2 Nephi 8:16 - 8:20

2 Nephi 8:16 And I have put my words in thy mouth, and have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion: Behold, thou art my people.

The house of Israel has been the mouth piece of the Lord and are the ones who are to bring forth the gospel to the world. They were chosen before the world was created in the preexistence and are now carrying out their mandate in mortality. They are the Lord’s chosen and they will be the leaders in bringing the gospel to the world.

2 Nephi 8:17 Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the Lord the cup of his fury—thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling wrung out—

Israel has been persecuted over the years because of their unfaithfulness. They have had a difficult time dealing with the world when they have been wicked.

2 Nephi 8:18 And none to guide her among all the sons she hath brought forth; neither that taketh her by the hand, of all the sons she hath brought up.

During these time of unfaithfulness, there have not been anyone to guide Israel because they have doubted that God could help them.

2 Nephi 8:19 These two sons are come unto thee, who shall be sorry for thee—thy desolation and destruction, and the famine and the sword—and by whom shall I comfort thee?

Two afflictions are upon Israel at present, famine and war. Neither one can obviously give comfort so why not listen to the prophets and get comfort from the Lord of hosts?

2 Nephi 8:20 Thy sons have fainted, save these two; they lie at the head of all the streets; as a wild bull in a net, they are full of the fury of the Lord, the rebuke of thy God.

But the prophets have withdrawn themselves from the mist of Israel. Famine and war now rest on Israel and the signs of their presence is on very street. They are like a wild bull trying to get out of his pen. These two conditions show that the Lord is present and they are evidence of His displeasure over their rejection of the prophets.