“This Is the Way”

CFM: March 18–24

2 Nephi 31–33

Videos, Podcasts, & Weekly Lesson Material

Media	​Lesson Extension	​Additional Materials
Scripture Central	2 Nephi 31-33 Scripture Study Insights Book of Mormon Insights with Taylor and Tyler: Revisited 2 Nephi 31-33. Scripture Insights	Study Guide
Follow Him	2 Nephi 31-33 Part 1 • Dr. Kerry Muhlestein Part 2	Transcripts
Line Upon Line	2 Nephi 31-33 THE HERO'S JOURNEY
Teaching with Power	2 Nephi 31-33	​Teaching Bundle for Book of Mormon, available on Etsy.
Don't Miss This	2 Nephi 31-33 None other Name
Book of Mormon Matters with John W Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson	2 Nephi 31-33	John W. Welch Notes
​Unshaken	2 Nephi 31-33 (part 1): "This Is the Way" (part 2): Nephi's Final Farewell
​The Interpreter Foundation	2 Nephi 31-33	​Commentary by John Claybaugh
​Teaching Helps with John Hilton	2 Nephi 31-33 The Book of Mormon, A Master Class
​Scripture Gems	2 Nephi 31-33 S01E12
Come Follow Up	2 Nephi 31-33 | BYUtv
Latter Day Kids	2 Nephi 31-33 (not yet posted)
Scripture Explorers	2 Nephi 31-33
​Talking Scripture	Ep 259 | 2 Nephi 31-33	Show Notes
Book of Mormon Minute, Brant A. Gardner Vol. 1	2 Nephi 31 2 Nephi 32 2 Nephi 33
Saving Talents: Devotionals & FHE for Children	2 Nephi 31-33
​Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class, Book of Mormon	Nephi's Prophecies of The Book of Mormon; The Doctrine of Christ Video: Lesson	Lesson 6: Notes, Slides arbm09_presentation .pdf Download PDF • 1.51MB

Resources and Insights for this Week's Lesson

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

Review:

Passover and Holy Week information:

https://www.cfmcorner.com/post/be-not-afraid

• Passover Seder Script by Lynda Cherry

• Days of Awe: Jewish Holy Days, Symbols and Prophecies for Latter-day Saints by Gayle Boyd

• Greater Love Hath No Man: A Latter-day Saint Guide To Celebrating the Easter by Eric Huntsman and Trevan Hatch

In line with our discussions last week about cultivating relationships with our Jewish friends and community, the following videos were released yesterday by Scripture Central and they fit in beautifully with what we have been discussing. These are worth watching:

• 5 Hebrew Evidences in the Book of Mormon (Part 1)

• A Rabbi's Take on the Book of Mormon | Joe Charnes

New Materials:

"Feasting upon the Words of Christ and the Tradition of the Ta'amim Hamikra"

In Jewish traditions, the concept of "feasting upon the words of God (Christ in Christian tradition)" and the practice of Ta'amim Hamikra (the cantillation marks or musical notations used in Hebrew Biblical readings) are inherently related. Understanding a little bit about this Jewish tradition, its history, and its connection to Nephi's writing can provide some valuable insight and intriguing perspective to the chapters we have been studying the last few weeks.

First: What are the Ta'amim Hamikra?

This is a phrase that is probably new to a lot of members of the church, so if you have no idea what this is, don't be alarmed. In Hebrew, Ta'amim Hamikra can be literally translated to "the flavor of the readings (or the scriptures)." In other words, how do the words of God taste in one's mouth? There is a lot of symbolic context to unpack with this concept, but first we need to understand some historic perspective. One must remember that In ancient times, access to written scriptures was very limited. The invention of the printing press was still millennia away, and handwritten scrolls were both rare and costly. Typically these were only available to royalty and high ranking priests. We should remember that Lehi had never even seen the written accounts until Nephi acquired the brass plates, and we should also remember that Laman and Lemuel's descendants held deep and long standing animosity towards Nephi and his descendants because, in their minds, the Nephites were thieves because they had taken the brass plates when they fled following the death of Lehi. We also observe a huge transformation in the Lamanite community when they were finally able to receive the written texts from Alma the Younger and sons of Mosiah who made great sacrifices to deliver them to the people. Thus we can observe the tremendous value that these written records represented, for a multitude of reasons.

