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Acquiring the Learning of the Jews

By
Gregorio Billikopf
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After being baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at nineteen, almost fifty years ago, a passion for reading, learning, and studying has distilled upon my soul. This was not always the case.

Have you ever found yourself reading a book, and even turning the pages, to discover that your mind has been elsewhere? That was frequently me.

As a fifteen-year-old adolescent non-member, I preferred to read comic books. I almost threw away my first copy of the Book of Mormon because it did not have enough visual aids. Gladly, the Spirit of the Holy Ghost prompted me to open that book and read Moroni’s promise which was then prominently displayed on the opening page.

My interest in the Hebrew Bible grew after I joined the Church. In my personal journal, I talk about studying the great Prophet Isaiah as early as 1983, almost ten years after my baptism. While the writings of Isaiah and the Prophets have always held a special appeal for me, it was in 1996, while reading the Book of Mormon, that the words of our Savior sank deep in my heart:

“And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yeah, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah”—3 Nephi 23:1

Learning of the Jews, My Approach

Since publishing the third edition of Isaiah Testifies of Christ in 2017, I have continued to study Isaiah, but have been mostly focused on improving my Biblical Hebrew… in preparation for what I hope will be the fourth edition.

As we approach the study of the great prophet Isaiah in Come, Follow Me, and as I get closer to the fiftieth anniversary of my baptism, some clarity has come to me about “the learning of the Jews” (1 Nephi 1:2). What it means and how each one of us can obtain it.

We are all familiar with the many Scriptures in the Book of Mormon related to Isaiah and to the Jews. For instance:
“I know that the Jews do understand the things of the prophets, and there is none other people that understand the things which were spoken unto the Jews like unto them, save it be that they are taught after the manner of the things of the Jews” (2 Nephi 25:5, emphasis added).

The words save it be jump out off the page. It is clear to me that the Lord, through His prophet, invites all women and men to delve into His word, not just His Jewish children.  

“Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come” (D&C 130:18–19). 

This, and other invitations to feast upon the word (2 Nephi 31:20), comes with a warning that such learning may lead to “look beyond the mark” (Jacob 4:14), priestcraft, and teaching of false doctrine. Lest we are discouraged by such a warning, I wonder if there is not a similar pattern in the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood.

The Lord’s blessings to those who magnify the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood are sublime (D&C 84:33–40), yet the condemnation to those who break it are ominous (D&C 84:41). But lest individuals prefer to avoid the effort altogether, there is a second warning wherein the Lord says: “wo unto all those who come not unto this priesthood” (D&C 84:42).

Similarly, with gaining spiritual intelligence. There are pitfalls, but each of us needs to embark in this lifelong love for the Scriptures. It is never too late to begin.

President Joseph F. Smith warned against both the lazy as well as the proud who look beyond the mark:
“Among the Latter-day Saints, the preaching of false doctrines disguised as truths of the gospel, may be expected from people of two classes, and practically from these only; they are:
“First—The hopelessly ignorant, whose lack of intelligence is due to their indolence and sloth, who make but feeble effort, if indeed any at all, to better themselves by reading and study; those who are afflicted with a dread disease that may develop into an incurable malady—laziness.
“Second—The proud and self-vaunting ones, who read by the lamp of their own conceit; who interpret by rules of their own contriving; who have become a law unto themselves, and so pose as the sole judges of their own doings. More dangerously ignorant than the first.”[1]

Here we will address the learning of the Jews, what it is, and how to acquire it. We must avoid looking beyond the mark, which is a combination of teaching false doctrine and priestcraft. We do so when we cease to follow the Brethren or stop listening to the Spirit of the Holy Ghost.

Understanding the learning of the Jews

My father was Jewish, my paternal grandfather was a Lithuanian Jew and grandmother a German Jew. My first cousin is a Rabbi. My mother and maternal grandparents are Chilean. At one point my DNA test showed I was 70% Jewish, which would mean that some of my mother’s ancestors from Spain and elsewhere also have Jewish blood.

But I have often wondered what the learning of the Jews meant. Does it consist of knowing Hebrew and other ancient languages, understanding parallelisms, chiasmic patterns, semitic poetry, the history and geography of Israel, and such? Certainly, all these things play their part, but there is something much more basic.

That is because the learning of the Jews is all about a culture of learning. Such a passion for learning is a gift and if we do not yet possess it, we may plead with the Lord for it: “… seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given” (D&C 46:8b). This is especially so if we seek such gifts in order to bless the lives of others and to build up the Kingdom of God.

President George Q. Cannon admonished:
“How many of you … are seeking for these gifts that God has promised to bestow? How many of you, when you bow before your Heavenly Father in your family circle or in your secret places contend for these gifts to be bestowed upon you? How many of you ask the Father, in the name of Jesus, to manifest Himself to you through these powers and these gifts?”[2]

One can fly over Yosemite National Park on a commercial passenger plane, on the way West towards California, and see the beauty of Half-Dome flying at an altitude of approximately 10,000 meters. The view of Yosemite lasts only a few minutes and then it’s over. It is majestic, nevertheless. We can also drive within small portions of the park and see exquisite views. Or ride a bicycle or a horse through portions of the park.

Half Dome in Yosemite National Park is one thing from the air, but a whole other thing when you hike to it!

There is something incomparable, however, about hiking in Yosemite National Park, going into the backcountry, and only coming across one other party of hikers in a day. Or, climbing to the top of Half-Dome, with the aid of the cables, and then stand on the lip looking out onto the valley. It is a breathtaking memory never to be forgotten. You get the idea. Both experiences are uplifting but very different.

It took me four days of reading all day to finish the Book of Mormon before I was baptized. And in the process, my heart was softened, and my world changed completely. I gained a testimony of Jesus Christ in doing so. I called the missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and asked to be baptized. Now, it is taking me months to work through 2 Nephi. Even one line may cause me to ponder for weeks, such as “Wherefore, I know that thou art redeemed, because of the righteousness of thy Redeemer” (2 Nephi 2:3), or “and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name” (2 Nephi 9:41).

In last week’s Stake Conference in the Chile, Puerto Montt Stake, the choir rendered Rob Gardner’s “My Kindness Shall Not Depart from Thee” (Isaiah 54:10). While I had heard this hymn rendered by the same choir multiple times over the years, last Sunday it touched my heart so deeply that I had to find out more about this cantata. When I discovered that the theme was Isaiah 54, it touched me even more.

My Suggestions for Learning of the Jews

I would suggest, then, that the learning of the Jews is this (1) passionate intensity filled with questions, coupled (2) with a linger longer with the Scriptures. As Latter-Day Saints, we do all this with a prayer in our hearts and the help of the Holy Ghost as our comforter, teacher, and guide. 

The first thing I learned when I began the study of Isaiah in earnest, was that this labor would be demanding. Like Oliver Cowdery, I had erroneously supposed that all I had to do was ask. When Oliver could not carry out the work of translation, the Lord taught all of us, “Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you when you took no thought save it was to ask me” (D&C 9:7).

Elder B. H. Roberts taught that “It requires striving—intellectual and spiritual—to comprehend the things of God—even the revealed things of God. In no department of human endeavor is the aphorism ‘no excellence without labor’—more in force than in acquiring knowledge of the things of God. The Lord has placed no premium upon idleness or indifference here … the truth here contended for—achievement in divine things, progress in the knowledge of them, comes only with hard striving, earnest endeavor, determined seeking.”[3]

For the first several chapters of Isaiah, I kept telling myself. “I will never understand this chapter.” Yet eventually I would get an understanding of sorts. With time I changed my notion to: “This chapter is just as hard as the ones I have completed, yet with work and God’s help I will, in time, come to an understanding.” That attitude is the learning of the Jews.

Towards the end of the project, I was surprised when the Lord revealed to me what one of the chapters was all about before I had put in the effort to understand. This is what I had originally supposed would happen for the whole book. But the Lord wanted me to climb Half-Dome and not just fly over it. But through this tender mercy, He also wanted to tell me that He was pleased with my efforts.

At first, it was taking me seven months to complete each chapter. Not only did I compare each verse in the King James Version to dozens of other Bible translations, but I studied the words of the Brethren, examined the writings of the Jews and of fellow Christians from other denominations; I compared each verse to the English translations of multiple ancient languages, and even tried to get into the original Hebrew when needed.  

Scripture study is much like entering a room and finding that there are adjoining doors and windows that offer additional insights. And those new rooms have yet more doors and windows, and so on.

“For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little” (Isaiah 28:10). The scriptures seem to form one eternal round.

And yes, I often wondered what this “learning of the Jews” was all about and considered it a curiosity. I had to work very hard for every little bit of knowledge. Only did it dawn on me this week that it was through this effort that I was acquiring the learning of the Jews. And that now I am applying this same approach to my study of the Book of Mormon and other Scriptures.

Any gift we receive, we must work hard to fully develop and take advantage of. We need to seek the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost in the endeavor, most especially when it has to do with the study of the Word.  

[1] Widtsoe, John A, and Smith, Joseph F. Gospel Doctrine.

[2] George Q. Cannon, Gospel Truth: Discourses and Writings of President George Q. Cannon, First Counselor to Presidents John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff and Lorenzo Snow (1880-1901). Compiled by Jerreld L. Newquist. Volume 1. Salt Lake City: Zion’s Book Store, 1957.

[3] Elder Brigham Henry Roberts, The Seventy’s Course in Theology (1907-1912). Fifth year, p. iv.

Isaiah 13-14; 24-30; 35—”Come, Follow Me” With Search Isaiah

By
Search Isaiah
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Cleansed with Fire
The Earth will be cleansed with fire at Christ's Second Coming

A companion to your Come, Follow Me study of Isaiah

Isaiah 13-14— Babylon will Fall

Chapters 13 and 14 are the first in a series, (which ends with Chapter 23), of prophecies warning nine ancient nations of their impending doom. But Chapters 13 and 14 both focus on Babylon, which is a ‘type’ or symbol of the world we live in. And these two chapters in this series, are the only two quoted in the Book of Mormon.

