2 Nephi 19
“The people turn not to Him that smiteth them, neither turn they to the Lord of Hosts.” I had never thought before that it is only natural that people would not turn to their smiter for help, and yet, they need to turn to the Lord. This is an example of a parent-child relationship. Parents must discipline their children and children must turn to their parents for help, understanding, and guidance even when they are being disciplined. In this case, the Lord must smite Israel as a parent because of their disobedience, but if they would turn to Him as a child turns to his father, they would be taught and their burden would be lightened. The chastisement of the Lord is meant for guidance. The people are led into error and so their leaders are cut off and they are left to wander without direction until they will listen and turn to the Lord who never ceases to call to them.