THE SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI
CHAPTER 6
Jacob recounts Jewish history: Their Babylonian captivity and return; the ministry and crucifixion of the Holy One of Israel; the help received from the gentiles; and their latter-day restoration when they believe in the Messiah. [ Between 559 and 545 B.C. ]
[ These five chapters are a sermon given by Jacob, Nephi's younger brother, over the space of two days (ch. 6-9 the first day, ch. 10 the second day, cf. 9:54). At this point in time Jacob has been a priest and teacher of the people for at least ten years (cf. 5:26-28 and 5:34). It isn't likely this is his first public sermon, especially given his statements in v. 3, even though it is the first one documented.
A casual reading might imply that Jacob is simply commenting upon a few chapters from Isaiah, telling the people to repent to keep the commandments. However; a closer examination yields that there may be a bit more on Jacob's agenda.
Jacob repeatedly addresses two doctrinal points, and one warning in these chapters, first that the Nephites are still part of covenant Israel (cf. 6:5, 7:1, 8:2, 9:1-3, 9:53, 10:1-2, 10:17-18, 10:20) and second the divine role of the Messiah as redeemer (cf. 6:4, 9:5, 9:23, 9:53, 10:3, 10:23-25). Jacob also repeatedly warns of one behavior in specific, that of pride as a result of intellectualism (cf. 6:4, 9:4, 9:28, 9:42-43).
From these emphasized points we can safely conclude some of the Nephites, through their studies in the Scriptures, had incorrectly determined they were cut off from Israel. The result was they considered themselves no longer a part of the covenant, and presumably no longer under the Law of Moses. They also appear to have taken a secularized view of the Messiah, as was common among the Jews.
How widespread this view had become among the Nephites is unclear. Jacob may have simply been addressing a small group of Nephites who had intellectualized the gospel, but no matter the size he decided to deal with the matter quickly before things got out of hand. Given the relatively small size of the population at that time, Jacob might even be addressing one single person who was spreading new ideas around which were incorrect.
What could have been the source of such ideas among people who had seen firsthand so many great miracles? Probably Lehi's warnings and curses appearing in 1:7-22. Therein, Lehi tells them that if they keep the commandments they will enjoy peace and prosperity, but if they don't they will be visited with wars and destruction and lose their inheritance. Almost immediately after Lehi's death is the separation of the Nephites and Lamanites with the Lamanites falling into gross apostasy (cf. 5:19-24) while the Nephites "lived after the manner of happiness" (cf. 5:27). Then, within ten years the two groups end up fighting (cf. v. 34). so, the curses Lehi hurled at them start to be fulfilled in their own eyes only some ten or twenty years after they were prophesied. As such, it would have been pretty easy for the Nephites to conclude Lehi's curses concerning their being cut off and smitten were already fulfilled. Notice how Jacob tries to cheer up the audience by saying "rejoice, and lift up your heads" (cf. 9:3),
"Let your hearts rejoice" (cf. 9:52), and he closes his sermon with the emphatic "cheer up your hearts" (cf. 10:23). Consider how you would feel if you were part of a small group cursed by the patriarch on his death bed, and now you're being attacked by the other half of the family as per that curse. Also, note the way Jacob tenderly entreats the people with repeated appeals of
"my beloved brethren" (cf. 9:39, 9:40, 9:41, 9:44, 9:45, 9:47, 9:50, 9:52, 9:54). This isn't the manner in which one typically addresses hardened apostates. Given Jacob's choice of words and manner of delivery, I would assume the audience has adopted the view they are cut off from covenant Israel because things are going badly for them, so they are depressed and feeling rejected. This kind of negative thinking could easily result in them secularizing as they are already feeling damned. Why bother to keep the Law of Moses if we're just going to get wiped out anyway?
