Sunday, October 13, 2019

Structural parallels between 2 Nephi 26:20-22 and 2 Nephi 28

A lot of thought and consideration went into the structure of the Book of Mormon, especially Nephi's writings.  I believe much of this is overlooked by us as readers unless we stop to look for the structure.

For example, consider the thematic parallels between these two verses in 2 Nephi 26:

20 And the Gentiles are lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and have stumbled, because of the greatness of their stumbling block, that they have built up many churches; nevertheless, they put down the power and miracles of God, and preach up unto themselves their own wisdom and their own learning, that they may get gain and grind upon the face of the poor.
21 And there are many churches built up which cause envyings, and strifes, and malice.

...and major themes in 2 Nephi 28, outlined below:

Pride: v 12 -- "Because of pride, and because of false teachers, and false doctrine, their churches have become corrupted, and their churches are lifted up; because of pride they are puffed up." (See also v. 9, 13, 15.)

Many churches: v. 3 -- "For it shall come to pass in that day that the churches which are built up, and not unto the Lord, when the one shall say unto the other: Behold, I, I am the Lord’s; and the others shall say: I, I am the Lord’s;"

Deny the power of God and miracles: v. 5 -- "And they deny the power of God, the Holy One of Israel;" and v. 6 -- "if they shall say there is a miracle wrought by the hand of the Lord, believe it not; for this day he is not a God of miracles; he hath done his work."

Preach according to worldly learning: v. 4 -- "they shall teach with their learning, and deny the Holy Ghost, which giveth utterance."

Desire to get gain/ignore the poor: v. 13 -- "They rob the poor because of their fine sanctuaries; they rob the poor because of their fine clothing; and they persecute the meek and the poor in heart, because in their pride they are puffed up."

Contention: v. 4 -- "And they shall contend one with another; and their priests shall contend one with another,"

Just another example of why I believe so strongly that the author of this book had a lot of time and a lot of notes.

Hat tip: Gregory Smith.