The Isaiah Commandment

Isaiah 65 & 66

2009-03-05T07:59:00.000-08:00

The Rebellious

Isaiah 65 discusses two types of people - those who rebel against God and those who listen to Him. This chapter also describes what will happen to the rebellious and the faithful. The faithful will inherit the earth and all the blessings that comes with it.

Isaiah 65:2 describes in which way the rebellious are not faithful. It says that they walk in a way that is not good and they walk after their own thoughts. In other words, the rebellious do not seek nor follow the will of the Lord. They have their own agenda.

Isaiah 65:3-4 suggests that the rebellious worship idols (sacrifice in gardens and burn incense on alters). They also seek after spirits of the dead (remain among graves). Idol worship is not a thing of the past. Many people sin in idolatry today. Just because we don't pray to statues doesn't mean we are not idolaters. Today, many suffer idolatry in the form of worshipping the self-image. I've referred many times before to a fascinating and scathing talk given by Spencer W. Kimball. That talk was relevant when he delivered it and it remains relevant today. Read Spencer W. Kimball, “The False Gods We Worship,” Ensign, Jun 1976, 3.

The rebellious are not necessarily people who are not members of the LDS church. Isaiah 65:11 suggests that those who forget the Lord's holy mountain, which is the temple, are also numbered among the rebellious. In the temple we make covenants with the Lord. The faithful are those who make and keep covenants with the Lord.

In Isaiah 65:13-14 we learn the faithful will eat, drink, rejoice and "shall sing for joy of heart."

New Heavens and Earth

Isaiah 65:17 reads, "For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered nor come into mind."

The Tenth Article of Faith teaches us that we believe "the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory." Just as the earth was baptized at the flood and was "renewed" so too it will be baptized by fire and be renewed. Many of the references of a new earth are found in Isaiah (see Topical Guide: Earth, Renewal of and Isaiah 66:22-23).

The Faithful

As I hinted at above, the rebellious will not be a part of the new earth. The faithful who have made and kept covenants with the Lord will receive this new earth. Isaiah 65:20 teaches us (as the Vulcan cliché goes) that everyone will live long and prosper. Babies and children will live a full and long life. Women and men will live a full life and we'll live as long as trees (perhaps as long as sequoias).

The faithful will labor and build homes and grow gardens and enjoy the fruits of their labors without having to worry about enemies destroying them (Isaiah 65:23).

The earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord and even the animals will not injure one another (Isaiah 65:25).

Isaiah 63 & 64

2009-03-04T10:44:00.000-08:00

The Winepress

Isaiah 63:2-3 describe how the Savior treaded the winepress alone. This seems to have several meanings. The obvious meaning is that the Savior suffered in Gethsemane alone. He bled from every pore (D&C 19:18). He did the work that no one else could do.

The other meaning seems to encapsulate the entire mission of the Savior. When he comes to Earth again, his robes will be red that he comes back in his wrath to carry out vengeance on the wicked. This is what Isaiah 63:2-3 seems to be referring to as well.

Many other scriptures reference the Savior treading the winepress alone, thus staining his garments red.

D&C 76:107
Revelation 14:15-20
Revelation 19:15
D&C 88:106
D&C 133:46-53
Genesis 49:11-12

Neal A. Maxwell talks a lot about Jesus treading the winepress alone.

Yet in His later description of His agonies, Jesus does not speak of those things. Instead, after the Atonement, there is no mention about His being spat upon, struck, or proffered vinegar and gall. Instead, Christ confides in us His chief anxiety, namely, that He “would that [He] might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink” (D&C 19:18)—especially desiring not to get partway through the Atonement and then pull back. Mercifully for all of us, He “finished [His] preparations unto the children of men” (D&C 19:19). Jesus partook of history’s bitterest cup without becoming bitter! Significantly, when He comes again in majesty and power, He will cite His aloneness, saying, “I have trodden the wine-press alone” (D&C 133:50).

When Jesus comes in overwhelming majesty and power, in at least one of His appearances He will come in red attire, reminding us that He shed His blood to atone for our sins (see D&C 133:48; Isa. 63:1). His voice will be heard to declare, again, how alone He once was: “I have trodden the wine-press alone … and none were with me” (D&C 133:50). (Neal A. Maxwell, “Enduring Well,” Ensign, Apr 1997, 7)

Another fundamental scripture describes Jesus’ having trodden the winepress of the “fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God” (D&C 88:106; see also D&C 76:107; D&C 133:50). Others can and should encourage, commend, pray, and comfort, but the lifting and carrying of our individual crosses remains ours to do. Given the “fierceness” Christ endured for us, we cannot expect a discipleship of unruffled easiness. As we seek forgiveness, for example, repentance can be a rough-hewn regimen to bear. By the way, let us not, as some do, mistake the chips we have placed on our own shoulders for crosses!

Moreover, Jesus not only took upon Him our sins to atone for them, but also our sicknesses and aching griefs (see Alma 7:11–12; Matt. 8:17). Hence, He knows personally all that we pass through and how to extend His perfect mercy—as well as how to succor us. His agony was all the more astonishing in that He trod “the wine-press alone” (D&C 133:50). (Neal A. Maxwell, “‘Plow in Hope’,” Ensign, May 2001, 59)

At that Second Coming, Jesus will not mention His having endured the crown of thorns, the awful scourging, the crucifixion, the vinegar and gall. He will, however, cite His awful aloneness: “And his voice shall be heard: I have trodden the wine-press alone, … and none were with me” (D&C 133:50; see also Isa. 63:3). (Neal A. Maxwell, “Testifying of the Great and Glorious Atonement,” Ensign, Oct 2001, 10)

Furthermore, even after treading the winepress alone (see D&C 76:107), which ended in His stunning, personal triumph and in the greatest victory ever—majestic Jesus meekly declared, “Glory be to the Father”! (D&C 19:19.) This should not surprise us. In the premortal world, Jesus meekly volunteered to be our Savior, saying, “Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever.” (Moses 4:2.) Jesus was true to His word. (Neal A. Maxwell, “Irony: The Crust on the Bread of Adversity,” Ensign, May 1989, 62)

Praying for the Second Coming

Isaiah 64:1 says, "Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that would wouldest come down." The days preceding the Second Coming of Christ will become so wicked and despairing that people will pray for the return of the Savoir. He will be the only one who can right all the wrongs we have done.

For further reading, read Dallin H. Oaks, “Preparation for the Second Coming,” Ensign, May 2004, 7.

Eye Hath Not Seen …

Isaiah 64:4 says, "For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the hear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him."

A few other scriptures have similar phrasing.

1 Corinthians 2:9
D&C 133:45
3 Nephi 17:16

Next Project

2009-02-25T18:35:00.000-08:00

I have two more posts before I am done with Isaiah. I know this has not been the most comprehensive study of Isaiah. The fact that I will have read Isaiah and tried to understand some of it is a major accomplishment in and of itself.

Obviously, I've been slacking quite a bit with my studies of Isaiah. I should have been done months ago. But I am determined to finish this before I move on. It took me about 10 years to finish my commentary on the Book of Mormon, so me taking so long to finish Isaiah really isn't a suprise for me.

My next little scripture study project will be the New Testament. One of the last classes I took at BYU was Religion 211 and I absolutly loved it. I still have the notes from the class. I plan on using a lot of those to study the NT. I also want to read Jesus the Christ while studying the Gospels. The last time I read Jesus the Christ was in my 2nd area on my mission in October 1995 (that took quite a while to finish too). Hopefully I will be much more diligent with my NT studies than I have been with Isaiah.

Isaiah 61 & 62

2009-02-25T18:31:00.000-08:00

The Savior and Saviors of Men

Isaiah 61:1-2 states the mission of Jesus Christ. He is "to preach good tidings unto the meek," to "bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." He is also to "proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn."

I like Ludlow's chart that shows what our Lord did to fulfill his mission and what we can do to help fulfill that same mission (see page 504).

Bind up the brokenhearted

Christ's atonement allows God's eternal family to live together again.

We can teach the plan of salvation to our friends and families.

Proclaim liberty to the captives

Christ preached the Gospel on Earth and in the spirit world.

We can be missionaries by example and by preaching.

Open the prison

Christ opened the gates to the celestial kingdom. Whereas the way to return to our Father in Heaven was shut before Christ, we now are not forced to be held captive to sin.

We can do missionary work on both sides of the veil (inside and outside the temple).

Comfort the mourners

Christ's teachings and mission bring peace to those who now mourn.

We can comfort those who suffer and are oppressed.

As we proclaim the Gospel and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, we become the saviors of men. Isaiah 61:3 uses another description of those who help fulfill the Saviors mission. They are "trees of righteousness." Ludlow's reference translates it as "terebinths of victory" while the NIV says "oaks of righteousness." Oaks are strong and hearty trees and are not easily brought down. So too, the testimony of those who help fulfill the Savior's mission are strong and immovable.

The rest of Isaiah 61 discusses the redemption of Israel. Ludlow nicely summarizes: "In sharp contrast to the shame, destruction, and desolation promised in his earlier writings (see Isaiah 1), Isaiah now prophesies prosperity - the people multiply (v. 3), cities are rebuilt (v. 4), and the land is replenished (v. 5). While others till the land and provide society's physical sustenance (v. 5), the member of the covenant Israel will officiate in the Lord's priesthood and temple service (v. 6). Isaiah contrast the wealth, reputation, joy, justice, and family security that God's chosen people will eventually enjoy with their earlier depraved condition" (506).

Isaiah 62 continues much the same way. There are a few things I wish to note about this chapter.

New Name

As Ludlow pointed out, Isaiah 61 and 62 have many references to the temple. Isaiah 62:2 says, "thou shalt be called by a new name."

Delightful and Union

Ludlow also pointed out that when Joseph Smith translated parts of the Bible, he translated Hephzi-bah and Beulah as delightful and union respectively. The footnotes in the KJV translates them as "my desire is in her" and "married wife."

Receive For What You Labor

I found Isaiah 62:8-9 very interesting in light of our current government's stance on taxes. Today, there are many who believe there is a massive redistribution of wealth about to take place via taxes. Verse 8 and 9 discuss the justice of receiving the reward for the labor. "The sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured: But they that have gathered it shall eat it."

Isaiah 59 & 60

2009-02-19T08:46:00.000-08:00

Sins and Iniquities and Transgressions

I am listening to Avraham Gildeadi tonight while reading Isaiah. He mentioned that there is a difference between sin and iniquity. Sin is when we do something wrong - when we transgress God's law. We are responsible for our own sins. Iniquity, on the other hand is the effects of sin on later generations. (see Exodus 20:5; 34:7; Numbers 14:18; Deut. 5:9;). Both sin and iniquity can be overcome, but iniquity is much more difficult to overcome than sin. We are forgiven our sins when we are justified. We then overcome iniquity by becoming sanctified.

Regarding transgressions, Ludlow states, “A transgression was when a person unknowingly broke a law; a sin was willful disobedience” (494).

Although the people may be praying and worshipping God, he will not hear their prayers because of their sins and iniquities. We read in Isaiah 59:3-4 that the peoples' hands, fingers, lips and tongue are all unclean. No one calls for truth or justice and they all are hypocrites.

Chaos

The works of the people described in Isaiah 59:5-8 are a perfect description of our society today.

"their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands.

"Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths."

That last line really stands out when I read it - "wasting and destruction are in their paths." It seems that every day or week, news lines are announcing another scandal or murder or huge corruption charges. Week after week these scandals and corruptions leave a vast trail of waste and destruction and there is no time to clean up before the next one hits.

We Know Our Sins

Isaiah 59:9-15 describes a sad scene of sorrow and admittance of guilt. Verses 9 to 11 remind me of closing days of the Nephite nation. In Mormon 2:3, Mormon records, “But behold this my joy was vain, for their sorrowing was not unto repentance, because of the goodness of God; but it was rather the sorrowing of the damned, because the Lord would not always suffer them to take happiness in sin.”

Ultimately our transgressions and sins will testify against us and “we know them.”

Our Redeemer

Isaiah 59:16-21 refers to Jesus Christ. He will be our intercessor (Isaiah 59:16). He will bring salvation to those who repent (Isaiah 59:20). He will deliver justice to both good and evil according to their deeds (Isaiah 59:18).

New and Old Jerusalem

Isaiah 60 describes the New and Old Jerusalem in the Last Days.

Many people and Gentiles will come to Zion (verse 3, 8-9, 14).

The city gates will constantly be open as Zion will have no fear of attack (verse 11). All her enemies will be smitten (verse 12).

The city will be very rich (verse 17).

There will be no violence in her (verse 18).

The Lord himself will dwell in the midst of the city and He will be a light unto all her inhabitants (verse 19-20).

The people of the city will be righteous (verse 21).

The people will live and prosper for many generations (verse 22).

Isaiah 58

2009-01-17T20:31:00.000-08:00

The Fast

Isaiah 58 teaches us the true purpose of fasting.

Isaiah 58:6-7 reads, "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

Is it no to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?"

"To loose the bands of wickedness" means that we can fast for strength to overcome our own or to help others overcome bad habits or sins that afflict our lives.

"To undo the heavy burdens" - heavy burdens can represent sins or even physical ailments that afflict our lives.

"To let the oppressed go free" - obviously we do not let our criminals go free on the day of fasting, but in Isaiah's day, "all debts, slaves, and indentured servants were freed" (Ludlow 483). In our day, we can forgive others' trespasses against us. We can endeavor to heal broken relationships that may be oppressing others and ourselves.

"break every yoke" - seems to summarize the true meaning of the fast. We are to seek freedom from sin and to grant freedom where we can.

"deal thy bread to the hungry … cover him” - as we fast today, we save the money we would have used to feed our family and we take that money and give it to the Bishop who uses it to aid the needy within our ward and stake.

"hide not thyself from thine own flesh" - fasting should include giving ourselves to our family. It is a time to be with family and to strengthen or repair familial relationships.

Isaiah 58:13 has a few more reasons for the fast. "… not doing thine own ways, nor finding thing own pleasure, not speaking thine own words." This means we are to do the Lord's will on the day of the fast. We should dedicate our life, that day, to seeking and doing the Lord's will instead of our own. This will help our more fully dedicate our whole life to the will of the Lord.

The blessings of obeying the true fast are outlined in Isaiah 58:8-14.

If we truly obey the fast, the Lord will guide us continually and we shall never thirst. He will make our bones fat and we will be called "the repairer of the breach, the restorer of the paths to dwell in."

Additional Reading
L. Tom Perry, “The Law of the Fast,” Ensign, May 1986, 31
Howard W. Hunter, “Fast Day,” Ensign, Nov 1985, 72
Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Law of the Fast,” Ensign, May 2001, 73
Marion G. Romney, “The Blessings of the Fast,” Ensign, Jul 1982, 2

Isaiah 56 & 57

2009-01-16T20:15:00.000-08:00

There are three spiritual topics discussed in Isaiah 56: keeping the Sabbath, the Temple and prayer. In opposition to these three pillars stand the sacraments of Satan which are discussed in Isaiah 57: immorality, idol worship and abortion.

The Sabbath

The scriptures are replete with commandments from the Lord regarding Sabbath observance. The Bible Dictionary for Sabbath does an excellent job summarizing the history and reasons for the Sabbath. In part of the explanation in the Bible Dictionary, it says that observance of the Sabbath is "an eternal principal."

We have been taught time and time again by the ancient and modern-day prophets that the Sabbath is for resting and spiritual nourishment. On the Sabbath, we are to refrain from work and recreation and to devote ourselves to worship and spiritual edification.

Isaiah 56:1, 4, 6 reference the Lord's commandment to all people to keep the Sabbath pure.

The Temple

Isaiah 56:5 promises those who keep the commandments a blessing that is "better than sons and daughters" and a blessing of "an everlasting name." This verse has reference to the temple. Ludlow discusses how "a place and a name" can be interpreted to mean a "hand and a name." (473) This takes on significant meaning for Latter-day Saints who are fully endowed in the temple.

The D&C furthers instructs us on the meaning of a "new name." Read D&C 130:11.

Prayer

The temple is not only a place to receive instruction from the Lord, but it is also a place to pray. The temple is really a "house of prayer" as described in Isaiah 56:7.

No Peace for the Wicked

Isaiah 57 describes the abject wickedness committed by Israelites in Isaiah's days as well as the moral decay that we see in our world today.

Everywhere we look, we are bombarded by images and words depicting immorality. The idol worship in Isaiah's day was tied to their agriculture. They believed that by acting out immoral deeds, their crops would be successful.

Their idol worship even included sacrificing infants to the god Molech (see footnote a in Isaiah 57:9). This type of idolatry is very similar to our own society's practice of abortion. The most common reason women have abortions today is because the child inconveniences the parents' lifestyle and ability to provide for themselves. Rather than sacrificing their lifestyles or money, they sacrifice their children to continue their worship of false gods.

The last three verses of Isaiah 57 warns those who fail to keep the commandments and submit themselves to idolatry.

"Peace, peace to him that is far off and to him that is near, said the Lord; and I will heal him.

"But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.

"There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked."

Isaiah 55

2009-01-06T14:49:00.000-08:00

This chapter has many phrases and ideas that are very similar to Jacob's and Nephi's writings in the Book of Mormon.

The Free Gospel Feast

Isaiah admonishes everyone to partake of the Gospel. It is free and costs us no money, yet it satisfies more than any work we can do on the earth.

I love the words, "hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness." (Isaiah 55:2). That passage sounds so much like Nephi when he commanded us to, "[feast] upon the word of Christ" (2 Nephi 31:20). There are also other passages in the Book of Mormon that command us to "feast" (see 2 Nephi 9:51, 2 Nephi 32:3, Jacob 2:9 and Alma 32:42).

When we ate our Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, I could hardly stand up I was so full of food. Despite feeling so full, I could hardly wait until I was hungry again so I can eat more! How often do we spiritually eat until we are so full? I suppose if we were stuffing ourselves with spiritual ham all the time, the Lord would not have told us so often to "feast" on his words.

Sure Mercies of David

As the footnote indicates for Isaiah 55:3d, the "sure mercies of David" means the resurrection. The footnote references Acts 13:34 which refers to the resurrection. Psalms 89:2-4, 27-29 also refers to Jesus being the "mercy of David" which infers the resurrection as well.

Seek the Lord

Isaiah 55:6 says, "Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near." I remember my mom pointing out a scripture to me while I was in high school. It was D&C 88:83 which says, "He that seeketh me early shall find me, and shall not be forsaken."

To me, these two passages mean that we should learn the teachings of Christ and we should not put off that task for some other day. They hint at an urgency of repenting and learning the Gospel. As a teenager, I took D&C 88:83 to mean that because I had taken the time to study the scriptures and to "be a good kid" that the Lord would hold a special place in his heart for me. Maybe that was just one teenager's view of feeling like the center of the universe. But today those scriptures mean we should be more diligent in our personal repentance and scripture study and prayer and that we should feel an urgency to "seek the Lord."

Isaiah 55:7 goes along with verse 6 in that we are called to repent.

Boomerang Effect

Isaiah 55:10-11 talks about precipitation from the heavens and how water does not return back up in the form of water, but in the form of fruit and bread. The water helps seeds grow which in turn grows into food for man to eat. So shall the word of the Lord go out of his mouth. It will "not return unto me void" but will come back as sanctified children of God. Alma 41:14 talks about this "boomerang effect" in that the thing you send out will come back. But the form in which it comes back depends on the person who sent it. The Lord, being perfect, sends out his word and in return, he will yield great and good fruit.