Monte Nyman explains: “There is undoubtedly a dual message within them. The basic message is against the old Babylon, which existed before Isaiah’s time and became a world power under King Nebuchadnezzar after Assyria’s downfall and after the ministry of Isaiah.

“Babylon became the epitome of wickedness in the ancient world, and was used in both the New Testament and the Doctrine and Covenants as the symbol of the wicked world (see Revelation 14:8; D&C 133:14). Thus a greater message is to modern-day Babylon, the wickedness of our world. It is often difficult to know which Babylon the text is referring to, and it may be that sometimes it refers to both at the same time.”[1]

Isaiah 13 /2 Nephi 23The events foretold in this chapter are those leading into the last days before Christ’s Second Coming. The Lord calls members of His Church to prepare as a righteous army to battle with Babylon, which is the world’s evil today.
Isaiah 14 / 2 Nephi 24Second Nephi 24 is the last of 12 chapters that Nephi quoted continuously from Isaiah. This chapter continues Isaiah’s prediction of the fall of Babylon (whose fall is a symbol or ‘type’ of the fall of the world at Christ’s Second coming), but Isaiah moves on to the other nations of Assyria (Isa. 14:24-27) and Philistia (Isa. 14:28-32) as similar types of the coming end.

“…a seer can know of things which are past, and also of things which are to come, and by them shall all things be revealed, …and things which are not known shall be made known by them, and also things shall be made known by them which otherwise could not be known.”—Mosiah 8:17

Isaiah 24–27—The Apocalypse of Isaiah

Isaiah 24–27 expands the prophecies of individual nations found in Isaiah 13–23 to include the whole earth. And the Earth, explain Shon Hopkin and And Madsen, will be “profoundly affected by the wickedness of its inhabitants. The events described [in these chapters] will be universal. Neither wealth and power nor poverty and obscurity will allow anyone to escape.”[2]

These chapters also demonstrates Isaiah’s seership, as he records things not chronicled before his ministry. In fact, as Victor Ludlow explains, these chapters establish him as a “great seer” recording, “a cycle of prophecies that has no parallel in the writings of earlier Old Testament prophets.” However after his ministry, those prophets that follow (Daniel, Zechariah, and John the Revelator), reiterate many of his themes.

In these chapters, Isaiah “sees Isaiah 24–27.”[3] Sometimes chapters 24–27 are referred to as “the Apocalypse of Isaiah..”[4] Chapters 24 and 25 are contrastive as 24 tells of coming destruction and sadness, while 25 promises times of new life and gladness.

And these chapters, Isaiah is not only acting as a prophet and seer, but he also exercises his poetic skill. Again from Ludlow, “…as a prophet he warns and testifies of the consequences of wickedness; as a seer, he reveals future events upon this earth and spiritual developments in the post-earthly spirit world; as a poet, he combines semantic parallelism, sound, repetitions, and symbolism to memorably portraying the condition of the earth in the last days.”[5]

Isaiah 24Men will transgress the law and break the everlasting covenant—At the Second Coming, they will be burned, the earth will reel, and the sun will be ashamed—Then the Lord will reign in Zion and in Jerusalem.
Isaiah 25In Mount Zion the Lord will prepare a gospel feast of rich food—He will swallow up death in victory—It will be said, Lo, this is our God.
Isaiah 26Trust in the Lord forever—Jehovah will die and be resurrected—All men will rise in the Resurrection.
Isaiah 27The people of Israel will blossom and bud and fill the earth with fruit—They will be gathered one by one and will worship the Lord.
Isaiah 28Woe to the drunkards of Ephraim!—Revelation comes line upon line and precept upon precept—Christ, the sure foundation, is promised.

Isaiah 29 — A Voice from the Dust

Unlike the previous chapters, in 2 Nephi 26–27, John Bytheway points out that, in quoting Isaiah 29, Nephi “likened” or applied passages this chapter “concerning the destruction of Jerusalem to the destruction of his own people in the Americas. It also appears that Nephi interjected his own commentary among the words of Isaiah. While Nephi applied certain Isaiah passages concerning the inhabitants of Judah to his own people, Isaiah clearly saw events specific to the latter days.”[6]

In this chapter, “Isaiah foretells the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, the visit of Martin Harris to Charles Anthon, the three witnesses, and other events of the Restoration. The prophet Isaiah is a wonderful Old Testament witness of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.”[7]

Isaiah 29 / 2 Ne 25, 26, & 27In the last days, when darkness and apostasy has covered the earth, the Nephites will speak as a voice from the dust. The coming forth of the Book of Mormon will be a “Marvelous Work and a Wonder;” there will be 3 witnesses who will testify of its validity from God, while learned mean cannot read the sealed book.

Isaiah 30 and 35—Further Warnings

According to Monte Nyman, “Chapters 30 through 35 present the last three of the six ‘woes’” that began back in Isaiah chapter 28. “These three warnings appear to be based on actual historical incidents …The first warning speaks against trusting the wisdom of man, and the second against trusting the power of man, as shown in the following outline.”[8]

Isaiah 30Judah rejects her seers and prophets—The Lord will come in a day of apostasy to judge and destroy the wicked—The wicked will be burned at His Seond Coming , but Israel’s people will be gathered and blessed both temporally and spiritually
Isaiah 35In the day of restoration, the desert will blossom, the Lord will come, Israel will be gathered, and Zion will be built up.

In his book, Isaiah Testifies of Christ, Gregorio Billikopf, reminds us that the focus of Isaiah 35 is embodied in the 10th Article of Faith, which states:

“We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.”

Article of Faith 10

“A substantial portion of this Article of Faith,” writes Billikopf, “is covered in Isaiah 35—and even more so when we consider Isaiah 35’s parallel text, D&C 133. This glorious chapter of Isaiah gives the blossoming of the Utah desert as a rose—along with other attendant blessings—as a type of the Earth being converted into its paradisiacal gory in the millennium.

“From Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith: ‘The land of America is a promised land unto [the descendants of Joseph], and unto it, all the tribes of Israel will come, with as many of the Gentiles as shall comply with the requisitions of the new covenant.  But the tribe of Judah will return to old Jerusalem, The City of Zion spoken of by David in the 102nd Psalm will be built upon the Land of America. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads.’ (Isaiah 35:10); and then they will be delivered from the overflowing scourge that shall pass through the land. But Judah shall obtain deliverance at Jerusalem. See Joel 2:32; ISAIAH 26:20–21; Jeremiah 31:12; Psalm 1:5; 10.

“The testimonies that the Good Shepherd will put forth His own sheep, and lead them out from all nations where they have been scattered in a cloudy and dark day, to Zion, and to Jerusalem; besides many more testimonies which might be brought.

“Elder Orson Pratt taught: ‘I say those who will travel through this Territory [Utah] may see some of the effects of the gathering out of the Saints who have made a covenant with the Lord by sacrifice. If we had gathered together into a country that was well timbered, where we could go out and get a load of fence poles or firewood before breakfast; if we had settled in a country that was not, comparatively a desert, and that was blessed with the rains of heaven, we could no doubt have accomplished far more than we now see. But the Lord purposely led us into this desert to fulfill prophecy.’ (Pratt, Elder Orson, JD 15:57-58). Horsley says that this chapter relates to the ‘final triumph of the Church over the apostate factions.’.[9]

Since the published Old Testament Reading Schedule doesn’t include every chapter in the Book of Isaiah our team has not curated all resources from our site. But we have made this workable directory for your five-week study of this important book in the Old Testament in a total of seven curated posts:

  1. Monte S Nyman. Great are the Words of Isaiah. Cedar Fort, Inc. Kindle Edition.
  2. Ann Madsen and Shon Hopkin, Opening Isaiah—a Harmony. BYU Religious Studies Center, p.91
  3. Victor L. Ludlow. Isaiah, Prophet, Seer, and Poet (p. 242). Deseret Book Company. Kindle Edition.
  4. Isaiah 13–39, by Otto Kaiser, p 173
  5. Ludlow, ibid. (p. 242). Deseret Book Company. Kindle Edition.
  6. John Bytheway. Isaiah For Airheads. Deseret Book Company. Kindle Edition.
  7. Bytheway, ibid.
  8. Nyman, ibid.
  9. Gregorio BIllikopf. Isaiah Testifies of Christ. 2020

Directory Isaiah in the Book of Mormon

By
Darryl Alder
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Click here to read the Isaiah Chapters in the Book of Mormon

Chapter Links to the Book of Isaiah

While our SearchIsaiah.org project is ongoing, a directory of posts and their related chapters of the Book of Isaiah seems valuable to our readers. Also helpful are the Isaiah passages in the Book of Mormon listed in the sections below this chart

(those in blue are posted others are pending)
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Chapters of Isaiah Quoted in the Book of Mormon

Book of Mormon prophets included about one-third of Isaiah’s 66 chapters in their engravings. That makes the Book of Mormon a special commentary on Isaiah’s works. And as Garold N. Davis explains the, “prophetic commentary” by Lehi, Nephi, Jacob, and the Lord himself helps us understand Isaiah passages in the Book of Mormon.

But according to Victor L. Ludlow, “About one-third of the verses have major differences when compared to the King James Version of the Bible—that is, wording changes or additions which significantly change or enlarge the meaning of the verse. Another one-third of the Isaiah verses in the Book of Mormon have minor wording or punctuation changes which do not alter the verse’s meaning, and one-third are exactly the same as the corresponding Biblical passages.

“Two large blocks of Isaiah chapters (2-14 and 48-54) are scattered among four books (1 Nephi, 2 Nephi, Mosiah, and 3 Nephi). In addition, Isaiah 29 is quoted in 2 Nephi.

