Correlating Prophecies --
Understanding APPENDIX-I
Another witness to the significance of 3 Nephi 20 is the extent to which it correlates with other passages of prophecy. When two separate scriptural accounts share common or identical wording or concepts, considering them together enables us to obtain a more complete understanding than studying them independent of each other. The more correlations -- or "witnesses" -- that may be found, the more clear the scriptures become.(1) Like counsulting a dictionary to gain an understanding of an unfamiliar word, consulting other scriptures that contain common concepts or phrasing can aid in clarification of that which we are studying.
According to the analysis laid out in APPENDIX-I ("i" not "1"), more prophecies can be tied to 3 Nephi 20 than to any other chapter in the standard works. Above, it was stated that Isaiah 52 is the most oft-quoted chapter. Because 3 Nephi 20 quotes Isaiah 52, those frequently quoted verses and phrases also tie in to 3 Nephi 20. Third Nephi 20 quotes Micah as well, which contains yet other phrases commonly repeated in prophecy. (3 Ne. 20:16-17 = Micah 5:8,9; 3 Ne. 20:18,19 = Micah 4:12,13.)
The chapters of prophecy chosen for comparison in APPENDIX-I are those which, in the estimation of the author, are some of the most complete, clear, representative of our day. There may be other chapters more complete, clear, or representative than some of those listed. The reader is encouraged to delve into the possibilities. Through such comparisons, prophecies which previously were not thought to be related are shown to be tightly knit. The understanding derived from such comparisons is tremendous. This sort of study also provides further evidence that many events in scriptural history were indeed recored intentionally to serve as prophetic types. APPENDIX-I is probably the best source for documenting the prophetic scenario presented in this manuscript. By not only reading the scriptures listed there, but by also considering the many cross-references, one will see that the scenario is substantiable and replete in the scriptures.
The purpose of APPENDIX-I is to show a large number of cross correlations that may be found, and illustrate their vast interrelation. The listing of phrases or concepts is not comprehensive. It merely reflects the themes common to the chapters listed. Because these chapters are significant, we can be assured that the overlapping themes are also significant.
Drawing from the entire standard works, the LDS footnotes of 3 Nephi 20:12-45 lists 92 cross-references on the bottom of the page pertaining to the portion of the chapter considered in APPENDIX-I (a considerable number considering the limitations of space). Twenty-seven of those references also occur in APPENDIX-I.(2) APPENDIX-I, draws from 18 chapters of prophecy, as well as from a few chapters of history from the Book of Mormon that contain prophetic parallels. APPENDIX-I lists 371 cross-references for that same portion of 3 Nephi 20 noted above. Not all 371 are direct correlations; 101 are indirect -- second generation (a theme that occurs in a chapter to which 3 Nephi 20 ties, but which does not occur directly in 3 Nephi 20 itself). If 270 direct correlations (to 3 Nephi 20) of wording or concept can be found within just 18 chapters in the standard works (as well as the references from the Book of Mormon parallels), how many correlations could be found in the entire standard works? The number would be astounding. In a comprehensive listing, several pages of footnotes would be required for one single, significant phrase. To a certain extent, this is what the Topical Guide and Indeces accomplish in the LDS scriptures.
If we were to focus on the sheer mass of documentation, we might get discouraged by the task we have set for ourselves and never come to understand prophecy. But if we realize that prophecies overlap, giving us a fundamental progressional pattern, then the previously envisioned task can be reduced significantly. Once the underlying pattern begins to develop in our minds and in our hearts, then we are more readily able to see where each additional scripture fits into the whole picture. As we endure on this path, we will find our thoughts and actions conforming more completely to those of God's.
More verses appear from 3 Nephi 20 in APPENDIX-I than in any of the other 18 chapters of prophecy listed. Verses from 3 Nephi 21 (which is Christ's follow-up prophecy from 3 Nephi 20) occur next most frequently (29 times). From this, we might conclude that the themes portrayed in APPENDIX-I are found most abundantly in these key chapters of Christ's prophecy. Recall that Christ introduced and concluded 3 Nephi 20 by speaking of the covenant made to Abraham. The contents of the chapter reflect what the fulfilling of that covenant entails. When the things spoken of by Christ in 3 Nephi 20 come to pass -- and they "shall surely come," Jesus said -- "then shall this covenant which the Father hath covenanted with his people be fulfilled...." (20:46.)
Because the themes of this significant chapter are liberally portrayed in APPENDIX-I, a diligent study of the scriptures and the correlations listed in this appendix can greatly enhance our understanding of God's work in fulfilling the covenant in these last days. To the extent that we align our lives with the messages in the scriptures, we will be worthy and effective instruments in God's omnipotent hand. Only by understanding what the covenant is can we come under the covenant, and become "a messenger before [God's] face to prepare the way before [him]." (D&C 45:9; Isa. 49:6; 42:1; 11:10.)
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Endnotes:
1. See "Chapter 4: Some Interpretive Keys," for a more thorough development of this concept.
2. The seven chapters of prophecy to which both the LDS footnotes and APPENDIX I refer are Isaiah 52, Joel 2, 1 Nephi 22, 3 Nephi 16,20,21, and D&C 87.
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