Mormon, who is compiling all the records into one book, writes a short explanation of why he includes the small plates of Nephi.

When Amaleki gets the plates, he writes about how his people, the Nephites, find the city of Zarahemla. 

The small plates are handed down from generation to generation and just a few things are added to the book.

Jacob's son Enos promises to write on the plates. He forgets for a while, but then writes the story of his repentance.

Jacob meets up with a man named Sherem, who is going to try his hardest to convince Jacob that there is no Jesus Christ.

Jacob wants his people to learn more about God's plan. So he shares a prophecy of Zenos which compares the people of Israel to an olive tree.

Jacob is now the spiritual leader of the Nephites. And God has a few things for him to say to the people. 

Most of the book of Second Nephi is prophecy made by Nephi, his younger brother Jacob, and the prophet Isaiah. And they all center on one person: Jesus.

After their father, Lehi has died, Laman and Lemuel cause so much trouble for Nephi that he takes his family and leaves. 

Lehi shares a few final words of wisdom with all of his family before he dies. And Nephi shares his prayer.