“The following chart shows where these 21 Isaiah chapters are found in the Book of Mormon:

1 Nephi2021      
2 Nephi 7 8 12 131415 16 17
 18192021232324 27
Mosiah 14       
3 Nephi 20 22      

Other Isaiah passages in the Book of Mormon

Other Isaiah passages in the Book of Mormon.Paraphrased passages in the Book of Mormon.
Isa 11:5-9 in 2 Ne 30:11-15
Isa 11:4 in 2 Ne 30:9
Isa 49:23 in 2 Ne 6:7
Isa 52:8-10 in Mosiah 15:29-31; 3 Ne 16:18-20
Isa 55:1-2 in 2 Ne 9:50-51
Isa 49:24-26 in 2 Ne 6:16-18
Isa 52:1-2 in 2 Ne 8:24-25
Isa 52:7-10 in Mosiah 12:21-24
Isa 5:26 in 2 Ne 29:2
Isa 22:13 in 2 Ne 28:7-8
Isa 28:10,13 in 2 Ne 28:30
Isa 29:5 in 2 Ne 26:18
Isa 29:15a in 2 Ne 28:9b
Isa 40:3 in 1 Ne 10:8
Isa 49:22 in 1 Ne 22:8; 2 Ne 6:6
Isa 52:1a in Moroni 10:31a
Isa 52:7 in 1 Ne 13:37; Mosiah 15:14-18
Isa 11:11a in 2 Ne 25:17a; 29:1b; cf 25:11
Isa 25:12 in 2 Ne 26:15
Isa 29:3-4 in 2 Ne 26:15-16
Isa 29:14a in 1 Ne 14:7a; 22:8a; 2 Ne 25:17b; 29:1a
Isa 29:21b in 2 Ne 28:16a
Isa 45:18 in 1 Ne 17:36
Isa 49:23a in 1 Ne 22:8b; 2 Ne 10:9a
Isa 52:10 in 1 Ne 22:10-11
Isa 52:13-15 in 3 Ne 21:8-10
Isa 54:2b in Moroni 10:31a
Isa 52:12 in 3 Ne 21:29
Isa 53:8,10 in Mosiah 15:10-11
Isa 55:1 in 2 Ne 26:25
Presented by Victor L. Ludlow at BYU Education Week 2006

Thoughts to Keep in Mind—Reading Poetry in the Old Testament from “Come, Follow Me” With SearchIsaiah.org

By
Search Isaiah
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In the 2022 “Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament” study plan, we are pleased to offer you this curated directory of SearchIsaiah.org to assist you in your personal and family study of the Book of Isaiah.

Since the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Old Testament Reading Schedule does not include all chapters in the Book of Isaiah we have not included all of our resources, which should make this directory more manageable for your five-week study of Isaiah. But before we begin that study, let’s turn back to the first week of August.

Thoughts to Keep in Mind—Reading Poetry in the Old Testament

The Church’s website, suggests, “Beginning with Job, we find a different writing style, as Old Testament writers turned to poetic language to express deep feelings or monumental prophecies in a memorable way… The books of Job, Psalms and Proverbs are almost entirely poetry, as are parts of the writings of prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Amos. Because reading poetry is different from reading a story, understanding it often requires a different approach.”

Then they list some thoughts that may “make your reading of Old Testament poetry more meaningful.”

Read those details here

Curated posts from SearchIsaiah about Hebrew poetry :

Since the published Old Testament Reading Schedule doesn’t include every chapter in the Book of Isaiah our team has not curated all resources from our site. But we have made this workable directory for your five-week study of this important book in the Old Testament in a total of seven curated posts:

Isaiah in the Book of Mormon

By
Darryl Alder
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Chapters of Isaiah Quoted in the Book of Mormon

As we start our study of the Book of Mormon this year in Come, Follow Me we will soon be faced with those pesky Isaiah chapters. However, we have worked the last two years to help readers better understand those chapters and hope you will find our posts helpful as you uncover what Isaiah intended us to know.

Calendar of Study for 2020 that Include Chapters from Isaiah

WeekScripture StudyIsaiah Chapters
January 27–February 21 Nephi 16–221 Ne 20, 21
February 10-16 2 Nephi 6–102 Ne  7, 8
February 17–232 Nephi 11–252 Ne 12, 13, 14, 15,16, 17,
18, 19, 20. 21, 22, 23, 24
February 24–March 1 2 Nephi 26–302 Ne 27
May 4–10Mosiah 11–17Mosiah 14
October 12–183 Nephi 20–263 Nephi  20,  22

Table of Isaiah Chapters in The Book of Mormon

1 Nephi2021      
2 Nephi 7 8 12 131415 16 17
 18192021222324 27
Mosiah 14       
3 Nephi 20 22      

Other Isaiah passages quoted in the Book of Mormon

Interestingly, there are many other places in the Book of Mormon that Isaiah is quoted. Clearly the Brass Plates of Laban afforded them access to that prophet’s works and was part of their scriptural understanding, perhaps even part of their day-to-day conversations.

1 Nephi 22:15–17
2 Ne 6:6–7
2 Ne 6:16-18
2 Ne 8:24-25
2 Ne 9:50-51
2 Ne 30:9
2 Ne 30:11-15
Mosiah 12:21-24
Mosiah 15:29-31
3 Ne 16:18-20		(does not exist in the King James Version)
Isa 49:23
Isa 49:24-26
Isa 52:1-2
Isa 55:1-2
Isa 11:4
Isa 11:5-9
Isa 52:7-10
Isa 52:8-10
Isa 52:8-10

Chapter Links to the Book of Isaiah Reviewed by the SearchIsaiah Team

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Take the 1 Minute Isaiah Challenge

By
Search Isaiah
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Blue Digital Isaiah1

2018’s Top 20 Articles Looking Back on SearchIsaiah's First Year

By
Jacob Krogue
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Top 20 Articles

With 2018 quickly coming to a close, let’s take a look back at the top 20 articles from 2018

  1. Is Stylometry the Ultimate Proof that Joseph Smith Did Not Write the Book of Mormon?

  2. Are we among the Swift Messengers of Isaiah 18?

  3. Why You Shouldn’t Have a List of Dos and Don’ts for the Sabbath

  4. Russell M. Nelson—a Living Prophet Visits Jerusalem

  5. Amazing Find in Jerusalem That Archaeologists World-wide Are Talking About

  6. Book of Mormon Evidence vs Book of Mormon Central

  7. Take the 1 Minute Isaiah Challenge

  8. Was Child Trafficking Prophesied in Isaiah 2:6? You Decide

  9. The Gathering of Israel: Nothing of greater consequence!

  10. BYU’s 3D Jerusalem Tour

  11. Isaiah’s 8 Reasons to Fast

  12. Did the Utah Pioneers Fulfill Isaiah’s Prophecies?

  13. Never Suffer From Confusing Isaiah Symbolism Again

  14. Fasting—Spiritual Effects of Extended Fasting—Isaiah 58

  15. The Gathering of Israel: YOU are of Israel

  16. Has Isaiah’s Signature Been Found?

  17. 15 Prophecies about Joseph Smith

  18. Where are the Lost Verses of Isaiah?

  19. President Nelson’s 5 Ways to Change You and the World

  20. Is Isaiah’s 2800-Year-Old Prophecy Being Fulfilled?

All of us here at SearchIsaiah want to thank you for your support throughout this first year, and we cannot wait for the years to come.

Our mission is still simple: Give people the resources they need, to start from where they’re at, and obey the Savior’s command in 3 Nephi to “search Isaiah”. In so doing we hope more and more people will find true and lasting joy as they come closer to Christ.

We echo Christ’s words:

“great are the words of Isaiah”

Why is do you think Isaiah is Great? Tell us in the comments to potentially be featured in a new article.

5 FREE 2018 Isaiah Gospel Doctrine Lessons 36–40

By
Darryl Alder
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Gospel Doctrine Lesson 36: The Glory of Zion Will Be a Defense Supplement to the Old Testament Class Member Study Guide

By
Darryl Alder
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It is lucky for us Latter-day Saints that every other year we get to study chapters from Isaiah in the Old Testament and in the Book of Mormon.

But taking on all 66 chapters may be a bit too much. Our team hopes that what we have done here will help to organize into your personal study plan to at least support your study of the  Gospel Doctrine Old Testament Lessons 36–40, which are the Isaiah chapters we will study this year.

For most of us, that study will begin in mid-September. To get you ready to be a rock star class member below is a five-week calendar; using this plan during the weeks that your ward is reading Isaiah in Sunday School should help your understanding of this great prophet’s message, which is actually another witness of Christ.

 Lesson 36: The Glory of Zion Will Be a Defense
Old Testament Class Member Study Guide

Isaiah Chapter 1

Isaiah Chapter 1

The wicked and rebellious shall be punished for their iniquities, for social injustice, and neglect of true temple worship, but Israel may be cleansed through the Atonement.
San Diego lDS temple

Isaiah Chapter 2 / 2 Nephi 12

The Lord’s house will be built in the top of the mountains in the last days. There all nations will receive instruction and be judged by the Lord. During the millennium there will be no war, but the day coming where God will humble all the proud and mighty. Israel is commanded to stop relying on man and to rely on God.
6 Day War Tanks Isaiah Chapter 3 / 2 Nephi13
Judah will fall. Men of skill and leadership will be taken away, leaving the inexperienced to rule. Israel provoked God and oppressed each other. The daughters of Zion (in a metaphor for the people of Judah and all covenant Israel) are obsessed with fashion and appearance to attract other lovers (not their God), but they will be humbled as slaves, their men will die in war.
Isaiah Chapter 4/ 2 Nephi 14

During the Millennium there will be hope and holiness
Lord's vineyard, which "is the only parable found in Isaiah's writings."1 Personally, I've spent plenty of time with the parables of the olive garden

Isaiah Chapter 5 / 2 Nephi 15
The parable of the Lord’s vineyard
Tree Pruned - the oak and the teil-tree, can have all their leaves eaten off, can even be chopped down, but will regenerate because the sap or substance is still within to help them regrow
Isaiah Chapter 6 / 2 Nephi 16
Isaiah’s vision and call to his ministry

Isaiah prophesied much about the Savior’s earthly mission, about Israel’s destruction due to wickedness, and about the destiny (mission) of Israel in the last days.