Isaiah 54

2008-12-31T13:51:00.000-08:00

I have found a couple of new resources for studying Isaiah during the last few days. I have so much to learn. I will try to post a few of my thoughts as I study the remaining chapters.

Compassion is Synonymous to Covenant

After listening to the analytical lecture by Avraham Gileadi, I learned at least one new thing. He mentioned that the word covenant and compassion are synonymous. In Isaiah 54:7-8, he translates the word mercy to compassion. I also found at least one thesaurus website that confirms this (http://thesaurus.reference.com/browse/charity) in which it links charity to compassion and covenant.

Precious Stones

In Isaiah 54:11-12, the "afflicted" are those who are tried and go through a refiner's fire. As a result, they are no more common. They are gifted with pleasant or precious stones. In today's world, wickedness abounds and surrounds us. If we successfully navigate through these waters, we emerge refined and are more highly valued because we are rare. We also inherit and refined and glorified earth which too must pass through a refiner's fire in the Last Days.

Mobs Gather to Oppose Righteous

In Isaiah 54:15, we learn that mobs will gather against the Lord's people. In the recent elections, California passed an amendment making marriage legal only between a man and a woman. The citizens of that state voted against gay marriage several years ago. Again in 2008, they voted against gay marriage. The backlash against the Church and its members was strong during the election and after the election. Several newscasts showed mobs of gay marriage supporters acting lividly against those who support the sanctity of marriage. This trend will undoubtedly continue in the future.

Summary of Isaiah 54 (Ludlow)

Ludlow gives a nice summary of Isaiah 54 (see page 462):

Husband Provides Wife
1. Children (1-3)
2. Love (4-8)
3. Commitment (9-10)
4. Material comfort (11-12)
5. Protection (13-17)

Jehovah Provides Israel
1. Great numbers (1-3)
2. Reconciliation (4-8)
3. Covenant relationship (9-10)
4. Prosperity (11-12)
5. Peace (13-17)

Another Isaiah Site Found

2008-12-21T20:52:00.001-08:00

A commenter brought to my attention Avraham Gileadi's exceptional and in-depth site regarding Isaiah (www.isaiahexplained.com/) Be sure to click on the 'Analytical Commentary of Isaiah' link for each chapter. It opens a window with a presentation player allowing you to listen to Avraham Gildeadi teach each chapter ... simply amazing.

After doing a little reading about Avraham Gildeadi and his sites, I realized that I am skimming the skim of the surface of Isaiah. There is so much to study and learn.

New Isaiah Site Found

2008-12-16T14:46:00.000-08:00

I just came across a new site today ... "Isaiah Insights to Teenage Temptations" After reading a bit, I found it is not just for teens. I added the link to my list to the side. Check it out when you get a chance.

Isaiah 53

2008-10-17T08:57:00.000-07:00

This exact chapter is in Mosiah 14. My thoughts and commentary on this chapter can be found at my Book of Mormon Inspection blog (http://bominspection.blogspot.com/2007/03/mosiah-14.html)

For the last few weeks, I've been trying to memorize this chapter. It has always been a goal of mine to memorize Isaiah 53/Mosiah 14 and then repeat it in my mind and think about the words each time I take of the sacrament.

Isaiah 52

2008-09-26T22:55:00.000-07:00

Christ's Commentary on Isaiah 52 & 54

From 3 Nephi 20:10 to 3 Nephi 21:29, Christ comments on Isaiah and teaches the Nephites about these important prophecies and signs. As Ludlow points out, Christ delivers his commentary and teaching in chiastic form. Both Isaiah 52 and 54 are contained in this section of 3 Nephi. I encourage the reader, as I did, to read and mark this chiasmus in 3 Nephi. You will get a much clearer understanding of what point Christ is trying to impress on the Nephites and us (the Gentiles). Pay particular attention to the focal point … the sign.

Below I note the chiastic pattern as outlined by Ludlow.

A - The Father and Son work together (3 Nephi 20:10)

B - Isaiah's words will be fulfilled (3 Nephi 20:11)

C - The Father's covenant with Israel will be fulfilled (3 Nephi 20:12)

D - Those scattered upon the face of the earth will be gathered (3 Nephi 20:13)

E - This land (America) is an inheritance for the Lamanites (3 Nephi 20:14)

F - If the Gentiles do not repent, Israel will tread them down and they will be cut off; the Lord's sword of justice will hang over them (3 Nephi 20:15-20)

G - The Lord's covenant people of Israel, Moses, and the Gentiles (3 Nephi 20:21-29)

H - Great work of the Lord with Israel, his marred servant (3 Nephi 20:30-44)

I - Kings shall be speechless (3 Nephi 20:45; see Isaiah 52:15)

J - Covenant and work of the Father (3 Nephi 20:46)

K - "Sign" is when "these things" shall be made known unto the Gentiles (3 Nephi 21:1)

L - Gentiles will learn about scattered Israel (3 Nephi 21:2)

M - These things will come from the Gentiles to the Lamanites (3 Nephi 21:3)

N - The sign (3 Nephi 21:4)

M` - These works will come from the Gentiles to the Lamanites (3 Nephi 21:5)

L` - Some Gentiles will be remembered with the house of Israel (3 Nephi 21:6)

K` - The sign is when "these things" come to pass with the Lamanites (3 Nephi 21:7)

J` - Work and covenant of the Father (3 Nephi 21:7b)

I` - Kings shall be speechless (3 Nephi 21:8; see Isaiah 52:15)

H` - Great work of the Father; his marred servant (3 Nephi 21:9-10; see Isaiah 52:14)

G` - Moses, the Gentiles, and covenant Israel (3 Nephi 21:11)

F` - If the Gentiles do not repent, Israel will tread them down and cut them off; the Lord's vengeance will come upon the unresponsive (3 Nephi 21:12-21)

E` - American an inheritance for all righteous Gentiles (3 Nephi 21:22-23)

D` - Gentiles help in the gathering (3 Nephi 21:24-25)

C` - The Father's work with the dispersed of his people (3 Nephi 21:26-27)

B` - The Father's work shall commence; search Isaiah to find details about the Father's promises (3 Nephi 21:28; see 3 Nephi 23:1-3)

A` - The Father and Son work together (3 Nephi 21:29)

Scriptural References to Isaiah 52 Outside the Bible

Isaiah	Jacob	Abinadi	Jesus Christ	Moroni	Joseph Smith
1-2	2 Ne. 8:24-25	-	3 Ne. 20:36-37	Moroni 10:31	D&C 113:7-10 D&C 82:14 (see D&C 109:61-67
3, 6	-	-	3 Ne. 20:38-39 3 Ne. 16:18-20	-	-
7-10	-	Mosiah 12:20-25 Mosiah 15:13-31	3 Ne. 20:32-35, 40	-	D&C 19:29; 31:3; 79:1; 84:98-99; 113:10; 128:19; 133:3
11-12	-	-	3 Ne. 20:41-42 3 Ne. 21:29	-	D&C 5, 14-15 (see D&C 38:42; 49:27; 84:88; 101:68
13-15	-	-	3 Ne. 20:43-45 3 Ne. 21:8-10	-	D&C 101:94

The Sign and Missionary Work

Obviously, Isaiah 52 is a very important chapter. It is referenced multiple times throughout the scriptures. Many prophets and general authorities have quoted Isaiah 52 as well (see all the citations for Isaiah 52 at scriptures.byu.edu). The reason why it is so important to the work today is because it is precisely why the Church has been established again on the earth.

Going back to the sign that is given in 3 Nephi 21:4 it reads, "For it is wisdom in the Father that they should be established in this land, and be set up as a free people by the power of the Father, that these things might come forth from them unto a remnant of your seed, that the covenant of the Father may be fulfilled which he hath covenanted with his people, O house of Israel" (emphasis added). In other words, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the restored gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth today. And that the Church has been established in order to spread the gospel to the entire world and especially scattered Israel.

Be Ye Clean

Why does the Church have to be so strict in the seemingly numerous commandments we must keep? Isaiah 52:11 tells us exactly why. "Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord." Symbolically, we are the "vessels of the Lord." What we do reflects on the Church and the gospel. If we keep the commandments and are clean, then others will desire to know more of the truthfulness of the gospel. But if we are not clean, we set a poor example and hinder the work of gathering Israel.

Sprinkling Nations

Isaiah 52:15 reads, "So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider."

This scripture reminds me of what Nephi saw in the Tree of Life vision. "And it came to pass that I looked and behold the whore of all the earth, and she sat upon many waters; and she had dominion over all the earth, among all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people.

"And it came to pass that I beheld the church of the Lamb of God, and its numbers were few, because of the wickedness and abominations of the whore who sat upon many waters; nevertheless, I beheld that the church of the Lamb, who were the saints of God, were also upon all the face of the earth; and their dominions upon the face of the earth were small, because of the wickedness of the great whore whom I saw." (1 Nephi 14:11-12)

It would seem that the Lord has sprinkled the nations with the saints who in turn have a positive influence on the citizens of the world. Another way to read this is the seemingly small army of missionaries who cover the earth. With this small force, many people are brought to the knowledge of the gospel.

Isaiah 51

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Look to Abraham (v 1-3)

The Lord reminds and comforts Israel as he commands them to "look unto the rock whence ye are hewn" and to "look unto Abraham your father" (Isaiah 51:1-2). As a continuation from the previous chapter, the Lord is trying to comfort Israel by telling her to trust in Him. He provides more evidence to Israel by showing her how He has blessed Abraham and his posterity. Abraham was a single man. Now his posterity are nations.

The covenants the Lord made with Abraham were in effect during Isaiah's time and are still in effect today. They were fulfilled and being fulfilled in Isaiah's time and they are fulfilled and still being fulfilled today.

Being heirs and descendants of Abraham, we too can receive the same blessings Abraham was promised if we keep the covenants we've made with the Lord.

Elder Nelson summarizes the blessings we will receive as we keep our covenants.

"Abraham’s posterity would be numerous, entitled to eternal increase and to bear the priesthood;

• He would become a father of many nations;

• Christ and kings would come through Abraham’s lineage;

• Certain lands would be inherited;

• All nations of the earth would be blessed by his seed;

• That covenant would be everlasting—even through “a thousand generations.”"
(Russell M. Nelson, “Children of the Covenant,” Ensign, May 1995, 32)

He references the following scriptures in his talk:
Gen. 17:1–10; Gen. 22:15–18; Gal. 3:28–29; Abr. 2:9–11.
Gen. 26:1–5, 24.
Gen. 28:1–4, 10–14; Gen. 35:9–13; Gen. 48:3–4.
1 Chr. 16:15. See also Gen. 17:1–10, 19; Lev. 26:42; Acts 3:25; LDS Bible Dictionary, “Abraham, Covenant of,” p. 602.

The Work and Glory (v 4-8)

The Lord further comforts Israel by telling her His work will last forever. In Isaiah 51:6 he says "the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished."

Like Joseph Smith has declared, the Lord's work cannot be stopped. My parents sent me a quote from Joseph Smith while they and I were on missions. They said they repeated this quote every conference and were asked to memorize it.

In the Wentworth Letter, Joseph Smith wrote, "Our missionaries are going forth to different nations, and in Germany, Palestine, New Holland, Australia, the East Indies, and other places, the Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear; till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done." (see Joseph Smith Jr., “The Wentworth Letter,” Ensign, Jul 2002, 27)

Our Protector, Our Comforter (v 9-16)

The Lord reminds Israel that he has comforted and protected them. He has done so in the past and he will continue to do so in the future. If ever we feel fear or doubt, reading Isaiah 51:12-16 will bring us comfort.

Two Sons to Lead (v 17-23)

The Book of Mormon version of Isaiah 51 sheds some vital information that is left out in the Old Testament version. I've marked the key difference between the two sources.

Isaiah 51:19-20 says, "These two things are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? Desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee?

"Thy sons have fainted, they lie at the head of all the streets, as a wild bull in a net: they are full of the fury of the Lord, the rebuke of they God."

2 Nephi 8:19-20 reads, "These two sons are come unto thee, who shall be sorry for thee—thy desolation and destruction, and the famine and the sword—and by whom shall I comfort thee?

"Thy sons have fainted, save these two; they lie at the head of all the streets; as a wild bull in a net, they are full of the fury of the Lord, the rebuke of thy God."

Ludlow notes that in Revelation 11:1-6, "John the Revelator describes two great servants of God who will stand and fight for Jerusalem against the armies of the world. For three and one-half years they will have power over the heavens, earth, and their enemies. Then they will killed." (431) The entire chapter of Revelation 11 is a great source for more information on these two prophets.

Joseph Smith also spoke of these two great prophets in D&C 77:15 teaching us that they will be "raised up to the Jewish nation in the last days, at the time of the restoration, and to prophesy to the Jews after they are gathered and have built the city of Jerusalem in the land of their fathers."

This article (Brent Bulloch, “I Have a Question,” Ensign, Dec. 1981, 58–60) notes that "Two prophets will be raised up unto (not from) the Jewish nation after the gathering." They key point being that they will not be Jewish.

In another article (Daniel H. Ludlow, “The Future of the Holy Land,” Ensign, May 1972, 96) the author quotes Orson Pratt, “We might bring up, also, the declaration of John in relation to the two witnesses who are to prophecy about that period. They are to prophecy three and a half years, and their field of labor will be Jerusalem, after it shall have been rebuilt by the Jews. By means of their prophecies and the power of God attending them, the nations who are gathered together against Jerusalem will be kept at bay, these Prophets will hold them in check by their faith and power. By and by these nations overcome the two witnesses and, having finished their mission, they are slain, and their bodies will lie three days and a half in the streets of the city. Then a great earthquake will take place, and these two witnesses will be caught up to heaven.” (JD, vol. 16, p. 329. Italics added.)"

Bruce R. McConkie has also commented on these two great prophets. "These two shall be followers of that humble man, Joseph Smith, through whom the Lord of Heaven restored the fullness of his everlasting gospel in this final dispensation of grace. No doubt they will be members of the Council of the Twelve or of the First Presidency of the Church. Their prophetic ministry to rebellious Jewry shall be the same in length as was our Lord's personal ministry among their rebellious forebears." (McConkie, Bruce R. Doctrinal New Testament Commentary. 3:507-511. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1965-73)

On a personal note … I have always been fascinated with this prophecy. As a kid, I imagined that the whole world will see these two prophets' bodies lying in the streets dead. I can almost hear the commentary of the newscasters and the world rejoicing that they are dead. Then they will be resurrected and fear will grip the world … much like the fear that gripped the people of Ammonihah when they saw Alma and Amulek stepping out of the ruins of the prison in which they were held. The people fled before those two prophets "as a goat fleeth with her young from two lions" (Alma 14:29)

I don't know when all this will happen, but deep down inside, I feel strongly that it will happen in my lifetime.

Isaiah 50

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Ludlow states that Isaiah 50 is divided into three parts: “verses 1-3, a call to Israel to return to the Lord and make him their strength; verses 4-9, the third servant song; and verses 10-11, an injunction to all people to follow the servant, including a message of encouragement to the faithful and of warning to the unfaithful.” (419)

A Call to Israel (v 1-3)

Like all of us, Israel has gone astray and has not followed the Lord. When we sin, we distance ourselves from the Holy Ghost and we begin to feel isolated and abandoned. Israel pleads to the Lord and says that the Lord has divorced her.

The Lord replies that he has not divorced her nor has He sold them like children into slavery. He tells them why they feel abandoned, “Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.” (Isaiah 50:1) The Lord will always “be there” for us. We are the ones to blame for feeling like the Lord has left us … we leave the Lord, not the other way around.

The Lord reminds them that his hand is always there. “Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem?” (Isaiah 50:2) He also reminds them that he has power to dry up the seas and cloud the skies as well as power to redeem his people.

The Servant Song (v 4-9)

Follow the Prophet

The reason Israel fell away from the Lord was because she failed to heed the prophets. Failure to listen to the prophets has resulted in sin and other transgressions which lead to unhappiness in this life and a damned life in the eternities.

The Servant Song in Isaiah 50:4-9 goes into some detail about the life of a prophet. The same things that describe the life of a prophet also describe the life of the Savior. The prophet is to “speak a word in season to him that is weary” (Isaiah 50:4). I don’t think the weary in this verse is referring to those who lack physical strength. Rather I think it refers to those who are spiritually weary … those who need spiritual strengthening. Verse 4 also mentions that a prophet awakes every morning to hear what the Lord would have him speak to the people.

Both Jesus Christ and the prophets are humble and willing to listen and heed the will of God. Isaiah 50:5 says the “Lord God hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious neither turned away back.” This verse reminds me of Nephi. In 1 Nephi 3:6, before that well-known verse 7, Lehi tells his son Nephi that he is favored of the Lord because he has not murmured. Unlike Laman and Lemuel, Nephi never turned his back on the Lord verbally or otherwise. And because he was humble and willing to listen, he was a great prophet.

Isaiah 50:6 refers to the persecution that Jesus Christ and the prophets experienced. They were smitten and abused. They did not shirk in the face of persecution. In fact, they turned the other cheek (Matthew 5:39).

Despite all the persecution heaped on them, the Lord God will uphold his servants. He will not abandon them. All the persecutors will “wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat them up.” (Isaiah 50:9) Whether in this life of the next, those that persecute the prophets will have to pay.

I’ve not read the entire book, but as I kid I would peruse a book entitled “The Fate of the Persecutors of the Prophet Joseph Smith” by N.B. Lundwall published by Bookcraft in Salt Lake City in 1952. Here is one of the more interesting passages from that book:

“James Head, of McComb, was also one of the murderers at the Carthage Jail; he was heard by Captain Lawn and others to boast of it afterwards, and Captain Lawn drew a pistol and chased him, but he ran away. He was always gloomy and troubled from the time he helped murder the Smiths, and frequently declared that he saw the two martyrs always before him! He had no peace.

“A colonel of the Missouri mob, who helped to drive, plunder and murder the Mormons, died in the hospital at Sacramento, 1849. Beckwith had the care of him; he was eaten with worms – a large black-headed kind of maggot – which passed through him by myriads, seemingly a half pint at a time! Before he died these maggots were crawling out of his mouth and nose! He literally rotted alive! Even the flesh on his legs burst open and fell from the bones! They gathered up the rotten mass in a blanket and buried him, without waiting a coffin!”

The story goes on to tell of another member of the mob who killed Joseph and Hyrum who died in the same hospital. He too was infested with maggots. He died when the maggots ate through his jugular vein and he bled to death. These two men stank so badly, they had to keep them in a separate room by themselves (Lundwall, 335).

An Injunction to All People (v 10-11)

I’ve made comments on these two verses in the 2 Nephi 7 counterpart (see my Book of Mormon post on 2 Nephi 7). Note: There is a small difference in the Isaiah version which I have noted below with italics and other indicators. Here is what I said:

I really like the last two verse of this chapter. Verse 10 and 11 say, "Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God

"Behold all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks, walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks [which] that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand—ye shall lie down in sorrow."

Verse 10 seems to refer to trusting in the Lord. The Lord asks us to believe in him, to trust in him and to take those steps in the darkness.