For most people, learning about the scriptures primarily took place through oral recitation, typically within the communal settings of the synagogue or the temple during significant religious gatherings and Holy Feast Days. During these events, priests or rabbis would recite scripture passages, providing explanations and context to aid the community's understanding of the teachings. Various writings in the Talmud clarify that since at least the time of Ezra, whenever a priest would stand to recite from the Torah, the text was always chanted or sung; not doing so was considered ignorant and disrespectful. In the earliest versions of the complete Tanakh, every single word of the Old Testament is marked with a cantillation mark (Comparing Ancient Biblical Manuscripts). While the specific cantillation marks used today and found in early manuscripts of the Tanakh were not formalized until the 6th century AD, earlier versions can be traced back to the Babylonian era, with conceptual roots potentially linked to Egyptian traditions.

Role of Ta'amim Hamikra in Jewish Tradition

In these oral tradition, the cantillation practices played a crucial role. These Ta'amim Hamikra, also known as "tropes," a Greek word, τρόπος trópos, that literally means "the way," provided a musical framework for chanting the Hebrew Bible. The Ta'amim served several vital functions:

1. Acoustic Amplification: Chanting, with its melodic rises and falls, allowed the words to carry further, an essential feature in crowded or open spaces, ensuring that the sacred texts could be heard by all present.

2. Memorization Aid: Similar to how modern children learn through songs, the melodic patterns of the Ta'amim facilitated memorization of the scriptures. This oral tradition enabled the faithful to internalize the words, making the divine teachings a part of their daily lives and consciousness.

3. Musical Notation: Ta'amim are essentially a system of musical notation used to chant the Hebrew scriptures. Each symbol corresponds to a specific hand gesture (Chironomia), and musical phrase that dictates the melody and intonation of the text being recited. This musical recitation helps to convey the emotions, nuances, and various inflections of the biblical passages. (click here to hear the traditional trope melodies with their associated cantillation markings)

4. Punctuation and Syntax: Beyond their musical aspect, the Ta'amim also serve as a form of punctuation and grammatical guidance. In Hebrew texts, where traditional punctuation (such as commas, periods, question marks, vowels, and even spaces between words) is absent, these marks provide cues for pausing, stopping, pronunciation, or changing the tone within sentences, which is crucial for understanding the structure and meaning of the text.

5. Textual Integrity and Interpretation: Without modern punctuation, the Ta'amim helped preserve the correct phrasing, meaning, and context of the scriptural message. The musical notations indicated intended pauses, stops, emotional and spiritual undertones, guiding readers and listeners in understanding and internalizing the context, nuances, and flavor of the sacred words.

6. Textual Emphasis and Interpretation: The Ta'amim contribute to the interpretation of scripture by highlighting particular words or phrases, indicating questions, exclamations, or shifts in narrative voice. They guide the reader (or listener) through the emotional and rhetorical landscape of the biblical narrative, particularly with poetic and intellectual wordplays and alliterations, thereby enhancing the depth of study and engagement with the text.

4. Spiritual and Emotional Resonance: The musical aspect of the Ta'amim invited the Spirit and set the tone for various passages, enhancing the emotional and spiritual engagement of the community with the text. This practice helped transform the scripture reading into a deeply moving, spiritual experience, bridging the gap between the earthly and the divine.