Another different explanation might be that the rising generation being less religious than their predecessors. The group had been in the New World for about 30 years, so the rising generation would not have witnessed firsthand the various trial and miracles their parents saw. The result is the subsequent generations are not as zealous as their parents, which occurrence is so commonly the case in later history of the BofM. Another possibility is perhaps the Nephites had some contact with the Lamanites and the secularized Lamanite views had begun to influence them, as is later the case between Jacob and Sherem (cf. Jacob 7). so, Jacob stands up and attacks the Lamanite view in their absence and persuades the Nephites to repent of that influence. This seems unlikely though given Nephi's mentioning immediately before the sermon that the two groups are at war, and the apparent novelty of the confrontation between Jacob and Sherem. But, from the description Nephi gives in 5:19-24, it is plain there was some contact between them besides just for combat.
On a different subject, the sermon takes place over two days. Was this message given on a Sabbath Friday night and then Saturday morning, or on two concurrent Sabbath days during one of the week long Sabbath festivals.]
1
THE words of Jacob,
[ Nephi is keeping the records and notes that Jacob is speaking here. ] the brother of Nephi,
[ Who is the prophet. ] which he spake unto the people of Nephi:
2 Behold, my beloved brethren, I, Jacob, having been called of God,
and ordained after the manner of his holy order,
[ Why does Jacob begin this way? So that everyone knows by what authority he is teaching with - he has been ordained to the Priesthood of God. Why is a statement of authority so important? See Alma 13. ] and having been
consecrated [ Made sacred by ceremonies or solemn rites or ordinances; separated from a common to a sacred use; devoted or dedicated to the service and worship of God. Had been set apart by the laying on of hands. ] by my brother Nephi,
[ Nephi is now the prophet. ] unto whom ye look as a king or a protector, and on whom ye
depend for safety ,
[ Physical safety as well as spiritual safety. ] behold ye know that
I have spoken unto you exceedingly many things.
[ Not the first time he has addressed the group. ]
3 Nevertheless, I speak unto you again; for I am desirous for the welfare of your souls.
Yea, mine anxiety is great for you; [ Anxiety: concern or solicitude respecting some event, future or uncertain, which disturbs the mind, and keeps it in a state of painful uneasiness. it expresses more than uneasiness or disturbance, and even more than trouble or solicitude. it usually springs from fear or serious apprehension of evil, and involves a suspense respecting an event, and often, a perplexity of mind, to know how to shape our conduct. So what is Jacob suggesting about the people? He can see the writing on the wall for them if they do not change their current ways. How often do we see this in the lives of those around us? What does our current prophet see in our attitudes today that might cause him to have anxiety? ] and ye yourselves know that it ever has been. For I have
exhorted [ Advised course of conduct. ] you with all diligence; and I have taught you the words of
my father;
[ Who was Lehi. ] and
I have spoken unto you concerning all things which are written,
[ The things which are contained on the brass plates. ] from the creation of the world.
[ When I think of Jacob to me he is the Bruce R McConkie of their time, the scriptorian, the one who best understands the doctrinal parts of the gospel; and here we are going to here his conference address - which is very doctrinal in nature. When Nephi wants to have something said just right he gets his younger brother Jacob to say it. Note where he begins as well - same place that God starts with Moses and other prophets. You see when we understand who we are and our purpose and that God is our Father and is in control then everything else changes. ]
4 And now, behold, I would speak unto you concerning things which are, and which are to come;
wherefore, I will read you the words of Isaiah.
[ So the prophet Nephi has called Jacob to teach in conference and the topic is two verses that are found in Isaiah (on the brass Plates) see verse 6 & 7 which correspond with Isaiah 49:22 & 23 ] And they are the words which my brother [ The prophet Nephi ] has desired that I should speak unto you.
[ He was assigned this topic by Nephi ] And I speak unto you for your sakes,
that ye may learn and glorify the name of your God.
