2 Nephi 19

Light of the World

Nevertheless, the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun, and the land of Naphtali, and afterwards did more grievously afflict by the way of the Red Sea beyond Jordan in Galilee of the nations. 2 Nephi 19:1–2

Isaiah foresees a great light shining on the people of Galilee who sat in darkness. Matthew says this was fulfilled when Jesus began preaching in Galilee; He is the Light of the World.

How we know: a Church study aid lists it

• fulfilled by Matthew 4:13-16 — Jesus dwells in Capernaum by Zebulun and Naphtali, fulfilling this prophecy.
• the same title in John 8:12 — 'I am the light of the world'.
• a parallel account in Isaiah 9:1-2 — The same verses in Isaiah.

Deliverer from the Yoke

Thou hast multiplied the nation, and increased the joy—they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. 2 Nephi 19:3–5

The joy of harvest and the broken yoke describe what the coming Child brings. The oppressor's heavy yoke is lifted by the Lord, which Latter-day Saints see fulfilled in Christ freeing us from sin and death.

• the same event in 2 Nephi 20:27 — The same broken yoke, 'destroyed because of the anointing'.

Wonderful, Counselor

Wonderful — full of miracle and marvel; Counselor — the one whose guidance is perfect

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 2 Nephi 19:6

The first names of the promised Son describe Him as marvelous beyond understanding and as the perfect guide. Jesus Christ is the one we can always take counsel from.

How we know: a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• a parallel account in Isaiah 9:6 — The same titles in Isaiah.

The Mighty God

Mighty God — God the powerful warrior who saves

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 2 Nephi 19:6

The child born is also called the Mighty God. Jesus Christ, born as a baby, was the God of Israel, Jehovah, come to earth.

How we know: a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in 2 Nephi 20:21 — The remnant will return 'unto the mighty God'.

The Everlasting Father

Everlasting Father — father of eternity; the Creator and the one who gives spiritual rebirth

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 2 Nephi 19:6

The Son is called Everlasting Father because He created the earth under the Father and because those who make covenants with Him become His spiritual sons and daughters. He is not Heavenly Father, but He acts as a father to us.

How we know: a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in Mosiah 3:8 — Jesus Christ is called 'the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things'.
• the same title in 2 Nephi 25:12 — The Only Begotten is 'even the Father of heaven and of earth'.

The Prince of Peace

Prince of Peace — the ruler who brings peace

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 2 Nephi 19:6

The promised Son is the ruler whose kingdom brings true peace. Jesus Christ gives peace to the soul now and will bring peace to the whole earth when He reigns.

How we know: a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alluded to by John 14:27 — 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you'.

Birth of the Son

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 2 Nephi 19:6

Isaiah prophesies a child born and a Son given who will carry the government on His shoulder. This is Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem and given by the Father, who will one day rule as King.

How we know: a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfilled by Luke 2:11 — 'Unto you is born this day... a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord'.
• alluded to by John 3:16 — The Father 'gave his only begotten Son'.
• a parallel account in Isaiah 9:6 — The same verse in Isaiah.

Eternal King on David's Throne

Of the increase of government and peace there is no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this. 2 Nephi 19:7

The promised Son will rule on David's throne with justice and His kingdom will never end. The angel Gabriel told Mary her son Jesus would receive this very throne.

How we know: the verse itself names Him

• fulfilled by Luke 1:32-33 — Jesus will be given the throne of David, and 'of his kingdom there shall be no end'.
• a parallel account in Isaiah 9:7 — The same verse in Isaiah.

Jehovah, whose hand is stretched out still

The Syrians before and the Philistines behind; and they shall devour Israel with open mouth. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. 2 Nephi 19:12

This refrain repeats in verses 17 and 21 and in 2 Nephi 20:4. The Lord is Jehovah, the premortal Christ, and many Latter-day Saint teachers point out that His stretched-out hand also means He keeps reaching out to rebellious Israel, inviting them back.