Relevance to Nephi’s Teachings and Practices

Nephi, a prophet deeply rooted in the traditions of his Jewish heritage, would have been intimately familiar with the ancient practice of scripture cantillation. His urging to "feast upon the words of Christ" aligns with the Jewish tradition of engaging deeply and internalizing the words of the Torah through Ta'amim Hamikra. Nephi's writings, rich in poetic and prophetic expressions, demonstrate a profound reverence for God's word, reflecting his ancestors' practices. Throughout his texts, he repeatedly highlights the value of Jewish learning, underscoring the significance of reconciliation and reunification between Judah and Joseph. Nephi consistently advises learning from our Jewish brothers and sisters, offering much insight into the shared spiritual heritage.

In his songs of praise and teachings, Nephi employed similar principles to those found in the Ta'amim Hamikra, including chiasmus, parallelism, repetition, and possibly even melody (though not recorded) to emphasize the importance of the oral traditions in scripture. His reference to speaking "with the tongue of angels" could be interpreted as an allusion to this elevated, chant-like manner of recitation, which transcends ordinary speech and approaches the divine. We observe similar references with later Prophets as well, such as Alma, who refers to the Song of Redeeming Love, asking us if we have experienced a mighty change of heart, and if we have felt to sing the song of Redeeming Love in the past, can we feel it now? Emma was taught that a song of the heart can be a prayer of righteousness, a sacred offering gifted to the Lord when she was instructed to compile a collection of Hymns for the Church. These topics might raise more questions than it answers at this point, but they certainly give us some things to ponder upon.

Nephi encourages us to ponder on these topics, explaining the vital role of the Holy Ghost to aid us in this worthy pursuit if we will ask, knock, and faithfully follow the Spirit. He explains that these blessings come through learning and living the doctrine of Jesus Christ. Therefore an important question to ask is how do the Ta'amim Hamikra testify of Jesus Christ? And this is a question that many of our Jewish friends don't understand. This is a question that Nephi specifically addresses in recitations of Isaiah, and in his subsequent commentary. This is also a massive topic that we will have to explore in more depth on another day. However, there is a lot of great information pertaining to various aspects of these correlations in and article written by Neal Rappleye, called 'With the Tongue of Angels': Angelic Speech as a Form of Deification, for those who would like to investigate some foundational principles.

Conclusion

The practices of feasting upon the words of Christ and engaging with the musical traditions of the Ta'amim Hamikra, Psalm, and Hymns highlight the timeless importance of scripture and music as sources of spiritual nourishment, guidance, and connection with the divine. They underscore the universal human desire to transcend the mundane through the sacred, to find meaning, and to connect with a higher truth through the power of word and song. Nephi's teachings, deeply rooted in his cultural and religious heritage, continue to resonate with this ancient tradition, emphasizing the enduring power of scripture to transform, uplift, and enlighten.

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Overview

2 Nephi 31

This chapter presents one of the clearest explanations of the doctrine of Christ in the Book of Mormon. Nephi discusses the baptism of Jesus, emphasizing the necessity of following Christ’s example. He outlines the fundamental doctrine of Jesus Christ specifying the necessity of:

• Faith (Verse 19: “unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save”).

• Repentance (specified five times; Verses 11, 13-14, 17).

• Baptism (mentioned ten times; Verses 4-6, 8, 11-14, 17).

• Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost (“the baptism of fire,” seven times; Verses 8, 12-14, 17-18).

• Enduring to the end—staying on the path—following Jesus’s example of obedience (23 times; Verses 5, 7, 9-10, 12-21).

• Ultimately Nephi explains these steps as the gateway to the strait and narrow path which lead to eternal life, (mentioned twice; Verses 18, 20).