[ Given in direct opposition to those glorifying themselves, cp. 9:28, 10:20, 10:24. What did Nephi know that allowed him to read Isaiah and glorify God - they were plain to him. ]
5 And now, the words which
I shall read are they which Isaiah spake [ Isaiah is the most quoted prophet in the Book of Mormon and by the Savior; Why? In part because his mission was to write about the events of his time but more importantly he was to write about the coming of the Savior once as a child; the son of God; the one who would save the world; and then again in the second coming on all his power to judge the world. ] concerning all the house of Israel; wherefore, they may be [ If you will take the time to study them and see how they fit for you. ] likened unto you, [ If you will listen to the spirit as you study them - have a spiritual experience with them. See also 2 Ne 11:8; 1 Ne 19 23-24, these will provide additional knowledge for us of how to better understand the Isaiah chapters. So in essence he is saying that you have to put yourself into the symbols, you have to bring the symbols into your life. ] for ye are of the house of Israel.
[We are of the house of Israel, so these things can be likened unto us as well. Nephi quoted these same verse earlier when he compared them to his people; where as Jacob is quoting them and comparing them to Jerusalem (see vs 8). So the words of Isaiah here are meant for dual prophecy. Isaiah did not limit them to one event but all of the house of Israel. ] And there are many things which have been spoken by Isaiah which may be likened unto you,
because ye [ "because that ye " in 1830 edition How could Joseph Smith have known? Biblical Hebrew begins subordinate clauses with prepositions plus a word that translates as that, such as in Ezekiel 40:1: "after that the city was smitten." Such a use of that in English is awkward and therefore rare. Yet it appears frequently in the Book of Mormon, another evidence of Hebrew influence. It was even more frequent in the 1830 edition, but many of the thats were dropped from later editions to read more smoothly.(The Maxwell Institute - Hebrew Background of the Book Of Mormon; John A. Tvedtnes) ] are of the house of Israel.
6 And now, these are the words: Thus saith the
Lord God: [ Hebrew - Yahweh ( or Jehovah which means "to become" or "to exist") translated as Lord; Elohim translated as God ("the Gods") which together the words mean "He will cause Gods to be". ] : Behold,
I will lift up mine hand [ What is signifigant about his hand? Symbolic of his power, and because he emphasises his hand it suggests that he is involved in the detail. Remember it was with his hands that he created the world and all the detail in it. So he is both in charge and is overseeing the details. ] to the Gentiles, and set up my
standard [ 1) An ensign of war; a staff with a flag or colors. 2) That which is established by sovereign power as a rule or measure by which others are to be adjusted. ] to the people; and
they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders. [ so what is the timing of this event? After the Lord has set forth his standard. The Lord’s standard has been variously interpreted to mean the Church, the Book of Mormon, the gospel, or as the Doctrine and Covenants puts it, the “everlasting covenant” (D&C 45:9). ]
7 And
kings shall be thy nursing fathers ,
[ Who does this apply to? The house of Israel but will be fulfilled in different ways for the Jews as opposed to the Nephite-Lamanite remnants. From Nephi we learn that kings and queens are representative of the Gentiles among whom the house of Israel was scattered. In the temple who are the Kings and the Queens? Those who are endowed members of the church. We also learn that there is a temporal and a figurative or spiritual fulfillment of Israel’s “nursing” by the Gentiles. Let’s consider the temporal fulfillment first. Nephi declares: “After they shall be nursed by the Gentiles, and the Lord has lifted up his hand upon the Gentiles and set them up for a standard, and their children have been carried in their arms, and their daughters have been carried upon their shoulders, behold these things of which are spoken are temporal; for thus are the covenants of the Lord with our fathers; and it meaneth us in the days to come, and also all our brethren who are of the house of Israel. See also 1 Ne 22:6-7 “Only through us, the ‘nursing fathers and mothers,’ may they [the Lamanites] eventually enjoy a fulfillment of the many promises made to them,” said President Spencer W. Kimball. “The Lord will remember his covenant to them; his Church will be established among them; the Bible and other scriptures will be made available to them; they will enter into the holy temples for their endowments and do vicarious work; they will come to a knowledge of their fathers and to a perfect knowledge of their Redeemer Jesus Christ; they shall prosper in the land and will, with our help, build up a holy city, even the New Jerusalem, unto their God” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1982, p. 606). ] and their queens thy nursing mothers;