But there are some of us who cannot accept this and think that we must have some light so that we see where we are going. And so we try to light our own fire and our own fire is small and cannot show us the complete path. If we decide to tread the path on our own with our own fire, then the Lord warns us that we will suffer.

And so the point of verses 10-11 is that we must trust in the Lord to show us the way if we are to avoid spiritual injury.

Overall, Isaiah 50 is about obeying the prophets. If we give diligent heed to the living oracles, we will be safe. We will have nothing to fear for the Lord will be on our side.

Isaiah 49

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As I stated earlier, Isaiah 49 is a continuation of Isaiah 48. But because of the great amount of content, I have split the two chapters into two sections.

In Isaiah 48, covenant was made. In Isaiah 49, the covenant is broken and now a court is convened to hear the two sides. Isaiah 49 will contain four steps of this court hearing: the summons, the plaintiff’s charge, the defendants plea and the judge’s indictment.

The Summons (v 1-6)

The Servant Song

Ludlow points out that these “six verses comprise on of the four recognized ‘servant songs’ of Isaiah (along with 42:1-4; 50:5-9 and 52:13-53:12)”

This servant has the following attributes:

1. He is “called from the womb” foreordained (v 1)
2. He is “in the shadow of his [the Lord] hand” (v 2)
3. He is like a “polished shaft” (v 2)
4. He seemingly labors in vain (v 4)
5. He is involved in the gathering of Israel (v 5-6)

Ludlow lists several people who fit this description. Israel, Jesus Christ and Joseph Smith all fit these descriptions in one way or another. He also cites Ephraim, who is a recipient of Jacob’s birthright, as another possible person who fits the description.

The Plaintiff’s Charge (v 7-13)

In the charge, the Lord reminds Israel that he has “fulfilled his obligations” in that he will gather her from all parts of the earth.

Isaiah 49:9 refers to the liberation of the people from darkness and a life of sin. This seems to refer to our day when we have the fullness of the restoration of the Gospel. This could also allude to the liberation of those who sat in the prison world before Christ organized the preaching of the gospel to those souls (see D&C 138).

Isaiah 49:12 refers to the gathering of Israel from all quarters of the earth. Ludlow points out that some Bible scholars believe that the land of Sinim may be China. Others believe it may be a place in Egypt.

The Defendant’s Plea (v 14, 21, 24)

Israel responds to the Lord’s charge. In Isaiah 49:14 she claims the Lord has forsaken and forgotten her.

In Isaiah 49:21 she claims she is left childless, alone without friends and held captive.

And in Isaiah 49:24 she “fears she has been robbed of her heritage” (Ludlow 412).

The Judge’s Indictment (v 15-20, 22-23, 25-26)

The Lord Will Not Forget

In verse 14, Israel has lost faith in the Lord’s capacity to deliver her. But the Lord cannot forget his chosen people. A woman may (although unlikely) forget her baby and focus on her pregnancy, the Lord will never forget his chosen people.

A mark of the laborer is his hands. He will have worn and bruised hands if he has labored hard. The Lord’s work also can be seen by looking at his hands. He says to Israel and to us, “Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:16).

When I read those words, I almost instantly think of that wonderful, soul-penetrating hymn “Reverently and Meekly Now” (Hymn #185)

Think of me, thou ransomed one;
Think what I for thee have done.
With my blood that dripped like rain,
Sweat in agony of pain,
With my body on the tree
I have ransomed even thee. . . .

Oh, remember what was done
That the sinner might be won.
On the cross of Calvary
I have suffered death for thee.

Nursing Fathers and Mothers

Israel complains to the Lord that her numbers are too few. The Lord assures her that she will have plenty of help. “Thus saith the Lord God, 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 they daughters shall be carried on their shoulders.

“And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens they nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the Lord: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me” (Isaiah 49:22-23)

Anyone who has read or is familiar with the history of the nation of Israel will know that this scripture has been fulfilled. Wikipedia does a good job summarizing the history of Israel as a nation (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel).

I am not going to copy it in full here, but Ludlow does an amazing job summarizing the prophecies pertaining to the return of Judah that have either been partially or fully fulfilled.

Included in this list are:
1. Elijah the Prophet to return to the earth
2. Descendants of Judah to gather
3. Gold and silver from the nations to revive the land
4. The land of Jerusalem to be made productive
5. The descendants of Judah to be attacked and delivered
6. Jerusalem will come under the control of Israel
7. The Jewish people will begin to believe in Jesus Christ

He also lists many prophesies about the Jews that have not been fulfilled.
1. A new temple will be built in Jerusalem
2. A leader named David … will lead Israel
3. The nations … will gather … and Judah will be smitten
4. Two prophets are to be raised up to the Jewish nation
5. The Savior to appear to the descendants of Judah
6. The Messiah to lead Israel to victory and rule as King of Kings
7. Two great world capitals are to be established, Zion and Jerusalem

Ludlow notes scriptures and other references for each point, along with some brief information regarding the point. These lists can be found in the book on pages 415-416).

Isaiah 48

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Ludlow lumps Isaiah 48 and 49 together. They should go hand in hand, but because of the volume of content, I will split them into two entries.

Isaiah in the Book of Mormon

Ludlow makes a few notes about these two chapters in the Book of Mormon. He says, "chapters 48 and 49 are the first Isaianic chapters to be quoted in their entirety in the Book of Mormon. (1 Nephi 20-21.) Also, approximately one-third of the Isaianic verses in the Book of Mormon containing major changes are located in these two chapters." He goes on to explain that some of these changes found in the Book of Mormon help clarify passages that have confused scholars in the past. (399)

Covenant Form

Isaiah 48 is in covenant form. Ludlow explains that there are six parts to a treaty between a king and his vassal or in this instance, a covenant between the Lord and his people.

The six parts are 1) Preamble, 2) Historical prologue, 3) Stipulations, 4) Witnesses, 5) Curses and blessings and 6) Perpetuation of the contract.

Isaiah 48 has all these elements, although they slightly different order (400).

Preamble (v 1-2)

The preamble is an introduction to the people.

"or out of the waters of baptism"

The 1 Nephi 20:1 rendition of Isaiah 48:1 adds the phrase "or out of the waters of baptism." This phrase did not originally appear in the 1830 edition of the Book of Mormon. It first showed up in the 1840 edition. Ludlow cites Daniel H. Ludlow to explain this.

The term "or out of the waters of baptism" did not appear in the first edition of the Book of Mormon. It first appeared in the edition of 1840 on page 53, and the sentence in which it appeared was punctuated as follows: "Hearken and hear this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, (or out of the waters of baptism,) who swear by the name of the Lord," etc. It is not absolutely clear who was responsible for the insertion of this phrase, although the title pages of this edition indicates that it was the "Third Edition, Carefully Revised by the Translator" and was published in Nauvoo, Illinois.

In the "Committee Copy" of the Book of Mormon that was used by Elder James E. Talmage and his committee in making changes for the 1920 edition, the words "or out of the waters of baptism" were not printed in the text although they had been inserted in red ink in parentheses. However, the parentheses were crossed out by red pencil. These words are printed in the current edition of the Book of Mormon without parentheses. (A Companion to Your Study of the Book of Mormon, 120).

Israel

When Isaiah speaks to Israel, he may be addressing three different groups of people.

Blood Israel - those who are literal descendants of Jacob or Israel.

Covenant Israel - those who accept God and the covenants of Israel.

The people who live in the land of Israel - those inhabitants of the land that was granted to the tribes of Israel.

Historical Prologue (v 3-8)

In this section, "Isaiah reviews Israel's covenant relationship with the Lord." (403)

The Lord's Foreknowledge

The reason the Lord "declared the former things from the beginning" was so that Israel had no doubt it came from the Lord and would not be able to say that their dumb idols were responsible for the events.

Regarding the foresight and foreknowledge of the Lord, I have found it interesting how even today the Lord gives ample warning to his people. I remember in October 1998 sitting in a chapel in Provo listening to President Hinckley warn all of us priesthood holders to get our houses in order (Gordon B. Hinckley, “To the Boys and to the Men,” Ensign, Nov 1998, 51). He made it clear he was not prophesying that there would be a famine, but he made it clear that he was giving counsel.

To fully understand the context of this talk, you need to understand that 1998 was a great year. The economy was virtually booming. The Internet as we generally know it had been around for a few years and businesses were jumping on board with on-line models and such. It is not a far stretch of the imagination to think that some scoffed at the idea of a prophet counseling to reduce debt and cut back.

Yet just a few years later, the .com bust occurred and scores of on-line companies went out of business. Then September 11, 2001 happened and the world has never been the same. I remember filling my car up at the Chevron across from the football stadium for $.99 a gallon in 1998. Today, the gas prices are $3.50 a gallon and were up to $4.00 a gallon earlier this year. The dollar has hit historical lows against the euro. There were stories of food shortages around the world earlier this year too. Wheat and rice were very expensive and still are. The housing bubble has finally "popped" and there has been a lot of uneasiness in the economy since October 1998.

But looking back to President Hinckley's talk, it is amazing to see the wisdom in his counsel. No doubt he was inspired by the Lord.

Stipulations of the Covenant (v 8-13)

In this next section, the Lord "explains that his efforts are in fulfillment of the covenants made with Israel. He promises that in spite of Israel's rebellions, he will not completely destroy her; still, he will not let her disregard her covenant without punishment." (404)

"but not as silver"

The phrase "but not as silver" found in Isaiah 48:10 is not found in 1 Nephi 20:10. Ludlow states that this phrase has confused scholars for many years. But as the Book of Mormon version stands, the verse is crystal clear in its meaning.

The Right Hand

In Isaiah 48:13, the Lord's "right hand hath spanned the heavens." Ludlow commentates that favoring the right hand is not an invention of man, but it comes from the Lord and is a symbol of righteousness. (405)

I found one Ensign article that discusses using the right hand when making covenants, especially with regard to taking the sacrament.

“I Have a Question,” Ensign, Mar 1983, 67–69

Perpetuation of the Covenant (v 13-15)

In Isaiah 48:13-15, Ludlow identifies the person referred to here as Jesus Christ or Cyrus. Whether Christ or Cyrus, this person will "foretell the future, fulfill the Lord's word, wield power over Babylon, and ultimately succeed in his foreordained mission." (405)

Witnesses of the Covenant (v 16)

It appears in Isaiah 48:16 that the Lord himself and Isaiah are witnesses to this covenant.

Blessings and Curses (v 17-22)

The blessings or curses for obeying or disregarding the covenant are: peace as a river and righteousness as the waves of the sea or tumult and wickedness (Isaiah 48:18), seed as the sand and not being cut off from the Lord or no posterity and living in apostasy (Isaiah 48:19).

Isaiah 46 & 47

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These two chapters discuss the uselessness of idols. Compared to Jehovah, these idols are literally nothing. Whereas Jehovah created everything and has all power and uses that power to bless the lives of the children of Israel. The idols cannot help the children of men.

Dumb Idols

The two idols Isaiah targets are Bel and Nebo. Bel is also known as Marduk.

Ludlow explains the reason why these idols were loaded onto carts and moved by beasts to a different location. "Ancient man believed that each god had a certain territory in which he was to be worshipped. (Though a god could be worshipped anywhere, it was most effective to worship him in his own land.) If a person moved to another location, he would then worship and give honor to the god of that particular land. Ancient man also believed that the lives of the gods were reflected in their own lives. For example, if the people of one city were defeated by the people of another city, they believed it to be because there had been a war in heaven in which the god of the victorious nation defeated their god." (391)

Isaiah ridicules the idols and mocks how they must be transported by beasts. "They are a burden to the weary beast. They stoop, they bow down together, they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity." (Isaiah 46:1-2)

Furthermore, these idols cannot answer prayers. In Isaiah 46:7 he says, "one shall cry unto him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble."

The Living God

In contrast, the Living God is unique. He can see from the beginning to the end and he has his own will … he can act. Isaiah 46:10 says, "Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are no yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure."

The Living God can also save his people. Isaiah 46:13 says, "I bring my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory."

Babylon's Sins

In Isaiah 47, Isaiah describes why Babylon fell and will fall again in the latter-days.

Isaiah 47:10 sums up nicely Babylon's greatest weakness. "For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me."

Babylon saw no need and felt she had no obligation to anyone. She was an agent unto herself … free to do as she pleased. She attained her own wisdom and knowledge and thought she was powerful. She did not acknowledge the true and Living God. She did not understand her position in the world … she trusted in the arm of flesh rather than in the arm of God.

How often do we thank the Lord for his help in our lives? Do we recognize the hand of the Lord in our lives or do we think we are solely responsible for all our successes?

We are commanded and counseled to gain as much education as possible, but we must also always recognize the hand of the Lord in all our studies and gains and labors.

The Book of Mormon teaches, "O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish. But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God" (2 Nephi 9:28-29)

Isaiah 44 & 45

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Jesurun

Ludlow refers the reader to Deut. 33:5, 26 for more information regarding Jesurun. He also states that this name is Hebrew for "upright" or "righteous" (377)

Ordinances

In Isaiah 44:3, the Lord says he will "pour water upon him that is thirsty" and will also "pour [his] spirit upon they seed" symbolizing the ordinances of baptism and confirmation.

In Isaiah 44:5, Isaiah continues by describing the steps converts take in their "growing relationship with the Lord (377).

First, they say they are the Lord's or in other words, they take upon them the name of the Lord. This is what we do when we are baptized and when we partake of the sacrament each week.

Next they will desire to take upon them the name of Jacob. Today, we receive patriarchal blessing which declare our lineage. Additionally, those who honor the oath and covenant of the priesthood become "the sons of Moses and of Aaron and the seed of Abraham" (D&C 84:34).

Third, they "subscribe with [their] hand unto the Lord" meaning they use their hand to "witness [their] relationship with the Lord" (378). Ludlow additionally teaches "the hand could be used in a sign, token, or witness of a person's promises and covenants with God." In the Church today, we make many covenants with our hands.

Lastly, when a person takes upon himself the name of Israel, he is further developing the 2nd step. Ludlow states, "he actually receives the name. The actualization of the full blessings of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob come only to those who enter into the 'new and everlasting covenant' in the temples of the Lord" (378).

Scorn for Idolatry

Isaiah uses "sharp sarcasm" (380) to describe the idols that men make. He describes how men use iron and wood to make idols as well as how man will plant trees, harvest them and then use some of the wood for fuel and some of it to make idols. For all this effort, the idols and the gods they represent cannot save the man. Only the true and living God can provide true life for man.

Ludlow makes a couple of really interesting comments regarding idolatry.

First he said, "The Ten Commandments strictly forbade images of God because, among other reasons, nothing material can capture the full glory of God." (380) I somewhat appreciate art … paintings, sculptures and such. But there is a fine line between idolatry and art. I know the goal of Temple Square the Visitor's Center is to help visitors feel the spirit and want to come to Christ. But do we indulge in idolatry when we "must see" the Christus statue as well as the many other art displays?

In the following paragraph he said, "These idolators worshipped the efforts of their craftsmanship and deprived themselves of the resources the wood, metal, and their labors could otherwise provide." When I read this sentence, I wondered if we sometimes raise LDS painters and sculptors on a pedestal. Do these artists get caught up in their craftsmanship? I don't know the answer to these questions, but I simply wonder sometimes.

The bottom line and modern-day application of guarding against idolatry is to ask ourselves certain questions. Are our thoughts centered on God or on something else? Do we spend more time building up our financial portfolio or building up the kingdom of God? We should be worshipping God in our thoughts, words and actions. We should not be idolizing anything.

For another great article on idolatry, read Dennis Largey, “Refusing to Worship Today’s Graven Images,” Ensign, Feb 1994, 9

Remember

Isaiah 44:21-22 offers counsel to Israel. The Lord tells Israel to remember these things that the Lord has taught them. He pleads for them to remember who they are and that He has blessed them. He reminds them too that they will not be forgotten.

He also tells them that He has blotted out their transgressions, thus referring to His atoning sacrifice He would perform when he received a mortal body.

Cyrus the Great

From wikipedia's entry … "The Bible records that a remnant of the Jewish population returned to the Promised Land from Babylon, following an edict from Cyrus to rebuild the temple. This edict is fully reproduced in the Book of Ezra. As a result of Cyrus' policies, the Jews honored him as a dignified and righteous king. He is the only Gentile to be designated as a messiah, a divinely-appointed king."

Purpose of the Earth

Isaiah 45:18 has an interesting snippet. "God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited." Mankind was not made inhabit the earth, rather the earth was made for mankind to live on it. Indeed we are to be good stewards of the earth and keep it clean and let it be healthy, but we do not necessarily have to submit to the earth. The earth was made for us to live on it and not the other way around.

Isaiah 43

2008-07-15T21:08:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 43 is divided into four sections which make up a chiasmus. Ludlow divides them thusly (361):

A. Israel's future gathering (v. 1-7)
B. A trial scene of God before Israel and the other nations (v. 8-13)
A' Israel's future blessings (v. 14-21)
B' A trial scene between God and Israel; present Israel merits condemnation (v. 22-28)

Jacob and Israel

Ludlow makes a note about the use of the names Jacob and Israel to reference the same person. He says that Jacob and Israel are used together seventeen times between Isaiah 40 and 49 (363). Isaiah 43:1 is an example of how the two names are used together. He further states, "It is the order of the two names that makes the repetition significant, for "Jacob" nearly always precedes "Israel," hinting, perhaps, that a change in Jacob's character prompted the Lord to change his name also. Jacob, the "supplanter," who worried about his relationship with his twin brother, Esau, became Israel, the "prevailer," who worked together with God to overcome wickedness. (See Bible Dictionary "Jacob"; "Israel.")"

Do we not also take upon us a new name? As we are born again and truly become converted to Christ, we take upon ourselves the name of Christ. We become a different person, casting off our old selfish selves and in turn begin to work with God in bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

Isaiah seems to be teaching the Israelites that they too need to cast off their old selves and become true Israelites.

Water and Fire

In Isaiah 43:2 the Lord promises to be with Israel as she passes through the waters and through the fire. The water will not overpower her nor will the fire burn her.

Ludlow suggests that this verse alludes to baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Another layer of symbolism may be how the Lord delivered Israel through the Red Sea and protected her from the fiery serpents as she left Egypt.

Similarly, we must repent of our sins, be baptized by one who has authority and then receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. As we do so, we are delivered by the hand of the Lord from spiritual captivity.

Promise of Gathering

In Isaiah 40:5-6, the Lord promises that all of Israel, including the Ten Lost tribes will be gathered from east, to west, from the north and the south.

Ludlow discusses the modern-day manifestation of this gathering as a Jewish nation was organized in 1949 and how Israel the nation has thrived in the midst of her enemies.

No Other God, No Other Savior

One of the common arguments against the LDS church and restored Gospel is that we believe in multiple gods (God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost). To support their argument, many will exclusively use the last phrase of Isaiah 43:10. Taking it out of the context of the verse and chapter, the phrase seems to support their argument. But in reading the entire verse and chapter, the true meaning of the phrase becomes clear.

The Lord Jesus Christ or Jehovah was addressing the world and Israel. He called Israel to be His witness. Ludlow states, "Israel is not only God's special witness, but also his servant to the world, and her inspired records are to go to all people. No other nation can give a similar witness of its gods." (367)

"Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.

