2 Nephi 18:11 - 18:15

2 Nephi 18:11 For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying:

The Lord told Isaiah that there is nothing they can do to survive the Assyrians and that he should tell the people of Jerusalem that fact.

2 Nephi 18:12 Say ye not, A confederacy, to all to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.

That they should be told that there is no safety in any confederacy they could possibility enter into. Jerusalem should be very afraid and know that the Lord is their only safety.

2 Nephi 18:13 Sanctify the Lord of Hosts himself, and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.

The real fear should be their turning their backs on the Lord. The Assyrians are not the real threat here. The Assyrians are the tool by which the Lord is going to try to train the Jews to live the commandments. If they were righteous, the Assyrians would have no power over them and could not conquer them because the Lord would see to it. (It is not guns one should fear, but the person carrying them.)

2 Nephi 18:14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling, and for a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

So either the Lord will be trying to help or His help will trip up the people and they will suffer for their disregard. It is like not going to the dentist as we all should. If you do you will have good teeth, if you don’t your teeth will become decayed and eventually not do what they are supposed to do. Bad teeth then lead to poor health. So taking care of your teeth can help you to have good health or they can make your life miserable.

2 Nephi 18:15 And many among them shall stumble and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.

Because so many people will reject the Jehovah they will be destroyed by the Assyrians or be taken captive.