Scriptural Highlights

• Isaiah describes the condition of the world in the last days.
• Isaiah counsels the faithful to stand in holy places.
• Isaiah describes the gathering of Israel in the latter days.
• Isaiah responded willingly to his call to be a prophet.

A study of this lesson should encourage us to avoid the evils of the world by standing in holy places.

Introduction To The Book of Isaiah

The Importance of Isaiah's Writings

1. WHAT THOUGHTS COME TO YOUR MIND WHEN I MENTION THE BOOK OF ISAIAH?
2. The writings of Isaiah are quoted in other scriptures more often than those from any other prophet.
• Book of Mormon: 414 verses quoted. There are a total of 1,292 verses in the book of Isaiah.
• About 32% of the book of Isaiah.
• Another 3% was paraphrased.
• The Nephite prophets must have considered the writings of Isaiah to be of great worth to use the valuable space on the plates
• New Testament: Isaiah is quoted at least 57 times.
• Doctrine & Covenants: About 100 references either by quoting, paraphrasing, or interpreting his teachings.
3. WHY DO YOU SUPPOSE THE WRITINGS OF ISAIAH ARE SO IMPORTANT THAT THEY HAVE BEEN QUOTED TO SUCH A LARGE EXTENT THROUGHOUT THE SCRIPTURES?
• 1 Nephi 19:23: "And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning."
• 2 Nephi 11:2: "And now I, Nephi, write more of the words of Isaiah, for my soul delighteth in his words. For I will liken his words unto my people, and I will send them forth unto all my children, for he verily saw my Redeemer, even as I have seen him."
• 2 Nephi 25:8: "Wherefore, they are of worth unto the children of men, and he that supposeth that they are not, unto them will I speak particularly, and confine the words unto mine own people; for I know that they shall be of great worth unto them in the last days; for in that day shall they understand them; wherefore, for their good have I written them."
4. OF WHAT VALUE ARE THE WORDS OF ISAIAH TO THOSE OF US LIVING IN THESE MODERN TIMES?
• Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "It just may be that my salvation (and yours also!) does in fact depend upon our ability to understand the writings of Isaiah as fully and truly as Nephi understood them." (Ensign, Oct. 1973, p78)

Keys To Understanding Isaiah

Nephi said that Isaiah spoke "many things which were hard for the people to understand" (2 Nephi 25:1) and that his words "are not plain" (2 Nephi 25:4). We need some help as we try to understand the words of Isaiah. Some of the ideas below are based on an article by Elder Bruce R. McConkie in the October 1973 Ensign entitled Ten Keys To Understanding Isaiah.

1. Pay the price in study and effort.
• When speaking of Isaiah's writing, the Lord commanded the ancient Nephites to "search these things diligently" (3 Nephi 25:1).
• How many have searched the teachings and prophecies of Isaiah "diligently"? If we have not done so, how can we possibly expect to understand his teachings?
• WHAT MIGHT A DILIGENT SEARCH INVOLVE?
2. Have the spirit of prophecy.
• Nephi said that the words of Isaiah "are plain unto all those that are filled with the spirit of prophecy" (2 Nephi 25:4).
• WHAT IS THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY?
• "...for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (Revelation 19:10).
• HOW DO WE OBTAIN THAT TESTIMONY?
3. Understand the manner of prophesying of the Jews.
• A good Bible commentary is a useful tool in assisting us in better understanding the ancient Jews.
• Some elements:
• The Law of Moses: One needs to understand the law. The Jews were so familiar with the Law that a particular word or phrase would bring immediate understand and no further explanation would be necessary. Examples from modern LDS culture: Word of Wisdom, Cumorah, "lengthen your stride".
• Imagery and figurative language: Isaiah mad constant use of metaphors, similes, analogies, parables, and types and shadows that were familiar to the Hebrew people.
• Dualism and esoteric terms: Isaiah's writings often have more than one meaning or fulfillment.
4. Become familiar with the geography of the Holy Land and the surrounding regions.
• Isaiah mad frequent references to the local area.
• Isaiah also used geography figuratively. Example: Babylon was a symbol of wickedness.
5. Learn of the judgements of God and the fulfillment of his prophecies.
• The Lord is consistent in his dealings with his children in all ages of the world.
6. Understand the historical setting of Isaiah's writings.
• It is important to understand the history of the Hebrew people up to this time.
• Isaiah prophesied regarding for distinct periods of time. Knowing which historical period Isaiah was writing about aids in understanding. Unfortunately, Isaiah did not write chronologically.
• The Four Prophetic Periods Of Isaiah:
• Events before & during the fall of Israel to Assyria (800-700 BC).
• Events before & during the fall of Judah, the Babylonian captivity, and the Jewish return to Palestine (primarily 635-535 BC).
• Events related to the ministry of Christ (in the Meridian of time).
• Events during the Last Days (beginning with the restoration of the Gospel).
7. Know the cheif doctrines about which Isaiah chose to write.
• Isaiah's doctrinal contributions fall into seven catagories:
• Restoration of the gospel in latters days through Joseph Smith.
• Latter-day gathering of Israel and her final triumph and glory.
• Coming forth of the book of Mormon.
• Apostate conditions of the nations of the world in the latter days.
• Messianic prophecies relative to our Lord's first coming.
• Second coming of Christ and the millennial reign.
• Historical data and prophetic utterances relative to his own day.
8. Use the Book of Mormon.
• The Book of Mormon quoted and frequently commented on the writings of Isaiah.
9. Study all the scriptures.
• A knowledge and understanding of the plan of salvation and God's dealings with his earthly children aid in the comprehension of Isaiah's complex writings.
10. Use the edition of the Bible published by the Church.
• They system of footnotes contains references to the topical guide and all four standard works.
• The footnotes contain alternate translations of words from the Hebrew.
• The chapter headings contain useful summaries.
• The map section and Bible dictionary contain helpful information.
11. Like the gospel itself, Isaiah is understood "line upon line".