"I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour" (Isaiah 43:10-11)

This idea of no other God formed before or after Christ means that there was and is only one Savior provided. The way to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father is to follow Christ. He provided the way and we must follow him. In John 14:6, Christ offers a similar statement, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

For more on this subject of one God vs mankind's ability to become like God, read this entry from my other blog.

Israel's Future Blessings

The Lord will bless Israel with many blessings including: freedom (v. 14), miracles in the sea (v. 16), protection from every enemy and army (v. 17), a restoration (v. 19), and miracles in the desert (v. 19-20) (Ludlow 368).

One of the most fascinating things to see, speaking personally, is how the modern nation of Israel has been established and flourished right in the midst of her enemies. I have always been awed by how Israel has been able to hold back every Arab state that surrounds her. To me, Isaiah 43:17 has been, is being and will be fulfilled.

In Isaiah 43:21, the Lord states the reason for his blessing Israel … "they shall shew forth my praise."

Israel's Sins, the Lord's Mercy

In Isaiah 43:22-24, the Lord accuses Israel of many sins. In the face of all of Israel's sins, the Lord offers mercy (Isaiah 43:25).

"I, even I, am he that blotteth out they transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins."

As the Lord stated earlier in Isaiah, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18)

Isaiah 41 & 42

2008-07-12T06:09:00.000-07:00

Ludlow explains that there are two discourses and five parts in Isaiah 41 and 42. Here is how it is broken down:

Discourse 1 Part A: Isaiah 41:1
Discourse 2 Part A: Isaiah 41:21-24

Discourse 1 Part B: Isaiah 41:2-7
Discourse 2 Part B: Isaiah 41:25-29

Discourse 1 Part C: Isaiah 41:8-10
Discourse 2 Part C: Isaiah 42:1-9

Discourse 1 Part D: Isaiah 41:11-16
Discourse 2 Part D: Isaiah 42:10-13

Discourse 1 Part E: Isaiah 41:17-20
Discourse 2 Part E: Isaiah 42:14-17

Idols are Nothing

Part A of the two discourses deal with one theme: idols are less than nothing (read Isaiah 41:24). In the second discourse in part A, all the idols and false gods are called out to do something great. But that cannot because they are false. Only the true and living God can has power to renew our strength (Isaiah 40:31).

Prophesied Leader

Part B discusses the coming of a prophesied leader. Ludlow does a fine job summarizing the qualities of this leader:

A. An important person comes from the east (or rising sun)

B. He has power over rulers and kings

C. He turns them unto dry powder and molds them as wet clay

D. His feet pursues them and treads them under

E. His coming is foretold

F. The Lord is the one who has announced it

G. People are powerless though they try to obtain counsel from each other

H. The people try to secure idols, but they cannot ward off the ensuing wind and confusion.

Servant of the Lord

The qualities of the servant of the Lord are worth emulating.

He does no coerce, but uses gentle persuasion (see Isaiah 42:2, D&C 121:41).

He does not get discouraged in the face of adversity (Isaiah 42:4).

He is righteous … he keeps the commandments and is pure, thus ensuring his calling from the Lord (Isaiah 42:6).

He teaches truth and light and delivers the prisoners and blind from spiritual darkness (Isaiah 42:7).

The Living God Provides

The next part demonstrates the kindness and charity the Living God has for those who follow Him. While on the other hand, false gods and idols can offer no such help to their worshipers.

Isaiah 41:17 - "I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them."

The hand of the Lord makes the wilderness a pool of water (read Isaiah 41:18, 20).

Isaiah 42:16 and 17 offer the stark contrast between the Living God and false gods.

"I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them."

To those who worship false gods, "they shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods."

Ever since I first read Spencer W. Kimball's talk "The False Gods We Worship", I've always come back to it again and again as I read and ponder the scriptures. I think our society thinks that we are not an idolatrous people, but in reality we are. As President Kimball defined it, we are idolatrous.

He said, "we learn from the scriptures that because the exercise of faith has always appeared to be more difficult than relying on things more immediately at hand, carnal man has tended to transfer his trust in God to material things. Whatever thing a man sets his heart and his trust in most is his god; and if his god doesn't also happen to be the true and living God of Israel, that man is laboring in idolatry." (Spencer W. Kimball, “The False Gods We Worship,” Ensign, Jun 1976, 3)

Isaiah 40

2008-07-06T19:21:00.000-07:00

Some of these headers are taken directly from Ludlow's book.

Living, Loving God

In the first two verses, God gives comfort and forgives his people. In Isaiah 40:2 the message to his people is, "that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned."

To me, this means that if we keep the commandments (warfare … read 2 Tim 4:7) then we will be forgiven of our sins and comforted by God.

The other example of this attribute is comparing idols to God (Isaiah 40:18-20).

If we compare our worship of God to those who make graven images, by far God outshines and outperforms any of the dumb idols man makes with his hands and then worships. Idols cannot forgive or live or love. Only God can do this.

"Elias"

"The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God." (Isaiah 40:3)

John the Baptist was an "Elias" or forerunner to Jesus Christ.

Creative, Powerful God

With his power, "every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low (Isaiah 40:4). The nations are a drop in a bucket and small dust compared to God (Isaiah 40:15).

Supreme, Eternal God

Man's nature is transitory and unsteady. Our flesh is like grass that withers and our good actions are like flowers that fade with time (Isaiah 40:6-7). We are even likened to grasshoppers (Isaiah 40:22). But our God is supreme and eternal. His word will stand forever (Isaiah 40:8) and he makes the princes of the earth nothing and the judges vain (Isaiah 40:23).

Active, Caring God

God feeds his flock, gathers his lambs, carries them in his bosom and gently leads (Isaiah 40:11). He calls his children by their names (Isaiah 40:26).

Consistent, All-knowing God

God has all power and knowledge. He never tires or wearies. No one can fathom his knowledge and wisdom (Isaiah 40:28).

Trust in God

To those that trust in the Lord and "wait upon" him, their strength shall be renewed and "that shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

A similar promise is given in the Doctrine and Covenants to those who obey the Word of Wisdom (see D&C 89).

Conclusion

The overall message I get from Isaiah 40 is that the personage we worship is truly awesome and supreme. I feel a sense of nothingness and am humbled. I feel similar to how Moses must have felt after he visited with God and saw the endless creations of God. Moses was left to himself for many hours, unable to move for lack of strength. When he regained his strength, he said to himself, "Now, for this cause I know that man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed." (Moses 1:10)

It is easy for us to lose perspective when we see all the things our hands have made … the cities, the cars, the towers, the military machines, the boats, the bridges, the rockets, space shuttles, satellites, and everything imaginable man has created. But all these things are nothing compared to the grandeur and ultimate power of God.

We worship the ultimate source of power and knowledge and wisdom in the universe. This is the lesson I learned while reading Isaiah 40.

Isaiah 38 & 39

2008-07-05T18:37:00.000-07:00

Background

Isaiah 36 & 37 and Isaiah 38 & 39 are bridges between the two Isaiah collections. Isaiah 1-35 are prophecies to Israel during the Assyrian period. Isaiah 40-66 are prophecies to Israel during the Babylonian period. Isaiah 36 & 37 dealt with the Assyrian attack on Israel, while Isaiah 38 & 39 deal with the healing of Hezekiah and the Babylonian delegation and the prophecy of Israel's captivity by Babylon.

Repentance

In Isaiah 38, Hezekiah is sick and prays to the Lord for healing. In this prayer, he touches on repentance. There are four verses that I particularly like.

In Isaiah 38:14 Hezekiah pleads, "mine eyes fail with looking upward: O Lord, I am oppressed; undertake for me." To me this sounds like Hezekiah is having a hard time looking to the Lord … as if he is in sin (I am having a hard time praying or being faithful … looking toward heaven) He pleads to the Lord to "undertake" him. Ludlow's translation for "undertake" is "stand surety for me" while the footnote in the JST says "be my security." In both cases, it seems that Hezekiah is pleading for strength from the Lord.

In Isaiah 38:17 Hezekiah is forgiven his sins; "for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back." This reminds me of Alma the younger where he describes how he was "snatched" out of hell by the Lord (see Mosiah 27:28-29 and Alma 26:17 … also read footnote d for Mosiah 27:29 where is says HEB natzal, to snatch away from danger, to save.)

I've often wondered at what point are our sins forgiven. Is it at baptism if we are not baptized at age 8? Is it at the point where we feel Godly sorrow? I don't know why I wonder this. The point is that I can be forgiven of my sins … that Christ has provided a way. The only concern I should have is that Christ accepts my broken heart and contrite spirit. I guess when we have that "great bitterness" replaced with "peace" we know we are forgiven. When our hearts turn from stones to clay, we know we have changed to the right direction. We choose to call upon the Lord and the Lord grabs us from a course to Hell and he frankly tosses our sins behind his back. To me, that is a miracle and I stand all amazed. I wish my resolve were more sure like His.

Isaiah 38:18-19 teach us that now … today … this life is the time to repent. The grave and death cannot easily call for forgiveness. Only the living can call upon the quick and sure grasp from Hell. The Book of Mormon teaches us that we should not "procrastinate the day of [our] repentance." (Alma 34:33-35)

Hezekiah's Near-Sightedness

In Isaiah 39, the king of Babylon sends a delegation to Hezekiah congratulating him on his recovery from sickness. Hezekiah then shows this delegation all of Israel's wealth. When Isaiah hears this, he prophesies that all of these riches will be carried off and Hezekiah's posterity will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon (Isaiah 39:7). To this prophesy Hezekiah responds, "Good is the word of the Lord … there shall be peace and truth in my days" (Isaiah 38:8) as if to say, "boy that sounds bad for my kids and grandkids … I'm glad it's not going to happen while I'm alive."

Although each of us is responsible for our own actions, we still will be held accountable for our children. If we don't do our part to help the next generation, the natural consequences are easily seen. Each generation builds on the previous generation. If we don't establish a base upon which the next generation can build, then what good are we doing? Each of us must be a strong link in the eternal chain of families.

Isaiah 36 & 37

2008-07-04T18:10:00.000-07:00

Without Ludlow, I would not have gotten much out of these two chapters. He does a wonderful job of summarizing and explaining everything. As these two chapters are heavy in history and light in doctrine and application, I will rely mostly on Ludlow's words.

Background

"In 701 BC, Sennacherib, King of Assyria, launched the third military campaign of his reign, directing his armies toward the Mediterranean. His first objective was to reestablish the taxing of his rebellious tributaries, but he also hoped to bring them completely within the Assyrian Empire and to invade and subdue Egypt." (p. 316)

Sennacherib conquered many important cities along his way to Egypt. "Assyrian records and carvings portrayed with pride their techniques of conquest: hands and heads cut off, rebels impaled upon stakes, soldiers flung off walls, generals skinned alive, and multitudes led away as captives. Such a fate threatened the Jews in Jerusalem." (p. 317-318)

King Hezekiah prepared well years before the attack. He built a special tunnel to bring water from the spring of Gihon to within the city walls. He built and fortified the city and prepared the people. Ludlow cites 2 Chr. 32:1-8, 30.

Hezekiah also sent a monetary tribute to Sennacherib in hopes of staving off the attack (see 2 Kings 18:13-16). "But Sennacherib wanted more; he demanded absolute submission, and he knew that Hezekiah was one of the leaders in the revolt against Assyrian authority. He wanted nothing less than the unconditional surrender of Jerusalem, and he wanted her king still alive, so that he could humiliate, torture, and finally slowly impale King Hezekiah upon a pointed stake, just as he had done to the rebel kings of the Philistines." (p. 319)

Chronology

• Isaiah 36:3 … a delegation is sent to meet Sennacherib's personal representative The Rabshakeh.
• Isaiah 36:4-7 … The Rabshakeh insults Jerusalem and scoffs at her allegiance with Egypt and with the Lord.
• Isaiah 36:8-10 … The Rabshakeh bets with them that they don't even have 2000 men to ride horses.
• Isaiah 36:11 … the delegation requests that the Rabshakeh talks to them in Aramaic as is the custom. Also, they don't want the people on the wall to listen.
• Isaiah 36:12-20 … The Rabshakeh denies the request and says he wants everyone to hear what he has to say. He shouts to the citizens on the wall and tries to bribe them to surrender the city by offering them farms. He tries to drive a wedge between them and their king. He mocks them by asking them if any of the other countries Sennacherib has conquered had their god save them. He tells them that their God will be no different.
• Isaiah 36:21-22 … The people on the wall don't respond and the delegation retreats to the city and rip their clothes to shreds as a sign of desperation.

• Isaiah 37:1-5 … Hezekiah also tears his robes and dresses in sackcloth as a sign of humility and mourning. He sends a message and a delegation to Isaiah. He requests Isaiah's prayers.
• Isaiah 37:6-7 … Isaiah replies to Hezekiah that a report will reach Sennacherib that he is needed at home and he will return home. There he will be killed.
• Isaiah 37:8-13 … Sennacherib is indeed distracted by the approaching Egyptian army. He continues to press Jerusalem to surrender by threatening annihilation of the city. Jerusalem will suffer the same fate as the other cities he has conquered.
• Isaiah 37:14-20 … Hezekiah takes the letter from Sennacherib to the Temple and prays to God. He tells God that the other cities' gods did not save them because they were false and that He, God, is indeed a living god. He pleads with God to save Jerusalem.
• Isaiah 37:21-29 … Isaiah speaks for the Lord and has a message sent to Sennacherib for Hezekiah. The Lord chides Sennacherib for being prideful and mocking the Lord. The Lord knows all and decided Sennacherib's fate long ago. The Lord is displeased with Sennacherib.
• Isaiah 37:30-32 … the Lord provides proof that He is delivering Jerusalem from Assyria. He gives a prophesy.
• Isaiah 37:33-38 … He prophesies that Sennacherib's army will depart and will be decimated by losing 185,000 soldiers. He also predicts that his sons will kill him.

Commentary

The rest of the story is not found in the bible. But from other historical sources we learn that field mice overran Sennacherib's army and ate their bowstrings. Consequently they fled before the Egyptians. Ludlow also suggest that the mice may have carried the plague and the plague caused the 185,000 soldiers to die. Thus the prophecy was fulfilled.

The single most important lesson learned from these two chapters is that "the Lord defended the Jews and defeated the Assyrians." (Ludlow, 327) As an extension to our personal lives, how often do we trust in the Lord to deliver us from our problems and/or enemies? I am reminded what Christ taught, "seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all things shall be added unto you." (3 Nephi 13:33) If we focus on the Lord first and foremost, then everything else will be taken care of.

Isaiah 34 & 35

2008-04-23T21:43:00.000-07:00

The Signs of the Times

There really isn't much to say about what Isaiah prophesies regarding the times before the Second Coming. Many other scriptures give similar prophesies. It really is amazing to read all these passages and ponder upon them.

Isaiah 34:4
"And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree."

D&C 45:39-43
"And it shall come to pass that he that feareth me shall be looking forth for the great day of the Lord to come, even for the signs of the coming of the Son of Man.

"And they shall see signs and wonders, for they shall be shown forth in the heavens above, and in the earth beneath.

"And they shall behold blood, and fire, and vapors of smoke.

"And before the day of the Lord shall come, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon be turned into blood, and the stars fall from heaven.

"And the remnant shall be gathered unto this place."

Revelation 6:12-17
"And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

"And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree asteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

"And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

"And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

"And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:

"For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?"

3 Nephi 26:1-5
"And now it came to pass that when Jesus had told these things he expounded them unto the multitude; and he did expound all things unto them, both great and small.

"And he saith: These scriptures, which ye had not with you, the Father commanded that I should give unto you; for it was wisdom in him that they should be given unto future generations.

"And he did expound all things, even from the beginning until the time that he should come in his glory—yea, even all things which should come upon the face of the earth, even until the elements should melt with fervent heat, and the earth should be wrapt together as a scroll, and the heavens and the earth should pass away;

"And even unto the great and last day, when all people, and all kindreds, and all nations and tongues shall stand before God, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil—

"If they be good, to the resurrection of everlasting life; and if they be evil, to the resurrection of damnation; being on a parallel, the one on the one hand and the other on the other hand, according to the mercy, and the justice, and the holiness which is in Christ, who was before the world began."

D&C 88:84-98
"Therefore, tarry ye, and labor diligently, that you may be perfected in your ministry to go forth among the Gentiles for the last time, as many as the mouth of the Lord shall name, to bind up the law and seal up the testimony, and to prepare the saints for the hour of judgment which is to come;

"That their souls may escape the wrath of God, the desolation of abomination which awaits the wicked, both in this world and in the world to come. Verily, I say unto you, let those who are not the first elders continue in the vineyard until the mouth of the Lord shall call them, for their time is not yet come; their garments are not clean from the blood of this generation.

"Abide ye in the liberty wherewith ye are made free; entangle not yourselves in sin, but let your hands be clean, until the Lord comes.

"For not many days hence and the earth shall tremble and reel to and fro as a drunken man; and the sun shall hide his face, and shall refuse to give light; and the moon shall be bathed in blood; and the stars shall become exceedingly angry, and shall cast themselves down as a fig that alleth from off a fig-tree.

"And after your testimony cometh wrath and indignation upon the people.

"For after your testimony cometh the testimony of earthquakes, that shall cause groanings in the midst of her, and men shall fall upon the ground and shall not be able to stand.

"And also cometh the testimony of the voice of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings, and the voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds.

"And all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men’s hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people.

"And angels shall fly through the midst of heaven, crying with a loud voice, sounding the trump of God, saying: Prepare ye, prepare ye, O inhabitants of the earth; for the judgment of our God is come. Behold, and lo, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

"And immediately there shall appear a great sign in heaven, and all people shall see it together.

"And another angel shall sound his trump, saying: That great church, the mother of abominations, that made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, that persecuteth the saints of God, that shed their blood—she who sitteth upon many waters, and upon the islands of the sea—behold, she is the tares of the earth; she is bound in bundles; her bands are made strong, no man can loose them; therefore, she is ready to be burned. And he shall sound his trump both long and loud, and all nations shall hear it.

"And there shall be silence in heaven for the space of half an hour; and immediately after shall the curtain of heaven be unfolded, as a scroll is unfolded after it is rolled up, and the face of the Lord shall be unveiled;

"And the saints that are upon the earth, who are alive, shall be quickened and be caught up to meet him.

"And they who have slept in their graves shall come forth, for their graves shall be opened; and they also shall be caught up to meet him in the midst of the pillar of heaven—

"They are Christ’s, the first fruits, they who shall descend with him first, and they who are on the earth and in their graves, who are first caught up to meet him; and all this by the voice of the sounding of the trump of the angel of God."

Desert Blossoming as a Rose

Ludlow offers some insight into this chapter.

With regard to Isaiah 35:1-4, he says, "The source of the people's weaknesses or fears is also unnamed, though it could result form the horror of their life in the desert. Desert life for the Hebrew usually symbolizes one of two conditions: either a place of refuge and asylum, or a place into which one is forced as a trial and tribulation. In either case, the desert is where God segregates and tests his people. (See Nibley, An Approach to the Book of Mormon, p. 115)"

Christ was also "tested" in the wilderness or desert. After he was tested, he formally began his ministry. It too blossomed like a rose.

