2 Nephi CHAPTER 1 Lehi prophesies of a land of liberty—His seed will be scattered and smitten if they reject the Holy One of Israel—He exhorts his sons to put on the armor of righteousness. About 588–570 B.C.
2 Nephi CHAPTER 2 Redemption comes through the Holy Messiah—Freedom of choice (agency) is essential to existence and progression—Adam fell that men might be—Men are free to choose liberty and eternal life. About 588–570 B.C.
2 Nephi CHAPTER 3 Joseph in Egypt saw the Nephites in vision—He prophesied of Joseph Smith, the latter-day seer; of Moses, who would deliver Israel; and of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. About 588–570 B.C.
2 Nephi CHAPTER 4 Lehi counsels and blesses his posterity—He dies and is buried—Nephi glories in the goodness of God—Nephi puts his trust in the Lord forever. About 588–570 B.C.
Lehi’s Final Words to His Family
Lehi grew old. Before he died he talked to his sons and told them to obey God’s commandments. He also blessed his grandchildren.
Book of Mormon Videos “Lehi Blesses His Family”
Jesus Christ helps me overcome the effects of sin.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 1-2” To help your children understand Lehi’s invitation to “shake off the chains” of sin, maybe you could work together to make a chain from slips of paper. On the slips, your children could help you write some things Satan tempts us to do. Then you could read together 2 Nephi 1:13, 15, 23 as they act out some of the phrases in these verses—including shaking off the paper chain. How is sin like a chain? How does Jesus help us “shake off the chains” of sin?
Explain that when we first make a mistake or sin we are easily able to break free of its grasp and repent. But Satan knows that if he can get us to do the sin again and again, that eventually the sin will become a habit or an addiction and then we are bound in captivity to the sin.
Also see Ensign July 2006 “Breaking the Chains of Sin”
I am blessed when I obey God’s commandments.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 1-2” Would it help your children to compare God’s commandments to shoes, hats, gloves, or other things that protect us? Maybe you could let them try on some as you talk about how the commandments protect us. Then you could read 2 Nephi 1:20, emphasizing that we “prosper” (are blessed or protected) as we keep the commandments. Share an experience when you were blessed or protected by following the commandments.
Friend January 2018 “What’s on Your Mind?” Heavenly Father’s commandments are His loving way of helping us stay safe and return to Him.
- He tells us not to smoke or use drugs so our bodies can stay healthy.
- He tells us to be honest so others can trust us.
- He tells us to keep the Sabbath day holy so we can keep our spirits strong and rest our bodies and minds.
When you think about it, every commandment is like a love letter from our Heavenly Father. Each one says, “I love you. I want you to be safe and happy. And I want you to come back to Me.”
Friend February 2024 “Bug Bites and Blessings” Carlos wish he had listened to his mother and put sunscreen and bug spray on when he went for a hike. Now his skin hurt all over with bug bites and sunburn. His mother said, “I think that’s how a lot of Heavenly Father’s children feel when they disobey Him. They wish they’d listened to Him. And He hurts for His children when they’re in pain.”
Friend February 2024 “How to Be Happy” President Dallin H. Oaks “The prophet Lehi taught that “men are, that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:25). Heavenly Father created us to have joy. He wants us to return to Him. He wants us to be happy in this life. How do we seek happiness or joy? King Benjamin invited his people to “consider the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things” (Mosiah 2:41). Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, love you. Their plan for us is the “great plan of happiness” (Alma 42:8). That plan and Their commandments lead us to the greatest happiness and joy. I urge each of you to seek the joy that comes from keeping the commandments of God.”
Friend August 2020 “Happiness and Obedience” God gives us commandments to bless us and bring us joy. Trying to obey all of God’s commandments will:
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 1-2” To illustrate the difference between prospering and being cut off from God (see 2 Nephi 1:20), you and your children could look at a healthy plant and a leaf or branch that has been cut off from the plant. Then your children could review choices that Nephi and his brothers made (see 1 Nephi 2:11–16; 3:5–7; 18:9–11). What were the results of these choices? What choices help us stay connected to God?
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 What is the difference between a leaf that is on the plant and one that has been cut off? How are we like the leaf on the plant when we obey God’s commandments? Invite
See Obedience and Commandments
God gave me the freedom to choose.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 1-2” To help your children understand what Lehi taught about opposites and making choices, you could play a game in which you say a word (such as light) and your children say its opposite (dark). Help them learn why opposites are part of God’s plan as you read together 2 Nephi 2:11, 16. Then you could share stories about a child who is tempted to make a wrong choice. Your children could share what the opposite of the wrong choice is and act it out.