(Notice the spelling of strait (Lexicon, 1828 Dictionary, root צַר Tsar), and that this word is not spelled straight. These words sound the same but have very different meanings. The strait path is the hard, windy, strict, challenging, and dangerous path, frequently associated with strong currents, whirlpools, unexpected storms, and dangerous rocks and reefs that easily and frequently trap, sink, and strand travelers. Traveling along the strait path required commitment, discipline, navigational knowledge, and cultivated experience to pass through safely. This is not a straight forward, direct, paved, or easy path, it is frequently the "road less traveled by")

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

• The Doctrine of Christ:

  • The Doctrine of Christ: 2 Nephi 31-32

  • The Doctrine of Christ in 2 Nephi 31–32 as an Approach to the Vision of the Tree of Life

  • The Gospel According to Nephi: An Essay on 2 Nephi 31

  • Nephi’s Later Reflections on the Tree of Life Vision

  • The Doctrine of Christ in 2 Nephi 31–32 as an Approach to the Vision of the Tree of Life

• Symbolism of Baptism: Exploration of baptism’s symbolism in various Christian traditions and its significance in representing a covenant with God.

  • What is the Purpose of Baptism in the Book of Mormon?

• Role of the Holy Ghost in Christian Life: Examination of scriptural teachings regarding the functions and gifts of the Holy Ghost in guiding and sanctifying believers.

• Endurance in Faith: Analysis of what it means to “endure to the end,” including scriptural examples and teachings that illuminate this principle.

  • Why Must One Pray Always to Endure to the End?

• Literary and Linguistic Patterns:

  • Parallelism, Merismus, and Difrasismo

• Summary of Key Themes: 2 Nephi 31 offers a concise and clear presentation of the doctrine of Christ, outlining the steps necessary for salvation: faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.

• Application to Contemporary Life: This chapter serves as a guide for personal discipleship and spiritual development. It invites readers to reflect on their own commitment to Christ’s doctrine and to reassess their journey on the path of discipleship.

Major Topics/ Themes	​Summary	​Cross-References, Videos & Resources
2 Nephi 31
I. The Baptism of Jesus and Its Significance	1-8: Nephi begins by recounting the baptism of Jesus, highlighting its importance as a fulfillment of all righteousness and an example for all humanity. He stresses that despite Christ's sinlessness, He was baptized to obey God’s commandments and show the way for all. Doctrinal Context: Baptism as an essential ordinance and example set by Jesus. Biblical Cross-Reference: Matthew 3:13-17, describing Jesus' baptism as a model for believers.	Why Does the Lord Speak to Men “According to Their Language”? What is the Purpose of Baptism in the Book of Mormon? Baptism as a Covenant
II. The Doctrine of Christ: Faith, Repentance, and Baptism	9-17: Nephi outlines the fundamental principles of the gospel, starting with faith in Jesus Christ, followed by repentance, and then baptism by water. He emphasizes that this path is the way God has given for salvation. Salvation Context: The essential steps towards salvation as taught by Jesus Christ. Biblical Cross-Reference: Acts 2:38, Peter's instructions on repentance and baptism for the remission of sins.	Christ's Gospel The Power of Covenants Teaching the Atonement
III. The Gift of the Holy Ghost and Enduring to the End	18-21: Following baptism, believers must receive the Holy Ghost and then press forward with steadfast faith in Christ, enduring to the end. Nephi describes this continuous commitment as vital for remaining on the strait and narrow path. Spiritual Growth Context: The lifelong journey of discipleship and spiritual growth. Biblical Cross-Reference: John 14:26, where Jesus promises the Holy Ghost as a guide and teacher.	What is the Doctrine of Christ?
IV. Nephi’s Personal Testimony and Invitation	22-23: Nephi concludes with his personal testimony of the doctrine of Christ and invites all to follow this path, promising that adherence to these principles leads to eternal life. Witness Context: Nephi as a witness of Christ and his teachings. Biblical Cross-Reference: Revelation 2:10, encouraging believers to be faithful unto death to receive the crown of life.

Overview

2 Nephi 32

Nephi continues his discourse on the doctrine of Christ, focusing on the application of the gospel in daily life and the role of the Holy Ghost as a guide. He emphasizes prayer, the importance of feasting upon the words of Christ, and the necessity of receiving personal revelation for guidance and understanding in one's spiritual journey.

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

• Personal Revelation in Christian Life: Explore the concept of personal revelation and how it has been understood and experienced in various Christian traditions.