Isaiah 35:3-4 is another one of those little gems. "Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.

"Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you."

Did not Christ fulfill these words? He strengthened the weak hands and feeble knees. He brought comfort to those who sought it. He came and saved us all.

We too, as we follow Christ, can strengthen the weak hands and confirm the feeble knees as we serve our fellow men.

In the October 1992 Priesthood session of General Conference, President Hinckley said, "Be strong, my brethren, in the quality of mercy. It is easy to be a bully in one’s home, in one’s business, in one’s speech and acts. This sick world so cries out for kindness and love and mercy. These virtues become an expression of strength rather than weakness on the part of any holder of the priesthood of God. Be strong with that strength of which Isaiah speaks when he said, “Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees." (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Building Your Tabernacle,” Ensign, Nov 1992, 50)

As we build up Zion, the desert will blossom like a rose. The knowledge of the Lord will grace His people and He will administer to them. The blind will see, the deaf will hear and the lame will walk. Just as He administered to the people in the ancient world and in the new world, He will administer to those who will live on the earth at His coming.

Highway to Holiness

How will one arrive at Zion? Isaiah 35:8 says, "And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein."

Of this passage, David O McKay said, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints bears testimony to the world that this will of God has been made manifest in this dispensation, that the principles of the gospel, the principles of life, have been revealed. They are in harmony with the principles that Christ taught in the meridian of time. It is impossible to give here all the principles that constitute that will, but they are so simple that, as the scriptures say, "the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein" (David O. McKay, Conference Report, October 1966, pp.136-138)

Isaiah 32 & 33

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Righteous Leadership

The time will come when the Savior will rule and reign on the earth. As a result, the people of the earth will find a refuge from lies, false understandings and all the deceptions of the devil. The Savior will be a "hiding place from the wind" and a "cover from the tempest" and water in a dry place and a shadow from elements (Isaiah 32:2).

As a result, the people of the earth will see and hear and understand things as they really are. Fools will be seen as fools, knaves as knaves, nobles as nobles and honorables as honorables (see Isaiah 32:3-8). To clarify, Satan has so thickly deceived us that in many cases our society praises liars and hypocrites while we shun and scorn good people. We call good evil and evil good (2 Nephi 15:20). But when the Lord comes again, all the shrouds of deceit will fall and we all will see people and ideas as they really are.

When Christ reigns, He will govern the earth by the power of the Priesthood. John Taylor once taught, " I shall … briefly answer that [the priesthood] is the government of God, whether on the earth or in the heavens, for it is by that power, agency, or principle that all things are [upheld and] governed on the earth and in the heavens, and [it is] by that power that all things are upheld and sustained. It governs all things—it directs all things—it sustains all things—and has to do with all things that God and truth are associated with.

“It is the power of God delegated to intelligences in the heavens and to men on the earth. … When we arrive in the celestial kingdom of God, we shall find the most perfect order and harmony existing, because there is the perfect pattern, the most perfect order of government carried out, and when or wherever those principles have been developed in the earth, in proportion as they have spread and been acted upon, just in that proportion have they produced blessings and salvation to the human family; and when the government of God shall be more extensively adopted, and when Jesus’ prayer, that He taught His disciples is answered, and God’s kingdom comes on the earth, and His will is done here as in heaven, then, and not till then, will universal love, peace, harmony, and union prevail.” (“On Priesthood,” Improvement Era, June 1935, 372.)

Righteousness is Peace

Isaiah 32:17 is another one of those gem verses. "And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever."

What is the "work of righteousness?" To me this means becoming a true disciple of Christ. It is not an easy work. But if strive to follow the Savior's teachings of denying ourselves (Luke 9:23) then we are on the path of discipleship.

Neal A. Maxwell wrote, "What is it that we are to deny ourselves? The ascendancy of any appetites or actions which produce not only the seven deadly sins but all the others. Happily, self-denial, when we practice it, brings great relief. It represents emancipation from all the “morning after” feelings, whether caused by adultery or gluttony. Being concerned with tomorrow, true disciples are very careful about today! Self denial also includes not letting our hearts become too set on any trivial or worldly thing. Then we can learn the great lessons about the relationship of righteousness to the powers and the joys of heaven.

"The fundamental fact is that if we do not deny ourselves, we are diverted. Even if not wholly consumed with the things of the world, we are still diverted sufficiently to make serious discipleship impossible. As a consequence, all the gifts and talents God has given us are not put meekly on the altar to serve others and to please God. Instead, we withhold to please ourselves. Diversion, therefore, is not necessarily gross transgression, but it is a genuine deprivation, especially if we consider what we might have become and what more we might have done to bless and to help others.

"Ironically, the natural man, who is so very selfish in so many ordinary ways, is strangely unselfish in that he reaches for too few of the things that bring real joy. He settles for a mess of pottage instead of eternal joy.

"By denying the desires of the natural man to the degree that they exist in each of us, we avoid this diversion, making it easier for us to take up the cross of discipleship. Of course, when it occurs in our lives, emancipation from various forms of bondage brings no celebrating parades, nor does it make the evening news. But it is big news because we “come off conqueror” (D&C 10:5).

"So it is that discipleship, far from being ascetic, is to choose joy over pleasure. It is to opt for the things of eternity over the trendy and appealing things of the moment. Eventually, we become readied for the final moment of consecration, when, gladly and completely, we let our wills be swallowed up in the will of the Father. Jesus did this in Gethsemane, where he said, “Not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42). What was God’s will? That Jesus complete the Atonement. Even so, Jesus prayed, “Take away this cup from me” (Mark 14:36); and still later he cried out, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46). Yet Jesus yielded. (Neal A. Maxwell, “Becoming a Disciple,” Ensign, Jun 1996, 12)

I believe that in denying ourselves and truly seeking the will of God, we then are able to "work righteousness" and in turn we find peace, quietness and assurance for ever.

Fear of the Lord

Isaiah 33:6 says, "And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is his treasure."

Ludlow cross references four scriptures to this verse. Each note the association of wisdom and fear of the Lord.

Proverbs 1:7 - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Proverbs 3:7 - "Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil."

Job 28:28 - "Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding."

Psalms 111:10 - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments."

Marion G. Romney gave a good explanation of the word "fear" in this context.

He said, "Now, I have done a little homework on the meaning of the word fear as here used. And I assure you that the Psalmist did not intend it to mean dread, fright, terror, or dismay. What he did intend to express by whatever word he actually used was “profound reverence.” Webster uses this phrase, “profound reverence,” as one of the definitions of fear. A more meaningful version of the Psalmist’s statement would be, “Profound reverence for the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

"Let us consider now for a moment the significance of profound reverence. One definition of profound is “arising from the depth of one’s nature.” Reverence is the soul of true religion. Its seedbed is sincerity. Its quality is determined by the esteem in which one holds the object of his reverence. And this esteem is evidenced by his behavior toward that which he reverences. When one reverences God, the profoundly reverent person has a worshipful adoration coupled with a respectful behavior toward him and all that pertains to him. One who has a profound reverence for the Lord loves him, trusts in him, prays to him, relies upon him, and is inspired by him. Inspiration from the Lord has always been, and now is, available to all mankind who have a profound reverence for him. (Marion G. Romney, “Converting Knowledge into Wisdom,” Ensign, Jul 1983, 2)

Eternal Life

Isaiah teaches what we must do to inherit eternal life or "everlasting burnings" (Isaiah 33:14, see also Joseph Smith Jr., “The King Follett Sermon,” Ensign, Apr 1971, 13–14)

We must walk righteously, speak uprightly, despise the gain of oppressions, shake our hands (fingers) at bribes and corruption, stop our hearing of violence and close our eyes to all evil.

If we do these things, we "shall dwell on high" with our Lord.

Isaiah 30 & 31

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Trust in God

Through various events, Judah found herself in a precarious situation. Assyrian dominance was waning, Egypt and Babylon were gaining power and a few independent nations joined a coalition to rebel against the Assyrians. Judah joined this coalition as well as entered into a treaty with Egypt in which Egypt would defend Judah against any Assyrian attack.

Isaiah strongly condemned these actions taken by Judah. He knew that Judah had more confidence in men than in God and this was a sin.

I am reminded of Nephi when he said in his psalm, "O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm." (2 Nephi 4:34)

Yet another passage reminds us to "trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5)

The first verse of Isaiah 30 pronounces a wo on Judah. "Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord, that take counsel, but not of me."

How do we put our trust in the Lord? Isaiah teaches us how. We must listen to the prophets and become more steadfast.

Listen to the Prophets

We can trust in the Lord by listening and obeying His prophets. The people in Isaiah's time did not want to listen to the prophets.

In Isaiah 30:9-10, Isaiah is commanded to write, "this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord:

"Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophet, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits."

If we sit in General Conference and enjoy the talks, but then fail to act on the feelings and promptings we had while listening to the prophets, are we not essentially saying "see not, prophesy not?" I can almost see the people of that day put their hands over their ears and yell over the prophets' voice so as not to hear them. They are like the diver of a car who after having been pulled over for a traffic violation pleads with the officer that he did not know the laws. Ignorance is not an excuse for breaking the law.

Returning, Rest, Quietness, Confidence

Once in a while, I find a passage of scriptures that moves me and spiritually touches me deeply; so deep that I cannot fully explain it. Isaiah 30:15 is one of those passages.

"For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength."

If ever my generation needed a succinct, specific message delivered explicitly to us, it would be Isaiah 30:15. We are a generation constantly on the move. We multi-task, we drug our bodies to work harder, stay up longer, sleep less, party more, we are up-to-date on the news, jam our schedules full of activities and in general are always busy doing something. We can't sit still. And if we do sit still, we engage our attention with video games or TV.

In all this busyness, we forget to take time to meditate, pray, ponder and commune with God.

We must return to God (and if we've never turned to Him before, then simply turn to Him). We must repent of and forsake our sins.

We must rest physically, mentally and spiritually. Spiritual rest is found in communion with God on our knees or in deep meditation.

We must turn the mp3 player and radio and TV and computer off. We must quiet our lives so as to let the Holy Spirit enter it and teach us the Lord's ways.

We must "let virtue garnish [our] thoughts unceasingly; then shall [our] confidence wax strong in the presence of God." (D&C 121:45)

By returning to God, resting, quieting our lives and increasing our confidence in God, we become more firm and steadfast and still. This is what my generation needs.

The Bread of Adversity and Water of Affliction

Indeed our trust in the Lord will be tested many times in our lives. Alma the Elder and his followers we sorely tested when the Lamanites and wicked priests of King Noah deceived and captured them and later enslaved them.

Alma and these people escaped the grasp of the wicked King Noah and had begun to prosper. They returned to God, repented and put their trust in Him. But their trials were not over.

"Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith.

"Nevertheless - whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day. Yea, and thus it was with this people." (Mosiah 23:21-22)

They found themselves in such a difficult position that no one but God could deliver them. The Lord truly gave them the bread of adversity and the water of affliction (Isaiah 30:20). The Lord saw the need to make these people stronger in faith. He tested them to see if they would trust in him. They accepted the bread and water and their souls were greatly strengthened and blessed.

There are countless stories in the scriptures of people accepting the bread of adversity and the water of affliction. Do we likewise accept this sacrament in order to be sanctified?

We would do well to remember, as trials come our way, that Christ did not shrink from the ultimate bitter cup. If we are to be like Him, then we must not shrink before the bread and water offered to us as we take upon ourselves the name of Christ.

The Lord Binds and Heals

Ultimately, the Lord will deliver us from bread of adversity and water of affliction. He will bind our breaches and heal our wounds. (Isaiah 30:26)

This reminds me of another moving passage found in Isaiah. Isaiah 53:5 reads, "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peaces was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Those last words of that verse really sink deep in my soul: and with his stripes we are healed. Christ partook of the bitter cup and thus knows all the trials, adversities and difficulties we face in this life. Therefore, he knows how to heal us physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Isaiah 29

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"Low out of the dust"

Isaiah 29:4 says, "And thou shalt be brought down, and shalt speak out of the ground, and thy speech shall be low out of the dust, and thy voice shall be, as of one that hath a familiar spirit, out of the ground, and they speech shall whisper out of the dust."

There seem to be two meanings from this verse. First, Jerusalem was humbled to the dust and scattered. In this humiliated condition, she wrote to the world the consequences of sin. She warned those of future generations of the fate of those who embrace wickedness.

The second meaning is more literal. Records of the fallen people are buried in the earth and are then published to the world as a warning. The Book of Mormon is believed to be one of these records. Other records (from the Ten Tribes of Israel) are to come forth as prophesied in 2 Nephi 29:13.

Dreams of Eating

I've always found this description of the wicked very interesting. They are and will be obsessed and bent on the destruction of Israel and the Lord's people, but they will not succeed. The Lord will make it appear to them that they will conquer over Israel, but in reality, they will not. It will be as a man who is hungry and who is dreaming. He dreams of food and in his dream, he eats and is filled, until he awakes. Then his discovers it was all a dream and the satisfaction that was his is gone.

So great will be their hatred that they will be drunk and stagger like an inebriated man.

The Sealed Book

Simply put, Isaiah 29:11 is a reference to Martin Harris delivering the text of the Book of Mormon to Charles Anthon (see LeGrand Richards, “Value of the Holy Scriptures,” Ensign, May 1976, 82).

Isaiah 29:12 is a reference to Joseph Smith translating the Book of Mormon (see Mark E. Petersen, Conference Report, October 1970, pp. 138-142).

Removed Hearts

One of the first sentences that began the Restoration was "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).

Isaiah 29:13 says, "this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear (regard or reverence) toward me is taught by the precept of men."

What does this all mean? Simply stated, it means apostasy; both generally and individually. People have become fundamentally separated from our Heavenly Father. We preach and teach and teach and preach, but do nothing. We do not acknowledge the power and authority of God. We do not strive to become true disciples of Christ. We may learn and teach all the correct doctrines, but if we do not act the part of a disciple of Christ, then our hearts are far from God.

Neal A. Maxwell once taught, "Of necessity, of course, we are to teach and learn the doctrines. We would be spiritually stranded without them and, likewise, without the saving and exalting gospel ordinances, because “in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.

“And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh” (D&C 84:20–21).

"So it is that discipleship requires all of us to translate doctrines, covenants, ordinances, and teachings into improved personal behavior. Otherwise we may be doctrinally rich but end up developmentally poor" (Neal A. Maxwell, “Becoming a Disciple,” Ensign, June 1996, 12).

The only way we can truly become disciples of Christ is to have our will swallowed by the will of the Son.

Neal A. Maxwell continues in another address, "I am going to preach a hard doctrine to you now. The submission of one’s will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God’s altar. It is a hard doctrine, but it is true. The many other things we give to God, however nice that may be of us, are actually things He has already given us, and He has loaned them to us. But when we begin to submit ourselves by letting our wills be swallowed up in God’s will, then we are really giving something to Him. And that hard doctrine lies at the center of discipleship. There is a part of us that is ultimately sovereign, the mind and heart, where we really do decide which way to go and what to do. And when we submit to His will, then we’ve really given Him the one final thing He asks of us. And the other things are not very, very important. It is the only possession we have that we can give, and there is no lessening of our agency as a result. Instead, what we see is a flowering of our talents and more and more surges of joy. Submission to Him is the only form of submission that is completely safe.

"This ought to be more obvious to us than it is sometimes, brothers and sisters, because developmentally, as well as doctrinally, all the other commandments hang, as Jesus said, on the two great interactive commandments:

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

“This is the first and great commandment.

“And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

“On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Matt. 22:37–40). (Neal A. Maxwell, “Insights from My Life,” Ensign, Aug 2000, 7)

The key to his teaching in the above quote is where he says, "There is a part of us that is ultimately sovereign, the mind and heart, where we really do decide which way to go and what to do." Now getting back to what the Savior said to young Joseph Smith, "they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." Is that not what the Savior really wants … our hearts; our wills? Is that not at the root at what He was trying to restore to the earth?

Every day, we should be praying and asking our Father, "what doest thou want me to do today? What is Thy will for me?" If we can truly, sincerely seek and follow God's will every day (and not hide counsel we receive from God … see Isaiah 29:15), then we will obey the first and great commandment.

PS: Also read my commentary in the Book of Mormon about this chapter. See 2 Nephi 26 and 2 Nephi 27

Isaiah 28

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Precepts, Lines, Here and There a Little

Much like learning a language or math or any science, we do not learn everything at once. We begin with the basics and then we begin to dig deeper. Learning the gospel is similar. We begin with the basics and then our knowledge is added upon.

"Precept upon precept; line upon line; here a little, and there a little" (Isaiah 28:10).

Ludlow elaborates on this concept. He teaches that precepts are eternal principals. Lines are commandments based upon those eternal principals and "here a little" is a fence or personal law designed to help individuals keep the commandments.

To clarify, he gives an example.

Isaiah's Term...........Ludlow's Term..........LDS Equivalent.........Example: Law of Life
precept..................principal..................higher law.................Life is sacred
line.......................commandment...........lesser law.................Thou shalt not kill
here a little.............fence......................personal law.............Do lot lose temper

This passage in Isaiah is also referenced in the D&C. D&C 98:11-12 reads, "And I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall forsake all evil and cleave unto all good, that ye shall live by every word which proceedeth forth out of the mouth of God.

"For he will give unto the faithful line upon line, precept upon precept, and I will try you and prove you herewith."

D&C 128:21 also references this passage.

Christ is the Stone

Undoubtedly, Isaiah 28:16 refers to Jesus Christ. "Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste."

The Book of Mormon expands upon this idea of Christ being the stone. Helaman 5:12 teaches, "Remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Remember, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yeah, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."

If we build our life … the way we live … upon the teachings of Christ, we will not fall for the temptations of the devil and will we produce good fruit. We will be good fruit and will not be cast out at the last day (see Alma 5:36, 52).

The Lord's Strange Work

The Lord's strange work is to bring to pass the eternal life and immortality of man (Moses 1:39).

Isaiah gives a parable to explain and teach what the Lord's strange work is. He compares a farmer preparing the land, planting and harvesting the grain to the souls of men. Not all time should be given to preparation. Each step is necessary, planned and carried out.

To me, this parable is a bit difficult to understand. Ludlow does a wonderful job explaining it.

"The means by which the Lord prepares the earth for his coming might be questioned by some people, but Isaiah answers their concerns in the last verses of chapter 28. Verses 23-29 deal with a "parable of the farmer" written in poetry. They can be divided into two segments: Isaiah first describes the method of sowing grain and then carefully distinguishes the methods used for threshing different crops:

"23Give ear and hear my voice; listen and hear my words. Does he who plows for sowing plow continually? 24Does, he [continually] tear up and harrow his land? 25Does he not rather, after leveling the surface, scatter dill and sow cummin, put the wheat in rows, barley in the appointed places and rye around its border? 26His God correctly instructs and teaches him. 27Dill is not threshed with a threshing sledge, neither does a cart wheel roll over cummin; but dill is beaten out with a rod and cummin with a flail. 28Grain is crushed; he will not continually thresh it, but he rolls the wheels of his cart over it, since with his horses he cannot crush it. 29Even this comes from the LORD of hosts, who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom. (MLB)

"In verse 23, Isaiah uses four imperatives—give, hear, listen, and hear—to alert his listeners to this important parable, which portrays why the Lord acts as he does in preparing the children for their final state. (Compare Isa. 1:2 where some of the same imperatives are used.) Verse 26, inserted between the "sowing" and "threshing" sections, provides an important key for understanding the parable. Verse 29 provides a concluding key and witness about the Lord's wisdom in all his doings.