Friend February 2024 Come, Follow Me Activities Lehi taught that having both good and bad times is part of God’s plan for us on earth (see 2 Nephi 2:11). Write down words with opposites (like “tall” and “short”) on pieces of paper and put them in a bowl. Take turns reading the papers. See who can guess the opposite of each word the fastest! For younger children: Having opposites in life is good. Turn a light on and off. Explain how the light helps us see and the dark helps us sleep. We need both to be happy.
Friend May 2019 “Last Friend Standing” Some new friends of a girl want to hide their bowling shoes and not pay for the game. The girl prays for courage and then tells them that she won’t steal. Even though she loses them as friends, she feels the Holy Ghost telling her that she did the right thing.
Primary 6: Old Testament “Lesson 4: The Fall of Adam and Eve” Ask the children to think of opposites—such as happy and sad, hot and cold, hard and soft, smooth and rough, heavy and light, high and low, or fast and slow—to illustrate the importance of opposition (see 2 Nephi 2:11, 15). Let the children describe their experiences with opposites. To help them get started, you might use the following examples: After someone has been sick, they can better appreciate feeling well. Or without darkness, you cannot recognize light, which is why you cannot see the stars during the day. To illustrate this second example, you might bring a flashlight and show how its light is barely noticeable in a well-lit room, but the light is much brighter when you darken the room.
Liahona February 2024 “Why Is Opposition Necessary in God’s Plan?” Opposition means that we will face challenges, but it also means that we can find some good in our trials. What good can you find in failure, loss, financial stress, or other challenges?
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 1-2” To learn about the difference between “liberty” and “captivity” (2 Nephi 2:27), your children could draw pictures of an animal in a cage and an animal in its natural environment. Which animal is free? Invite the children to point at the correct picture when you read the word “free” in 2 Nephi 2:27. Testify that Jesus Christ makes us free.
Sing together a song like “Choose the Right” (Hymns, no. 239). What do we learn from the song about making choices?
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020
- Hold up a picture of Adam and Eve (see Gospel Art Book, no. 4), and invite the children to share what they know about what happened to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Help the children find answers in 2 Nephi 2:22–27. Explain that because of Adam and Eve’s choice, we are blessed to come to earth and use our agency to make good choices and repent through Christ’s Atonement when we make wrong choices.
- Write the words of 2 Nephi 2:27 on the board. Help the children memorize the verse by repeating it and taking turns erasing words every time they repeat it. Help the children imagine what a life without choices would be like. Why are they grateful for agency?
“Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.”
Friend February 2011 “Article of Faith Two” Crossword puzzle and lesson ideas about Adam and Eve and free agency.
Friend February 2018 “Adam and Eve”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 1-5”
God’s premortal children could not become like him … unless they obtained … experience in an arena where both good and evil were present.… We wanted the chance to … confront good and evil and be strong enough to choose the good. (Jeffrey R. Holland, Christ and the New Covenant: The Messianic Message of the Book of Mormon [1997], 200, 204)
Also see Choice
Joseph Smith was a “choice seer.”
Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) Chapter 3 of 2 Nephi records Lehi’s dying words to his youngest son, Joseph. Lehi quoted a prophecy [from the brass plates] made by Joseph of Egypt roughly 1,700 years before the birth of Christ. Imagine Joseph Smith’s surprise when he discovered that he was the subject of much of the prophecy made by Joseph of Egypt. (see also Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:24–38 (Note that “fruit of thy loins” refers to children or posterity.)
Read the verses for each picture and identify who these four pictures represent. 2 Nephi 3:3; 2 Nephi 3:4; 2 Nephi 3:11; 2 Nephi 3:15
- Invite the children to search 2 Nephi 3:6–24 for clues about which prophet is being spoken of. List the clues on the board. Why is Joseph Smith called a “choice seer”? What did Joseph Smith do that is “of great worth to [his brethren]”? (verse 7).
Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) It was decreed in the counsels of eternity, long before the foundations of the earth were laid, that he, Joseph Smith, should be the man, in the last dispensation of this world, to bring forth the word of God to the people, and receive the fulness of the keys and power of the Priesthood of the Son of God.(Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young [1997], 96, 343)
- Sing a hymn about Joseph Smith, such as “Praise to the Man” (Hymns, no. 27), or watch a video that depicts different aspects of his mission, such as those found at history.ChurchofJesusChrist.org/article/joseph-smith-video-downloads. Ask the children why they are grateful for the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Joseph Smith was a prophet.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 3-5”
- Consider how you can teach your children about the great work that God accomplished through Joseph Smith. To begin, you could help your children find the word “seer” in 2 Nephi 3:6 and explain that prophets are called seers because Heavenly Father helps them see things we can’t see. Share why you are grateful to have a seer leading the Church.
To help family members understand what a seer is, perhaps you could show them pictures of tools that help us see things we couldn’t otherwise see, such as binoculars, a telescope, or a microscope. How are these tools like a seer? (see Moses 6:35–36). What can seers see that we do not? What evidence do we have that Joseph Smith was a seer?
- The Gospel Art Book has several pictures you could use to teach about the work God did through Joseph Smith (see pictures 89–95). Let your children share what they know about the pictures. Why is Joseph Smith called a “choice seer”? What did Joseph Smith do that is “of great worth”? (verse 7).
Liahona February 2020 “Meet the Four Josephs” Lehi tells his son Joseph about some of the prophecies that Joseph of Egypt made about Joseph Smith, who was named after his father, Joseph. The article includes the following: What Did Joseph of Egypt Say about Joseph Smith? How Was Joseph Smith Like Joseph of Egypt? How Did Lehi Know about Joseph of Egypt?
Friend February 2020 “My Family Night Fun: Pretend Plates”
- Prophets long ago knew that a man named Joseph would translate the scriptures (see 2 Nephi 3:7, 15). They wrote about him on the gold plates. Can you imagine how Joseph Smith felt when he translated those words?
- Make your own metal plates! Wrap heavy aluminum foil around a piece of cardboard and tape it in place. Use a matchstick and press gently to write on your “plates.”
The Nephites Separate from the Lamanites
2 Nephi CHAPTER 5 The Nephites separate themselves from the Lamanites, keep the law of Moses, and build a temple—Because of their unbelief, the Lamanites are cut off from the presence of the Lord, are cursed, and become a scourge unto the Nephites. About 588–559 B.C.
Book of Mormon Stories ” Chapter 9: A New Home in the Promised Land” Watch from 0.40
Living After the Manner of Happiness
I love “the things of the Lord.”
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 3-5”
- What makes us happy? Consider reading together verses from 2 Nephi 4 to find out what delighted Nephi or made him happy (see verses 15–16, 20–25, 34–35). In his message “The Things of My Soul,” Elder Ronald A. Rasband shared seven “things of the Lord” that are precious to him (Liahona, Nov. 2021, 39–41). Perhaps you could review his list together and talk about “things of the Lord” that are precious to you.
- 2 Nephi 5 also describes things that helped the Nephites live “after the manner of happiness” (verse 27). You could provide some words or pictures that represent these things and help your children match them to verses in chapter 5. Some examples include family (verse 6), God’s commandments (verse 10), the scriptures (verse 12), work (verses 15 and 17), temples (verse 16), and Church callings (verse 26). How do these things bring us happiness?
Liahona February 2024 “How Can We Live “After the Manner of Happiness”?” Often in life we can make the mistake of believing that happiness consists only of having fun or not having any problems. Nephi said, “We lived after the manner of happiness” (2 Nephi 5:27). But did that mean they were happy because they had easy lives? Of course not! In 2 Nephi 4, Nephi describes problems that frustrated him. “[Many people] seek only to have fun in life. With this as their main goal, they allow temporary pleasure to distract them from lasting happiness. They rob themselves of the enduring joys of spiritual growth, service, and hard work.
Come Follow Me Kid “We Lived after the Manner of Happiness”
Ensign February 2020 “Family Study Fun” All of us want to live “after the manner of happiness” (2 Nephi 5:27). But happiness requires effort. Create a family plan to help your family experience more joy. Read 2 Nephi 5:10–12, 15–17, 26–27. Discuss what Nephi’s people did to live “after the manner of happiness.” Make a list together of commandments that, if kept, will bring your family happiness. Add to the list other things that bring you joy (good friends, game night, etc.). Turn your list into a family declaration. (“We, the Jones family, hereby commit to pursue happiness by …”) Place your declaration in a prominent place where you can see it often.