  • Isaiah’s warnings and prophecies were not just to ancient Israel, but to our time too. As you read Isaiah 1–5, note what conditions in the past seem evident in the world today?
  • There are three holy places mentioned in Isaiah 4:5–6; what are they and how do they offer safety from evil?

Additional reading: 2 Nephi 11.

Introducing SearchIsaiah.org

By
Search Isaiah
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Welcome to Search Isaiah

searchisaiah.org freeway billboard
SearchIsaiah.org billboard on I-15 Southbound.

After seeing our billboards, you probably have some questions.

Like, who are these people? What are they trying to do? Why are they launching a billboard campaign on September 23rd along I-15  in Salt Lake and Utah County? How do they hope to accomplish their purpose? And most important, so what?

Who is SearchIsaiah.org?

Like you, we also have a lot of questions. We are a group of writers, artists, videographers, social media marketers, and entrepreneurs with the vision to help members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints search the book of Isaiah.  

But it’s not about us. It’s about all of us. It’s honestly about Isaiah; probably the hardest book to understand in all of scripture.

None of us are scholars with any real background in academics, but we deeply value learning. We are reaching out for help from those who have invested their life in studying this complex book. We are looking for truth, and we don’t have a lot of time. None of us do, we are all busy.

We aren’t selling anything, at least nothing yet. But we do hope a lot of books from these authors and scholars get sold. (We hope to help this along a bit.) We aren’t in this for money, in fact, any profits from our work will go right back into this cause, and others.

One of the first questions we asked was, is it just us, or are there a lot of natural disasters and crazy things happening lately? And sorry to tell you, we aren’t evangelicals calling the LDS people to repentance, or doomsday people out on the fringe, far from it. We are probably on the edge though, after all, look at the lengths we went just to start this conversation with you. We are normal folks from here or right around here. You will laugh when you finally figure out who we are.

The most important who is you. We want feedback, questions, and ideas.

What is SearchIsaiah.org?

We hope the name of the website explains it best. We want you to join us as we search Isaiah for answers together.  

Let’s mention some ground rules. We need to be civil and unified as we search for truth. That may be wishful thinking. The trolls and lurkers may swarm us, that’s ok. But here’s the deal, you need to come out from under your bridge and be who you are. Identify yourself in the light of day. Engage in real conversation. Be thoughtful. Let us all try to be our better selves.

We hope to see into the future, decipher what’s happening today, and understand the past.

In fact, that’s probably the first key to Isaiah.

He seemed to have an amazing knack for choosing types and shadows from his day, to prophecy about our day. The assumption is what happened back then is a pattern of what happens now, to us. Now that’s compelling.

What if the whole book of Isaiah is written just for us? What if it was coded and hidden in a way to survive for thousands of years, perfectly intact, for this exact time, this very day.

When is SearchIsaiah.org launching?

So why launch on September 23rd?

Have you googled it? It’s all over the web… how the constellation Virgo is going through labor pains to deliver a man-child, and then some crazy things start happening. This same configuration amongst the stars hasn’t happened for thousands of years.

Many on the web say it aligns exactly with Revelations 12, verses 1 and 2. Joseph Smith upped the ante, even changed the order a bit, moved verse 5 up to verse 3 and combined some things. But, you say, that’s Revelation, we are talking Isaiah. We thought so too.

Then we found Isaiah 66:7.

Wow!

Does God speak to us through the alignment and rotation of planets and stars put in place millions or thousands of years ago? The odds of that thought are so enormous it blows circuits in our brain. But if there’s a God… it’s easy. It’s what He does. If there isn’t a God, it’s crazy even to think.

Why SearchIsaiah.org?

In 2 Nephi Chapter 14, Nephi says he saw our day, the last days, just like John the Revelator saw. He seemed almost desperate to tell us everything he could as plain as he could… to warn us. But he was forbidden to tell us more.

So what did he do?

He quoted Isaiah. Tons of Isaiah. And so did his brother Jacob.

But do you want to know the real reason we are doing this?

Christ himself said that we ought to search these things. In fact, he said in 3 Nephi 23:1, that it is a commandment for us to search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah.

We can’t find that about any other book… anywhere. It must be important.

Full Disclosure: If it isn’t obvious, Jesus Christ matters to us. What He says matters to us.

Next question.

How are we promoting SearchIsaiah.org?

We didn’t want to be hypocrites, so we have been searching pretty diligently ourselves.

And we tested what to put on our billboards. Marketers do that. How? With Facebook. We tested what we said, what colors to use, what fonts… you get the picture. Results went up 400%.

We tested humor; jokes about Isaiah. Surprisingly, they didn’t work so well. We quickly figured out Isaiah isn’t very funny… or fun. We hope to change that.

Does Isaiah have answers that matter? We sure think so. Join us and let’s find out together.

The Book of Mormon as Inspired Fiction: A Betrayal of Faith Under the Guise of “Scholarship”

By
Pop Isaiah
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Reading Scripture Central’s KnoWhy #480 this week, I was infuriated to see some scholars suggest that Latter-day Saints could accept the Book of Mormon as mere ‘inspired fiction.’ This notion that the book is nothing more than a product of Joseph Smith’s imagination is a direct assault on the very core of our faith.

These ivory tower theologians, with their condescending pronouncements, seek to undermine the very foundation of our belief by dismissing the Book of Mormon’s historical authenticity. They claim it’s not a literal record of ancient prophets but a clever literary fabrication, a figment of Smith’s mind. They call it “inspired fiction,” as if divine inspiration can be separated from historical truth. This is an insult to our faith and the prophets who bore witness to the truth.

Joseph Smith’s Claims About the Book’s Origins

Joseph Smith, the translator of the Book of Mormon, described experiencing a series of extraordinary events. He claimed to have been visited by an angel named Moroni in 1823. Moroni told him about ancient golden plates containing the history of a lost civilization in the Americas. Four years later, he received the plates from Moroni. Using unique stones, he translated the record by divine power.

His account of these events is crucial to his credibility as a prophet. His claims about the angel, the plates, and the translation process are central to the legitimacy of the Church. If these claims are invalid, they undermine the foundation of his prophetic mission and the Church itself.

The Inspired Fiction and Other Origin Theories

Some scholars suggest that members can believe in the Book of Mormon as the word of God while acknowledging it may not be a literal historical account in the same way we understand traditional history. They propose that it’s a divinely inspired text, much like the Bible, but with Joseph Smith as its human author.

Other scholars suggest that Joseph Smith may have used and reinterpreted biblical material, such as the Book of Isaiah and other Biblical texts, to create a new form of sacred text. This perspective acknowledges that ancient biblical authors also employed creative and literary techniques in their writings.

The “automatic writing” theory suggests that the text may have flowed through Joseph Smith without conscious effort, perhaps through divine inspiration or subconscious processes. This perspective attempts to reconcile the book’s spiritual power with potential questions about its historical accuracy.

But let me tell you, this is an insult to our faith, a betrayal of both ancient and living prophets who poured their souls into these sacred pages!

The Book of Mormon is not some fairy tale. It’s a testament! A testament to the life, ministry, and resurrection of Jesus Christ!

Another Testament of Jesus Christ

For members of the Church, The Book of Mormon’s power rests on its presentation as a second witness of Jesus Christ. It recounts the lives of ancient prophets, their interactions with God, and culminating in the appearance of the resurrected Christ to the Nephites. The book’s core message loses its foundational strength if these events are fictional.

Early in the Book of Mormon, for example, Bruce Van Orden explained that in 2 Nephi 11, Nephi explicitly applied the law of witnesses when he wrote: “I will include the words of Isaiah in my book because ‘[Isaiah] verily saw my Redeemer, even as I have seen him’” (v. 2).2 Nephi 11:2

This establishes two witnesses: Isaiah and himself. Nephi then added a third, stating: Nephi believed this fulfilled the divine law of witnesses, emphasizing that God provides multiple witnesses to confirm His truth.

“And my brother, Jacob, also has seen him as I have seen him as I have seen him; wherefore, I will send their [Isaiah’s and Jacob’s] words forth unto my children… to prove unto them that my words are true. Wherefore, by the words of three God hath said, I will establish my word.”

2 Nephi 11:3

Throughout the remainder of chapter 11, Nephi applied this principle to demonstrate to his people, likely referring to future generations, the certainty of Christ’s coming and the eternal consequences of rejecting Him (v. 6). His primary objective was to prove “unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ” (v. 4).

The qualifications of these witnesses – Isaiah, Jacob, and Nephi – are significant. Each had personally beheld the Redeemer, received divine revelations concerning His ministry, and recorded or would record these insights for future generations (see 1 Nephi 2:16; 12:6; Isaiah 6:1; and 2 Nephi 2:3–4). Nephi, Jacob, King Benjamin, Abinadi, Alma, Amulek, and Mosiah are not mere literary devices; they are prophets, men of God who witnessed the divine and bore witness to the world. Their testimonies, experiences, and unwavering faith are the pillars upon which our faith rests.

And what of the resurrected Christ appearing to the Nephites? Is that also a figment of imagination? Are we to believe that the Savior, who conquered death, did not also visit His chosen people in the Americas?

The Book of Mormon is not just a collection of stories; it’s a record of divine intervention, a testament to the enduring power of the gospel. To dismiss its historical claims is to deny the very essence of our faith.

The extraordinary circumstances surrounding the Book of Mormon’s appearance demand a personal decision on whether Joseph Smith’s account and the book’s claims are valid or not.

Historicity of the Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon presents itself as an ancient record of prophets and civilizations in the Americas, a claim that has sparked intense debate during the last 200 years since it was published. But its significance for members of the Church of Jesus of Latter-day Saints hinges on its historical veracity.