"Sowing requires preparation. The farmer must plow, harrow, and level the ground before planting, and yet must not spend too much time in these tasks or he will not have enough growing season left for the seeds to mature (vs. 23-25). After preparing the soil, he is ready to plant each seed in its proper place. The comparatively abundant seed of the dill (or black cummin, "fitches" in the KJV) and the common cummin are used as a spice and on the crust of breads. This seed is scattered carelessly in the fields while the more valuable grain seeds, wheat and barley, are sown more carefully in the middle of the fields. Finally, the coarse, inferior rye seed is sown on the edges of the fields, which give a much lower yield. The farmer does his work carefully, using different methods for the different crops he grows. (Kaiser, Isaiah 13-39, p. 260; IDB 1:843; 2:274.)

"The threshing process also requires careful planning and the correct choice of tools and technique. The dill and cummin seeds are so small that a threshing sledge or cart is inappropriate, since the seeds would be crushed or lost. A stick is used to thresh them (v. 27). The larger and coarser grains require a heavy cart pulled by oxen, horses, or donkeys to separate the seeds from the stems and husks. The cart should not roll over the grain too long, however, or the seeds will be crushed to powder. After the threshing, a mill will eventually be used to grind the grain into flour (v. 28).

"In both the sowing and the threshing, the farmer acts with wisdom taught to man by God (vs. 26, 29). God instructs man correctly through divine counsel and wisdom, which is "wonderful" and "excellent." In other words, the Lord provides the proper instruction so that the farmer may have a successful harvest.

"The key to understanding this parable is the analogy between the farmer's technique and God's plan for "harvesting" souls. God's activities are similarly purposeful, orderly, and discriminating. He cannot spend all of his time preparing the earth for his children; finally he must send them there. As people grow, they must have "threshing" or testing, which differs from person to person. The threshing process suggests three elements about God's plan: (1) sifting the grain from the chaff suggests the separation of the righteous from the wicked; (2) the harshness of the threshing process suggests suffering as a necessary condition for the emergence of good, worthy souls (good, clean grain); and (3) the care of the divine Harvester in dealing with the more precious kinds of grain suggests the particular attention the Lord would give to the house of Israel and those foreordained to special callings. (IB 5:321.) God will not punish (thresh) his children beyond what they deserve. Isaiah emphasizes God's perfect wisdom in sowing and threshing his children until he achieves a full, complete harvest. (See Rom. 11:33; Jacob 4:8-10.)

Isaiah 26 & 27

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The 26th chapter of Isaiah contains some wonderful verses about trusting in the Lord and prayer.

Trust in the Lord

The first verse about trusting in the Lord is found in Isaiah 26:3, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." To me, this simply means that if I trust in the Lord and constantly remember and think of the Lord, then I will have true peace in my life.

Ezra Taft Benson referenced this scripture once in a talk. He said, "Let your minds be filled with the goal of being like the Lord, and you will crowd out depressing thoughts as you anxiously seek to know him and do his will. “Let this mind be in you,” said Paul. (Philippians 2:5.) “Look unto me in every thought,” said Jesus. (D&C 6:36.) And what will follow if we do? “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.” (Isaiah 26:3.) (Ezra Taft Benson, “Do Not Despair,” Ensign, Nov. 1974, 65)

We trust in the Lord when we strive to remember him in all that we do. This is another reason why we need to partake of the sacrament each week. We will only have the Spirit with us as we "always remember him" (see Moroni 4 & 5). If we can train our mind and heart to stay on the Lord, then remembering Him will be much easier.

One of my favorite scriptures is Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all they ways, acknowledge him, and he shall direct they paths."

But how do we trust in the Lord and keep on mind focused on Him?

Prayer

Isaiah 26:9 holds the answer to this question. "With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me I seek thee early."

President Thomas Monson often likes to quote the hymn "Prayer Is the Soul's Sincere Desire" (Hymn 145)

Prayer is the soul’s sincere desire,
Uttered or unexpressed,
The motion of a hidden fire
That trembles in the breast. …

O thou by whom we come to God,
The Life, the Truth, the Way!
The path of prayer thyself hast trod;
Lord, teach us how to pray.

The Resurrection

Isaiah references the resurrection in this chapter as well. "They dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead" (Isaiah 26:19).

This free gift from God is granted unto all regardless of the life we have lived on this earth.

Leviathan

To point out how little I know, I've always know that Leviathan was a deep sea monster and that there was a movie made about it. I had no idea it is a creature that has roots in the creation and ancient biblical texts.

Isaiah 27:1 says, "In that day the Lord with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea."

As Ludlow points out, the footnote in the LDS KJV notes that leviathan is "a legendary sea-monster representing the forces of chaos that opposed the Creator." The forces of chaos are Satan and his followers.

The Wikipedia entry on Leviathan goes into more detail about how this creature is described in Judaism and Christianity.

Isaiah 24 & 25

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An Empty Earth

The main theme of Isaiah 24 is that the earth will become desolate.

Isaiah 24:1 reads, "the Lord maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof."

Isaiah 24:3 reads, "The land shall be utterly emptied and utterly spoiled."

Isaiah 24:6 clarifies, "the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left."

Isaiah 24:20 also reads, "The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard" (see also D&C 45:48; 49:23; 88:87).

We don't know how the earth will be emptied of its people and become desolate, but we do know that many prophets have foreseen the day the earth will be burned. Some suggest it will be by nuclear destruction. Others may think it will be by global warming.

When I read scriptures as these, I always recall 2 Peter 3:10 which states, "the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up" (see also 3 Nephi 26:3; Mormon 9:2). D&C 101:25 goes a bit further and adds, "all things shall become new, that my knowledge and glory may dwell upon all the earth."

Why an Empty Earth?

Isaiah explains why the earth will become desolate. He teaches that the earth is "defiled under the inhabitants thereof: because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hat the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left" (Isaiah 24:5-6).

I like how Ludlow explains this verse. He says, "Each gospel principle, commandment, and ordinance was designed by God to help his children grow spiritually. Isaiah emphasizes that their changes have occurred upon three levels of the gospel: the knowledge level (teachings, instruction, or understanding), the action level (laws, commandments, or guidelines), and the contractual level (covenants, ordinances, or promises)" (242).

Not only will the earth become desolate because her people disobey the gospel, but as verse 6 states, "they that dwell therein are desolate." To me, that means their souls become void or are empty and of no worth. The destiny of the earth is linked to the destiny of our souls. If we care for our souls, we will care for the earth.

Many voices today declare that mankind has caused global warming. These same voices advocate a change in everyone's lifestyle. They demand everyone drive cleaner cars, use less and recycle more. Instead, if we want to "save the earth" we must clean the inward vessels first (Matthew 23:25-26).

Zion

Isaiah 24:13-14 talks about those who will be saved in the last days. "When thus it shall be in the midst of the land among the people, there shall be as the shaking of an olive tree, and as the gleaning grapes when the vintage is done. They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the Lord, they shall cry aloud from the sea."

I searched to see if there was any reference to Zion with regard to these two verses, but I did not find anything. But as I read these two verses, it seems to me that Isaiah saw the establishment of Zion.

A Glorious Worked Finished

In Isaiah 25, Isaiah teaches that we will rejoice in the last day when the victory over death and sin has been fully achieved. Christ will "swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth" (Isaiah 25:8)

There will be many who will have waited patiently for the Lord. They will say, "this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him; we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation" (Isaiah 25:9).

Now let us rejoice in the day of salvation.
No longer as strangers on earth need we roam.
Good tidings are sounding to us and each nation,
And shortly the hour of redemption will come.

In faith we'll rely on the arm of Jehovah
To guide thru these last days of trouble and gloom,
And after the scourges and harvest are over,
We'll rise with the just when the Savior doth come.

Then all that was promised the Saints will be given,
And they will be crown'd with the angels of heav'n,
And earth will appear as the Garden of Eden,
And Christ and his people will ever be one.

(Hymns, "Now Let Us Rejoice", 3)

Isaiah 21-23

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There is not a whole lot to glean from Isaiah 21-23. Ludlow discusses some parallels between Isaiah's writings and historical events.

Desert of the Sea

The nation described as "the desert of the sea" is never actually named. Many had speculated which nation it might be. Some think it is Babylon (see OT Student Manual: 1 Kings to Malachi p. 157).

Isaiah's Reaction to the Destruction

In Isaiah 21:3-4, Isaiah is painfully afflicted by seeing this vision of the destruction of the desert of the sea. If this nation is indeed Babylon and if this vicious destruction foreshadows the destruction of the world (Babylon = The World) in the Last Days, then Isaiah's reaction should be another warning to us who live in these latter-days.

Dumah and Arabia

I like what the OT Student Manual says about this. "As Isaiah used the destruction of every major sister nation to Israel as a type of the judgment that is to be administered to the wicked and their organizations in the last day, so he here, almost parenthetically, prophesied the destruction of even the minor nations of the east."

Valley of Vision: Jerusalem

Ludlow points out that "although the Assyrians have already destroyed dozens of Judean cities and take thousands of Jewish captives, the people of Jerusalem celebrate their freedom" (231). The people of Jerusalem make preparations for battle (Isaiah 22:6-11) but she does not remember the most important aspect in preparing for battle: remembering the Lord.

Isaiah rebukes them for making the "ditch between the two walls for the water of the old pool: but ye have not looked unto the maker thereof, neither had respect unto him that fashioned it long ago" (Isaiah 22:11).

We can make all the preparations in the world to fight temptations, but unless we invoke the Lord's help, all our work and preparations will avail us nothing.

Shebna and Eliakim and the Temple

Shebna was the leader of the king's court. Ludlow states that according to some scholars, Shebna was a foreigner. Because Shebna did not have Jerusalem in his best interests, the Lord replaced him with Eliakim.

Eliakim, which means "God shall cause to rise", is also a type for Christ. Isaiah, like many other times, uses language to not only describe the historical figure, but he uses language to describe Christ.

As you read Isaiah 22:21-25, you will note the significance of the language as it pertains to temple ordinances.

Elder Nelson's April 2001 General Conference talk does a wonderful job of explaining many aspects of the temple. He references Isaiah 22 in the following quote, "One may also read in the Old Testament and the books of Moses and Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price. Such a review of ancient scripture is even more enlightening after one is familiar with the temple endowment. Those books underscore the antiquity of temple work" (Russell M. Nelson, “Personal Preparation for Temple Blessings,” Ensign, May 2001, 32)

Tyre

The concluding "burden" is directed at Tyre. As Babylon is the symbol of wickedness and idolatry, Tyre symbolizes worldliness and materialism (Ludlow 236). Just as Babylon would fall, so too Tyre would loss her glory. Perhaps this means that in the last days as the world and its wickedness is destroyed, so too will the markets and trade systems collapse.

Isaiah 19 & 20

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These two chapters deal with the "burden" of Egypt. There are several chapters in Isaiah which cannot not be particularly applied to one's spiritual life. When that happens, I look for prophecies dealing with the last days. Isaiah usually prefaces his latter-day prophecies with the phrase "in that day." There are a handful of latter-day events listed in this section.

Judah Terrorizes Egypt

In this context, the word terrorize means torment or overpower and not the current use of the word today in this post 9/11 world.

Ludlow thinks that this verse (Isaiah 19:17) was fulfilled in the 1970s when Israel dominated Egypt in modern warfare. He explains, "until the time of modern wars between Israel and Egypt - which began in 1948 and included conflicts in 1956, 1967, and 1973 - Egypt has historically had no hesitation in carrying on battles in Palestine. The low point of Egyptian military power in comparison to that of Israel was the Six Day War of June 1967." (218).

A Temple in Egypt?

Isaiah 19:19 says, "in that day shall there be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the Lord."

I do not know how much advancement the Church has made into establishing itself in Egypt, but I did find an article from 1983 describing a special mission for a couple who served there for 18 months (see Thomas and Judith Parker, “‘Blessed Be Egypt My People’,” Ensign, Sep 1983, 40).

In this age of temple building, there are still many, many places throughout the earth that do not have a temple. Slowly but surely, the work is moving forward and one day we may see an LDS temple in Egypt.

Isaiah 19:21 gives encouraging insight when it states, "And the Lord shall be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know the Lord in that day."

Egyptian, Iraqi and Israeli Alliance

Another latter-day prophecy describes an alliance between Egypt, Iraq and Israel (see Isaiah 19:23-25)

Ludlow's book was published shortly after the Camp David Accords and so he provides an interesting perspective on this prophecy. He explains, "most readers of the scriptures who understand the history of the area find it incredible that these peoples could ever come together before a millennial era is established upon the earth." He continues, "If, in the summer of 1977, experts on the Middle East had been polled and asked if they thought Israel and Egypt would sign a peace treaty before the summer of 1979, scarcely any would have thought it possible." (221).

Two nations of the three listed in the prophecy seem to have established peace. What about the third? Ludlow writes, "considering Iraq's strong ties with Russia and the fierce anti-Zionist attitudes of the Iraqi leaders, it seem highly unlikely that Iraq will ever be pro-American, let alone pro-Egyptian or pro-Israeli, within the next few decades."

Twenty six years since Ludlow's book was published, the likelihood of a "pro-American/Israeli/Egyptian" Iraq is closer than ever. After clearing the terrorists out of Afghanistan, the United States invaded Iraq in order to oust Saddam Hussein in 2003. In the following years, the popularity of the Iraq War has waned. Then in the summer of 2007, a surge of troops went into Iraq and now Iraq is more stable than since before the war began. Iraqis have held elections and are now considered allies to the United States. Much remains to be seen as to what will happen, but as of today, the fulfillment of this Isaiah prophecy is closer than ever.

Isaiah 18

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America - The Land Shadowing with Wings

There is not much to write about this very short chapter. It is only seven verses long. According to Ludlow, this chapter has perplexed Bible scholars and translators "as much as any other Isaianic chapter" (203). Despite all this confusion, we have a few modern day prophets who leave little doubt as to this mysterious "land shadowing with wings" (Isaiah 18:1).

In the April 1844 general conference, Hyrum Smith referred to Isaiah 18 when he said, "North and South America are the symbols of the wings" (HC 6:322).

Joseph Fielding Smith said the following in the April 1966 General Conference, "America was discovered because the Lord willed it. The gospel was restored in America, rather than in some other land because the Lord willed it. This is the land "shadowing with wings" spoken of by Isaiah that today is sending ambassadors by the sea to a nation scattered and peeled, which at one time was terrible in the beginning (Isaiah 18:1-2). Now that nation is being gathered, and once again they shall be in favor with the Lord." (Joseph Fielding Smith, Conference Report, April 1966, pp. 12-15).

Missionaries - Ambassadors by Sea

One of the most important roles of the restored Gospel is that of gathering Israel (D&C 110:11). Isaiah saw that America would be the land of the restored Gospel and from it he saw thousands of "ambassadors" who scoured the earth gathering Israel.

Today, there are more than 50,000 missionaries worldwide who are gathering Israel. One by one, the lost of Israel are coming to accept the restored Gospel and are coming back into the fold. Elder Russell M. Nelson gave a wonderful talk on the gathering of Israel. He said, "Here on earth, missionary work is crucial to the gathering of Israel. The gospel was to be taken first to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel.” (Matthew 10:6; 15:24) Consequently, servants of the Lord have gone forth proclaiming the Restoration. In many nations our missionaries have searched for those of scattered Israel; they have hunted for them “out of the holes of the rocks”; and they have fished for them as in ancient days. (Jeremiah 16:16)." (Russell M. Nelson, “The Gathering of Scattered Israel,” Ensign, Nov 2006, 79–82)

What is expected of the world? The Lord plainly proclaims to the world, "when he bloweth a trumpet, hear ye." (Isaiah 18:3). We would hope that everyone would sincerely listen to the restored Gospel message.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the restored Gospel on the earth today. It is the ensign to all nations (Isaiah 18:3).

Isaiah 15-17

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Moab

"Moab was the eldest son of Lot's older daughter (see Genesis 19:37)" (OT Student Manual p. 155)

Although the Moabites and Israelites were cousins, they lived in continual strife. Chapters 15 and 16 entail the "burden" or pronouncement from Isaiah for Moab. Moab spiritually represents the wicked world. Although rich and powerful and prominent, none of these "sister nations" to Israel will prevail against Israel. Ludlow states, "Moab can be viewed as representing the enemies of God, with her destruction typifying the consequences coming upon those who oppose Israel at Christ's second coming" (191).

The following map, from the OT Student Manual, will help in placing the names of various cities and places referred to in these chapters.

Description of Destruction

The destruction of Moab was both real and typifies what will happen in the Last Days. Understanding the description of the destruction will help us recognize what will happen to those enemy nations in the Last Days.

In the Night

Isaiah states that "in the night" Ar and Kir are "laid to waste" (Isaiah 15:1). Many battles and wars were begun while the attacked were sleeping. The beginning of the destruction is both "sudden and unexpected" (Ludlow 192).

High Places, Baldness and Sackcloth

The false gods the Moabites worshipped could not protect them from the destruction of the Lord. They went to their temples or high places, not to worship, but to mourn.

Moab's "pride and prominence" (OT Student Manual p. 156) would be replaced with baldness and "every beard cut" (Isaiah 15:2). Baldness represented shame and reproach. In essence, the pride of Moab would be torn down and Moab would be brought to the dust.

Their rich clothing would also be replaced with sackcloth.

Heifer of Three Years Old

Various commentators (Keil and Delizsch noted in the OT Student Manual; Rashi and Drauss noted in Ludlow) say that a heifer of three years old represents youth and vibrancy and health and beauty. Ludlow surmises that this means Moab would be destroyed "at its most prosperous period" (194).

Drought, Plundering, Mourning, Slaughter

Isaiah 15:6-9 warn of other destructions that will befall Moab. Waters would be desolate. The hay would be withered and the grass would fail to grow and nothing will be green.

All that they will have laid up in storage will be carried away by invading forces.

The people will cry and howl and the waters of their rivers will be full of blood of those who have been slaughtered.

Counsel or Appeal?

Isaiah 16 contains either counsel or an appeal. What the footnotes state in the KJV LDS Bible and what Ludlow states seem to conflict.

The Passage

Isaiah 16:3-6 states, "Take counsel, execute judgment; make thy shadow as the night in the midst of the noonday; hide the outcasts; bewray not him that wandereth.

"Let mine outcasts dwell with thee, Moab; be thou a covert to them from the face of the spoiler: for the extortioner is at an end, the spoiler ceaseth, the oppressors are consumed out of the land.
"And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness.

"We have heard of the pride of Moab; he is very proud: even of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: but his lies shall not be so."

The Footnotes

The 3a footnote says, "HEB Give counsel. This begins Moab's appeal to Judah (v. 3-5)." Footnote 6a further states, "Beginning of Judah's reply, declining Moab's appeal."

The 5b footnote implies the ruler spoken of in verse 5 is Jesus Christ.

