1 Nephi 21

Chapter 21 is another Isaiah chapter. I used the same sources as in the previous post about 1 Nephi 20. I have to mention that my favorite by far is Isaiah for Airheads by John Bytheway. I highly recommend it. Especially with reading The Book of Mormon. The other sources are mainly for the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament versus the Isaiah portions in The Book of Mormon. There's more to be understood when you read and study the words of Isaiah mentioned amidst the words of the Nephites and Lamanites. Like, why was Nephi quoting these verses to his brethren? Why were they important their peoples? This book really helps you out in both understanding the words of Isaiah as well as the background story going on while Isaiah was being mentioned. I really recommend it.

Anyways, chapter 21 has a lot in it. Mostly it's about the gathering of Israel in the last days and the restoration of the gospel and the like. It was truly fascinating to read the chapter and then read what John Bytheway wrote about it. I almost wish I could copy his entire words into here. But that's not really practical. So you'll just have to find it and read it yourself.

In any case, there's one verse that seems to hold some of the meaning of the chapter, verse 22:

Thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people; and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.

Then there is a Hymn that really kind've captures the meaning of the chapter:

High on a Mountain Top

Joel H. Johnson

High on a mountain top

A banner is unfurled.

Ye nations, now look up;

It waves to all the world.

In Deseret's sweet, peaceful land,

On Zion's mount behold it stand!

For God remembers still

His promise made of old

That he on Zion's hill

Truth's standard would unfold!

Her light should there attract the gaze

Of all the world in latter days.

His house shall there be reared,

His glory to display,

And people shall be heard

In distant lands to say:

We'll now go up and serve the Lord,

Obey his truth, and learn his word.

For there we shall be taught

The law that will go forth,

With truth and wisdom fraught,

To govern all the earth.

Forever there his ways we'll tread,

And save ourselves with all our dead.

So try to be a good missionary. Try to help others and be the best you can be. All will work out beautifully. The Lord remembers his people.