• The Role of Scripture in Spiritual Growth: Examine of the function of the scriptures in nurturing spiritual maturity and understanding.

• Prayer as Communication with God: Analyze different aspects of prayer as depicted in the scriptures and how it serves as a crucial element in developing a relationship with God.

• Literary and Linguistic Patterns:

  • How Can One “Feast upon the Words of Christ”?

  • 'With the Tongue of Angels': Angelic Speech as a Form of Deification

• Summary of Key Themes: 2 Nephi 32 expands on the doctrine of Christ by discussing practical aspects of living the gospel, highlighting the importance of scripture study, prayer, and following the Holy Ghost for personal revelation and guidance.

• Application to Contemporary Life: This chapter invites readers to actively engage with the scriptures, seek continual communication with God through prayer, and be attentive to the guidance of the Holy Ghost, thereby applying the principles of the gospel in everyday life.

Major Topics/ Themes	​Summary	​Cross-References, Videos & Resources
2 Nephi 32		Isaiah 29
I. Feasting on the Words of Christ	1-3: Nephi stresses the importance of diligently studying the words of Christ, which will tell individuals all things that they should do. He emphasizes that without the Holy Ghost, understanding the true path becomes difficult. Spiritual Nourishment Context: The words of Christ as spiritual sustenance that guides and directs. Biblical Cross-Reference: John 6:63, where Jesus explains that His words are spirit and life.	What is it to Speak with the Tongue of Angels? How Can One “Feast upon the Words of Christ”? Scripture Reading and Revelation
II. The Role of the Holy Ghost and Prayer	4-9: Nephi advises earnest prayer and reliance on the Holy Ghost for guidance. He underscores the importance of prayer in all aspects of life and the promise that sincere prayers will be answered. Guidance Context: The Holy Ghost as a constant companion and source of divine guidance. Biblical Cross-Reference: Romans 8:26-27, on how the Spirit intercedes for believers in accordance with God’s will.	Receive the Holy Ghost The Spirit Giveth Life Sweet Power of Prayer Why Must One Pray Always to Endure to the End? How Does the Doctrine of Christ Relate to the Ancient Temple? Antithetical Parallelisms
III. Overcoming Spiritual Silence	7: Addresses the struggle of feeling silent or distant from God, encouraging individuals to persist in prayer and effort, reminding them that the time will come when they will receive more profound guidance and knowledge. Perseverance Context: The challenge of spiritual “dry spells” and the encouragement to remain steadfast. Biblical Cross-Reference: James 4:8, encouraging believers to draw near to God with the promise that He will draw near to them.	To Act for Ourselves: The Gift and Blessings of Agency
IV. Condemnation for Rejecting the Holy Ghost	8-9: Warns against the dangers of rejecting the promptings of the Holy Ghost, highlighting the serious consequences of such actions. Nephi warns that this is equivalent to denying the power of God and leads to spiritual darkness. Accountability Context: The solemn responsibility associated with receiving and responding to the Holy Ghost. Biblical Cross-Reference: Hebrews 10:26-27, about the severity of deliberately continuing in sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth.

Overview

2 Nephi 33

This chapter serves as Nephi's heartfelt farewell to his writings in the Book of Mormon. He expresses his love for his people and his sorrow for their sins, while also reaffirming his testimony of the truthfulness of his teachings. Nephi shares his earnest desire that his words will bring others to Christ and discusses the power of the Holy Ghost in conveying the truth of his words to the hearts of the readers.

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

• Nephi’s Legacy in Latter-day Saint Belief: Explore the enduring impact of Nephi’s teachings in Latter-day Saint theology and personal spirituality.

  • Nephi's Farewell

• Testimonies in Scripture: Compare different farewell testimonies in the scriptures, analyze how these final words serve to summarize teachings and reinforce faith.

  • Why Did Nephi End His Sacred Record with His Testimony of the Redeemer?

