1 Nephi 2:20

This verse has 3 things that I love to look for in the Book of Mormon:

First, "Shall" is what I call a 100% word. It is a promise. It's not "shall consider" or "shall think about". "Shall" means will and leaves no room for movement. It is a promise from God- and those are immoveable. "Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper." I believe this is the first time this promise is introduced in our Book of Mormon. And I think that in all future times, it will be found with an extension of that promise- "in the land." That brings me to the second and third things I love in this verse

The word "and". I love watching for this word when the Lord is describing His blessings- He likes to use it and add more and more to our blessings. This is helping me get a better understanding of the nature of God. He loves to bless us with bakeries when we were simply requesting a crumb of bread. In this verse God promised that if they kept His commandments they would prosper. Then, He includes the "and", "... and shall be led to a land of promise; yea, (emphasis) even a land which I have prepared for you; yea, a land which is choice above all other lands." That is a bakery I'm sure they weren't expecting. This I know: God loves to bless His children.

The third thing is His promise that they will not only prosper, but prosper in the land. Why? Why is the land they prosper in so important to God? Why does it matter where they prosper? I've pondered this much. Also- in the future- the land will be blessed or cursed due to their righteousness or iniquity. Why? Why is the land, and prospering in it, part of the blessing or cursing? Interesting and thought-provoking thoughts to ponder.