Historical Background

1. Isaiah:
• The name Isaiah means "Jehovah as saved".
• He was a son of Amoz (not Amos the prophet).
• Rabbinic tradition says that Isaiah's father was a brother to king Amaziah. If true, then Isaiah was a cousin of king Uzziah and therefore royal blood.
• A tradition in the Talmud says that Isaiah was martyred by being tied to two planks and then being sawed in half with a wooden saw.
• Duane S. Crowther: "Isaiah is a statesman and a member of Jerusalem's ruling class. He is well acquainted with the society and political intrigues of the capital city of Jerusalem and shows much interest in the political events of his time. He is a capable author and speaker. His writing reflects his culture and refinement." (Prophets & Prophecies of the Old Testament, p299)
2. His mission:
• 740-697 BC.
• He prophesied to both Israel and Judah.
• Contemporary prophets: Hosea and Micah.
3. National conditions in both Israel and Judah:
• Political decay was evident.
• Power had become concentrated in Jerusalem.
• Corrupt judges aided their friends in robbing the poor.
• Greater social and moral decay than at previous times was found in Judah and Israel.
• High and unequal taxation.
• Pagan worship.

Condition Of The World In The Last Days

1. Many of Isaiah's warnings and prophecies were dualistic in nature. They often applied both to his time and the latter days. As you read the following verses, consider how the conditions described are evident in the world today.
• Isaiah 1:3-5. Israel has forsaken the Lord and rebelled.
• Though Isaiah was writing about ancient Judah, does this condition exist in the world today? How is that evident?
• Isaiah 1:11-15. Religious ceremonies without meaning or faith.
• Again Isaiah was writing about ancient Judah, but so many events in the scriptures are types of things to come and should be a warning to those of us in our own time. Is this condition prevalent in today's world?
• At the time of the Joseph Smith's first vision, the Lord said of the people at that time, "they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof" (JS History 1:19). Have things improved since 1820?
• Isaiah 2:7-8. Worship of worldly things and military security (horses and chariots were used as instruments of war in ancient times).
• Bruce R. McConkie: "Most of the worship in the world is false worship because it rejects the fulness of the restored truth, does not cling to Christ and his gospel standards, substituting rather a form of godliness which denies the power thereof. To the extent that false worship turns away from God, it turns to the devil, so that men actually (though often unknowingly, for they are in apostate darkness) worship the dragon (Rev. 13:4, 15; 14:9), idols (Isa. 2:8), money, and the like." (Mormon Doctrine, p849)
• What does the world worship? Where does the world look for security?
• Isaiah 2:11-12. Pride.
• President Ezra Taft Benson: "Pride is characterized by 'What do I want out of life?' rather than by 'What would God have me do with my life?' It is self-will as opposed to God's will. It is the fear of man over the fear of God." (Teachings of ETB, p435)
• How is this condition in evidence today?
• Isaiah 3:5. Oppression of other people and failing to honor older people.
• Isaiah 3:9. No shame for sin.
• Though Isaiah was again speaking of ancient Judah, indeed this is a foreshadowing of the modern world.
• Isaiah 3:14-15. Taking advantage of the poor and failing to care for them.
• How is this happening today?