they shall bow down to thee [ Why? Because they are so grateful to them. This might be more applicable to us than most people comprehend. We read back in 2 Ne 3, during the period of Lehi's tribulation, when he is talking to his youngest son Joseph - he begins to talk about some of the prophecies that are contained on the plates of brass. These were the prophecies of Joseph who was sold into Egypt, we don't have these prophecies today, the prophecies when Joseph saw into the last days. Where he saw a sear that would bear his name(Joseph), and would be from his lineage. The answer to how the Gentiles shall be their nursing fathers is explained by Lehi to Jacob in 2 Ne. 3:23-24. So Lehi is talking about these gentiles that will come to America and are the ones that are nursing these Israelites - the descendants of Joseph(Son of Lehi). So the Gentiles who are coming here are really Israelites. One definition of a Gentile is anyone who is not a Jew. So these Gentiles that come forth from the British Isles are also Israelites from the tribe of Joseph(the fruitful bough). ] with their faces towards the earth ,
[ Expressions of submission, homage, and reverence always have been and are still carried to a great degree of extravagance in the eastern countries. When Joseph's brethren were introduced to him, "they bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth, "Gen. xlii. 6. ] and
lick up the dust of thy feet ;
[ Expression of honor in serving you. ] and thou shalt know that I am the Lord; for they shall not be
ashamed [ Disappointed or affected by shame; ] that wait for me.
[ And why will they not be disappointed? Because he will do everything that he has promised to do, and they shall stand with him. ]
8
And now I, Jacob, would speak somewhat concerning these words .
[ So now we have Jacob begining the teachings that are derived from those verses, starting first with an outline of the house of Israel; which continues through the remainder of chapter 6. Then in chapter 10 he will bring all of it back and discuss how all of this applies to you. ] For behold, the Lord has shown me that those who were at Jerusalem, from whence we came, have been slain and carried away captive.
9 Nevertheless, the Lord has shown unto me that
they [ Who? The house of Israel - specifically the Jews who are in Jerusalem vs 8. ] should return again. And he also has shown unto me that the
Lord God, [ Hebrew - Yahweh ( or Jehovah which means "to become" or "to exist") translated as Lord; Elohim translated as God ("the Gods") which together the words mean "He will cause Gods to be". ] , the Holy One of Israel, should manifest himself unto them in the flesh; and after he should manifest himself they should scourge him and crucify him, according to the
words of the angel [ More about this angel is found in 2 Ne 10:3; What kind of person do we need to be to have angels visit? see Moroni 7:30-31] who spake it unto me. [ How did Jacob come to know the words of Isaiah so well? He had an angel come and instruct him. ]
10 And after
they [ Who? The house of Israel - specifically the Jews who are in Jerusalem vs 8. ] have
hardened [ Made unfeeling; made obstinate; confirmed in error or vice ] their hearts [ The heart is often used to symbolize the moral, emotional, spiritual and even the intellectual substance of a person. The heart has been referred to and believed to be the core of one’s humanity. ] and
stiffened [ To make stiff; to make less pliant or flexible; To become more thick, or less soft; to be inspissated; to approach to hardness; as, melted substances stiffen as they cool. To become less susceptible of impression; to become less susceptible of impression; to become less tender or yielding; to grow more obstinate. ] their necks [ What is the purpose of the neck? Well it is to turn the head; then if the neck will not turn the head the entire body must be turned in order to change direction. ] against the Holy One of Israel, behold, the judgments of the Holy One of Israel shall come upon them. And
the day cometh that they shall be smitten and afflicted .