The Book of Mormon explicitly outlines its ancient origins. It names its purported authors, editors, and the sources used to compile its records. For example, it claims to be an abridgment of the writings of Nephi and other prophets who lived in ancient America. The book also details its historical setting, including dates, locations, and events. One notable example is the account of King Benjamin’s address to his people in the land of Zarahemla around 124 B.C., as recorded by scribes who disseminated his words (Mosiah 2:8).

The Book of Mormon Underpins the Restoration of the Gospel

Furthermore, the Book of Mormon underpins the Restoration of the Gospel as understood by Latter-day Saints. It provides a second witness to the Bible, confirming the divinity of Jesus Christ and the prophetic claims of Joseph Smith.

The book itself emphasizes accountability. Prophets like Nephi and Moroni warn readers that they will be held accountable for responding to the book’s message. These warnings lose their weight if the prophets are mere figments of imagination.

The “inspired fiction” theory, while well-intentioned, presents significant challenges. It undermines the role of divine revelation and raises questions about the veracity of the book’s prophetic voices.

These “scholars,” with their theories of “inspired fiction” and “automatic writing,” seek to undermine the very foundation of our belief. They would have us believe that the prophets of old were mere storytellers, that their testimonies are nothing more than literary creations.

But we know better. We know that the Book of Mormon is true. We know that these prophets spoke the truth. We know that the Savior visited this continent.

Let us not be swayed by the specious arguments of those who seek to undermine our faith. Let us stand firm in our belief in the Book of Mormon, an actual and sacred record of God’s dealings with His children.

For Latter-day Saints, the Book of Mormon’s historical authenticity is not merely an academic debate. It impacts their understanding of the Restoration, their testimonies, and their ability to share the gospel.

Delving Deeper: Isaiah’s Influence in the Doctrine and Covenants

By
Darryl Alder
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The Doctrine and Covenants, a sacred text for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, reveals a profound connection to the writings of the prophet Isaiah. This isn’t merely a casual reference; Isaiah’s words permeate the pages of the Doctrine and Covenants, offering profound insights into God’s plan of salvation, the Restoration of the Gospel, and the future of humanity.

“Isaiah is the most quoted Old Testament prophet in the Book of Mormon and arguably the most quoted Old Testament prophet in the Doctrine and Covenants as well. Our survey of the D&C found that nearly two-thirds of the sections, 86 out of 138, share some characteristic language, phrases, or terms with the words of Isaiah. In this study, we evaluate how and why Isaianic language is used in the revelations and other writings that compose the D&C.“

Isaiah in the Doctrine and Covenants
Terry B. Ball and Spencer S. Snyder

Ball and Snyder’s study analyzes the frequency and types of language from the Book of Isaiah found within the Doctrine and Covenants (D&C).

  • Prevalence: 312 instances of Isaianic language were identified, averaging nearly three occurrences per thousand words in the D&C.
  • Sources: While some passages are directly quoted, most are short phrases.
  • Distribution: Isaianic language is drawn from 82% of Isaiah’s chapters, with the last 27 chapters (focusing on restoration and redemption) being more frequently used.
  • Themes:
    • 69% of Isaianic phrases in the D&C relate to future events like the gathering of Israel and the Second Coming.
    • 21% offer counsel and advice.
    • 10% pertain to warnings and rebukes for apostasy.
  • Prophetic Focus: Prophetic sections of the D&C (those dealing with future events) exhibit a higher concentration of Isaianic language (nearly 4.5 occurrences per 1,000 words) compared to contemporary sections (about 2 occurrences per 1,000 words).

Conclusion:

The D&C demonstrates a broad and abundant use of language from the Book of Isaiah, particularly concerning future events. This suggests a deep familiarity with Isaiah’s prophecies among the revelations recorded in the D&C.This study analyzes the frequency and types of language from the Book of Isaiah found within the Doctrine and Covenants (D&C).

What’s Next:

This blog series will explore the fascinating interplay between Isaiah and the Doctrine and Covenants. We’ll delve into:

  • The Frequency and Significance of Isaiah’s Quotations: Examining how often and in what context Isaiah’s words appear in the Doctrine and Covenants.
  • Themes and Doctrines: Exploring how Isaiah’s prophecies, such as the gathering of Israel, the coming of the Messiah, and the restoration of Zion, are echoed and expanded upon in the revelations received by Joseph Smith.
  • Modern Applications: Discovering how insights from Isaiah, as interpreted in the Doctrine and Covenants, can guide and inspire our lives today.

Join us as we embark on this journey of discovery, exploring the rich tapestry of prophetic voices that weave together the Old Testament, the Book of Mormon, and the Doctrine and Covenants.

In the next post, we’ll delve deeper into the specific ways Isaiah’s prophecies of the Messiah are reflected in the Doctrine and Covenants.

Isaiah’s Enduring Voice—Echoes in the Book of Mormon

By
Isaiah Staff
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Isaiah’s writings penned between 740 and 701 BC, addressed both immediate concerns and distant futures. He spoke of impending judgment for Israel’s disobedience but also prophesied of a coming Messiah and a glorious restoration. These themes resonated deeply with the Book of Mormon prophets, who faced similar challenges and yearned for the same promised redemption.

Among the many prophetic voices recorded on the Brass Plates, Isaiah was a major source for the Book of Mormon. A staggering third of his 66 chapters find their way into its pages, offering invaluable insights and prophecies.

So, why the heavy focus on Isaiah?

There are several reasons:

  • Relevance: Isaiah’s prophecies resonated deeply with the Book of Mormon’s writers and readers. They saw connections to their experiences and struggles, making his words particularly impactful.
  • Messianic focus: Isaiah extensively prophesied about the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. This aligned perfectly with the Book of Mormon’s central message of Christ’s divinity and mission.
  • End-time warnings: Isaiah warned of future apostasy and destruction, a chilling echo of the challenges facing the Book of Mormon peoples.

By incorporating these select portions of Isaiah, the Book of Mormon authors aimed to:

  • Bolster their prophecies: Isaiah’s words served as powerful validation, lending weight to their pronouncements.
  • Offer hope and guidance: Isaiah’s glimpses of the future, including the Messiah’s return and a glorious millennium, provided comfort and direction.
  • Connect past, present, and future: Weaving Isaiah’s prophecies into their narratives, the Book of Mormon authors created a unified tapestry of God’s dealings with humanity across time.

By including Isaiah’s words, they provided their people with hope and guidance, reminding them that God’s promises transcended their immediate circumstances. They also offered a deeper understanding of the coming Messiah, preparing hearts for his eventual arrival.

How are these Isaiah passages incorporated?

Instead of a single, continuous section, they’re strategically scattered across four books:

Discover Isaiah Directory

Additionally, thirty-six verses were quoted or paraphrased and scattered throughout the Book of Mormon (see our directory here). Dennis Largey explained this:

“Many of the Isaiah passages have important differences from the corresponding versus in the King James version of the Bible—that is word changes or additions that significantly alter, or enlarge the meaning of the verse. Many others of the Isaiah verses in the Book Mormon have minor wording or punctuation changes that do not alter the verse’s meanings, and about 1/3 are exactly the same as the corresponding biblical passages.”

Book of Mormon Reference Companion, pp.345

Exploring Further:

The Book of Mormon’s inclusion of Isaiah’s prophecies invites us to delve deeper into their timeless message. By studying both texts, we can gain a richer understanding of God’s plan for his children and the enduring hope offered through Jesus Christ. You may also enjoy reading other posts on this subject:

Want to learn more?

  • Explore the specific chapters of Isaiah included in the Book of Mormon and their corresponding locations.
  • Discover how different prophets in the Book of Mormon interpreted and applied Isaiah’s words.
  • Reflect on how these ancient prophecies offer hope and guidance for our own lives today.

By engaging with Isaiah’s voice in the Book of Mormon, we embark on a journey of faith and understanding that transcends time and circumstance.

(The ideas for this blog post come largely from Dennis Largey's "Book of Mormon Reference Companion")

God’s Enduring Covenant with the House of Israel in 2 Nephi

By
Isaiah Staff
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Jacob Uses Isaiah to teach of Christ
Jacob Teaches of the Saviour's Resurrection

Imagine a community struggling with internal division, facing uncertainties in a new land far from their ancestral home. This was the reality for the Nephites, descendants of Lehi, 40 years after their exodus from Jerusalem. In this context, Jacob, Nephi’s brother and a teacher, emerged with a message of hope rooted in the prophecies of Isaiah. They meticulously quote and comment on his writings, convinced that his message transcends time and space to offer hope and guidance to their people.

Click here to read the Isaiah Chapters in the Book of Mormon

In this sense, the Book of Mormon doesn’t simply recount history; it collapses the distance between past and present, connecting the struggles of ancient Israel in the years before Lehi left with his family for the Americas. Through Jacob’s message rooted in Isaiah’s words, we discover a beacon of hope for our modern times amidst division, a call to faith even in uncertain times, and a reminder that God’s promises echo across generations and continents.

Drawing upon Isaiah’s words, Jacob emphasizes God’s unwavering commitment to His chosen people, the house of Israel. He quotes:

“Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders. And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers…” (2 Nephi 6:6–7″

2 Nephi 6:6–7

This prophecy signifies the future gathering of Israel and their recognition as God’s covenant people, offering a beacon of hope amidst their current challenges.

In his article: “God Will Fulfill His Covenants with the House of Israel,” Leland Gentry, a retired Church Educational System instructor, explained how Isaiah’s prophecies relate to the Latter-day Saints. Using Nephi and Jacob, two Book of Mormon prophets, who quoted and commented on Isaiah’s writings extensively, he explained these other concepts in a section of “The Book of Mormon: Second Nephi, the Doctrinal Structure:”

Beyond Scattered and Divided

Jacob’s message extends beyond the immediate struggles of the Nephites. He delves into Isaiah’s prophecies, painting a picture of scattered Israelites eventually returning to their homeland and embracing the Messiah (2 Nephi 9:7-26). This vision transcends their current division, offering hope for reunification and redemption in the future.

