February 26–March 3: “His Name Shall Be Called … The Prince of Peace.” 2 Nephi 11–19
“February 26–March 3: ‘His Name Shall Be Called … The Prince of Peace.’ 2 Nephi 11–19,” Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 (2023)
“February 26–March 3. 2 Nephi 11–19,” Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: 2024 (2023)
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Isaiah writing on scrolls
February 26–March 3: “His Name Shall Be Called … The Prince of Peace”
Engraving on metal plates is not easy, and space on Nephi’s small plates was limited. So why would Nephi make the effort of copying so many of the writings of the prophet Isaiah into his record? He did it because he wanted us to believe in Jesus Christ. “My soul delighteth,” he wrote, “in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ” (2 Nephi 11:4). Nephi had seen what would happen to his people in future generations. He saw that, despite their great blessings, they would become prideful, contentious, and worldly (see 1 Nephi 12; 15:4–6). He also saw similar problems in our day (see 1 Nephi 14). Isaiah’s writings warned against such wickedness. But they also gave Nephi hope for a glorious future—an end to wickedness, a gathering of the faithful, and “great light” for people who had “walked in darkness” (2 Nephi 19:2). All this would happen because “a child [was] born” who could end all strife—“The Prince of Peace” (2 Nephi 19:6).
Ideas for Learning at Home and at Church
How can I better understand the teachings of Isaiah?
Nephi acknowledged that “the words of Isaiah are not plain” (2 Nephi 25:4). But he also shared ideas to help us find meaning in Isaiah’s writings:
“Liken his words unto” yourself (2 Nephi 11:2). Many of Isaiah’s teachings have multiple possible meanings and applications. For example, when you read about dwelling places in 2 Nephi 14:5–6, consider how these verses apply to your home. Ask yourself, “What does Heavenly Father want me to learn?”
Look for symbols of Jesus Christ (see 2 Nephi 11:4). Many of Isaiah’s teachings about the Savior are conveyed through symbols. For example, how is the Savior represented in 2 Nephi 19:2? What does this symbol teach you about Him?
Seek to be “filled with the spirit of prophecy” (2 Nephi 25:4). As you study, pray for spiritual guidance. You may not understand everything at first, but the Spirit can help you learn what you need to know.
You might also find it helpful to refer to the study helps in the scriptures, including the footnotes, chapter headings, and Guide to the Scriptures. The Book of Mormon and Old Testament institute manuals have additional information that can help you learn about the historical context of Isaiah’s teachings.
Because Isaiah used symbolic language, it can be easy to overlook his powerful witness of Jesus Christ. Look for the Savior in 2 Nephi 13:13; 14:4–6; 15:1–7; 16:1–7; 17:14; 18:14–15; 22:2. What do these verses teach you about Him?
The prophecy in 2 Nephi 19:6 lists several of Jesus Christ’s titles. How has He fulfilled these roles in your life?
Nephi had foreseen that pride would cause the downfall of his people (see 1 Nephi 12:19). So it’s not surprising that Nephi would share with his people Isaiah’s repeated warnings against pride. In chapters 12 and 13, look for words that Isaiah used to describe pridefulness, such as lofty and haughty. In 2 Nephi 15:1–24, look for symbolic language describing the results of pride. Then you might try to summarize what you have read in your own words. Think about how you will choose to be humble.
Isaiah called the temple “the mountain of the Lord’s house” (2 Nephi 12:2). Why is a mountain a good symbol for the temple?
How would you explain to someone why we need temples? You could find some possible answers in 2 Nephi 12:2–3 and President Russell M. Nelson’s message “The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation” (Liahona, Nov. 2021, 93–96). Based on what you read, what does the Lord want you to learn and experience in His holy house? What experiences have you had there?
You can find the temple recommend interview questions on pages 36–37 of For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices. Consider reading each one and asking yourself, what does this question teach me about the Lord’s ways? How does it help me “walk in his ways”?
Despite the wickedness he observed, Isaiah saw hope for the future. Consider studying each of the following passages. Write one or more truths each passage teaches about our day: 2 Nephi 12:1–5; 14:2–6; 15:20–26; 19:2–8. Why do you feel these passages are important for us to understand?
Look for patterns. In the scriptures we can find patterns that show us how the Lord works. In 2 Nephi 11–19, you might look for patterns that show how the Lord warns of sin and forgives people who repent.
Isaiah described the temple as “the mountain of the Lord’s house.” Your children might enjoy pretending to climb a mountain as you read 2 Nephi 12:2–3. Help them find phrases in these verses that describe why we have temples.
To illustrate the phrase “we will walk in his paths” from 2 Nephi 12:3, you could make a path on the floor, leading to a picture of a temple. As your children walk on the path, they could name things they can do to walk in the Lord’s paths.
Perhaps your children could draw a picture of themselves going to the temple. They could also sing or listen to a song about the temple, such as “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 95). Help them find phrases in the song that teach what the temple is and what we do there.
There are several names for Jesus Christ in 2 Nephi 11:4–7; 17:14; 19:6. Help your children find them and talk about what they mean. For example, “Christ” means “the anointed” and “Immanuel” means “God with us.” What do these names teach us about Jesus?
Show portions of the video “The Christ Child” (Gospel Library) that show different people seeing Jesus for the first time. Pause the video during these depictions, and ask your children about what these people might have felt. What would we feel if we were there? How will we feel when we see Him again?
Show your children something bitter or sour, such as a lemon slice, inside a candy wrapper. Read together 2 Nephi 15:20. How does Satan try to make things that are evil look good? You could also show the first 90 seconds of the video “You Will Be Freed” (Gospel Library). Why does the fisherman disguise his hook? Why does Satan disguise sin? How does Jesus Christ help us avoid being deceived by Satan?
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
