"They Will Deny Me"

Commentary on Isaiah 28:16 parallel to 2 Nephi 28:32

  Introduction

Here is another excerpt (Isa. 28:16 = 2 Ne. 28:32)  from the Isaiah 28 = II Nephi 28,29 parallel. This is another instance in which the combined text creates a very pointed message, focusing in on the people of the Lord in these latter days, the Mormons. When these chapters are separate, the Mormons can deflect the messages as referring to another time, to another people, not to themselves. Again the parallel cures the "not me" phenomenon for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear, evoking repentance, awaking, and putting on strength.

  Parallel Excerpt with Commentary Interspersed

"Therefore," "wo be unto the Gentiles." No, these are not synonymous terms, but they go well together.

An obvious match, being nearly verbatim, ascribing what follows to the voice of God.

This is the Lord God speaking. He also said, "I and my Father are one." (e.g. John 10:30.)

Both the word "foundation" and the phrase "mine arm" are used scripturally as metaphors for God. The term, "mine arm," often conveys the idea of a servant of the Lord who carries forth his work on earth, as expressed in scriptures such as, "whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." (D&C 1:38.) The tremendous irony here is that Mormons recite that scripture and then narrow it saying, "therefore, follow the brethren," or "follow the prophet," and with the latter adding, "he will never lead you astray." The Lord Jesus Christ is the only sure foundation. That assurance is ascribed to none other. "Yes," they say, "but what the prophet says is the same thing as if the Lord were speaking." That is true when he speaks by the power of the Holy Ghost, and is the case with any servant of God. (D&C 68:4.) But to give any man a blank check of trust at all times on all matters is sheer folly. (e.g. JST-Mark 9:40-48.) Without realizing it, by giving a man such unreserved loyalty befitting only deity, they actually equate the prophet with the Lord, making him their ultimate god. In their extreme, in the name of being the one and only true and living church of Christ on the face of the earth, with the hallmark of a living prophet who speaks in the stead of the Lord, they usurp the Lord with a man. And those servants of the Lord who come among them crying repentance they cast out, and in so doing, it is the same as though they cast out the Lord. (e.g. 3 Ne. 28:34).

"But on whomsoever it [the stone] shall fall, it will grind him to powder." (Matt. 21:44.) The Gentiles shall be trodden under feet. "And behold, I am he who doeth it. And it shall come to pass, saith the Father, that the sword of my justice shall hang over them at that day; and except they repent it shall fall upon them, saith the Father, yea, even upon all the nations of the Gentiles." (3 Ne. 20:19,20.) That is what the parallel proceeds to explain in 108 through 111, which finish II Nephi 28.

106 and 107 speak of the repentance clause, that the Lord will be merciful to those who believe, repent, and come to Christ, awakening and putting on strength in the Lord.

Considering the terrifying effect the sudden destructions will have when they come as a whirlwind on this people, this word is probably completely fitting to describe the general state of mind, namely that of panic and a loss of humane sense, the love of men waxing cold and mens hearts failing them for fear. Whereas those who repent and come to Christ will have peace in the midst of this chaos. They will not behave rashly, reverting to brute animal instincts, but will be as angels of mercy to all with whom they come in contact.

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by Sterling D. Allan; Mapleton, Utah; October 2, 1998

See also