Ludlow's Commentary

Ludlow thinks that Isaiah is giving an "unusual command" to Judah. He suggests that Isaiah is counseling Judah to protect Moab. He continues, "This relationship strongly contrasts their earlier attitude; the two often fought and rarely protected each other" (195).

Ludlow continues with his interpretation, "The Davidic ruler of verse 5, protector of Moab, can also be interpreted as a messianic figure. Before Christ returns at his second coming and fulfills such a role (see Luke 1:32:33), there will be another "king of the Jews" who will be just and righteous and who might provide aid to the descendants of Moab. (Compare Isaiah 11:1-5)"

"The last verses of Isaiah 16 abandon the promise of aid from Israel and return to a straightforward description of the catastrophe and physical desolation to come upon Moab" (195). He then continues his commentary for Isaiah 16:6-13.

Summary

To summarize, the LDS Bible footnote authors believe that Moab appealed to Judah for protection, invoking the mercy of the throne of Christ. On the other hand, Ludlow believes that Isaiah counseled Judah to protect Moab. His reference to another king of the Jews has been stated before. The two views, to me, seem to conflict.

For what it's worth, the OT Student Manual completely avoids any commentary or instruction regarding Isaiah 16:3-5. Also, for more information about the authorship of the footnotes as well as other scriptural helps, read Bruce T. Harper, “The Church Publishes a New Triple Combination,” Ensign, Oct 1981, 9.

Destruction Assured in Three Years

Isaiah continues with his description of the destruction of Moab. He finishes Isaiah 16 by stating that this is what the Lord has spoken concerning Moab and that within three years, this destruction would be complete.

It seems as though this prophecy had been given previously. If so, then Isaiah would be establishing the words and testimony of another prophet (see 2 Cor. 13:1).

Syria

Isaiah continues to deliver "burdens" to the surrounding nations. The next warning is directed at Syria. Isaiah 17 is another chiasmus. This one is divided into five parts (see Ludlow 198-202).

Syria Will be Emptied (v. 1-3)

Similar to the warning to Babylon, Damascus, which is the capital of Syria, will no longer be a city. It will be left in ruins as the people flee the city.

Israel Will Dwindle (v. 4-6)

The next part warns of the diminishing of Israel or Jacob. Jacob becomes thin as a harvest takes place. Only a little fruit remains on the branches. Ludlow mentions that this warning is similar to the one given to Syria, thus verses 1-3 parallel verses 4-6.

The People Will Eventually Turn to God (v. 7-8)

Isaiah 17:7-8 gives us all a glimmer of hope in a troubled world. "At that day" (meaning in the Last Days) "shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel"

"And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect that which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images."

One day, mankind will turn away from idol worship and will turn to worship the true and living God. The culture of materialism and sexual sin will eventually end and will be replaced with a culture of worshiping the true and living God.

Note that when Isaiah uses the word "groves" he means Asherah poles which are "idols, images, or symbols of the pagan fertility goddess, Asherah" (Ludlow 200). For more information, read the Bible Dictionary entry for "grove."

Harvests Will Cease (v. 9-11)

Isaiah further reiterates the desolation that will come upon the people who have "not been mindful of the rock of [their] strength" (Isaiah 17:10).

Ludlow explains that the planting of pleasant plants is a part of pagan worship. Despite their best efforts to plant the best plants and their best care, none of these plants will produce a harvest because the people have "forgotten the God of [their] salvation" who is the true author of all harvests.

Those Who Threaten the Lord's Children Will Suddenly Be Destroyed (v. 12-14)

Syria and any other nation that fights Israel will "chased as the chaff" (Isaiah 17:13) or driven away. This is the Lords ultimate promise of protection to his children.

"Fear not to do good"

As I've been reading these chapters concerning the "burdens" of the various nations surrounding Israel, I get this sense that Israel and the children of God in these latter days were and are seemingly engulfed by the wicked nations of the world. It seems to me as though God was telling them and telling us today that things will get rough and difficult; nevertheless, if we strive to purify ourselves and repent of our sins, He will ultimately deliver us.

I also get this sense and feeling that everything will be fine. I need not worry about the grand events and that all I really need to concern myself with is my own salvation and that of my family. God has a plan and His plan will prevail.

I am reminded of a scripture found in D&C 6:33-34 which says, "Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye do good ye shall also reap good for your reward.

"Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail."

Isaiah 13 & 14

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Babylon

Chapter 13 describes both the literal and spiritual fall of Babylon. As is the usual modus operandi with Isaiah, he uses dualism to prophesy of events. In this case, Babylon is a real nation that is wicked and is utterly destroyed. Spiritually speaking, Babylon represents the world and its desires. In the Last Days, the wicked will be completely destroyed as was Babylon the nation.

A Banner, an Ensign

In Isaiah 13:2-5, the God issues a call to His people to gather to fight Babylon. The "sanctified ones" gather and their gathering is like a "noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together." And then the bombastic statement: "the Lord of hosts mustereth the host of battle."

In a spiritual sense, we must do our part to heed the call to the great rally. We can begin by conquering the enemy within or the natural man. In the October 2000 General Conference, James E. Faust said the following, " President Joseph F. Smith taught us: “Our first enemy we will find within ourselves. It is a good thing to overcome that enemy first and bring ourselves into subjection to the will of the Father, and into strict obedience to the principles of life and salvation which he has given to the world for the salvation of men.” In simple terms, this means that we need to strengthen the good within us and to overcome the temptations of Satan. The direction finder is sure. Alma tells us, “Whatsoever is good cometh from God, and whatsoever is evil cometh from the devil.” (James E. Faust, “The Enemy Within,” Ensign, Nov 2000, 44–46)

As we overcome Satan's fiery darts (see Eph 6:16; 1 Ne. 15:24; D&C 3:8; 27:17) we will lead a life of righteousness by example and we will have "confidence" (D&C 121:45) and can fight the adversary and his devious teachings.

The Destruction of Babylon

The fall of Babylon (physically and spiritually) will be so complete, that it will never be rebuilt or inhabited (Isaiah 13:19-20). So many inhabitants (and spiritually wicked people) will be destroyed that man will be rarer than gold. Those that are left will be the foundation for a new millennial reign (Isaiah 13:12).

Babylon's King

Again, Isaiah uses dualism to describe the downfall of Babylon's king who is synonymous to Satan - both would fall and eventually be forgotten.

Lucifer was a "son of the morning" and probably held a high rank in the counsels of heaven. But he rebelled against God and sought to take God's power to himself. "I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north." The CES Institute manual notes that Bible commentators Keil and Delitzsch translated the word "congregation" as "assembly of gods."

Satan was cast to earth where he continued to wage war on the children of men. Eventually he will be thrust to Hell "to the sides of the pit" and all will look on him and wonder "is this the man that made the earth to treble, that did shake kingdoms?" (Isaiah 14:16). Kings will have memorials and tombs and will be resurrected, but Satan will have no memorial and no body. He will be cast in to outer darkness forever and will lose all power (D&C 133:73).

Isaiah 11 & 12

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The Rod, Stem of Jesse, the Branch and the Roots

What are we to make of this verse?

"And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots" (Isaiah 11:1).

Ludlow thinks that verse 1 is an example of "synonymous parallelism" meaning the same concept is said twice but with different language. Essentially he thinks the Rod = the Branch and the stem = his roots. Following this line of reasoning, verse one is referring to one person - the Rod or the Branch. He summarizes what he thinks by stating, "the servant of Isaiah 11:1 appears to describe the great Jewish leader of the last days who will be called David. He will be an instrument (in somewhat the same manner as was Cyrus anciently - see Isaiah 44:28) used by the Lord to fulfill his divine plan of events before the Millennium" (169).

From D&C 113 we learn that the stem is Jesus Christ. We also learn that the Rod "is a servant in the hands of Christ, who is partly a descendant of Jesse as well as of Ephraim, or of the house of Joseph, on whom there is laid much power."

LDS commentators George Reynolds and Janne Sjodahl state that the Rod of the stem of Jesse is the Messiah or Jesus Christ (Commentary on the Book of Mormon vol. 1 ch. 21).

Another commentator suggested that this Rod is Joseph Smith (Isaiah Plain and Simple: the Message of Isaiah in the Book of Mormon, by Hoyt W. Brewster. See chapter 11).

Yet another commentator has nicely summed up what various sources believe with regards to this passage. He says, "A partial explanation of this enigmatic prophecy is provided by the Lord in Doctrine and Covenants 113 where he declares himself to be the "Stem of Jesse." (D&C 113:1-2, Note that "Stem" is capitalized in the Doctrine and Covenants but not in Isaiah. See Romans 15:12) Like the trunk (stem) of a great tree, Jehovah is the life-source of Israel with its many branches. A "rod" (shoot) will grow out of the "Stem," meaning a man will come forth from Christ. This "rod" is "a servant in the hands of Christ, who is partly a descendant of Jesse as well as of Ephraim." That is, this "servant" will have a dual lineage, being a descendant of both Judah and Joseph. Most commentators assume that Isaiah is employing synonymous parallelism (Synonymous parallelism occurs when the same thought is restated or amplified in the second clause or sentence. For example see Isaiah 1:10; 9:6; Psalm 24:1) in this passage and equate the "rod" with the "Branch." If the two clauses are wholly synonymous, then both "stem" and "roots" represent Christ, whereas the "rod" and the "Branch" represent his unidentified servant. If, however, Isaiah does not intend synonymous parallelism (as he sometimes does not), then at least three individuals are symbolized in verse one: the "rod," the "Stem of Jesse," and the "Branch." A fourth individual is described in verse 10 as "the root of Jesse." The Lord explained that this "root of Jesse" will be a "descendant of Jesse, as well as of Joseph, unto whom rightly belongs the priesthood, and the keys of the kingdom, for an ensign, and for the gathering of my people in the last days." Like the "rod," he, too, will descend from both Judah and Joseph.

"The actual identities of the "rod," the "Branch," and the "root of Jesse" in Isaiah are conjectural. Some believe that both "rod" and "Branch" symbolize the second David. Others believe that the "rod" is David, and the "Branch" another latter-day figure.

"Regardless, the "root of Jesse" is almost surely the Prophet Joseph Smith. He holds the keys of this kingdom in both time and eternity and is the president of the last and greatest of all dispensations, the dispensation of the fulness of times. (See D&C 27:12-13; 90:1-3; 112:30-32; 128:18-21) He is the living ensign to which the present generation must gather. We cannot, in reality, come to Christ if we do not accept his servant, Joseph Smith.

"The Lord's works are first spiritual and then temporal, or physical. (See D&C 29:31-32) All of the spiritual keys, powers, doctrines, and ordinances revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith must be honored and implemented before Zion, the second ensign, can be literally established in fullness and glory. (See D&C 64:41-43; 105:3-5) That day is not far off (Witness of Jesus Christ: The 1989 Sperry Symposium on the Old Testament, Richard D. Draper. See ch. 14 "The Two Davids").

So any hope I had of finding a definitive answer on who the rod and branch is or are, is lost in a sea of opinions. It could be Christ or Joseph Smith or a powerful Jewish leader named David.

Characteristics (of the great leader or of the Lord)

Whoever this rod or branch is, he will have many great characteristics. The spirit of the Lord will be upon him. He will have the spirit of wisdom and insight; counsel and valor; devotion and reverence for the Lord. He will have a keen sense for the truth. He will not judge with his eyes or pass judgment with what he hears. He will judge the poor with equity and give justice to the lowly of the land. He will "smite the earth with the rod of his mouth." I find this phrase interesting. Christ uses this same phrase in D&C 19:15 when he commands us to repent.

Regardless of who the rod or branch is, all these characteristics apply to Christ as well. And if they apply to Christ, then we must apply them to ourselves since we must strive to be like Him.

The Millennium

In Isaiah 11:6-9 we read how peace will reign on the earth. Even the animals will not kill or injure one another.

While leading Zion's Camp, Joseph Smith taught the men a valuable lesson. "While making their camp at the close of the day after crossing the Embarras River in Indiana, the brethren discovered three prairie rattlesnakes, which they were about to kill. The prophet called to them saying, "Let them alone—don't hurt them! How will the serpent ever lose his venom, while the servants of God possess the same disposition, and continue to make war upon it? Men must become harmless, before the brute creation; and when men lose their vicious dispositions and cease to destroy the animal race, the lion and the lamb can dwell together, and the suckling child can play with the serpent in safety" (Church History and Modern Revelation, vol. 3. Joseph Fielding Smith. See Lesson 88 "Zion's Camp").

The Root of Jesse

"And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious." (Isaiah 11:10).

In verse 10 we have more tree terms applied to a man. D&C 113:5-6 states that this root is a "descendant of Jesse, as well as of Joseph, unto whom rightly belongs the priesthood, and the keys of the kingdom, for an ensign, and for the gathering of my people in the last days."

There seems to be greater clarity from scholars who tend to think the root of Jesse is Joseph Smith. He indeed possesses the keys to the kingdom and is an ensign to all the earth in these latter days.

The Gathering of Israel

President Hinckley said the following in 1989, "Brigham Young, Wilford Woodruff, and a handful of their associates hiked from their campground a little to the south of us, on past the ground where we are, and up the hill to the north of us. They climbed a dome-shaped peak, President Young having difficulty because of his recent illness.

"When the Brethren stood on the summit, they looked over this valley to the south of them. It was largely barren, except for the willows and rushes that grew along the streams that carried water from the mountains to the lake. There was no building of any kind, but Brigham Young had said the previous Saturday, “This is the place.”

"The summit where they stood was named Ensign Peak out of reference to these great prophetic words of Isaiah: “And he [speaking of God] will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly.” (Isa. 5:26.)

“And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.” (Isa. 11:12.)

There is some evidence to indicate that Wilford Woodruff took from his pocket a bandanna handkerchief and waved it as an ensign or a standard to the nations, that from this place should go the word of the Lord, and to this place should come the people of the earth. (Gordon B. Hinckley, “An Ensign to the Nations,” Ensign, Nov 1989, 51)

The 10th Article of Faith states, "We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes."

Isaiah further teaches that "there shall be an highway for the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria; like as it was to Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt" (Isaiah 11:16).

The restoration of the 10 tribes will truly be miraculous. Isaiah compares it to when "Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left" (Exodus 14:29).

D&C 133:22-27 says "And it shall be a voice as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder, which shall break down the mountains, and the valleys shall not be found.

"He shall command the great deep, and it shall be driven back into the north countries, and the islands shall become one land;

"And the land of Jerusalem and the land of Zion shall be turned back into their own place, and the earth shall be like as it was in the days before it was divided.

"And the Lord, even the Savior, shall stand in the midst of his people, and shall reign over all flesh.

"And they who are in the north countries shall come in remembrance before the Lord; and their prophets shall hear his voice, and shall no longer stay themselves; and they shall smite the rocks, and the ice shall flow down at their presence.

"And an highway shall be cast up in the midst of the great deep."

See also D&C 110:11.

Spiritual Growth

Ludlow compares the psalm in Isaiah 12 with one's spiritual growth.

In Isaiah 12:1-2 the individual gains his own testimony of the atonement when he is forgiven his sins.

The next progression is when the individual wishes to share with other the joy of salvation (baptism … Isaiah 12:3).

Next, the individual exhorts others to "declare his doings among the people" (Isaiah 12:4).

Finally his testimony is manifested when he sings and testifies the truth of the gospel (Isaiah 12:5).

Isaiah 9 & 10

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A Great Light

Isaiah 9:2 describes the contrast between the people walking in darkness and the light that is shined on them. Ludlow suggests that there are three possible interpretations for this verse.

The first one is that the darkness represents Assyria and the light represents "the king who protects his people from Assyria" (153). Since Hezekiah is the victorious king who later defeats the Assyrians, he is the "light."

The second interpretation is that the darkness represents Israel's wickedness and the light is her recognition of those sins and her attempt to change. Both Isaiah and Hezekiah helped reform the Israelites after their captivity.

The third is the most common Christian interpretation. The darkness represents "a period of wickedness and apostasy" and the light of Christ dispels the darkness. Matthew 4:12-16 explicitly refers to Christ as the light.

Isaiah 9:3-5 seems to fit with each of the above interpretations. Viewed through the lens of each interpretation, we can see how Israel defeats Assyria; how Israel overcomes her wickedness; and how Christ defeats sin and death.

"For unto us a child is born"

I really love the words in Isaiah 9:6-7. Every time I read this passage, I think of Handel's Messiah. One of the most ingrained memories I have as a young man is that of going to The Messiah at Christmas time with my mom. She is the one who first told me how Handel locked himself in a room writing this masterpiece. When it was finished he exclaimed, "I did think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God Himself." A simple search of the Internet will register a handful of versions of this story, but none seem to have a source. The common element is that Handel feverishly wrote The Messiah in 24 days and when he finished the Hallelujah chorus, he was in tears and uttered those words (http://www.theviolincase.com/Newsletter/Dec04.shtml). Whether the story be true or not, the feelings and awe that this work inspires in me shakes me to the core and brings me to tears.

Four Warnings to Israel

Isaiah gives four major warnings to the northern kingdom of Israel. With each warning he tells them, "For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still." In other words, depending on how the people react, His hand may be outstretched to mercifully help if they repent or it is held out to smite them down in their wickedness.

Pride

In Isaiah 9:10, the people say that even if they are destroyed by the Lord, they will take the fallen bricks and build an even better city. In this their pride is manifest.

Evil Leaders

Since the people did not turn to the Lord, nor sought him, He will take away their leaders. Perhaps the leaders tried to warn the people and the people did not heed them, therefore the Lord took their leaders away. Or perhaps the leaders did not properly lead the people and therefore the Lord took them away.

Selfishness

Isaiah 9:18-21 we read how selfish the people are. "No man shall spare his brother." Everyone is so selfish that no one will help his brother in need.

Injustice

The needy and poor and the widows and fatherless do not receive any justice. The people will not succor those in need. Therefore the Lord will not succor His people in the day of their need. "Without me they shall bow down under the prisoners, and they shall fall under the slain" (Isaiah 10:4).

Assyria: A Tool in the Lord's Hands

We learn from Isaiah that Assyria was a tool in the Lord's hand. But instead of heeding the Lord, Assyria seeks to not only take what the Lord has allowed, but to take more. "It is in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few" (Isaiah 10:7). For this pride the Lord will "punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks" (Isaiah 10:12).

The Lord rhetorically asks, "shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith?" (Isaiah 10:15). We can all be tools in the Lord's hands. But we must never boast of our own accord. In all we do, we must recognize the Lord's hand. I am reminded of something I learned in my humanities class at BYU. JS Bach often signed his compositions with SDG. SDG is Soli Deo Gloria which is Latin meaning "for the Glory of God." I think that if more of us held the perspective that our lives should bring glory to God, then our actions would be more in tune with His will and will would truly be instruments in the Lord's hands.

As Ludlow points out, Assyria was eventually annihilated by the Babylonians and Persians beginning with the sack of Nineveh in 612 BC.

The Hope of the Remnant

Despite the Assyria conquest, Israel will return. The Lord gives the people hope by telling them that a remnant will return. This remnant will not only return to their lands, but they will return to the Lord.

The Lord also promises that the Assyrian army will come close to Jerusalem, but will not conquer her (Isaiah 10:28-32). The Lord will cut down the Assyrians before they can invade. This passage also foretells of the time before the 2nd Coming of the Lord (see Zechariah 14:2; Revelation 11:1-13; and JST Matthew 24).