Sacrifice and Salvation

Jacob doesn’t shy away from the suffering that precedes this restoration. He speaks of the coming Messiah, the Holy One of Israel, who will endure immense pain and sacrifice for humanity. This act of love, culminating in the Atonement, paves the way for forgiveness and salvation for all who believe (2 Nephi 9:21-24).

A Choice for Hope

Despite the challenges and sacrifices outlined, Jacob’s message ultimately ends on a hopeful note. He encourages the Nephites to “cheer up your hearts” and hold fast to their faith (2 Nephi 10:23). This call to action resonates with us today, reminding us that even in difficult times, choosing hope and faith in God’s promises can bring strength and resilience.

Relevance Beyond the Nephites

While Jacob’s message was specifically directed to the Nephites, its core principles hold universal relevance. It offers hope for anyone facing challenges, division, or uncertainty. By remembering God’s covenant, embracing the power of the Atonement, and choosing hope over despair, we can navigate life’s difficulties with faith and optimism.

Exploring Further:

This blog post merely scratches the surface of Brother Genty’s analysis of Jacob’s profound message. Consider delving deeper by:

  • Reading 2 Nephi 6-10 for yourself as part of this week’s study in “Come, Follow Me.”
  • Read Brother Gentry’s full analysis here.
  • Reflect on how these principles apply to your own life.
  • Share your insights and experiences with others.

Remember, the message of hope and restoration transcends time and circumstance. By embracing its truths, we can cultivate greater peace, purpose, and faith in our lives.

Further Inspiration:

For additional exploration, consider these resources mentioned in the original article:

Isaiah in Second Nephi 7-8

By
Darryl Alder
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Week of StudyBook of MormonCome, Follow Me Lesson ManualsStudy Aids for Understanding Isaiah in the Book of Mormon
FEB 19–25
2 Nephi 6–10“O How Great the Plan of Our God”•  2 Nephi 7 / Isaiah 50—the Third Servant Song Like Nephi, Jacob loves Isaiah. Like Nephi, Jacob loves Isaiah. Jacob reads  Isaiah 50  ( 2 Nephi 7), to testify of Christ.
• Then in 2 Nephi 8, he continues by reading Isaiah 51-52:2, writing to awaken the Nephites to a remembrance of all that the Lord had done for them; he uses Isaiah’s writings as a second witness to his vision.
Click here to read the Isaiah Chapters in the Book of Mormon

Before we begin our study, it seems like we should be asking what Nephi intended for us as readers in 1 Nephi Chapter 20. And further, what Jacob is trying to do in 2 Nephi 7–8, by adding these chapters from Isaiah.

I guess that it may have something to do with the format Nephi used in his whole second book, where he is trying to awaken the Nephites to a remembrance of all that the Lord had done for them.

The main body or “more sacred things,” as Nephi calls them, offer three discourses one after another. The first discourse is from his brother, Jacob, which is both this and the next chapter.

Jacob, Nephi’s brother, turned to the words of Isaiah, offering not just prophecies but a message of hope and guidance for his people. Yet, why Isaiah? What motivated Jacob to choose these specific passages and tailor them to his audience?

Firstly, Jacob’s heart overflowed with love for his people’s spiritual well-being. He desired to equip them with a deeper understanding of their past, their present circumstances, and even glimpses of their future. By weaving together past insights from Isaiah with his own commentary, Jacob hoped to illuminate their current challenges and illuminate a path forward.

Secondly, Jacob acted upon the wishes of his brother, Nephi. Nephi had recognized the profound truths within Isaiah’s prophecies and longed for his people to benefit from them. Jacob, honoring his brother’s trust, took the torch and made these powerful words readily accessible and applicable to their specific needs.

Beyond mere knowledge, Jacob’s goal was to ignite a flame of learning and glorification within his people. He urged them to delve deeper into Isaiah’s message, not just to understand it intellectually, but to allow it to transform their hearts and inspire them to praise and honor their God.

Finally, Jacob’s ultimate aim was for his people to personally connect with Isaiah’s words. He didn’t simply present them as distant pronouncements but encouraged them to actively apply these timeless truths to their own lives and challenges. By seeing themselves reflected in Isaiah’s prophecies, they could find guidance, comfort, and strength to navigate their own journey.

Following those quotes from Isaiah, there are twelve more chapters from Isaiah and finally a conclusion by Nephi.

As Nephi opens his work in 2 Nephi 1 he leads with Lehi’s words to his sons as a preface, then moves to his detailed vision of the tree of life, adding commentary as he writes. Then he uses Isaiah’s writings as a kind of second witness to his vision. Second Nephi concludes with Nephi’s admonition regarding the gospel of Christ.

Joseph Spencer points out:  “At the heart of things here is Isaiah, not just because the very chapters we’re considering now make up the central stretch of this most privileged portion of Nephi’s record, but also because Jacob and Nephi dedicate their contributions to quoting and explaining other Isaianic texts.”1

Other Posts to Help You with This Week’s Study Plan

SOURCES

1 Spencer, Joseph M., The Vision of All: Twenty-five Lectures on Isaiah in Nephi’s Record, Greg Kofford Books, p 141

Author: Darryl Alder lives with his wife at Riverside Lodge along the Provo River. Together they have raised 4 adopted children and now have 6 grandchildren that keep them busy. After retiring from a career with the Boy Scouts of America, he became a hobby sourdough baker and blogger. He blogs for AbigailOven.com and yoursourdoughstart.com You can reach him via darrylhalder@gmail,  Instagram @darryl.alder, and X @DarrylHAlder., and Twitter.

Hope Amidst Tribulation (2 Nephi 6)

By
Darryl Alder
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Drawing upon the powerful imagery of Isaiah 49, Jacob paints a picture of Jerusalem, their former home, desolate and ravaged. Yet, amidst the ashes, a glimmer of hope emerges. He quotes the prophet:

Click here to read the Isaiah Chapters in the Book of Mormon

“And they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders. And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers…”

2 Nephi 6:6–7

These words, originally intended for all of Israel, offer a glimpse of a future where scattered people are gathered, cherished, and elevated. They speak of a time when even the most powerful will recognize and submit to God’s power.

Jacob’s commentary expands on this theme, revealing a deeper understanding of the coming Messiah. He prophesies of the Lord God, manifested in flesh, enduring suffering and sacrifice for the sake of humanity. But this sacrifice will not be in vain. For those who embrace the Redeemer, salvation awaits.

However, the fate of those who reject this divine figure is starkly contrasted. Scattered and afflicted, they will face trials, but even then, a path to redemption remains open through the prayers of the faithful.

The vision extends beyond the fate of Jacob’s people, encompassing the Gentiles as well. Those who choose repentance and turn away from conflict and the “great and abominable church” are offered a path to salvation. The Lord, ever faithful to His covenants, extends His mercy to all who seek Him.

But those who oppose Zion and its people face a different destiny. Humiliation and judgment await them, a stark reminder of God’s divine power and justice.

Jacob concludes this section by reminding his audience of the ultimate promise: the Messiah’s second coming. He will return in power and glory, defeating enemies and offering salvation to all who believe.

16 aFor shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the blawful captive delivered?

17 But thus saith the Lord: Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; afor the bMighty God shall cdeliver his covenant people. For thus saith the Lord: I will contend with them that contendeth with thee—

18 And I will feed them that oppress thee, with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood as with sweet wine; and all flesh shall know that I the Lord am thy Savior and thy aRedeemer, the bMighty One of Jacob.

2 Nephi 6:16–18

This excerpt from 2 Nephi 6 offers a powerful message of hope and redemption. It reminds us that even in the darkest times, God’s promises remain true. His love and mercy are boundless, and the path to salvation is open to all who seek it.

This brief exploration lays the groundwork for deeper study as we dive into 2 Nephi 6–8 and Isaiah 49-52 alongside Jacob’s commentary. You’ll discover hidden gems that illuminate both prophets’ message and their enduring relevance to Latter-day Saints today.

For more on Isaiah in this chapter of the Book of Mormon, click on these other sources:

Church leaders offer insights on 2 Nephi 6-10

By
Isaiah Staff
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 Kaitlyn Bancroft for the Church News, 18 Feb 2024 offered readers snippets from LDS Church Leaders that touched on this week’s “Come, Follow Me” study materials covering 2 Nephi 6-10. This includes Jacob’s teachings from Isaiah to the Nephites and his commentary on those subjects.

Click here to read the Isaiah Chapters in the Book of Mormon

This is a great resource for studying 2 Nephi 6-10 in the context of “Come, Follow Me.” However, it’s quite lengthy, so here we offer a more concise summary of key takeaways from Church leaders’ quotes:

2 Nephi 6

Faith and Trust: Elder Ellis encourages trusting God even in challenges. Elder Goaslind highlights love as evidence of conversion and our responsibility to share the gospel.

— Elder Stanley G. Ellis, October 2017 general conference, “Do We Trust Him? Hard Is Good”

— Elder Jack H. Goaslind, Jr., October 1983 general conference, “Our Responsibility to Take the Gospel to the Ends of the Earth”

2 Nephi 8

Overcoming Conflict: Elder Oaks reminds us of God’s plan amidst conflict. Sister Dew encourages standing tall and unwavering. Elder Maxwell finds hope and determination despite challenges.

—Then-Elder Dallin H. Oaks, October 2017 general conference, “The Plan and the Proclamation”

— Sister Sheri L. Dew, then the second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, October 2000 general conference, “Stand Tall and Stand Together”

Jacob Uses Isaiah to teach of Christ
Jacob Teaches of the Saviour’s Resurrection

2 Nephi 9

Atonement and Scripture: Elder Christofferson explains the Atonement’s power to redeem and heal. Elder Pieper clarifies the sacred versus secular. Elder Callister emphasizes the Book of Mormon’s confirming role.

