2 Nephi 12-24: Chapter Summeries
2 Nephi 12:
The fall and restoration of Judah is promised, with emphasis upon the latter days: "And
it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be
established in the top of the mountains" (v.2). The need for repentance and humility is
also stressed (vs. 9, 11, 17). The day of judgment will humble all men (v.19). Compare
Isaiah 2 for important differences between Isaiah in the Old Testament and the Book of
Mormon. See Bible Dictionary "Dead Sea Scrolls," "Italics, " "Masoritic Text,"
"Spetuagint," "Ship."
2 Nephi 13:
The men of Judah will be taken into captivity after a period of anarchy and oppression.
Vain daughters of Zion will be humbled through a great catastrophe. Read 2 Chr. 2728. See Bible Dictionary "Adultery," "Idol," "Baal," "Groove," "High Places,"
This chapter is quoted in Isaiah 3.
2 Nephi 14:
A continuation of chapter 3 that stresses the last days and the purging of sins.
(Compare Mal 3.) "And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying,
We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel; only let us be called by thy
name, to take away our reproach" (v.1). The Lord's presents a cloud by day and a fire by
night to be over Mount Zion or Moriah (vs.5-6). See Bible Dictionary "Marriage,"
"Family." This chapter is quoted in Isaiah 4.
2 Nephi 15:
A parable of the vineyard. This chapter contains elements of both the fall of Israel and
the latter-day restoration of Jacob. The Lord will lift up an ensign to the nations, and
they will come swiftly to Zion (vs. 26-29). Compare Jacob 5; 2 Nephi 29:1-3; Micah 5:6 14; 3 Nephi 21:12-29; see also Bath, Ephah, and Homer in Bible Dictionary "Weights and
Measures." This chapter is quoted in Isaiah 5.
2 Nephi 16:
In the year of the King Uzziah's death, Isaiah sees the Lord and his court. The prophet
fears because of his unworthiness, but is forgiven (v. 7). He volunteers for his calling as
a prophet and is told why he will be so difficult to understand (v.10). The Lord foretells
that the people will be exiled and that when a remnant returns, Isaiah's words will be
more clear (vs. 11-13). Read 2 Chr. 26; Matt. 13:10-17; Jacob 4:14-15; Isaiah 29:10-12;2
Nephi 27:5. Note: seraphim [animal beings in God's presence] are also mentioned in
D&C 38:1; 109:79. See Bible Dictionary "Circumcision," "Seer."
This chapter is quoted in Isaiah 6.
2 Nephi 17:
The Syro-Ephraim war is waged upon Judah because she refuses to join an antiAssyrian alliance. Isaiah says to Ahaz, king of Judah: "Don't fear Pekah of Israel and
Rezin of Syria." Isaiah prophesies that within sixty-five years Ephraim will be scattered
by Assyria (vs. 1-9). The important Immanuel sign to Ahaz and the prophecy about the
coming of the birth of Christ is given: " Behold a virgin shall conceive" (vs. 14-16,
compare Matt. 1:23 for fulfillment). Four signs given: (1) maiden shall bear a child; (2) it
will be a son; (3) he will be called Immanuel; (4) before he is accountable of age, the
two invading kingdoms will be destroyed, and more animals than people will remain
in the desolate land (vs.20-25). Read 2 Kings15-16. See Bible Dictionary "Fullers,"
"Jeroboam II," "Jonah," "Molech," "Symbolism." This chapter is quoted in Isaiah 7.
2 Nephi 18:
Trust in the Lord and not in foreign alliances. Judah is told not to be afraid of the
impending war (vs. 17-25) or to unite with Syria and Assyria, but to report and fear the
Lord (vs.10-13). Christ will be a stumbling block for Judah (vs. 13-14; see also Matt 4:1216). See Bible Dictionary "Scroll." This chapter is quoted in Isaiah 8.
2 Nephi 19:
Israel will be devoured for her wickedness (V.12), and she shall devour herself (vs. 1920). There is also an important reference here to the Messiah: "For unto us a child is
born..." (vs. 6-7). Compare Amos 4-5. This chapter is quoted in Isaiah 9.
2 Nephi 20:
Assyria is about to be sent against (Samaria) and then against Judah. She will march
through the towns just north of Jerusalem (vs. 28-31), but will stop just outside the city
(v.32). Proud Assyria will later be destroyed by the Lord (vs. 15-16,33-34). A righteous
remnant of Israelites shall return (vs. 20-23). Read 2 Kings 17. See Bible Dictionary
"Samaritans," " Diaspora," "Dispersion," "Captivities of the Israelites."
This chapter is quoted in Isaiah 10.
2 Nephi 21:
This chapter promises the restoration of Israel in the last days under great leaders.
Read JS-H 1:40; D&C 113:1-6; 101:26; 2 Nephi 30:9-15. See Bible Dictionary "Fear,"
"Jesse." This chapter is quoted in Isaiah 11.
2 Nephi 22:
A song of Praise to Jehovah (Christ) or the "Holy One of Israel" at the time when his
glory and mission shall known over all the earth during the Millennium.
This chapter is quoted in Isaiah 12.
2 Nephi 23:
Although Isaiah speaks directly of Babylon, he also appears to be speaking about the world
in the last days (see D&C 133:14). Verses 9,10, and 13 indicate that a cosmic catastrophe
will come. The actual downfall of the Babylon kingdom is prophesied (vs. 15-22).
Read D&C 29, 45; Revelation 18. See Bible Dictionary "Dragon."
This chapter is quoted in Isaiah 13.
2 Nephi 24:
A continuation of Chapter 13 that tells of the fall of Babylon and includes a "taunt
song" against the king of Babylon (vs. 4-23). This king may be (1) an ancient political
ruler, (2) Satan or the Devil, or (3) any leader of wickedness. Israel (house of Jacob) shall
be restored and will rule over her oppressors (v.2). There is also a reference to Lucifer's
fall (vs. 12-13), and his final ruin along with his followers in the last days (14-22).
Compare Moses 1:12-22; 4:1-4; Revelation 18. Note: the term satan also means "earthshaker," being derived from the Semitic term satanah. See Bible Dictionary "Hell,"
"Philistines," "War in Heaven." This chapter is quoted in Isaiah 14.
Victor L. Ludlow; Isaiah: Prophet, Seer, Poet.
(Deseret Book Company, Salt Lake City, Utah 1982), 57-60.