[ This did happen as is detailed in the Bible. Why would a loving God allow his children to be smitten and afflicted? It is becasue he really has no choice if he is going to be able to save even a few of them, because they have gone so far down the path and gotten so far away from him that it is really his only choice - hard as it is. ]
11 Wherefore, after they are driven to and fro, for thus saith the angel, many shall be
afflicted [ Continued or often repeated pain, either of body or mind; suffering grief or distress, of any kind ] in the flesh, and shall not be suffered to perish,
[ As a people they will be allowed to be persecuted but God will not let them all be destroyed. ] because of the prayers of the faithful;
[ Who would it have been that offerred these prayers? Abraham and Jacob and the various prophets who petitioned the Lord for a righteous remnant to be spared. ] they shall be
scattered,
[ The scattering began when the Assyrians carried the ten tribes away into captivity (see 2 Kings 15:29; 17:6).
2. The scattering continued when Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, carried Judah away into captivity (see 2 Kings 25:1, 7, 11; 1 Nephi 10:3).
3. Lehi and his descendants were a branch of Israel, broken off and scattered (see 1 Nephi 15:12; 19:24; 2 Nephi 3:5).
4. After the death of Jesus, the Jews were scattered among the gentile nations (see 2 Nephi 25:15; Luke 21:24; D&C 45:18–21, 24). ] and
smitten,
[ The Jewish race has gone trough slavery and persecution over and over throughout the history of mankind. From the Old Testament, Pharaoh decided that there were too many Jews in Egypt, so to solve this problem, he enslaved to them. In order to control the population, he ordered all the male Jewish babies that were born, to be thrown into the Nile River. In the days of Queen Esther, Jews were unfairly treated when Haman talked King Xeres into passing a law to kill all the Jews. When Jesus was born, King Herod, after hearing the prophecies that the king of the Jews was going to be born, put out a decree that all males two and under be put to death. After Germany defeated the Polish army and started their conquest to take over the world, a man named Adolf Hitler decided to try to destroy the Jews. The Jews were gathered, and forced to work in labor camps, as well as murdered in cold blood out in the open without shame. ] and hated;
[ How have the Jews been hated? Historians have classified six explanations as to why people hate the Jews:
Economic -- "We hate Jews because they possess too much wealth and power."
Chosen People -- "We hate Jews because they arrogantly claim that they are the chosen people."
Scapegoat -- "Jews are a convenient group to single out and blame for our troubles."
Deicide -- "We hate Jews because they killed Jesus."
Outsiders, -- "We hate Jews because they are different than us." (The dislike of the unlike.)
Racial Theory -- "We hate Jews because they are an inferior race." ] nevertheless, the Lord will be merciful unto them,
that when [ This is what they have to do to receive the promised mercy from God. ] they shall
come to the knowledge of their Redeemer,
[ To understand that Jesus is the Christ and is their Messiah and Redeemer. 2 Ne. 10:3. So when some of the Jews begin to come unto Christ - then. ] they shall be gathered together again to the lands of their inheritance.
[ The land specifically defined by God to Abraham. Genesis 15:5, 6, 18-21. This started to happen in the late 1940's when Israel once more became a nation. ]
12 And
blessed are the Gentiles, [ There is alot of thought that has gone into using the "Gentiles" as a point of comparison here. The Gentile would have been considered the most impossible group to have been able to receive the covenant blessings. We have to remember that to those of ancient Israel the covenant blessings were tied to the land, and the Nephites are no longer in the ancient covenant land. Not only were th Nephites worried that they would be forgotten of the Lord, but they were also concerned that they would loose the promised blessings. Such that the symbol of the Olive tree meant that there was hope for the Nephites and condemnation for Jerusalem. This was the reason why Book Of Mormon authors referred to the "remnant seed" no less than 17 times(1 Ne. 13:34; 1 Ne. 19:24; 2 Ne. 20:20; 2 Ne. 28:2; Mosiah 8:12; 3 Ne. 5:23; Mormon 3:19; Mormon 5:12; Mormon 7:1; Ether 13:6; and the Title page as well. ) in the Book Of Mormon. Starting with Lehi right when he started to read the brass plates. ] they of whom
the prophet [ I assume we are talking about Isaiah here as he is the one that has been quoted? ] has written; for behold, if it so be that they shall repent and fight not against Zion, and do not unite themselves to that great and abominable church, they shall be saved; for the
Lord God [ Hebrew - Yahweh ( or Jehovah which means "to become" or "to exist") translated as Lord; Elohim translated as God ("the Gods") which together the words mean "He will cause Gods to be". ] will fulfil his covenants which he has made unto his children; and
for this cause [ The reason why they are written down so that the people may know what to look for and how to know when they have been fulfilled. Such that when they are fulfilled it is a testiment to the power in which God has to keep his almighty word. ] the prophet has written these things.
