As Jacob and Nephi teach their family about the gospel, they often use the scriptures, just like we do! Many of the chapters in the book of Second Nephi come from the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah was a prophet in ancient times, and the Book of Isaiah can be found in the Old Testament. Why would Nephi spend so much time copying the words of Isaiah into his record?

Isaiah prophesied many things about Jesus Christ, the tribes of Israel, and the covenants Heavenly Father made with Abraham. Nephi knew these things were important for his people to know. He especially wanted to help his family to believe in Christ. Nephi said, “And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.” (2 Nephi 25:26)

Nephi taught that it was important to liken the scriptures to ourselves. That means that we try to use what we learn in our own lives, or try to see ways the people in the scriptures are like us. For example, Isaiah says, “Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Have you ever seen someone say that something was good or right, when it was actually wrong? Does that make it okay, or is it something we should avoid? As we read the words of Isaiah, and as we continue reading the Book of Mormon, look for ways we can liken the scriptures to us. Studying the scriptures in this way will help us to know and believe in our Savior Jesus Christ.