Another Proof

I have been studying 2 Nephi recently and just finished up the “Isaiah” chapters. Now I generally don’t mind the Isaiah chapters. In fact, some of my favorite scriptures and most powerful experiences have come with these chapters. That said, it’s still pretty difficult reading. I mean, Nephi himself admits that those who aren’t Jews will not understand them without the spirit of prophecy, etc. So yes, they are difficult to get through at times - some chapters being hard than others, of course.

Anyway, as I was reading them, and then thinking about Nephi’s rejoicing in those words, I thought to myself - “there is no way a young 20 something Joseph Smith, who has very little education, etc decides to put a few chapters from Isaiah in the Book of Mormon on his own.” Seriously, think about it. What possible idea would be in his head to put those in the book if he were the one who wrote the book? It’s not like Isaiah was a highly discussed prophet, etc during Joseph’s time, or that anyone really understood it - the least of whom would be Joseph himself. These chapters, to the non-understanding, uninspired mind, seem incongruous and random. But they are not.

No, these chapters, when considered in the whole of the book, its message, and the context of it - seem smoother and more integral to the book with time - not less. To me they seem to be more inspired with time, and feel so perfectly fit into the Book of Mormon.

I certainly do not understand them as well as I would like, but the deeper I look, the more I find in them - kind of like they are “zip” files stuck in the book, waiting for those who seek to unzip and find a depth of information that is almost shocking.

To me, as I considered this, I realized that this was just one more proof of the divinity of the Book of Mormon. That it was one more proof that the book was inspired and written by prophets of God, indeed. No regular, even highly intelligent man would, of all the scriptures available, have put those scriptures in the Book. No - only the inspired, the truly called of God.

It was a great thought and I am so grateful for it. I do know the Book of Mormon is true.

Have a great day today, and may you enjoy your discovery of the Book of Mormon.