding the scattering and gathering of Israel, their restoration, and the role of the latter-day gentiles (us), just as his brother Nephi did in 1st Nephi chapter 21. However, Jacob expounds on, and gives even more insight here, broadening our views and knowledge from Nephi’s teachings. Then, like a seamless baton pass from his brother, Jacob takes up where Nephi left off, quoting Isaiah 50 and 51 in their entirety, chapters that prophesy of the coming messiah and of the restoration and establishment of Zion in the last days.
The next two chapters are Jacob’s own prophetic expansion on the previous two chapters of Isaiah. 2nd Nephi 9 is a beautiful commentary and expansion on the Messianic prophecy given in Isaiah 50 (2 Ne Ch 7). Jacob details the need of a Messiah and the role of His atonement in preparing “a way for our escape from the grasp of this awful monster; yea, that monster, death and hell” (2 Ne 9:10) so we don’t “become devils, angels to a devil, to be shut out from the presence of our God, and to remain with the father of lies, in misery, like unto himself”. (2 Ne 9:9)
Death and Hell (sin), the effects of the Fall (2 Ne 9:6), that “Monster” that preys on us all, is referenced 3 separate times to get his point across (vs 10, 19, 26). We are all eternally indebted to our Lord and Savior who “delivereth his saints from that awful monster” (vs 19), suffering “the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature” (vs 21), satisfying “the demands of his justice” (vs 26) so that His mercy can save all those who “will hearken unto his voice”. (vs 21)
A timely message in the allegorical narrative as sin begins to affect us all at this stage. May we all, beginning either here in the timeline or wherever we may be, accept the admonition of Jacob to start the process of “com(ing) unto the Lord, the Holy One”, “the keeper of the gate” and knock, for “whoso knocketh, to him will he open”, if we come and knock “in the depths of humility”. (2 Ne 9:41-42)
“Come, my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price.” (2 Ne 9:50)
If chapter 9 is Jacob’s Messianic discourse on Isaiah 50, then chapter 10 is his discourse on Isaiah 51, dealing with the Restoration, Zion, and the Latter Days. The Gentiles of the last days were prophesied to be as nursing fathers and mothers in restoring the Jews to the land of Israel, in return the Lord gives “great” promises to them, namely safety. “[T]his land shall be a land of liberty unto the Gentiles…And I will fortify this land against all other nations.” (2 Ne 10:9-12)
Of course this protective promise comes with the clause that “all men that dwell thereon… shall worship [Him]” (vs 19) else “they who are not for [Him]” are numbered among those that are “against [Him]” (vs 16), and the covenental promises are exchanged for covenantal cursings. Ultimately these promises are taken from the Gentiles at large and settle upon Zion, the New Jerusalem; a society comprised of the righteous posterity of Joseph, primarily through Lehi (vs 19), the Gentiles (us) that are adopted and “numbered among the house of Israel” (vs 18), and “the redeemed of the Lord [that] shall return, and come with singing unto Zion”. (2 Ne 8:11)
The gathering of Israel, the covenantal promises and protection of the Lord to Zion, “[His] people” (2 Ne 8:16), beautiful teachings for this age group that have just recently entered into their own covenantal relationship with the Lord to “stand as witnesses” and “keep His commandments”. A timely reminder to “Awake, awake, put on thy strength, O Zion”! (2 Ne 8:24). If we do so, remaining firmly within the Nephite camp of good friends, we will aid in the gathering of those that have strayed who will, with us, “obtain gladness…and everlasting joy and holiness shall be upon their heads”. (2 Ne 8:11)
Jacob finishes his sermon encouraging us to “reconcile [ourselves] to the will of God”, thus becoming of “one heart and one mind” (Moses 7:18), a Zion individual. He ties the two chapters together reminding that “after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved.” (2 Ne 10:24)
Global Timeline
Meanwhile on a global scale, the Puritans and Pilgrims have “multipl[ied] in the land” (2 Ne 5:13), forming into many large colonies, 13 to be exact. Like Nephi of old, and with the help of local Lamanite remnants, they too “did prosper exceedingly; [sowing] seed, and [reaping] again in abundance” (2 Ne 5:11) in the rich American soil. It’s as if they were following Nephi’s admonitions who “did cause [his] people to be industrious, and to labor with their hands” (2 Ne 5:17), “[building] buildings, and [working] in all manner of wood, and of iron, and of copper, and of brass, and of steel, and of gold, and of silver, and of precious ores, which were in great abundance” (2 Ne 5:15).