• How different would the world be today if profit was not the main motive? What about the landlord who raises his rents as high as the market will bear, rather than trying to provide affordable and comfortable housing to those who have insufficient means? What about politicians who use the poor as an tool to advance their agendas rather than finding efficient means to really assist the poor?
• Isaiah 3:16-24. Emphasis on outward physical beauty at the expense of righteousness and good character.
• Though Isaiah was writing of the ancient Jews, he must have had our day in mind when he wrote this. How many commercials on television do we see about the importance of looking and smelling good? How many commercials do we see that encourage righteousness and good character?
• Isaiah 5:8. Greedy desires to own more and more material things.
• In chapter 5, Isaiah was again specifically writing about the ancient Jews. His time was indeed a type of our day.
• It almost seems as if there is a race on to see how much we can accumulate and the world caters to it. Some pursue wealth and property, others material goods. On any given weekend one can attend a boat show, RV show, car show, home show, computer show, or some other kind of show that caters to this insatiable desire for more and more.
• Isaiah 5:11-12. Constantly seeking worldy pleasures instead of seek the Lord and his work.
• Hugh Nibley says that Isaiah "describes the party-people, the fast set" (Collected Works, p223).
• There doesn't seem to be much difference between the Jews of Isaiah's time and so many people in our time.
• Isaiah 5:20: Saying that evil things are good and good things are evil.
• The parallels with our day are uncanny. In today's "politically correct" world, a person is a radical right-winger if one calls himself or herself a faithful Christian, but it is outrageous to call someone with an "alternative" lifestyle a sinner. In Isaiah's time, the ultimate consequence for the way the people lived was destruction and captivity. Where are we headed?
• President Spencer W. Kimball: "Infidelity is one of the great sins of our generation. The movies, the books, the magazine stories all seem to glamorize the faithlessness of husbands and wives. Nothing is holy, not even marriage vows. The unfaithful woman is the heroine and is justified, and the hero is so built up that he can do no wrong. It reminds us of Isaiah who said: 'Wo unto those who call evil good, and good evil; . . .' (Isaiah 5:20)." (CR, Oct. 1962)
• Isaiah 5:21. Trusting in oneself instead of God.
• President N. Eldon Tanner: "The last days are here and now, and Paul's prophecy is being fulfilled before our very eyes. Men are refusing sound doctrine, and after their own lusts they are turning their ears from the truth and are listening to those who preach to their own liking. As a result, we are suffering many tribulations throughout the world. We have reached a time in our history which I believe is the most crucial mankind has ever had to face." (CR, Oct. 1968)
• Isaiah 5:24. Despising the commandments and word of God.
• Throughout the media today, in news reports and opinion polls, we see people believing that what one does in private, is one's own business and does not matter. But consider the words of the prophet of God, "Let me say that I still believe that right is right, and wrong is wrong. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness. These aren't suggestions, these are commandments. Given by Jehovah on Sinai - the Ten Commandments. They're as applicable today as they were when they were first given." (Gordon B. Hinckley interview with Larry King, CNN, Sep. 8, 1998)