  • Nephi's Testimony

• The Role of the Holy Ghost in Understanding Scripture: Delve into how Latter-day Saint doctrine and Christian theology view the Holy Ghost’s role in guiding individuals to truth.

• Summary of Key Themes: 2 Nephi 33 encapsulates Nephi’s final written testament to his faith and teachings, his love for his people, and his invitation to all to come unto Christ. He emphasizes the critical role of the Holy Ghost in recognizing and accepting truth.

• Application to Contemporary Life: This chapter encourages readers to reflect on the sincerity of their own faith journey, the importance of the scriptures in their lives, and the inviting nature of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It serves as a reminder of the eternal significance of the choices we make in relation to the truths of the gospel.

  • The Book of Mormon, Designed for Our Day: Annual FARMS Lecture

Major Topics/ Themes	​Summary	​Cross-References, Videos & Resources
2 Nephi 33
I. Nephi’s Affection and Sorrow for His People	1-3: Nephi begins by expressing his deep love for his people and sorrow over their iniquities. He acknowledges his imperfections in writing but emphasizes the sincerity and truthfulness of his intentions and message. Personal Context: The emotional and spiritual connection Nephi has with his audience, despite their shortcomings. Biblical Cross-Reference: 2 Corinthians 2:4, where Paul expresses a similar sentiment of writing with much affliction and anguish of heart.
II. The Power of the Written Word	4-6: Nephi declares that his words are of great worth to those who believe in Christ and can bring spiritual conviction through the Holy Ghost. He asserts the importance of faith and the spirit in understanding his teachings. Inspirational Context: The role of the Holy Ghost in testifying of truth and bringing conviction. Biblical Cross-Reference: Hebrews 4:12, highlighting the living and active nature of God's word.	Why Did Nephi End His Sacred Record with His Testimony of the Redeemer? Wordplay on Nephi What Is So Good about Nephi’s Name?
III. Nephi’s Testimony and Invitation to Come to Christ	7-10: Nephi invites all to come unto Christ, emphasizing that salvation is only through Him. He testifies of Christ’s mercy and the efficacy of His Atonement, urging all to believe and be baptized. Evangelical Context: Nephi's final appeal to his readers to accept and follow Jesus Christ as their Savior. Biblical Cross-Reference: Acts 2:38, Peter’s call to repentance and baptism for the remission of sins.
IV. Nephi’s Farewell and Hope for Reconciliation	11-15: Concludes with Nephi's hope that his writings will bring others to a knowledge of Christ. He looks forward to the final judgment as a time of joy and reunion for those who have accepted the gospel. He ends with a solemn testimony of the truths he has written. Concluding Context: Nephi’s farewell and expression of hope for eternal fellowship with those who believe in his words. Biblical Cross-Reference: Revelation 22:17, the final invitation of the Bible for all to come and partake of the water of life freely.	An Apostle's Witness

Church Videos & Resources

•   Daily Bread: Pattern

•   Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind

•   Nephi Records His Final Testimony | 2 Nephi 33

•   Nephi Teaches the Doctrine of Christ | 2 Nephi 31–32

•   Suffer the Little Children to Come unto Me

•   The Christ Child

•   You Will Be Freed
  

Scripture Central

• Study Guide

Video Commentary

• Listed above in podcast section

Know Whys

Evidences

Written Commentary

Reading Plan

Maps & Charts

Images

Bibliography & Additional Resource

BYU’s RSC

• The Doctrine of Christ: 2 Nephi 31–32

• The Doctrine of Christ in 2 Nephi 31–32 as an Approach to the Vision of the Tree of Life

• Teaching the Atonement

Additional Videos, Articles, & Insights

• Book of Isaiah Summary: A Complete Animated Overview (Part 1)

• Book of Isaiah Summary: A Complete Animated Overview (Part 2)
  

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)

• Passover Seder Script

• Days of Awe: Jewish Holy Days, Symbols and Prophecies for Latter-day Saints