Comments on 2 Nephi 7-8 Jacob's purpose in quoting these chapters is primarily for the content of 7:1-2 (Isa. 50:1-2) and 8:1-3 (Isa. 51:1-3). Jacob's intent is to convince the audience they are still part of covenant Israel. It is made plain the Lord is not the one who divorced Israel, but it is Israel who abandoned Him in favor of sin (cf. 7:1-2). They are still Abraham's children so when they choose to look back to his example and his covenant, the Lord will redeem them (cf. 8:1-3). While individuals or generations may be permanently cut off if they choose so, the lineage of Abraham is still covenant Israel and they are summoned back to Zion whenever they are ready (cf. 8:24-25). See my comments on Isaiah on the LDS Seminar archive at: http://www.cybcon.com/~kurtn/exegesis.html Copyright © 2001 by S. Kurt Neumiller . All rights reserved. No part of this text may be reproduced in any form or by any means for commercial gain without the express written consent of the author. Digital or printed copies may be freely made and distributed for personal and public non-commercial use.