2 Nephi 23-24 (10/24)
Reading Assignment: 2 Nephi 23-24 (for class on Oct. 25)
Learning Activity:
As recorded in 2 Nephi 23–24, Isaiah condemned the wickedness of the house of Israel and compared the destruction of the wicked in the last days to the destruction of ancient Babylon. Babylon was a very wicked nation in Isaiah’s day and has since come to symbolize the wickedness of the world (see D&C 133:14).
- Study what Isaiah prophesied would happen to the wicked in the last days by reading 2 Nephi 23:1, 4–9, 11, 15, 19, and 22.
Isaiah also compared the destruction of ancient Babylon to Lucifer’s (Satan’s) fall from heaven. He spoke of Lucifer as the symbolic king of Babylon, meaning the whole wicked world. Isaiah used the fall of Lucifer in the premortal world as an illustration of how the wicked would fail and fall. Study 2 Nephi 24:12–14, and mark the phrases that highlight the arrogance and pride of Satan.
Do you notice the use of the word I in these verses? You may want to circle the I’s in your scriptures. President N. Eldon Tanner of the First Presidency once said that Satan “was more concerned with credit than with results; glory and praise were the end in themselves” (“For They Loved the Praise of Men More Than the Praise of God,” Ensign, Nov. 1975, 76).
Search 2 Nephi 24:15–16 for what will ultimately happen to Satan and how people will feel about him when they see him for what he is.
- Read the following statement by President Ezra Taft Benson: “In the premortal council, it was pride that felled Lucifer, ‘a son of the morning.’ (2 Ne. 24:12–15; see also D&C 76:25–27; Moses 4:3.). … Lucifer placed his proposal in competition with the Father’s plan as advocated by Jesus Christ. (See Moses 4:1–3.) He wished to be honored above all others. (See 2 Ne. 24:13.) In short, his prideful desire was to dethrone God. (See D&C 29:36; 76:28.)” (“Beware of Pride,” Ensign, May 1989, 4–5).
What do you need to do to make sure you remain humble?