“O How Great the Goodness of Our God” 2 Nephi 6-10

Keywords

Jacob’s discourse, Isaiah’s prophecies, covenant and atonement

Abstract

One of the most beautiful and doctrinally significant discourses in the Book of Mormon is that given by Jacob brother of Nephi in 2 Nephi 6-10.  Well known are the farewell speech of King Benjamin or the sermons of Jesus Christ when he visited the American continent.  But seldom do we recognize that the chapters of today’s lesson comprise a single lengthy gospel discourse.  The structure of Jacob’s mighty speech is quite simple.  2 Nephi 6 serves as an introduction to his discourse, outlining the key themes that he wishes to talk about, and establishing a framework for understanding and interpreting Isaiah 50-52:2.  These two Isaiah chapters Jacob quotes in 2 Nephi 7 & 8.  Next, Jacob moves to the main body of his discourse, found in chapter 9, to explicate gospel principle and elucidate the meaning of the words of Isaiah.  He concludes his discourse in 2 Nephi 10, encouraging his listeners to live in joy and happiness because of the covenants and atonement of the Lord.

Original Publication Citation

“O How Great the Goodness of Our God: 2 Nephi 6-10.” Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship. 2016.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2016

Publisher

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

Language

English

College

Marriott School of Business

Department

Marketing

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

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