“Free to Choose Liberty and Eternal Life, through the Great Mediator”

CFM: February 5–11

2 Nephi 1–2

Videos, Podcasts, & Weekly Lesson Material

Media	​Lesson Extension	​Additional Materials
Scripture Central	2 Nephi 1–2 Insights Insights (Revisited) 2 Nephi 1-2 Scripture Insights	Study Guide
Follow Him	2 Nephi 1–2 2 Nephi 1-2 Part 1 with Dr. Lili De Hoyos Anderson 2 Nephi 1-2 Part 2	Transcripts
Line Upon Line	2 Nephi 1–2 AGENTS OF AGENCY
Teaching with Power	2 Nephi 1–2	​Teaching Bundle for Book of Mormon, available on Etsy.
Don't Miss This	2 Nephi 1–2
Book of Mormon Matters with John W Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson	2 Nephi 1–2	John W. Welch Notes
​Unshaken	2 Nephi 1–2 (part 1): Arise from the Dust (part 2): Calming Our Anxiety
​The Interpreter Foundation	2 Nephi 1–2	​Commentary by John Claybaugh
​Teaching Helps with John Hilton	2 Nephi 1–2 The Book of Mormon, A Master Class
​Scripture Gems	2 Nephi 1–2 Scripture Gems E06
​Ponderfun	2 Nephi 1–2 (not yet posted)
​Talking Scripture	2 Nephi 1–2 Ep 252 | 2 Nephi 1-2	Show Notes
Book of Mormon Minute, Brant A. Gardner Vol. 1	2 Nephi 1 2 Nephi 2
Saving Talents: Devotionals & FHE for Children	2 Nephi 1–2
Scripture Explorers	2 Nephi 1-2
Latter Day Kids	Opposition in All Things - Animated Scripture Lesson for Kids
​Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class, Book of Mormon	2 Nephi 1-5 Lehi's Farewell Address Video Notes Slides	Lesson Download arbm06_presentation .pdf Download PDF • 2.11MB

Resources and Insights for this Week's Lesson

The Book of Mormon and the Old Testament: A Cultural and Religious Dialogue

Covenant Land & Language

The Hebrew language is rich and layered and can offer deep insights into scriptural texts and their interpretations, even in the Book of Mormon. The words below are Hebrew words associated with the Covenant Language used by Lehi and Nephi. One can delve into these words and their usage to better understand the nature of covenantal relationships such as those observed between God and prophets like Lehi and Abraham even if they don't read or speak Hebrew. As one explores the meanings of these words and their usages in scripture, one can develop a better understand for these principles and how they can relate to us personally, in modern day and application. Below a brief description of a few notable words are provided. Below that, numerical links referred to as Strong's cataloging numbers are sourced that will take the reader to an online concordance, where one can view all of the locations where these words are used in the Old Testament. This information helps to provide valuable context that can help one to better understand how Lehi and Nephi conceptualized these principles and how they intended them to be conveyed.

1.  (Eretz)  אֶרֶץ and (Adamah) אֲדָמָה: These words are often translated as "earth" or "land." "Eretz" often connotes a specific land or country (e.g., Eretz Israel - the Land of Israel) and can imply a sense of belonging or possession. "Adamah" is more generally "ground" or "earth." Lehi’s promised land (אֶרֶץ) holds similarities to Abraham’s covenant, where the land (אֶרֶץ) is a crucial component of God's promise, symbolizing a place of inheritance (ירושה), prosperity, and divine blessing.

2.  (Bachar)  בָּחַר: This means "to choose," implying a deliberate and preferential selection. Both Lehi's and Abraham's families are chosen (בָּחַר) by God for a special purpose and destiny, primarily because they chose to follow Him. This idea highlights the nature of God’s chosen people, who are destined to inherit specific blessings because of how they choose to exercise their agency.

3. (Amar) אָמַר,  (Emer) אֵמֶר, (Davar) דָּבַר: These words are related to speaking or commanding. Examples of God's words (דָּבַר) and promises are foundational in the covenants that he made with Abraham and Lehi. His declarations establish the terms of the covenant and the promises attached to them.

4. (Karat) כָּרַת, (Chalal) חָלַל, and (Berit) בְּרִית: "Karat" means to cut or make a covenant, and the word often involves a sacrifice or symbol that is associated with a solemn agreement. "Chalal" can mean to begin or to pollute, but in the context of covenants, it often refers to the sanctity and solemnity of an agreement. The term covenant (Berit) בְּרִית is related to כָּרַת these words were used with Abraham and others to indicate that the promises one makes with God are solemn and binding, and they involve ongoing commitments from both parties.

