David Journal

Category: Scripture Notes

  • Saved by default

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    David
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    Contrary to most Christian sects, Jacob teaches of a plan whereby people are not condemned in ignorance. Those who have not been given the law are covered by the Atonement of Christ. Some people might conclude that leaving people in ignorance is the easiest way to save most of His children but they fail to…

  • The people in whose heart I have written my law

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    David
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    This is a good example of the interplay between agency and grace. The Lord would willingly write his law in the heart of every person but we have to allow it to happen. On the other hand, we can’t write His law in our hearts all we can do is allow Him to do His…

  • An olive leaf

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    David
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    Joseph Smith called Section 88 of the Doctrine and Covenants (if my memory is accurate) an olive leaf from the Lord. I feel that same way about 2 Nephi 9.

  • Look unto the rock from whence ye are hewn

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    David
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    Isaiah is recommending to the Jews that they look to Abraham but imagine who Abraham would have looked to. Ultimately, good is the rock from whence we were hewn and we should look to Him and to His plan for strength and comfort

  • Have I put thee away?

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    David
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    Whenever we feel abandoned by the Lord we should remind ourselves that the Lord does not put his children away. Someone we put ourselves away through iniquity. Other times we feel put away perhaps because of some spiritual or emotional interference but the Lord never abandons anyone.

  • Borrowed authority

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    David
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    This must be early in Jacob’s time as a spiritual leader of the people. He leans on the authority of Nephi because the people respect and trust Nephi so he indicates that neigh wanted him to share this message. He also leans on the authority of Isaiah by quoting from Isaiah but I hadn’t realized…

  • Warned to flee

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    David
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    Lehi was warned in a dream to flee from his home. Now when his brothers became increasingly aggressive towards him Nephi was warned to find a new place to live. I would be surprised if I were ever warned to leave my home and go somewhere new for my safety but I would be less…

  • Swimming in molasses

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    David
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    I understand the feeling that Nephi is expressing here. His frustration isn’t related to the gravity of the sins so much as it is the feeling of powerlessness. It’s along the lines of “my desires are righteous but I just can’t seem to act on those desires the way that I thought I could or…

  • How old was Joseph?

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    by

    David
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    I’ve always known that Joseph was the youngest brother of Nephi but despite Lehi noting his youth it’s hard to tell his age. It had been between 8 and 30 years since they left Jerusalem so Joseph could have been as old as 28 (in theory). We know that Joseph had been born by the…

  • A hint on timing

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    David
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    Neigh had some very strong memories and feelings surrounding the time that Lehi died and his brothers turned against him. It shows through in his words despite the fact that he was recording the events for a second time many years after they occurred. It seems obvious to me that he started this second record…