The Book of Mormon underlining (v. 4) again retains a designation of the time spoken of: “in that day” referring to the gathering of the last days (vv. 1–3).
Verses 4 through 21 are generally considered to be a poem, which Dr. Sidney B. Sperry called “one of the finest examples of Hebrew poetry in the Bible.” While the poem contains a description of Satan as the ruler of spiritual Babylon, the message is a dual one. Satan, of course, is described under the guise of the ancient king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar.
This section of the poem describes the beginning of the Millennium, when Satan will be bound and the earth will rest. The reference is to rulers who have come under the influence of Satan, and not solely to Nebuchadnezzar or one of his successors. The binding of Satan at the beginning of the thousand years is also prophesied in the New Testament. An angel laid hold of Satan “and bound him a thousand years” (Revelation 20:1–3; see also D&C 88:110; 101:28). The Book of Mormon says that “because of the righteousness of his [the Lord’s] people, Satan has no power; wherefore, he cannot be loosed for the space of many years; for he hath no power over the hearts of the people, for they dwell in righteousness, and the Holy One of Israel reigneth” (1 Nephi 22:26). Therefore, three different volumes of scripture testify of his being bound, and Nephi quotes “the prophet,” probably Isaiah since he had previously been quoting him, saying “the time cometh speedily that Satan shall have no more power over the hearts of the children of men” (1 Nephi 22:15).
The fir trees rejoicing because no feller (woodsman cutting down the trees) is come up against them (v. 8) is symbolic of the millennium when Satan is bound and “shall not have power to tempt any man” (D&C 101:28).