2 Nephi 15, 17-18

Learning Activity for Isaiah 15, 17-18: 

1. Continue to look for the consequences of pride and sin.
2. Use the following commentary to help you understand 2 Nephi 15
2 Nephi 15:8–22. The word wo refers to a condition of deep sadness. Isaiah used it six times in these verses as he identified the sins of the Israelites. Isaiah knew that if the Israelites did not repent, the consequences of their sins would bring deep sadness—especially at the time of judgment. If Isaiah were a prophet on earth today, would he find the same kinds of sins that he saw among the Israelites?
3. Read 2 Nephi 15:20. Write in your scripture study journal some ways in which people today call good things evil, or evil things good.

IS IT WORTH IT TO BE RIGHTEOUS?
It is getting more difficult for individuals of every age to steadfastly bind themselves to the words of the Lord and His prophets. So often the word of God and His plan to exalt His children with the highest of eternal joy are ridiculed and shunned.
Furthermore, His plan to establish eternal families through marriage between a man and a woman, his loving command to remain sexually pure and avoid the evils of pornography, immodesty, vulgarity, violence, and dishonesty are now called "bigotry," "out-of-style," "socially accepted habits," "pop culture," and even "the new norm."
We all want to feel accepted. Is it possible to feel like you comfortably belong somewhere when so many people around you seem to allure you to do what you know inside yourself is wrong? Is being righteous worth the effort?
In 2 Nephi 17–20, Nephi wrote that Isaiah tried to convince the king of Jerusalem and his people to trust in the Lord rather than in worldly or peer pressures. Using symbols, Isaiah prophesied concerning events of his own day, the birth of Jesus Christ, and the destruction of the wicked at Jesus' Second Coming.
Before you read, think of a time when you may have been afraid to do what is right because of peer or social pressures.
Use the following map to help you locate the countries of Judah, Israel/Ephraim, and Syria.

The following information will help you better follow Isaiah's words:
Country        Capital          King
Judah              Jerusalem       Ahaz
Israel                Samaria          Remaliah's son Pekah
Syria                Damascus       Rezin

Both Syria and Israel wanted to move in on Judah and make a deal with them to join together against the larger country of Assyria (located to the northeast of Syria) who was a world power that posed a dangerous threat to the region.
The prophet, Isaiah, strongly discouraged Ahaz to form a pact with the two wicked countries.
What would you do if you were Ahaz?
As you read 2 Nephi 17-24, notice what else Isaiah says to Ahaz to try and convince him. In his prophecy, Isaiah focuses on the meanings of his name and the names of his two sons as an object lesson for Ahaz.
Here are the names Isaiah uses along with their meanings. As you piece these names into story of chapters 17-24, try to see why Isaiah's message should be meaningful to Ahaz, to Nephi, and to YOU! Surely, Isaiah had all three of you in mind as he prophesied!
  • Maher-shalal-hash-baz = Destruction is imminent (destruction of the wicked)
  • Shear-jashub = The remnant shall return (the return, gathering and restoration)
  • Isaiah = Jehovah saves (the power of Jesus Christ to save his people)
  • Immanuel = God is with us

After your study and reflecting on your own experiences, what do you think—is choosing to be righteous really worth it?