Slide 2:
Lehi Gives Last Counsel to His Posterity To Jacob – Redemption and salvation come through Jesus. “Men are that they might have joy.” Without The Fall of Man, salvation would be impossible. To Joseph – His namesake, Joseph of Egypt, predicted the Lord would raise up Moses to free the people of Israel. A seer, named after Joseph, whose father’s name is also Joseph, would the Lord raise up, for the purpose of restoring Israel. To the children of Laman and Lemuel – If your parents teach you wickedness, the sins will be the responsibility of the parents.
Slide 3:
Lehi Dies and His Posterity Are Divided Nephi records what is known as the Psalm of Nephi in 2 Nephi 4:16-35 . Invocation - Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard. Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth Complaint - O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities. . . . And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins. Confession of Trust - My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep. Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord , and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever ; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God , and the rock of my salvation Petition- O Lord, wilt thou not shut the gates of thy righteousness before me, that I may walk in the path of the low valley, that I may be strict in the plain road!
Slide 4:
The Psalm of Nephi continued… Vow of Praise - Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I ask not amiss; therefore I will lift up my voice unto thee; yea, I will cry unto thee , my God, the rock of my righteousness. Behold , my voice shall forever ascend up unto thee, my rock and mine everlasting God . Amen. Conclusion- Identifying and understanding the many poetic forms in the Book of Mormon allows readers to appreciate its beautiful literary style and to gain a better understanding of its message. Identifying Nephi's lament as a true psalm further refines the Book of Mormon's historical and literary context and reaffirms that the two books of Nephi accurately reflect the social and religious milieu of ancient Israel. As in other instances of Hebrew poetic forms in the Book of Mormon, a greater understanding and appreciation of the psalm, more particularly the personal lament, can offer new insights into 2 Nephi 4:16–35 and make its message of hope and trust more powerful and personal.
Slide 6:
Jacob Preaches Nephi ordained his brothers Jacob and Joseph as teachers over the people of Nephi. A speech by Jacob to the people is recorded in chapters 6-10 . He quotes passages from Isaiah that the destruction in Jerusalem has already happened. He testifies of the birth, life, and atonement of Jesus Christ. Jacob explains the resurrection. He exhorts his people to repent. He continues to teach about the crucifixion of Christ and the establishment of a free people in America in the last days.
Slide 7:
Nephi Quotes Isaiah and Gives His Final Counsel Nephi records Isaiah 2-14 and then prophesies that Christ will visit the Nephites in the Americas after His death and resurrection. He prophesies of the destruction of his people due to wickedness.
Slide 8:
Nephi’s Final Counsel continued… He prophesies the Gentiles will establish many churches and the practice of preaching for money and not for the love of the gospel. Nephi predicts of the translation of the Book of Mormon and of the Three Witnesses. He prophesies of Martin Harris’ conversation with Professor Charles Anthon. Nephi prophesies that scriptures will come from some of the other lost tribes of Israel, and that God speaks to all nations. Nephi challenges the reader to be baptized and follow the example of Christ. Baptism is just the beginning of the way, not the final destination. It is necessary to endure to the end. Pray, and seek a testimony from the Holy Ghost that his words are true.