2 Nephi Chapter 1

O that ye would awake; awake from a deep sleep, yea, even from the sleep of hell, and shake off the awful chains by which ye are bound, which are the chains which bind the children of men, that they are carried away captive down to the eternal gulf of misery and woe. ~ 2 Nephi 1:13

This chapter is mostly Lehi speaking to his sons right before his death. He is particularly speaking to Laman and Lemuel here. They've always been quick to complain and sin and he wants to say one final thing to help them.

I get a strong picture in my head of someone bound when I read this. Chained, and clouded over, and desolate. Lehi must have felt such anguish for them. He loved them so much, as many parents do, and grieved for their decisions.

Reading this also reminds me that it is our choice to move out darkness. We choose, every day, whether by action or inaction, to move toward the light or away from it. There is nothing our Heavenly Father cannot help us with, no matter how hopeless it seems.

Do you want to read this verse in context? Read all of 2 Nephi Chapter 1.