5. (Chelek) חֵלֶק, (Yerushah) יְרֻשָּׁה, and  (Nachal) נָחַל: These words are related to inheritance and possession. "Chelek" means portion or part, often a share in something larger. "Yerushah" is an inheritance or legacy, something passed down through generations. "Nachal" can mean to inherit or possess and is also related to streams or brooks, symbolizing ongoing sustenance and life. The promised lands for both Lehi and Abraham are their inheritance (נַחֲלָה), a physical space where their posterity can flourish under God’s promises.

As one learns more about the culture and linguistic traditions of the prophets and people we learn about in scripture, one can learn to better appreciate the messages and witnesses they left behind. As one examines these words, one can explore the depth of the covenantal relationship as it was understood and intended to be understood by the writers. For example, The promised land (אֶרֶץ) is not just a physical space but a divinely chosen (בָּחַר) place where God's words (דָּבַר) and promises can be manifest. The covenant (כָּרַת) is a solemn agreement with spiritual and temporal blessings, tied to obedience and faithfulness. The inheritance (נָחַל, יְרֻשָּׁה) of the land signifies not just property but a legacy of faith, a place where the chosen people (חֵלֶק) can fulfill their divine destiny.

In 2 Nephi 1 and 2, these concepts resonate deeply. Lehi speaks of a promised land, a new "Eretz," divinely appointed for his posterity. The land is an inheritance, a new "Yerushah, (shares the same root as Jerusalem "inheritance" of shalem שָׁלַם "peace") where, if they keep the commandments, they will prosper and be at peace. Understanding these Hebrew terms can enrich one comprehension of the weight, nature, and depth of covenantal promises in both the Book of Mormon and the Bible.

H776	אֶרֶץ	'ereṣ	land, earth, country, ground, world, way, common, field, nations, wilderness
H127	אֲדָמָה	'ăḏāmâ	land(s), earth, ground, country, husbandman, husbandry

H977	בָּחַר	bāḥar	choose, chosen,choice, choose...out, acceptable, appoint, excellent, chosen men, rather, require, not translated
H1249	בַּר	bar	clean, pure,choice, clear
H1305	בָּרַר	bārar	pure,choice, chosen, clean, clearly, manifest, bright, purge out, polished, purge, purified
H4004	מִבְחוֹר	miḇḥôr	choice
H4005	מִבְחָר	miḇḥār	choice, chosen,choicest
H8321	שׂרֵק	śrēq	choicevine, noble vine

H559	אָמַר	'āmar	said, speak, answer, command, tell, call,promised, misc.
H562	אֵמֶר	'ēmer	word, speech, thing,promise
H1696	דָּבַר	dāḇar	speak, say, talk,promise, tell, commune, pronounce, utter, command misc
H8569	תְּנוּאָה	tᵊnû'â	occasion, breach ofpromise

H3772	כָּרַת	kāraṯ	cut off, make, cut down, cut, fail, destroy, want,covenanted, hew, misc
H1285	בְּרִית	bᵊrîṯ	covenant, league, confederacy, confederate, confederate

H2490	חָלַל	ḥālal	begin, profane, pollute, defile, break, wounded, eat, slay, first, gather grapes,inheritance, began men, piped, players, prostitute, sorrow, stain, eat as common things
H2506	חֵלֶק	ḥēleq	portion, part, flattering, flattery,inheritance, partaker
H3425	יְרֻשָּׁה	yᵊruššâ	possession, heritage,inheritance
H4181	מוֹרָשָׁה	môrāšâ	possession,inheritance, heritage
H5157	נָחַל	nāḥal	inherit,inheritance, possess, have, divide, heritage, possession, strong's synonym
H5159	נַחֲלָה	naḥălâ	inheritance, heritage, inherit, possession

---

Overview

2 Nephi 1: Lehi, nearing the end of his life, bestows blessings upon his sons and exhorts them to righteousness. He speaks about the promised land and the conditions upon which they shall prosper in it.

References and Cultural Contexts for Investigation, Contemplation, and Discussion: 

• The Promised Land in Religious Texts: Explore the concept of a promised land across different scriptures and its symbolic meanings.

  • Where is the Land of Promise?

  • Where Did the Book of Mormon Happen?

  • Why Did Some in Lehi’s Time Believe that Jerusalem Could Not Be Destroyed?

  • Why didn’t Jews in Old Testament times believe Jerusalem could be destroyed?

  • How Could Jerusalem, ‘That Great City,’ Be Destroyed

• Parent-Child Dynamics in Scriptural Narratives, Arms of Love: Discuss the complexities and lessons from the parent-child interactions in the scriptures.

