2 Nephi 15

Chapter 15 of the Second Book of Nephi is virtually indistinguishable, word for word, from Chapter 5 of Isaiah from the Old Testament.

Isaiah tells a parable that compares Israel to a vineyard. He describes a lovely fenced garden on the hillside, with rocks removed from the soil, and planted with the best vines. In the end, despite his best efforts, it only grows wild grapes. In anger, he tears down the fence, and allows it to be trampled and eaten. He discontinues pruning, allows weeds to overtake it, and deprives it of water.

The vineyard of God, Isaiah tells us, is a representation of the descendants of Israel. Instead of good leaders and good people, God finds oppressors and cities crammed with wealthy people who offer no place for the humble people to live. Like the gardener, God will tear down the fence and deprive the unthankful people of protection and nurture. God, says Isaiah, is angry at the injustice and abuse, the drunkenness and the partying, and will therefore bring exile and starvation. Just as fire consumes withered plants, so too will Israel be consumed by ignoring God’s laws. To cleanse the people, God will signal distant nations and invite them to invade, capture, and kill those who have transgressed against his word. The high and mighty will be brought down and the faithful will eat in their places.