Summary of 2 Nephi

Lehi opens Second Nephi with his prophecies concerning the future of his posterity. Lehi explains that Jerusalem will be destroyed, and he bestows a general curse and blessing upon Jerusalem.  We learn about the redemption and salvation through Jesus Christ, Lehi also speaks about how there is no good without evil and that everything has its opposite. Without the ability to choose for ourselves, there would be no point for us here on earth and without the Fall of Adam and Eve; we would not have had the ability to be saved by a Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

Lehi speaks about Joseph, which included Joseph of Egypt. Lehi speaks about how the Lord would raise a prophet named Moses who would free the people of Israel. Interestingly, Lehi also speaks of a seer that would come forth in the Last Days to Restore the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In this, he is referring to Joseph Smith.

Nephi continues the narrative of 2 Nephi by recording the death of his father, Lehi. After his passing, the brothers of Nephi (Laman and Lemuel) rebel against him and try to kill him. Because of this there is a division among the people and Nephi ends up forming his own land, where his people elect him to be king. The people of Nephi adhere to the Law of Moses and even build a Temple like the Temple of Solomon, they prosper exceedingly!

Nephi ordains his younger brothers, including Jacob and Joseph. Nephi puts them in charge of teaching the people. Throughout the remainder of the text for 2 Nephi is the teaching of both Nephi and Jacob. From chapters 6-10 they quote much of Isaiah, Nephi even explains how the words of Isaiah will slowly come to understanding as time goes on… for they are difficult to understand without the spirit.

Nephi ends his record by pleading with his people and the future readers to follow the Savior’s example and be baptized. Here, Nephi explains that there is more to baptism than just baptism. One must have faith, repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost and endure to the end in order to be saved in the Kingdom of God. He urges everyone to read the scriptures and pray daily!