Manner of Prophesying Among the Jews

[Vanhin]

Concerning the words of Isaiah, Nephi admits that his people (the Nephites) were not well versed in the "manner of prophesying among the Jews", and that many of the prophesies (especially the words of Isaiah) were difficult for people to understand unless they were taught this "manner of prophesying" (2 Ne. 25:1-6). Nephi wrote:

Yea, and my soul delighteth in the words of Isaiah, for I came out from Jerusalem, and mine eyes hath beheld the things of the Jews, and I know that the Jews do understand the things of the prophets, and there is none other people that understand the things which were spoken unto the Jews like unto them, save it be that they are taught after the manner of the things of the Jews. (2 Ne. 25:5)

I think this is partly why I am so fond of this forum, and the hours that thekabalist has devoted to his commentary here. I see this as an opportunity for us to increase our understanding about the manner of prophesying among the Jews, while we can. I think I speak for most visitors of this forum in expressing my heartfelt gratitude for his contributions.

Sincerely,
Vanhin

[Maya]

I feel every new chapter, verse that thekabalist is explaining to us is like a spiritual trip in the world of Nephi, with a good guide. I hope we wont be left in the deseret.... and there are other books too like DC and ... the Book of Abraham should be extra special I heard a Jewish person say.

[RanMan]

Well along this line of thought, let me ask thekabalist a question. Would the kind of understanding you are applying to these readings of the Book of Mormon be something that less diligent members of the Jewish community have problems understanding?

For example, in chapter 9 you discuss the word plates, which can be understood as calender, being used 12 times and that would have an underlying significance. Is it possible that this sort of understanding of scripture would be beyond Laman and Lemuel?

[thekabalist]

Hi Ran
Yes it is possible. Because the level of involvement with Judaism itself has always been a matter of personal choice. In ancient times people would gather at the city gates and at the synagogues to hear and study the law. Those who wished could have a very deep education in the Scriptures and those who cared little for it could get by with the minimum. It is still this way to this day in Judaism. You have families in which some are Torah scholars and others can barely recite the prayer book. So it's possible that Laman and Lemuel cared so little for the things of G-d that they lacked the deep education that Nephi clearly displays.

b'shalom!

[Zechariah]

Yes, thank you, thank you thekabalist.

You are enriching our lives and appreciation for this book we love by sharing your insights and we are so enjoying this rare opportunity. Thank you for all your time and effort.

Please continue.

[dazed-and-confused]

ok....i am new here and am excited to becoming more active in this forum.
thanks for putting it together.

[Vanhin]

Thanks for checking it out. Feel free to post any comments or questions you have about the perspective that thekabalist has provided.

Vanhin

[Giant_Son]

So, is thekabalist coming back? What do you think? Please come back, thekabalist!

[Maya]

Originally Posted by Giant_Son

So, is thekabalist coming back? What do you think?

I believe he will. But I think the comment is really "emptying his jacket" and he needs to have some pauses. Even doing the translation is very exhausting and if he has the spirit with him, as it looks like to me, it is very consuming.

[Vanhin]

He's coming back. He has been having some health issues lately.

Vanhin