2 Nephi 19:1 - 19:5
2 Nephi 19:1 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.
Isaiah describes the troubles that Assyria gave to the outlying tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun and the rest of the region of Palestine. (Commentators say that these first seven verses refer to three issues. First the actual problems given by Assyria. Second, the reforms that were put in place by Hezekiah and Isaiah. Third, the coming of Jesus and the light He will bring during His life time.)
2 Nephi 19:2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
After the death Ahaz, Hezekiah will reform Judah for a season with his religious reforms trying to bring the Jews back to the Law and righteousness. Hezekiah will bring the “great light” as will Christ during His life.
2 Nephi 19:3 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.
Applying to both the reform of Hezekiah and the coming of the Messiah, the Jews will increase in the joy of knowing that the Lord has saved them from the Assyrians as well as Christ redeeming men from the grave. There will be a great harvest of souls that desire righteousness by the Lord.
2 Nephi 19:4 For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor.
Hezekiah because of his desire to restore Judah, the Assyrians will not prevail over Judah when they attack.
2 Nephi 19:5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.
In every battle, there is confusion and ciaos. There is much blood spilt along with death. But the Jews will conquer not by direct battle with the Assyrians, but the Lord will fight the battle for them. The Jews will not have to raise a sword in their defense.