— Elder D. Todd Christofferson, April 2013 general conference, “Redemption”

— Elder Paul B. Pieper, April 2012 general conference, “To Hold Sacred”

— Elder Tad R. Callister, October 2011 general conference, “The Book of Mormon — a Book from God”

Finding Comfort and Strength: Elder De Hoyos offers comfort through Jacob’s words, reminding us to come to the Lord. Elder Malm encourages wise choices and using our time wisely.

— Elder Benjamín De Hoyos, April 2011 general conference, “Called to Be Saints”

— Elder Per G. Malm, October 2010 general conference, “Rest unto Your Souls”

Overcoming Sin and Finding Freedom: Elder Hales encourages turning to God for fulfillment. Elder Bowen highlights the infinite reach of the Atonement.

Nephi 10

Reconciliation and Neutrality: Elder Viñas encourages reconciling with God’s will. Elder Maxwell stresses the importance of Jesus as the Son of God, not just a moralist. Elder McConkie warns against neutrality concerning the gospel. Elder Mutombo promises freedom through the Savior’s light.

— Elder Thierry K. Mutombo, April 2021 general conference, “Ye Shall Be Free”

— Elder Francisco J. Viñas, October 2015 general conference, “The Pleasing Word of God”

— Elder Bruce R. McConkie, October 1984 general conference, “The Caravan Moves On”

Hope and Free Agency: Elder Hanks offers hope for those struggling with sin. Bishop Brown reminds us of our free agency to choose the right path.

— Elder Marion D. Hanks, April 1973 general conference, “What Manner of Men? ‘As I Am’”

— Bishop Victor L. Brown, April 1971 general conference, “The Meaning of Morality”

Jacob’s Use of Isaiah in Sharing His Prophetic Vision in 2 Nephi 6–8

By
Darryl Alder
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Forty years after leaving Jerusalem, Nephi’s brother Jacob addressed the Nephites, descendants of Lehi’s family, who are divided. The Nephites, faithful to God’s warnings, and the Lamanites, who have strayed. In this context, Jacob, Nephi’s younger brother and a teacher for the Nephites, delivers a message that transcends time and resonates deeply with us today.

Click here to read the Isaiah Chapters in the Book of Mormon

Fueled by love, respect for his brother, and a desire for his people’s spiritual growth, he carefully selected and presented these prophecies from Isaiah to offer hope, ignite learning, and encourage personal application. He further hoped these powerful prophecies would positively impact the Nephites and honor Nephi’s trust.

Though delivered centuries ago, this message continues to resonate across time and space, inviting us to embrace its timeless truths and find our path toward understanding, faith, and glorification.

Jacob’s Selective Approach

Instead of simply copying Isaiah, Jacob meticulously chose quotes from chapters 49-52, including entire chapters 50 and 51 and 52:1–2. His commentary sheds light on these specific passages, revealing their relevance to the Latter-day Saints and God’s plan for Israel.

Jacob, brother of Nephi, unveils a captivating vision born from the words of Isaiah on The Brass Plates. His words resonate with a message of hope amidst despair, reminding his people of God’s unwavering promises for their eventual restoration and redemption.

Jacob’s central theme is simple yet profound: God remembers His covenant people, and we must remember Him. This core principle echoed in Doctrine and Covenants 1:15-16, offers hope and stability even amid uncertainty.

Despite facing challenges and division, Jacob reminds the Nephites of the great promises God has made. He speaks of the infinite atonement, a powerful concept offering victory over death and hell (2 Nephi 9:7). His message is one of hope, urging everyone to “cheer up your hearts!”(2 Nephi 10:23).

This message offers hope and encouragement, reminding us that even in difficult times, God’s promises remain true, and his love for us is everlasting.

Unveiling the Message of 2 Nephi 6–10

Let’s delve deeper into the key takeaways from Jacob’s message:

1. God’s Unwavering Covenant

Jacob emphasizes that God never forgets His chosen people. He has made promises to them, which remain true, regardless of their circumstances. This unwavering commitment offers comfort and assurance, reminding us that we are never truly alone.

2. The Power of Remembering

Jacob urges the Nephites to remember God and His teachings. This remembrance acts as a shield against adversity and a guiding light on their path. In today’s world, bombarded by distractions and noise, remembering God becomes even more crucial. Taking time for prayer, reflection, and scripture study allows us to reconnect with His love and guidance.

3. The Infinite Atonement: Hope Beyond the Horizon

Jacob’s message transcends earthly trials by pointing toward the ultimate victory achieved through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. The “infinite atonement” offers hope for forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life. This knowledge can bring immense comfort and peace, especially when facing personal struggles or societal challenges.

4. A Call to Cheerful Hearts

Despite the challenges they faced, Jacob concludes his message with a powerful call to action: “cheer up your hearts!” This is not a denial of difficulties but rather an encouragement to find strength and hope in God’s promises. Even in the darkest times, choosing joy and optimism can make a significant difference in our lives and the lives of those around us.

Jacob’s message in 2 Nephi 6-10 transcends the boundaries of time and culture. His focused approach highlights his desire to address his people’s specific needs and concerns, using Isaiah’s prophecies as a springboard for spiritual growth and reflection.

Then and now, his message offers a beacon of hope and encouragement in a world often filled with uncertainty. By remembering God’s promises, embracing the power of the atonement, and choosing to cultivate joyful hearts, we can navigate life’s challenges with faith, resilience, and hope.

Dive deeper into this topic with these other posts:

Author: Darryl Alder lives with his wife at Riverside Lodge along the Provo River. Together they have raised 4 adopted children and now have 6 grandchildren that keep them busy. After retiring from a career with the Boy Scouts of America, he became a hobby sourdough baker and blogger. He currently writes for AbigailOven.com and yoursourdoughstart.com blogs. You can reach him via darrylhalder@gmail, and on Facebook.com/DarrylHALder, Instagram @darryl.alder, and X @DarrylHAlder.

Why Did Ancient Prophets Quote Isaiah in the Book of Mormon?

By
Isaiah Staff
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The Book of Mormon doesn’t just include Isaiah’s words, it unlocks their deeper meaning. Both Christ and Moroni urged readers to “search them.” Why? By understanding how the Book of Mormon quotes and interprets Isaiah, we gain context, relevance, personal application, and a springboard to delve deeper into his rich prophecies. See Isaiah through the Book of Mormon’s lens and discover new clarity and meaning.

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Click here to read the Isaiah Chapters in the Book of Mormon

In their teachings, Book of Mormon prophets like Nephi, Jacob, and Abinadi, along with the resurrected Savior himself, frequently drew upon the words of Isaiah. Examining both their justifications for doing so and the chosen passages from Isaiah, we discover four key themes that their use of Isaiah emphasized:

  1. Repentance and Divine Judgment: Isaiah’s warnings about God’s response to sin resonated with these prophets, serving as a call to repentance for their people.
  2. Covenants and Promises to Israel: Isaiah’s prophecies about God’s enduring promises to the house of Israel offered hope and reassurance to these prophets and their communities.
  3. Messianic Prophecies: The Book of Mormon prophets found powerful support for their messianic teachings in Isaiah’s pronouncements about the coming Messiah.
  4. Events of the Latter Days: Isaiah’s visions of the future resonated with the prophets’ understanding of their times as the “latter days,” prompting them to share his insights with their people.

Repentance and Divine Judgment

Prophecy’s core function is to urge repentance and reveal God’s judgments. Nephi, understanding this, included Isaiah’s words in 2 Nephi 12-24. His aim, as he stated in 2 Nephi 25:3, was “that all those that shall receive hereafter these things… may know the judgments of God.”

Isaiah implores Israel and other nations to repent and seek the Lord throughout his book. Nephi incorporated these passages to warn his people, the Lamanites, the Jews, and future Gentiles. He included, for example:

During Isaiah’s lifetime, his prophecies of destruction against Syria, Ephraim, and Assyria came to pass. Jerusalem’s destruction followed in Nephi’s own time, which Nephi saw in his vision after arriving in the promised land. By including these fulfilled prophecies, Nephi likely intended to demonstrate to both his people and future readers the certainty of Isaiah’s remaining pronouncements about the future and his prophetic call to repentance by all people.

Covenants and Promises to Israel

The Book of Mormon, as its title page declares, aims to teach “the remnant of the house of Israel” about God’s covenants. Within its pages, Isaiah’s writings stand out as a powerful voice echoing this theme.

Prophets like Nephi and Jacob urged their people to heed Isaiah’s words, specifically addressed to “all the house of Israel” (1 Nephi 19:24; 2 Nephi 6:55). They saw a mirror reflecting their challenges and destinies in Isaiah’s pronouncements.

For instance, Nephi quoted Isaiah 48 (1 Nephi 20), reminding his people of God’s promise to hold back his wrath and gather them even after their apostasy (1 Nephi 20:9, 11). He also turned to Isaiah 49 (1 Nephi 21) to highlight the glorious future awaiting Israel, including their gathering (1 Nephi 21:8-14). These messages resonated deeply as they embarked on a new journey in a new land (1 Nephi 22:7-12).

Years later, Jacob echoed this focus, citing Isaiah 50 and 51 (2 Nephi 7-8) to illuminate God’s enduring covenants with Israel (2 Nephi 9:1). Centuries later, the resurrected Savior himself quoted Isaiah 52 and 54 (3 Nephi 15:1-17:3; 20:10-23:5) in major discourses about his covenants. He declared, “Then is the fulfilling of the covenant” (3 Nephi 20:12, 46), linking Isaiah’s prophecies directly to the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Messianic Prophecies

Nephi and Abinadi, two powerful Book of Mormon witnesses of Christ, both drew heavily on the writings of Isaiah to bolster their testimonies.

