The following chiastic structure of 3 Nephi 20–22, which is still open to minor adjustments, has been detected by Professor Victor Ludlow. It helps us to focus on the step-by-step development of this discourse and especially on its main point, the focal center of this passage.
In this structure, notice especially that, in line F, words from Micah 4–5 are used to show that the Gentiles will repent and obtain blessings. Farther down, in the counterpoint line labeled F’, some of the same words from Micah are quoted again, dealing with what will happen to the unrepentant Gentiles. In parts H and I, Isaiah 52:11–15 is quoted; and then in parts H’ and I’, Isaiah is quoted again but this time Isaiah 52:15 is quoted first (in 3 Nephi 21:8), followed then (in 3 Nephi 21:10) by a quote from Isaiah 52:14, that is, in reverse order.
This extended ring-composition is like a large picture frame which, if understood, helps readers to see the order and organization of this text and thereby follow and better understand what Jesus is saying.
A The Father and Son work together (3 Nephi 20:10) | |||||||||||||
B Isaiah’s words are written, therefore search them (v. 11) | |||||||||||||
C Isaiah’s words and the Father’s covenant with Israel will be fulfilled (v. 12) | |||||||||||||
D Scattered Israel to be gathered (v. 13) | |||||||||||||
E The promised land is an inheritance for the Nephites/Lamanites (v. 14) | |||||||||||||
F Micah quoted: Gentiles to repent & receive blessings (v. 15–20; Micah 5:8-9; 4:12–13) | |||||||||||||
G The Lord’s covenant with Moses, the Gentiles, and Israel concerning the New Jerusalem. (v. 21–29) | |||||||||||||
H Isaiah quoted (Isaiah 52:1–14): Gospel preached, Zion established, servant marred (v. 30–44) | |||||||||||||
I Isaiah quoted: Kings shall shut their mouths, speechless (v. 45; Isaiah 52:15) | |||||||||||||
J Covenant fulfillment and the work of the Father (v. 46) | |||||||||||||
K A key “sign” given, when these things are “about to take place” (3 Nephi 21:1) | |||||||||||||
L This is “the sign:” Gentiles will learn of “scattered” Israel (v. 2) | |||||||||||||
M “These things” in the Book of Mormon to come forth “from them [the Gentiles] unto you (to the Lamanites/Nephites) (v. 3) | |||||||||||||
N In the “wisdom in the Father” and the “power of the Father,” “the covenant of the Father” will make it possible for these things to come forth “unto a remnant of your seed,” O house of Israel (v. 4) | |||||||||||||
M’ “These works” in the Book of Mormon will come “forth from the Gentiles to your seed” (to the Lamanites/Nephites) (v. 5) | |||||||||||||
L’ Some Gentiles to “be numbered among” the house of Israel (v. 6) | |||||||||||||
K’ And “it shall be a sign” as Lamanites begin to know that “these things come to pass” (v. 7) | |||||||||||||
J’ Work and covenant of the Father have already commenced (v. 7) | |||||||||||||
I’ Isaiah quoted: Kings shall shut their mouths, speechless (v. 8; Isaiah 52:15) | |||||||||||||
H’ Isaiah quoted: A great and marvelous work; the marred servant (v. 9–10; Isaiah 52:14) | |||||||||||||
G’ Moses, the Gentiles, and covenant Israel (v. 11) | |||||||||||||
F’ Micah quoted: Unrepentant Gentiles will be cut down (v. 12–21; Micah 5:8–15) | |||||||||||||
E’ The promised land is an inheritance for the righteous (v. 22–23) | |||||||||||||
D’ Gentiles to help in the gathering of Israel and a New Jerusalem (v. 24–25) | |||||||||||||
C’ Father’s work with his people (v. 26–27) | |||||||||||||
A’* The Father and Son work together (v. 28–29) | |||||||||||||
B’* Isaiah’s portrayal of Zion (Isaiah 54, 3 Nephi 22); search his words. (3 Nephi 23:1–3) | |||||||||||||
*Note: The A-B, A’-B’ order of the first two and last two element in this structure may be allowable as a minor deviation within this overall pattern, or alternatively these opening and closing elements may be seen as AB, A’B’ compounds. In either case, this impressive chiastic organizing structure is quite helpful in tracking the meaning of Jesus’s words here.
Book of Mormon Central, “Why Did Jesus Mix Together Micah and Isaiah? (3 Nephi 20:25),” KnoWhy 214 (October 21, 2016).
Victor L. Ludlow, “The Father’s Covenant People Sermon: 3 Nephi 20:10–23:5,” in Third Nephi: An Incomparable Scripture, ed. Andrew C. Skinner and Gaye Strathearn (Salt Lake City and Provo. UT: Deseret Book and Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship, 2012), 147–174. As Professor Ludlow modestly notes, “In spite of many, many hours involved in studying and analyzing this profound sermon, the outline is still a work in progress” (page 167).
Victor L. Ludlow, “Jesus’ Covenant Teachings in Third Nephi,” in Rediscovering the Book of Mormon: Insights You May Have Missed Before, ed. John L. Sorenson and Melvin J. Thorne (Provo, UT: FARMS, 1991), 177–185.
Jeffrey R. Holland, Christ and the New Covenant (Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret Book, 1997), 284–299.