Friend March 2011 “How can the gospel help me be happy?” Elder David A. Bednar shares how to have happiness in life: “The source and cause of true happiness are gospel truth and obedience to eternal law. Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness is designed to provide direction for His children, to help them become happy, and to bring them safely home to Him. For your happiness and protection, I invite you to study and live more diligently the Savior’s gospel.”
Friend February 2024 “How to Be Happy” President Dallin H. Oaks “The prophet Lehi taught that “men are, that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:25). Heavenly Father created us to have joy. He wants us to return to Him. He wants us to be happy in this life. How do we seek happiness or joy? King Benjamin invited his people to “consider the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things” (Mosiah 2:41). Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, love you. Their plan for us is the “great plan of happiness” (Alma 42:8). That plan and Their commandments lead us to the greatest happiness and joy. I urge each of you to seek the joy that comes from keeping the commandments of God.”
Friend February 2024 “Tommy’s Very Bad Day” Everything had gone wrong during Tommy’s day and he wanted to just sit so nothing else bad would happen, but that just made him feel worse. Then he saw his neighbor raking leaves and having a hard time putting them in the bag. Tommy decided to help, and pretty soon he was having so much fun he forgot about his bad day.
Friend November 2009 “A Happy Home.” This cut-and-paste activity reminds us of the things we can do to make our homes a happier place.
The temple is the house of the Lord.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 3-5”
- As you read 2 Nephi 5:15–16 to your children, they could pretend they are helping Nephi build a temple. You could also show them pictures of different buildings, including a temple. How are temples different from other buildings? Share with each other why the temple is important to you (see also “I Love to See the Temple,” Children’s Songbook, 95).
Here are some of the key blessings associated with LDS temples:
- Participation in Ordinances: Temples are the only places where certain sacred ordinances — such as the Endowment, sealing of couples in marriage for eternity, and baptism for the dead — can be performed. These ordinances are considered essential for individual progression and salvation.
- Eternal Families: The temple is where families can be sealed together, meaning they can be together forever, not just “until death do us part.” This sealing extends to children as well, who are considered to be sealed to their parents for eternity.
- Learning and Instruction: In the temple, individuals receive instruction and make covenants related to the Plan of Salvation and their relationship with God. These teachings provide guidance for personal development and spiritual growth.
- Personal Revelation: Many members of the LDS Church report that the peaceful, sacred atmosphere of the temple is conducive to receiving personal revelation and divine guidance.
- Service to Others: In the temple, members perform vicarious ordinances on behalf of those who have died, providing them with the opportunity to accept these ordinances in the afterlife. This service to others is considered a significant blessing and a manifestation of love and selflessness.
- Peace and Comfort: Many Latter-day Saints find that attending the temple provides a sense of peace and comfort, offering a spiritual refuge from the world. It can be a place to seek comfort, find answers to prayers, and feel closer to God.
- Communion with the Divine: Temples are considered “Houses of the Lord,” and as such, are places where individuals can feel a special closeness to God and Jesus Christ.
- Protection and Power: The covenants and ordinances performed in the temple are believed to provide spiritual protection and power from God, including the power to resist temptation and overcome worldly challenges.
Friend July 1988 Nephi helps his people build buildings, a temple, and swords to defend themselves.
Friend March 2024 “A Temple in the Promised Land”
See additional resources at Temple Lesson Ideas
Additional Resources
What was the curse that came upon the Lamanites?
Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024)
In Nephi’s day the curse of the Lamanites was that they were “cut off from [the Lord’s] presence … because of their iniquity” (2 Nephi 5:20–21). This meant the Spirit of the Lord was withdrawn from their lives. When Lamanites later embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ, “the curse of God did no more follow them” (Alma 23:18).
The Book of Mormon also states that a mark of dark skin came upon the Lamanites after the Nephites separated from them. The nature and appearance of this mark are not fully understood. The mark initially distinguished the Lamanites from the Nephites. Later, as both the Nephites and Lamanites each went through periods of wickedness and righteousness, the mark became irrelevant as an indicator of the Lamanites’ standing before God.
Prophets affirm in our day that dark skin is not a sign of divine disfavor or cursing. The Church embraces Nephi’s teaching that the Lord “denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female” (2 Nephi 26:33). President Russell M. Nelson declared: “I assure you that your standing before God is not determined by the color of your skin. Favor or disfavor with God is dependent upon your devotion to God and His commandments and not the color of your skin” (“Let God Prevail,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 94).
Come Follow Me Kid “We Lived After the Manner of Happiness” Lesson and activity ideas.
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