Stand In Holy Places

1. READ ISAIAH 4:5-6. The Lord to create a refuge.
• WHAT PLACES OFFER SAFETY FROM THE WORLDY CONDITIONS MENTIONED BY ISAIAH?
• In these verses, Isaiah mentions three holy places of refuge:
1. "every dwelling place of mount Zion" (4:5) or our homes.
2. "assemblies" (4:5) or our stakes, wards, and branches.
3. "tabernacle" (4:6) or temples.
• HOW CAN EACH OF THESE HOLY PLACES OFFER REFUGE FROM THE WICKEDNESS OF THE WORLD?
• Our homes:
• Each day most of us go out into the world to work, attend school, shop, or play. We are assaulted on almost every side by the evils of the world. How wonderful it is that we have our homes to return to. A place where we can close the door and shut off the world. A place where we are loved. A place we can pray alone and with our families. A home is truly a refuge from the "storms" of the world.
• President David O. McKay: "A child has the right to feel that in his home he has a place of refuge, a place of protection from the dangers and evils of the outside world. Family unity and integrity are necessary to supply this need." (CR, Apr. 1945)
• Our stakes,wards, and branches:
• It is here we renew our fellowship with the Saints and are strengthened by their testimonies. It is here that we can learn more of the gospel and be strengthened by its teachings. Like our homes, this is a place we can close the doors to the "storms" of the world.
• The temples:
• The temples provide an extraordinary refuge from the world. Its spirit and peace calm the soul and strengthen the individual for his return to the battles of life.
2. READ ISAIAH 2:2-3. Mountain of the Lord's house to be established.
• HOW DO YOU INTERPRET THIS OFT QUOTED PROPHECY FROM ISAIAH?
• Lorenzo Snow said that the Saints "exodus to the Rocky Mountains and their sojourn in the stakes of Zion, as the places are called which they now inhabit, they regard as preparatory to that return, and as events that had to be in order to fulfill scripture, notably these words of Isaiah" (Teachings of Lorenzo Snow, p182-183).
• Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "With the restoration of the gospel and the setting up of the ecclesiastical kingdom of God on earth, the restoration of the true government of God commenced. Through this Church and kingdom a framework has been built through which the full government of God will eventually operate. With the ushering in of the millennial era the present ecclesiastical kingdom will be expanded into a political kingdom also, and then both civil and ecclesiastical affairs will be administered through it. Then there will be two great world capitals, and the law shall go forth from Zion and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. (Isa. 2:1-4.)" (Mormon Doctrine, p338)
• Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "In the great day of restoration—a day that has commenced, but in which many things yet remain to be restored—there will finally be two world capitals, both called Zion, both called Jerusalem. One shall be the seat of government, the other the spiritual capital of the world, for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem." (Isa. 2:1-5.) That is to say, Jerusalem of old shall be restored, built up anew in glory and beauty, according to the promises, and also, another Jerusalem, a New Jerusalem, shall be established." (Mortal Messiah 1:95)
• It is important to note that in this prophecy, the people go up "to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob" to learn of the Lord. The modern temple is a preeminent refuge from the "world" that stands as a beacon to all those seeking shade. Going back to Isaiah 4:6, it is interesting that Isaiah uses the phrase, "And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat". Many of us have just concluded summer and probably enjoyed excursions to the park and picnics. Where do we look for a picnic table? Out in the burning sun? We usually look for a table in the shade of a tree or a pavillion. It is a gathering place. And so are modern temples. They are where we gather as place of refuge from the ways of the world. Isaiah's prophecy continues to be fulfilled as we build temple after temple and people gather "to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob".

The Gathering of Israel In The Latter-Days

1. READ ISAIAH 5:26-29. An ensign to be lifted to the nations.
• WHAT IS THIS ENSIGN?
• The Hebrew word for "ensign" is nec (nace), meaning something lifted up, standard, signal, signal pole, ensign, banner, sign, sail. Also a standard, as in a rallying point.
• The ensign referred to in this verse is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
• The Hebrew word for hiss is sharaq (shaw-rak'). Among the possible definitions is to whistle, as to signal. In the military, a trumpet has been used to signal the troops. The Church has issued the signal or invitation to the nations of the earth to gather to the Church.
• HOW IS THIS PROPHECY BEING FULFILLED?
• Missionaries are being sent, in increasing numbers, to the nations of the earth to gather to the Church.
• Elder LeGrand Richards: "Since there were no such things as trains and airplanes in that day, Isaiah could hardly have mentioned them by name, but he seems to have described them in unmistakable words. How better could 'their horses' hoofs be counted like flint, and their wheel like a whirlwind' than in the modern train? How better could 'Their roaring . . . be like a lion' than in the roar of the airplane? Trains and airplanes do not stop for night. Therefore, was not Isaiah justified in saying 'none shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken'? With this manner of transportation the Lord can really 'hiss unto them from the end of the earth,' that 'they shall come with speed swiftly'." (A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, p230)
• WHAT CAN EACH OF US DO TO HELP FULFILL THIS PROPHECY?

Summary

Nephi stated concerning the writings of Isaiah, "I know that they shall be of great worth unto them in the last days" (2 Nephi 25:8). Nephi's statement is a warning to those of us living at this time in history to study and heed the words of Isaiah. Ancient Israel and Judah did not heed his warnings and they were destroyed. We see in Isaiah's time a type for our time. We need to learn the lessons of history. We need to put wickedness away, stand in holy places, and endeavor to do our part in carrying the ensign to the world.

Next Week

Lesson 37: Isaiah 22; 24-26; 28-30