  • “Arise from the Dust”: Insights from Dust-Related Themes in the Book of Mormon (Part 1: Tracks from the Book of Moses)

  • “Encircled About Eternally in the Arms of His Love”: The Divine Embrace as a Thematic Symbol of Jesus Christ and His Atonement in the Book of Mormon

  • Zoram

  • Meeting Zoram

  • For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices

• Blessings and Curses in Covenantal Contexts: Analyze the conditional promises associated with obedience to God's commandments in the scriptures.

  • The Promised Land and Its Covenant Peoples

  • Lehi and the Covenant of the Promised Land: A Modern Appraisal

  • The Ways of Remembrance

  • Sojourn, Dwell, and Stay: Terms of Servitude

  • “If Ye Will Hearken”: Lehi’s Rhetorical Wordplay on Ishmael in 2 Nephi 1:28–29 and Its Implications

  • The Book of Mormon: Man-Made of God-Given?

  • Free to Choose Liberty and Eternal Life, through the Great Mediator

• Summary of Key Themes: The significance of the promised land, the conditions of prosperity in it, the importance of obedience to God's commandments, and the personal blessings and counsels given by Lehi to his sons.

  • What does it Mean to “Prosper in the Land”?

• Application to Contemporary Life: Explore the significance of divine guidance, the consequences of our choices, and the power of parental blessings and counsel.

Major Topics/ Themes	​Summary	​Cross-References, Videos & Resources
2 Nephi 1		Lehi Gives His Family a Final Blessing | 2 Nephi 1–4 KnoWhy #29: Should 2 Nephi 1:1–4:12 Be Called the ‘Testament Of Lehi’?
I. The Role of Agency and Opposition	1-11: Lehi expounds on the principles of agency and opposition, emphasizing that there must be opposition in all things for righteousness and wickedness to exist. Theological Context: Explore the doctrine of agency and its fundamental role in the Plan of Salvation. Biblical Cross-Reference: The concept of agency and choice in Joshua 24:15.	Chiasmus in 2 Nephi 1:5–7 Migrations Southward Lehi’s Familiarity with the Writings of Zenos Wordplay on Jacob
	12-16: The necessity of opposition, including pain and happiness, wickedness and righteousness, and the law of compensation. Philosophical Context: The concept of dualism and the balance between opposing forces in religious thought. Biblical Cross-Reference: The knowledge of good and evil as introduced in Genesis 2:17.	Did Lehi Quote Shakespeare?
II. The Fall of Adam and Eve (Verses 17-25)	17-25: Lehi discusses the Fall of Adam and Eve, asserting its necessity for mankind to experience mortality and joy. Doctrinal Context: The LDS perspective on the Fall as a stepping stone to mortality and eternal life. Biblical Cross-Reference: The account of the Fall in Genesis 3.	What Does the Book of Mormon Say about the Armor of God? Lehi’s Conception of Satan Synthetic Parallelisms
III. The Atonement of Jesus Christ	26-30: Lehi teaches about the central role of the Atonement of Jesus Christ in the Plan of Salvation, making it possible for mankind to be saved from physical and spiritual death. Soteriological Context: The doctrine of the Atonement and its significance in LDS theology. Biblical Cross-Reference: Paul’s teachings on the Atonement in Romans 5:10-11.	Wordplay on Ishmael

2 Nephi 2: Lehi imparts a profound doctrinal discourse to his son Jacob, discussing the essentials of the Plan of Salvation, the role of agency, the necessity of opposition, the Fall of Adam and Eve, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

References and Cultural Contexts for Investigation, Contemplation, and Discussion: 

• Agency and Opposition in Religious Thought: Exploring philosophical and theological perspectives on free will and moral dualism.

  • The Influence of Lehi's Admonitions on the Teachings of His Son Jacob

• The Fall and Its Implications in Christian Theology: Discussing various interpretations of the Fall and its role in humanity's spiritual journey.

  • Teaching the Fall and the Atonement: A Comparative Method

  • The Fall of Man and His Redemption

  • Lehi's Theology of the Fall in Its Preexilic/Exilic Context

  • Adam's Fall in the Book of Mormon, Second Temple Judaism, and Early Christianity

  • The Doctrine of the Fall in 2 Nephi 2

  • The Great Plan of Happiness

  • Teaching the Fall and the Atonement: A Comparative Method

• Family Dynamics in Scriptural Narratives:

  • Firstborn in the Wilderness

  • Notes and Communications: "My First-Born in the Wilderness"

• The Atonement in Latter-day Saint Doctrine: Analyzing the unique perspectives of the Atonement in LDS theology and its scriptural foundations.