13 Wherefore,
they that fight against Zion [ America. ] and the covenant people of the Lord [ The Jews that have been gathered in Jerusalem. ] shall lick up the dust of their feet; [ So the angel is telling Jacob that thise who fight against America and the Jewish nation will end up licking the dust from their feet. ] and the people of the Lord shall not be ashamed. For the people of the Lord are they who
wait [ The Hebrew word for "wait" is “entwined”. Imagine two ropes being braided into each other, so that in the end, you don't know where one starts and the other one ends. Greek/Hebrew Definitions. Strong's #6960: qavah (pronounced kaw-vaw') a primitive root; to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e. collect; (figuratively) to expect:--gather (together), look, patiently, tarry, wait (for, on, upon). What are the attributes as defined by the dictionary of those who wait? 1) To stay or rest in expectation; to stop or remain stationary, till the arrival of some person or event. 2) To rest in expectation and patience. 3) To stay; not to depart. 4) To pay servile or submissive attendance. 5) To look watchfully. 6) To be ready to serve; to obey. ] for him;
for they [ These covenant people of the Lord - the Jews. ] still wait for the coming of the
Messiah.
[ The one chosen to lead the world and thereby save it. ]
14 And behold, according to the words of the prophet, the Messiah will set himself again
the second time [ See Isa. 11:11, also D&C 137:6 ] to recover them; wherefore, he will manifest himself unto them in power and great glory,
unto the destruction of their enemies,
[ There will be a difference in the destruction the second time. He will not only destroy the physical enemies; but will over power Satan and his followers. Such that everyone will know who is in charge and who reigns. And then every tongue will confess that he is God. That does not mean that everyone will have to follow - but they will recognize him for what he is. We need to understand that just because we understand that something is true does not automatically just change how we behave; or how we make choices. For the most part those who have lived so long loving their sins; enjoying them will not want to change; or will lack the will power to do so as they have been so integrated into their life. ] when that day cometh when they shall believe in him;
and none will he destroy that believe in him.
[ See 3 Ne. 10:12. ]
15 And they that believe not in him shall be destroyed, both by fire, and by tempest, and by earthquakes, and by bloodsheds, and by pestilence, and by famine. And they shall know that the Lord is God, the Holy One of Israel.
[ Questions for verses 11-15 At this point we must ask several questions and make some pertinent observations:
1. Have the descendants of those who were “at Jerusalem” in ancient times come to a knowledge of their Redeemer? Certainly the latter-day children of Israel have begun to gather to the lands of their inheritance, the Jews to Jerusalem, and Joseph’s children, Ephraim and Manasseh, to the Americas (3 Nephi 20:21–23). The tribe of Joseph has begun to believe in its Redeemer, and President Joseph Fielding Smith once made the following observation respecting modern Jews and Jesus:
They have accepted him as one of their great teachers; they have said that, “He is Jew of Jew, the greatest Rabbi of them all,” as one has stated it. When the gospel was restored in 1830, if a Jew had mentioned the name of Christ in one of the synagogues, he would have been rebuked. Had a rabbi referred to him, the congregation would have arisen and left the building. And so, we see the sentiment has changed. Now I state this on Jewish authority that they are beginning to believe in Christ, and some of them are accepting the gospel.