The ingenuity and rapidity with which this American Nation was built up is truly miraculous. A miracle that could only play out with a covenant people who did “observe to keep the judgments, and the statutes, and the commandments of the Lord in all things” (2 Ne 5:10), garnering the reciprocal promise of having “the Lord [to be] with us”. (2 Ne 5:11)
Also like the Nephites of old, at this time in the narrative, these righteous forefathers found themselves in an ongoing toxic association with an entity with similar familial roots. The older world of England, like the older brothers Laman and Lemuel, didn’t like the fact that their younger colonial nation, had grown in such wisdom, wealth, and power, and began to “murmur against” her (2 Ne 5:3). Like the older wicked brothers, England could be thought of using the same language against the younger blessed land of America saying: “we will not have [America] to be our ruler; for it belongs unto us, who are the elder [Nation], to rule over this people.” (2 Ne 5:3)
Again, battle lines were drawn, between the old and the new, the righteous and the wicked, and the same pattern of preservation of God’s covenant people prevailed. While no one leader (other than Christ Himself) can be credited with the miraculous victory of the Revolutionary War, the obvious leader set apart by divine investiture, mirroring the ancient prophet and king Nephi, would be General George Washington. Washington countlessly called on the covenantal promises of the land, encouraging his people in prayer, fasting, and supplication, and his deliverance and success against an older, experienced, and better equipped nation was even more miraculous than the deliverance of Nephi and his followers as detailed in chapter 5.
Now I would love to go into great detail about the numerous miracles and divine interventions of the Lord in preserving and establishing this nation, unfortunately this is not the scope of this book. For that I would refer the reader to the book “The Washington Hypothesis” by Timothy Ballard, it is excellent. But to steal a line or two from Nephi I’d sum it up by saying “I do not write upon these [pages] all the [events of this period]…But it sufficeth me to say, that [England] did seek to take away [America’s] life”… and they failed. Does anyone else feel like “history is repeating itself”, and will yet repeat itself, the outcome being based on our current observance or rejection of the ancient covenants that rest upon this, the Promised Land?
Personal Timeline
Well do I remember this period of tribulation, in the choosing of sides, and the influence of friends, at this time in my life. Before second grade everyone seemed like a friend, I don’t remember any lines being drawn on the playground. It seems like just after turning eight years old, sides were chosen, groups formed, and I often found myself on the outside looking into whatever camp I could.
Unfortunately the only fellow wandering-ite I could find that befriended me was more in the Lamanite crowd than Nephite. Being desperate for friendship I clung to this individual for much longer than I should have. Without going into detail and airing dirty laundry I’d say, much like Joseph Smith after mingling with similar society, that because of this association “I frequently fell into many foolish errors, and displayed the weakness of youth, and the foibles of human nature; which, I am sorry to say, led me into divers temptations, offensive in the sight of God.” Thank goodness for those verses on the atonement in Ch 7 and 9!
Finally one day, after going over to hang out, he pulled out a Ouija Board. Not knowing what it was I went along with it not wanting to offend. The spirit I felt from that encounter sickened me to the point I realized I was in the wrong camp, and left for good, searching out the Land of Nephi. I “wandered in my own wilderness” for a year or two, friendless and downtrodden, until the Lord sent me my own Nephite, in the form of a literal Lamanite, my Hispanic brother from another mother, John.
He moved into my ward around 6th grade and we were inseparable. Can’t say we were as industrious as the early Nephites, but with the help of my father we built “The Loft”, our clubhouse in the garage attic that we basically lived in year-round. Even had a zipline that ran the length of the field we had out back to a telephone pole, it was amazing. Our favorite pastime? Hunting; with our pump-action BB guns, shooting anything and everything we could… I still need to go back and apologise to a few neighbors, and their cats! If anyone that used to live on 17th E and 17th S in Sugar House area during the early 90’s ever had to replace a window (or a cat) contact me, not even joking.
We were also heavily involved in Scouting, completing most of the requirements for Eagle by the age of 13, going on river rafting expeditions down the Colorado, snowmobiling in Yellowstone, and a weeklong excursion in the Everglades in Florida where I officially became a man… you can’t believe the amount of bugs and spiders there, I still have nightmares of the banana spiders dropping out of the trees into our canoes and down our backs, ugh. It was a beautiful time in my life, equal and opposite to the dark years that preceded it. But like the Nephite/American narrative, history would repeat itself.
The Way 