  • Every Experience Can Become a Redemptive Experience

  • Atonement, Agency, Accountability

• Summary of Key Themes: The doctrine of agency and opposition, the Fall of Adam and Eve as a fundamental part of God's plan, and the redeeming power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

• Application to Contemporary Life: Embracing the gift of agency, understanding the purpose of life’s challenges and opposition, and recognizing the centrality of Christ’s Atonement in personal salvation.

  • Endure It Well

Major Topics/ Themes	​Summary	Cross-References, Videos & Resources
2 Nephi 2
I. The Role of Agency and Opposition	1-11: Lehi expounds on the principles of agency and opposition, emphasizing that there must be opposition in all things for righteousness and wickedness to exist. Theological Context: Understanding the doctrine of agency and its fundamental role in the Plan of Salvation. Biblical Cross-Reference: The concept of agency and choice in Joshua 24:15. 12-16: The necessity of opposition, including pain and happiness, wickedness and righteousness, and the law of compensation. Philosophical Context: The concept of dualism and the balance between opposing forces in religious thought. Biblical Cross-Reference: The knowledge of good and evil as introduced in Genesis 2:17.	Why Is Lehi Depicted as Similar to Moses? How the Book of Mormon and the Old Testament Help Us Understand What it Means to be Redeemed Was the Requirement of a "Broken Heart" Known Before the Time of Christ? Why Did the Wise Men Give Jesus Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh? How Did President Gordon B. Hinckley Emphasize the Importance of the Book of Mormon? How is the Day of Atonement Understood in the Book of Mormon? Early Christianity and the Question of Evil Opposition in All Things Lehi on God's Law and an Opposition in All Things An Essay on the One True Morality and the Principle of Freedom Inverted Quotations in the Book of Mormon
II. The Fall of Adam and Eve	17-25: Lehi discusses the Fall of Adam and Eve, asserting its necessity for mankind to experience mortality and joy. Doctrinal Context: The LDS perspective on the Fall as a stepping stone to mortality and eternal life. Biblical Cross-Reference: The account of the Fall in Genesis 3.	Why Did Lehi “Suppose” the Existence of Satan? Why Did Lehi Teach that the Fall was Necessary? What are the Origins of Lehi's Understanding of the Fall? Why Do We Have Three Different Accounts of the Creation? The Fortunate Fall of Adam and Eve Teaching the Fall of Adam and Eve Poetry in the Book of Mormon "That They Might Have Joy"
III. The Atonement of Jesus Christ	26-30: Lehi teaches about the central role of the Atonement of Jesus Christ in the Plan of Salvation, making it possible for mankind to be saved from physical and spiritual death. Soteriological Context: The doctrine of the Atonement and its significance in LDS theology. Biblical Cross-Reference: Paul’s teachings on the Atonement in Romans 5:10-11.	Why Did Lehi Teach About the “Two Ways”? Agency and Freedom in the Divine Plan Agency and Freedom Free Agency and Freedom

Church Videos & Resources

• The Lord Guides Lehi's Journey | 1 Nephi 16

• The Lord Commands Nephi to Build a Ship | 1 Nephi 17–18

• Lehi's Family Sails to the Promised Land | 1 Nephi 18

Scripture Central

• Study Guide

Video Commentary

• Book of Mormon Matters with John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson: 2 Nephi 1-2

• Scripture Study Insights with Tyler Griffin: 2 Nephi 1–2

• Come Follow Me Insights Revisited (2 Nephi 1–5)

• Book of Mormon Matters with John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson: 2 Nephi 1-2

KnoWhy's

Evidences

Written Commentary

Reading Plan

Maps & Charts

Images

Bibliography & Additional Resources

BYU’s RSC

• Agency and Freedom

• Video—The Doctrine of the Fall (2 Nephi 2)

• Teaching the Fall and the Atonement: A Comparative Method

Additional Videos, Articles, & Insights

• Journey Of Faith - Book of Mormon Documentary

• The New World - Book of Mormon Documentary

Books

• The Book of Mormon Made Easier Set, With Included Chronological Map (Gospel Study)

• The Annotated Book of Mormon

• Beholding the Tree of Life: A Rabbinic Approach to the Book of Mormon

• Gathered in One: How the Book of Mormon Counters Anti-Semitism in the New Testament

• Feasts and Festivals of the Messiah (Preparing for and Worshipping in the Latter-day Saint Temple: Understanding Symbolism, Promises, Learnings & Covenants)