But in the main they will gather to Jerusalem in their unbelief; the gospel will be preached to them; some of them will believe. Not all of the Gentiles have believed when the gospel has been proclaimed to them, but the great body of the Jews who are there assembled will not receive Christ as their Redeemer until he comes himself and makes himself manifest unto them. (Doctrines of Salvation 3:9)
2. Have the Gentiles ceased to fight against Zion and relinquished their ties to the great and abominable church? It would appear that at least some have, since many converts to the Church over the last 150 years have come from gentile nations. Thus, as Jacob states, God will fulfill his covenants and that is why Isaiah wrote.
3. Have those who through the centuries fought against Zion and her covenant people licked the dust of the feet of God’s chosen people? Surely conditions with respect to modern Israel and their neighbors, as formerly discussed, are ample testimony they have. During the so-called Six-day War, for example, Egyptians in the Sinai desert who left their tanks and jeeps and fled into the desert from Israel’s military might on foot saw the literal fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. Since then, Israel and Egypt have even signed a peace agreement, thus ending centuries of bitterness and war. The Jews and the Gentiles will yet see the day when those who still await the coming of the Messiah shall not be ashamed.
4. The Savior has not yet “manifest himself . . . in power and great glory unto the destruction” of the enemies of those who wait for him to come with such power that those who wait “shall know that the Lord is God, the Holy One of Israel.” But he will. Scripture reveals that the eventual victory shall be the Lord’s and both Jew and Gentile shall know it. This will be the famous day of Armageddon, the battle of battles in which it shall be as Ezekiel reports: “And I will set my glory among the heathen [i.e., the unbelieving], and all the heathen shall see my judgment that I have executed. . . . So the house of Israel shall know that I am the Lord their God from that day and forward” (Ezekiel 39:21–22). ]
[ Jacob begins again with Isaiah 49:24. So Jacob is drawing a parallel with what will happen to the Jews as well as the Gentiles in 3 Ne. 21:7-12. ]
16 For shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? [ The figure used here is that of a bird of prey with a victim in its grasp. The bird symbolizes Israel’s captors throughout her long dispersion and the prey is Israel herself. The question then is can the prey be released or the captive delivered. The answer, again, is yes: “even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered.” One has only to consider the Jews in the clutches of mighty Hitler, or the Jews of today who wish to emigrate to Israel from the grip of modern Russia. Hitler has long since vanished from the scene, and the day will come when the Lord will release His covenant ones from Russia’s grasp as well. How this will be done we do not know, but verse 15 may suggest some sort of insurrection or conflict, for they who hold Israel captive shall drink their own blood and eat their own flesh in fulfillment of God’s almighty word. All flesh shall know that the Lord is his people’s physician as well as spiritual Savior and Redeemer, “the Mighty One of Jacob.” ]
17 But thus saith the Lord:
Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, [ In the last days the anti-Christ will reign with such power that he wage war with the saints. ] and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered;
for the Mighty God shall deliver his covenant people. [ But in the end the Lord will prevail. The people will think at this time that there is no way for them to be delivered from the anti-Christ. In the last days the church will be overcome, its people will be persecuted beyond belief and relief. It will appear for a time as there is no way out, and there really is not except from God. ] For thus saith the Lord:
I will contend with them that contendeth with thee— [ The Lord says flat out here that HE will come in and fight the battles that they cannot. God will prevail and he will do so by this remnant of Jacob that will come forth. ]
18 And
I will feed them that oppress thee, with their own flesh;
[ How does the Lord do this? He cause them to destroy themselves through internal conflict, allows them to fight against themselves, cf. 1 Ne. 22:13] and they shall be drunken with their own blood as with sweet wine;
and all flesh shall know that I the Lord am thy Savior and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. [ This is the event that will cause the mouths of the Kings to drop wide open as there was no way that they saw it coming - it did not look at all possible, it is incomprehensible to them. ]