2 Nephi 5, 6

I wanted to break out into song while reading this chapter. I wanted to sing the song about George Washington having the chance to be king, but realizing that a democracy is what was needed in order for people to be able to really use their agency. To be at their best, people need to be able to try and to make mistakes, to speak up about how they want to be ruled. Now, I've never lived under the rule of a king, but given what I've read, it can be pretty dreadful (of course there are good kings & bad kings, but I digress). It amazed me that Nephi, after coming from Jerusalem would want this to be a democracy (more theocracy, it seemed, but closer to democracy than a dictatorship) in the following:
18 And it came to pass that they would that I should be their king. But I, Nephi, was desirous that they should have no king; nevertheless, I did for them according to that which was in my power.

(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 5:18)

Also, in
16 And I, Nephi, did build a temple; and I did construct it after the manner of the temple of Solomon save it were not built of so many precious things; for they were not to be found upon the land, wherefore, it could not be built like unto Solomon's temple. But the manner of the construction was like unto the temple of Solomon; and the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 5:16)

I was touched by the idea that they did the best they could with what was available to please the Lord. They put quality into it, time, energy, effort, not just jewels & money.



24 And because of their cursing which was upon them they did become an idle people, full of mischief and subtlety, and did seek in the wilderness for beasts of prey.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 5:24)

Did they become idle because of the curse, or vice versa? Any thoughts on this?

And it came to pass that the Lord God said unto me: Make other plates; and thou shalt engraven many things upon them which are good in my sight, for the profit of thy people.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 5:30)

And God said, "Get a blog!" Considering how hard it must have been to engrave each word (think, no back space, hammer, chisel, oops--metal too soft there...) we really shouldn't have any trouble recording our impressions & spiritual thought process nowadays.

32 And I engraved that which is pleasing unto God. And if my people are pleased with the things of God they will be pleased with mine engravings which are upon these plates.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 5:32)

So, if we're not too impressed with his writings, we must not be acting as though we are too impressed with God, yes? Hmmm.




7 And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers; they shall bow down to thee with their faces towards the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the Lord; for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 6:7)

A totally different thought here (I've heard different interpretations of this) but really, the real "rulers" (kings & queens?) are those influencing the next generation to follow God.

17 But thus saith the Lord: Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; for the Mighty God shall deliver his covenant people. For thus saith the Lord: I will contend with them that contendeth with thee—

(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 6:17)

I love that last line. Now to make sure that I'm actually on the Lord's side!