1 Nephi 21: 11

11 And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted.

According to the cross references listed at the bottom of the page (Isaiah 62:10; D&C 133: 27 (23–32)) this verse is about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. So now, after the Restoration described in previous verses, the way has been prepared for the Lord to return. So I’m not exactly sure what this verse means, unless it has reference to removing obstacles (mountains) getting in the way of His return. As I further consider what it could mean, mountains often symbolize the temple in scripture. This actually makes a lot of sense, that He will make all his temples, which now dot the earth, a way, or path, to return to Him.

The phrase, “my highways shall be exalted,” is interesting. According to my dictionary (Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 3rd ed.) the term “highway” means, “any road freely open to everyone; public road.” “Exalt” means to elevate or lift up, specifically, “a) to raise in status, dignity, power, honor, wealth, etc. b) to praise; glorify; extol.” There is more, but that will do for my comments. This makes it sound like at the Second Coming His highways, or roads leading to Christ, will be elevated in status, etc. according to the definition above. In other words, being a Christian, and specifically one who has made covenants through partaking of the saving ordinances with proper authority, will no longer be the object of ridicule and scorn it often is today. This ridicule has been an obstacle for many who are not strong enough to withstand it. That obstacle will be removed.

Another possible interpretation of this verse is that both phrases have to do with temples. If all the Lord’s mountains (temples) are a way to return to Him, then those who take that highway, which is a highway by the above definition because it is available to anyone willing to make the appropriate covenants, shall be exalted. Or the temples themselves will take on more exalted roles. This makes sense as temple work becomes more important and more available. As I think on it, this could be the more accurate interpretation of this verse since it makes reference to the highways more than those who travel those highways.