Nephi’s Burning Desire to Witness Christ to His Readers

Driven by a desire to “more fully persuade his people to believe in the Lord their redeemer” (1 Nephi 19:23), Nephi saw Isaiah’s words as a potent tool. Having himself seen the Lord (2 Nephi 11:2-3), he sought to link his testimony with that of Isaiah and his brother Jacob, who had also seen the Savior, fulfilling the principle that “by the words of three, God hath said, I will establish my word” (2 Nephi 11:3). He declared, “My soul delighteth in his words” (2 Nephi 11:2), finding joy in sharing them to prove the coming of Christ and ignite hope in his people (2 Nephi 11:4, 8).

Abinadi’s Powerful Witness of Christ

Similarly, Abinadi, facing King Noah and his wicked priests, employed Isaiah’s profound “suffering servant song” (Isaiah 53) to illustrate Christ’s role as intercessor (Mosiah 14-15). His inspired insights unlock deeper understanding for Book of Mormon readers, revealing how Christ fulfills Isaiah’s prophecies.

Prelude to Nephi’s Grand Testimony

Beyond Abinadi’s specific use of Isaiah 53, Nephi quoted extensively from chapters 6-9 and 11 (2 Nephi 16-19, 21), building a powerful messianic foundation. These passages served as a prelude to His grand testimony of Christ in 2 Nephi 25 and 31-33, leaving no doubt about the Savior’s central role in God’s plan.

Events of the Latter Days

Beyond bolstering their Christ-centered message, Book of Mormon prophets like Nephi saw immense value in Isaiah’s writings due to their relevance for “things that are, and which art to come” (2 Nephi 6:4). “Wherefore,” Nephi declared, “for their good have I written them” (2 Nephi 25:7-8), highlighting the importance of these prophecies for future generations, particularly those in the latter days.

Nephi selected and quoted passages that resonated deeply with his times and foreshadowed momentous events:

Nephi didn’t stop at mere quotes. He provided insightful commentary in 2 Nephi 25-30, illuminating these prophecies and their connection to his people and future generations. This tapestry of Isaiah’s pronouncements and Nephi’s interpretations serves as a beacon for Book of Mormon readers, allowing them to witness the marvelous fulfillment of God’s work in the latter days. As Christ himself affirmed, “And all things that [Isaiah] spake have been, and shall be, even according to the words which he spake” (3 Nephi 23:3).

Conclusion

The Book of Mormon doesn’t simply include Isaiah’s words; it elevates them as a key to understanding the prophet’s broader message. The resurrected Lord himself urged the Nephites to “search them” (3 Nephi 20:11), even calling Isaiah’s writings “great” (3 Nephi 23:1). Later, Moroni echoed this sentiment, urging readers to “search the prophecies Isaiah” (Mormon 8:23).

Why such emphasis? By understanding how the Book of Mormon quotes and interprets Isaiah, we gain valuable insights into the prophet’s message, applicable to our own lives today. Here’s how:

1. Context and Clarity: The Book of Mormon often places Isaiah’s prophecies within their historical context, illuminating their original meaning and significance. This deeper understanding spills over when we read Isaiah independently, enriching our comprehension.

2. Latter-day Relevance: The Book of Mormon highlights specific passages from Isaiah that resonate with our times, the “latter days.” By recognizing these connections, we can identify themes and truths relevant to our challenges and opportunities.

3. Personalized Application: The Book of Mormon prophets often provide personal commentary on Isaiah’s words, offering their interpretations and insights. These interpretations can inspire us to find personal meaning and application within Isaiah’s broader message.

4. Encouragement to Dig Deeper: The Book of Mormon’s emphasis on Isaiah serves as a springboard, encouraging us to delve deeper into the prophet’s entire writings. By understanding how the Book of Mormon utilizes Isaiah, we gain a powerful tool for unlocking the treasures within his prophecies.

So, the next time you pick up Isaiah, remember the Book of Mormon’s invitation to “search them.” You might be surprised at the clarity and meaning that unfold as you see Isaiah through the lens of the Book of Mormon prophets.

How Can I Understand Isaiah? Five Ideas to Help You Understand Isaiah

By
Isaiah Staff
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“If, as many suppose, Isaiah ranks with the most difficult of the prophets to understand, his words are also among the most important for us to know and ponder. …

“… His prophetic words can and should shine brightly in the heart of every member of the Church.” Elder Bruce R. McConkie, Ten Keys to Understanding Isaiah, Ensign, Oct. 1973

If you are seriously asking, how to understand Isaiah,  The Church of Jesus Christ has published several suggestions:

With all of these choices, we don’t have much to add, but first, let’s take Elder Oaks’ conversation with a group of seminary students shown above as he helps them with questions about understanding Isaiah:

First Student: Ok, so it’s kind of hard to understand some of the Old Testament.  How do you suggest to understand it for us, because some of the …like Isaiah, for example, it’s pretty hard to understand?

Elder Oaks: I agree. The Savior told the people in the Book of Mormon, “great are the words of Isaiah”, and he singled Isaiah out as the most important thing to study.

It is not easy to understand because, it’s written in, as Hebrew poetry.  And it’s hard to understand.  A lot of symbolism, but it must be important, or the Savior wouldn’t have said, “great are the words of Isaiah,” and wanted them to study it.

As I read Isaiah, I think the reason it’s important, is it’s filled with prophecies of the coming of Messiah, and the mission of the Lord, like those great chapters around 50 in Isaiah that speak of the Messiah suffering for our sins and being wounded for our transgressions, for instance.

I think your student study guide serves you very well in its introduction, because it talks about the importance of looking for the meaning of words, how to use the Bible dictionary, and what to look for in the headings of the Scriptures, and how to use the footnotes, and it describes what I’ve called a type, which is something that represents a larger idea, like the serpent that Moses raised in the wilderness, and the people looked on the serpent and it’s representing a larger idea that’s simply a snake on a pole.

If you read carefully, these introductory pages, just the first half dozen pages, you’ve got a lot of help in how to understand some of these difficult-to-understand passages.

Return Missionary: Can I add onto that a little bit.  Something that I appreciated on my mission, and I shared with you guys a little bit, I don’t know if you remember this in the beginning of our time together, but we did a study of the Book of Mormon where it was blessings and actions. And so instead of looking for those hard things in Isaiah that are difficult to understand, we would look through, ok, what do I need to do and then what’s the result of that where the Lord will bless me from that action.

That kind of pulls you away from the difficulty of it, and at least for me, that’s helped me so much, especially in Isaiah, because it is hard.  Even me, as a teacher that’s supposed to teach you guys, it can be really challenging sometimes just trying to understand, ok, what is the main message that’s getting across here.  So, with that poetry, it’s just difficult.

Here are five other ideas from the Church to help you understand Isaiah:

    1. Don’t just read Isaiah, study his works and put in some real effort. The Old Testament Student Manual states: “When the Lord commanded the Nephites to study Isaiah’s words… He said, ‘Search these things diligently” (3 Nephi 23:1; emphasis added).” The manual states that it is not enough to just “read Isaiah’s writings. To come to an understanding of the book of Isaiah, you will have to diligently study and search by prayerfully pondering Isaiah’s teachings, analyzing them, and relating them to other scriptures.”
    2. Never Suffer From Confusing Isaiah Symbolism Again by Looking at These Six Symbols ExplainedUnderstand “The manner of prophesying among the Jews.” This phrase from 2 Nephi 25:1 has to do with the language and style Isaiah uses. The LDS Bible Dictionary says, “A major difficulty in understanding the book of Isaiah is his extensive use of symbolism, as well as his prophetic foresight and literary style; these take many local themes (which begin in his own day) and extend them to a latter-day fulfillment or application. Consequently, some prophecies are probably fulfilled more than one time and/or have more than one application.” Learning about Ancient Hebrew poetic styles and symbols will help you understand this prophet.

    3. Commit to studying by the Spirit. The prophet Nephi stated that “the words of Isaiah …are plain unto all those that are filled with the spirit of prophecy” (2 Nephi 25:4). We also learn from John the Revelator, “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10). The Old Testament Student Manual states: “prophets deliver their message through inspiration from the Holy Ghost, a correct understanding of their message must come from the same source (see 2 Peter 1:20–21; D&C 50:17–22). Righteous people who are serving the Lord and seeking to do His will can obtain the spirit of prophecy by searching the scriptures diligently and giving themselves ‘to much prayer, and fasting’ (Alma 17:3).

      Together these verses promise that it will be easier to under Isaiah if we work to strengthen our testimony of Jesus Christ. Gardner and  Edwards state, “Deepen that testimony and you’ll deepen your understanding of Isaiah.” This makes sense since Isaiah’s is the strongest messianic voice in the Old Testament. They concluded: “As you study by the Spirit, you will feel the truth of the Savior’s words: ‘Great are the words of Isaiah.’”

    4. Book Of Mormon“Use the Book of Mormon,” Elder McConkie suggests. He explained that because the works of Isaiah were preserved on the Brass Plates of Laban, those words were more correct than those we find in our Bible. He explained that 32 percent of Isaiah is found in the Book of Mormon in 414 verses with an additional 34 verses paraphrased, which is another three percent. But here is what is most important Elder McConkie wrote, “the Book of Mormon prophets interpreted the passages they used, with the result that this volume of latter-day scripture becomes the witness for and the revealer of the truths of this chief book of Old Testament prophecies. The Book of Mormon is the world’s greatest commentary on the book of Isaiah.”

    5. Get to know Isaiah’s world. Nephi knew that his since his people had left Jerusalem they would not understand Isaiah well unless they learned about “the regions round about” Jerusalem (2 Nephi 25:6). Throughout the book of Isaiah, the prophet refers to cities and other geographic features in and around the Fertile Crescent. To understand name places that Isaiah uses, turn to your Bible Maps 5–6 in the LDS scripture study helps. For example, look at this and read Isaiah 7:1–2, to see how understanding the “regions round about” helps with your understanding:

How Can I Understand Isaiah? Knowing some history along with the geography of the middle east around 700 BC will also go a long way in helping your understanding, check out our Historical Background of Isaiah for a timeline, charts, and other maps.

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