Isaiah 7 & 8

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Isaiah's Warning to Judah

The Lord commanded Isaiah to warn Judah not to form a political alliance with Assyria. To briefly provide a background, the superpower of that day was Assyria. Assyria was on the move and was going to invade Israel and Jerusalem. Israel (Ephraim) saw the imminent invasion and formed an alliance with Syria. This alliance also wanted Judah to join them, but Judah refused. Therefore the Syro-Israeli alliance was going to force Judah into the alliance by attacking her. Hoping to repel this attack, Judah intended to form an alliance with Assyria whereby Assyria would protect Judah from the Syro-Israeli alliance. Isaiah and his son were sent to the king of Judah to warn him against forming an alliance with Assyria and instead to put faith in the Lord.

Isaiah tells Ahaz to "fear not, neither be fainthearted" (Isaiah 7:4). Syria and Israel will not attack Judah. Instead, they will be scattered and broken. But Ahaz lacks faith. Isaiah further warns him, "If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established" (Isaiah 7:9). I like the translation Ludlow uses; "If you do no stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all" (140).

In order to prove the legitimacy of Isaiah's words, the Lord tells the king through Isaiah to ask for a sign. But Ahaz refuses. It almost seems that he is like an ostrich with its head stuck in the sand. He trusts more in establishing an alliance with Assyria to protect Judah than in having faith in the Lord. Either is trust in the arm of flesh or his complete lack of faith in the Lord causes him to not even want to see a sign. But the Lord insists he sees the sign.

The Immanuel Prophecy

We have been taught my modern revelation that the Immanuel referred to in this prophecy is Jesus Christ. But given that this prophecy to Ahaz was delivered centuries before Christ, this prophecy may also have referred more directly to a boy who lived in during this era. As with many prophecies from Isaiah, there are multiple levels and meanings.

Ludlow offers three theories in his book. The one I tend to agree with is multi-level meaning prophecy. He describes the three levels:

1. As mentioned earlier, Ahaz and the people of Judah needed to develop faith in the Lord to deliver them from the confederacy of Rezin and Pekah. A son was to be born and named Immanuel as a sign of the Lord's power of deliverance in the subsequent withdrawal and humiliation of the threatening alliance.

2. To the people at the time of the birth of Christ, it was a sign to know that Jesus Christ, the Messiah, was to come. Therefore, Isaiah was promised that God himself should "come down from heaven among the children of men and dwell in a tabernacle of clay" (Mosiah 3:5) to free them from the threat of sin and spiritual bondage. (This level of fulfillment is the one usually stressed by General Authorities of this dispensation as they quote and apply the Immanuel prophecy.) (See Matt. 1:21-23.)

3. Isaiah's prophecy is a call to faith in the last days. The birth of Christ strengthens our faith that in the end of the world, against all odds, the Lord "shall bring again Zion." (See Isa. 52:9-10; D&C 84:99.) The memorial of Immanuel's birth is a sign of God's help in such extremity and is intended to build our faith today that indeed "God is with us."

Isaiah's Warning Reiterated

Judah received confirmation of Isaiah's legitimacy as a prophet when his second son began to speak. He warned the people by writing on a large parchment that the attack of the Assyrians on Israel to the north was approaching. He embodied this warning in his son's name which meant "to speed to the spoil, he hasteneth the prey" (see footnote Isaiah 8:1d). He further stated that before the boy would be able to speak, all the spoils of Israel and Syria would be carried away by Assyria. The people observed closely and received a confirmation that Isaiah was a prophet of God.

Next he warns them that as they have rejected the "waters of Shiloah," which meant they rejected the Lord, then they would be flooded by the waters of the river or "the king of Assyria" (Isaiah 8:7).

He also warns them again of forming an alliance with Assyria (Isaiah 8:9). He also warns those who would fight Judah. In Isaiah 8:10, he tells them that for all their planning, it will be for naught, "for God is with us."

The Lord commands Isaiah to not follow the way of the people. Rather, he needed seek the will of the Lord. Those who listen to Isaiah and the Lord will find a sanctuary or a protection in the Lord. Those who do not heed the Lord's counsel will stumble, then fall and then be broken and then snared by the devil and finally taken to hell (Isaiah 8:15). This verse reminds me of 2 Nephi 26:22 where we learn that the devil would lead us by the neck with a flaxen cord until he binds us with strong cords forever.

Isaiah conclude by testifying of himself and his sons as signs from God (Isaiah 8:18). Then he teaches them to not seek after mediums and "wizards that peep." Rather, they should go directly to the source for revelation. One of the great lessons from the Restoration is that each of us can go directly to the source. We do not have to seek "wizards that peep" to tell us God's will concerning us. Each of us can pray and receive personal revelation and testimony from above.

Isaiah 6

2007-11-24T22:21:00.000-08:00

Isaiah's Calling

In this short chapter, Isaiah is called by the Lord.

Isaiah sees the Lord sitting on his throne. Next he sees seraphs and realizes he is indeed in the presence of the Lord. He recognizes his unworthiness, but one of the seraphs takes a hot coal and places it on Isaiah's lips. Isaiah's iniquities and sins are forgiven and purged.

The Oven Analogy

While I was reading about the part of the coal purging Isaiah's sin, I thought of something that happened recently in our home. While cooking Thanksgiving dinner, my wife noticed that the juice from the stuffing was spilling over and burning on the burners and making the oven smoke. By the time the dinner was all cooked, she had decided it was time to clean the oven. She read the cleaning instructions and then followed the process. First we had to scrape all the excess off and do what we could to clean the oven. Even after all that scrubbing, the oven still wasn't not spotless. The next step involved the automated process whereby the oven cleans itself. The oven locks itself and then the burners burn at an intense heat. The burn cycle takes four hours and burns everything leftover in the oven. When we awoke the next day, we opened the oven and it looked brand new.

I don't know if this is a good analogy or not, but to me it's applicable. We must do our part to repent of our sins, but we will never really be cleansed until the Lord does His part. We did the best we could to prepare the oven to be cleansed, but it would never be clean until it went through that burn cycle.

Hear, but not Understand

Ludlow has a lot to say on this subject in his book. One of the things he points out is the Book of Mormon clarification. Isaiah 6:9 says, "And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not." 2 Nephi 16 makes it clearer by adding a key word - "they". In 2 Nephi 16 it reads, "Hear ye indeed, but they understood not; and see ye indeed, but they perceived not." The Book of Mormon makes it clearer … we now know that the Lord did not want the people to misunderstand, rather he teaches us that when Isaiah would preach to them, they would not understand because they chose not to listen.

We gain further insight into passage by reading the cross references to Isaiah 6:9, namely Matthew 13:14-15 and Acts 28:26-27. In these passages, we learn the reason why the Lord taught in parables and why the Lord commanded Isaiah to teach the way he taught. They taught in this manner so that those who were ready to hear the word, heard what they were supposed to hear while those who were not ready either misunderstood or never completely understood and thus avoided condemnation (Ludlow 133).

While Jesus taught in parables, Isaiah taught in symbolism, poetry and complex terminology. As Ludlow states, "instead of speaking at a simple level and letting his listeners build upon that foundation, Isaiah spoke at a high intellectual and spiritual level, thus challenging or even forcing his listener to attain that level before they could begin to understand his word. Isaiah was not only difficult, he was deliberately difficult. We must study his words, wrestle with them, and ponder them at great length before his powerful, sublime teachings begin to emerge and inspire us" (135).

Isaiah 5

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The Parable of the Vineyard

Background

The Parable of the Vineyard is the first of three sections in Isaiah 5. The parable is found in verses 1-7.

Ludlow writes in his book that he along with “many scholars” (p. 115) (although he doesn’t cite any other scholar) believed that Isaiah delivered this parable to the people gathered in Jerusalem for the yearly Feast of the Tabernacles (see “Feasts” in the Bible Dictionary for more information). Ludlow states that during Isaiah’s time, the Feast of the Tabernacles had been corrupted. The Day of Atonement was observed a few days before the Feast of the Tabernacle, during which they should be fasting and praying. After observing the Day of Atonement, the people participated in “excessive revelry and merrymaking” and this “distracted them from the fasting and rededication rites they had performed” during the Day of Atonement (p. 116).
To bring this back to modern-day application, today many of our holy days (holidays) are drowned out by the materialism of our society. Instead of thinking on why we give gifts on Christmas day, we think more about what we want to receive as gifts. In this scenario, Isaiah apparently delivers his parable to the people.

Pattern

Isaiah uses a pattern in this parable and other parts of this chapter.

He begins by identifying (I) and defining the people to which the message will apply.

Secondly, he describes (D) the Lord’s work or power or judgment upon the previously defined people.

Lastly, he contrasts (C) “the initial expectation of the Lord or the people” with what actually occurs. The initial expectation and reality are usually opposite of each other.

What I have done in my scriptures is color-code each part of the pattern. Pink is the identifying pieces of the pattern; orange is the description; and green is the contrast.

The Parable

The parable has four parts with each part containing the pattern. The first part sets the stage for the lesson that Isaiah is about to give to his audience. He tells them that he has a friend who planted a choice vineyard. But instead of yielding delicious grapes, it produced wild grapes.

The second part switches to first person, indicating that Isaiah is speaking on the Lord’s behalf. He seeks the audience’s advice and asks “What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it?”

In the third part, the Lord tells them what he will do to the vineyard. He will knock down the hedge and leave the vineyard unkempt and he will also take the rain away from it.

I particularly like what Ludlow had to say about this part, “His process of abandoning the vineyard exemplifies the judgments of God, who usually does not destroy or severely punish a wicked person; God simply leaves him alone to face the challenges of life and buffetings of Satan without the protection of the Spirit” (p. 114).

The last part of the parable contains the surprise. Up until now, the audience may have been enjoying that parable and were enthralled with the story of this friend who planted the finest vineyard in the finest ground, yet still yielded sour grapes. Perhaps they gave Isaiah some advice to pass along to his friend because they had a similar experience. But now Isaiah reveals the true purpose of the parable. The story of his friend is about them! The vineyard is the house of Israel “and the men of Judah his pleasant plant” (Isaiah 5:7). If they audience is quick on the uptake, they will realize where they stand with the Lord.

Have you ever had a child who doesn’t want to eat his peas or doesn’t want to take a bath? Simply telling him to eat his peas or telling her to take a bath won’t fix the problem. Sometimes we have to take a backdoor approach. Telling them a story of a girl who refused to take a bath might help. The girl’s parents were so tired of fighting with the girl, they decided to let her win … she would never have to take a bath again. But soon the dirt in her hair and arms were so thick that one day at dinner, her dad planted radish seeds in her hair! In a few weeks they were able to pluck the radishes from her head! The girl was so mortified, that she decided she wanted to take a bath. By telling this story and other similar stories, we hope to grab our children’s attention and teach them a lesson. Isaiah used a similar method by telling the people this parable of the vineyard.

The Woes

There are six woes pronounced by Isaiah to Israel. I’ve tried to glean what I can and apply it to our day.

The first one deals with landowners buying up the poorer farmers land until all the wealthy landowners are joined house to house and field to field that there be no poor between them. The poor are thus forced to move to the cities or live on the land as indentured servants (Ludlow 117).

In our day, greed is common. People try to keep up with their neighbors. Families buy big homes and then fill it with things they do not need. Sometimes their greed pushes them to purchase beyond their means. Greed is a sin.

The second woe is to those who are continually drunk. In our day, we may think that this scripture might not apply to us; that we might use it against those who drink. But we can still apply it to ourselves. The drunkard is simply an addict. Do we not all have to be careful of addictions? The prophet has warned repeatedly against the vice of pornography. He has also warned that we should get our houses in order. Are we addicted to spending money? As King Benjamin instructed the Nephites, “there are divers ways and means” of committing sin and establishing addictions.

The third woe warns against those who would hasten the Lord’s work (Isaiah 5:19). To me this sounds like a lack of patience. Sometimes we want to see the signs so that we may know if it is true. But we would be wise not to tempt the Lord for a sign as Jacob and Sherem taught us in the Book of Mormon (see Jacob 7).

The fourth woe is for those who call evil good and good evil. In our world today, there are many who call evil good and good evil. Just off the top of my head, I can list a handful of examples: prayer in school or public settings is shunned; alternate lifestyles are promoted while wholesome marriages are derided; politicians are praised for their ability to lie. The reason good is called evil and evil is called good is because standards have been assailed. And when standards are torn down, there are no principals and nothing is labeled either good or evil. As the cliché goes, if you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.

The fifth woe is to those who think they are wise and prudent in their own eyes. Those who are wise in their own eyes are proud. They would remove the speck of dust in your eye while there is a 2x4 in their own eye! These will not listen to counsel, especially the Lord’s counsel. They are not “easy to be entreated” (Alma 7:23).

The last woe cautions those who “justify the wicked for reward” (Isaiah 5:23). I think this refers to bribery. Instead of meting our justice, they let the guilty go free for money. In the preceding years before the coming of the Lord to the Nephites, many judges were corrupted and let the guilty go free because of their money. There is no doubt that this wicked practice thrives today in our legal system.

Promises of Redemption

Despite all their sins and iniquities and the consequences that follow, the Lord will still redeem his people. “For all this his anger is not turned away, but his had is stretched out still” (Isaiah 5:25). I’m sure that the act of the Lord’s hand being stretched out has double meaning. It is stretched out with a sword of vengeance to deliver the consequence of sin and when the people repent and humble themselves, the hand is open and ready to give aid and comfort (see Ludlow 121).

The Lord promises Israel that He will “lift up an ensign to the nations from far” (Isaiah 5:26). In the latter days, we have been taught that the ensign is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In fact, when Brigham Young and the saints entered Utah, a few of the leaders stood on a summit that overlooked the valley. They named it Ensign Peak out of reference to this verse (see Gordon B. Hinckley, “An Ensign to the Nations,” Ensign, Nov 1989, 51)

Other general authorities have compared the descriptions given by Isaiah to the modern day missionary work. The apostles and other general authorities are constantly traveling abroad and preaching. They seem to never rest. Modern day transportation must have been tough for Isaiah to describe, but he did the best he could; perhaps calling our trains, jets, cars and other forms of rapid transportation “whirlwind” and “flint” and as the roar of the lions.

Isaiah 3 & 4

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Famine

In the first 8 verses of Isaiah 3, the Lord warns Judah and Jerusalem of famines. He warns that unless they repent, they will suffer physical famine … the “whole stay of bread and the whole stay of water.”

The Lord also warns against a famine of leadership. Their “mighty men” and soldiers and judges and prophets and the “prudent” and “ancient” will be taken from them. None will be left but children to rule over them. Ludlow states in his book that this “likely refers to people with childish understanding who will unsuccessfully face the challenge of bringing order to anarchy.”

Indeed the lack of leadership is so deep that a brother will ask his eldest brother to lead him. Seeing that the eldest at least has “clothing” the brother begs his older brother to take him in. But the eldest refuses because he lacks the support or stay of food and water. Isaiah paints a ominous picture for the people.

Judah’s Sins

The reason Judah was destroyed was because of his sins. One of Judah’s most vile sins was that she “declared their sin as Sodom” and they did not even try to hide it. They were proud of their sins.

Another sin that Judah commits is the abuse of the poor and weak by the rich and powerful (Ludlow 107). In Isaiah 3:15 says, “ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor.” In other words, the people lacked charity. They were ever concerned about themselves and continually forgot the poor and weak in spirit.

Daughters of Zion

Next, Isaiah catalogs the excessive vanity of the daughters of Zion. These women who take pleasure in immodesty will be cursed. Instead of a sweet smell, they will stink. Instead beautiful hair, they will become bald. Instead of fine clothing, they will wear sack cloth.

Another plight the daughters of Zion will face will be the lack of men. “And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man (Isaiah 4:1). I like how Ludlow describes this verse, “In their humiliated state, the women have abandoned coquettish, alluring tactics for a direct, pragmatic approach befitting their desperate situation (109).

Ludlow also includes this quote from Wilford Woodruff:

I had been reading the revelations . . . [when] a strange stupor came over me
and I recognized that I was in the Tabernacle at Ogden. I arose to speak and
said . . . I will answer you right here what is coming to pass shortly. . . . I
then looked in all directions . . . and I found the same mourning in every place
throughout the Land. It seemed as though I was above the earth, looking down to
it as I passed along on my way east and I saw the roads full of people
principally women with just what they could carry in bundles on their backs . .
. It was remarkable to me that there were so few men among them. . . . Wherever
I went I saw . . . scenes of horror and desolation rapine and death . . . death
and destruction everywhere. I cannot paint in words the horror that seemed to
encompass me around. It was beyond description or thought of man to conceive. I
supposed that this was the End but I was here given to understand, that the same
horrors were being enacted all over the country. . . . Then a voice said "Now
shall come to pass that which was spoken by Isaiah the Prophet "That seven women
shall take hold of one man saying &C." (Journal of Wilford Woodruff, June
15, 1878, Historical Department, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, Salt Lake City.)

Promise of a Better Day

Isaiah also foretells of brighter days. After the darkness and famines comes the promised hope. “In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel” (Isaiah 4:2).

Smoke by Day, Fire by Night

I know this might be taking the counsel “apply the scriptures” a bit far, but I find it interesting. In the MTC, many pointed out that the Provo temple seemed to looklike a “cloud of smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night.”

This phrase, if I remember correctly, reminds us what the Lord did for the Israelites when he led them out of Egypt. He led by a cloud during the day and a pillar of fire by night. The cloud and the fire symbolize protection and guidance.

It is not a far stretch to apply this imagery and symbolism to the Provo or any other temple.

Isaiah 2

2007-11-07T18:40:00.001-08:00

Temples and Zion

Growing up in the Church, the phrase "mountain of the Lord" has always been synonymous with temple. In fact, the first image I have in my mind when I think of that phrase is that of the Salt Lake City Temple.

I believe that the Saints who built the temple in Utah literally fulfilled the prophecy regarding the "mountain of the Lord's house" being established in the top of the mountains.

Many nations already are flowing unto the temple. Indeed many may say today, "let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths." The verse continues, "for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem" (Isaiah 2:3).

Before President Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, he said this, "As I contemplate this marvelous structure, adjacent to the temple, there comes to mind the great prophetic utterance of Isaiah:

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

“And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. …

“O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord” (Isa. 2:2–3, 5).

I believe that prophecy applies to the historic and wonderful Salt Lake Temple. But I believe also that it is related to this magnificent hall. For it is from this pulpit that the law of God shall go forth, together with the word and testimony of the Lord." (Gordon B. Hinckley, “This Great Millennial Year,” Ensign, Nov 2000, 67–71).

Modern Idolaters to be Humbled

Isaiah next describes the endless treasures we possess and our worship of them.

Indeed, our nation as well as many nations of the world have vast amounts of treasures … gold, silver, homes, cars, boats, planes, electronics and the list goes on and on. Some are obsessed with taking care of their things and they do not focus on serving others - they forget the fatherless and widows. When our possessions own us, then we are worshipping idols.

In his timeless article, Spencer W. Kimball said this to the Saints, "The Lord has blessed us as a people with a prosperity unequaled in times past. The resources that have been placed in our power are good, and necessary to our work here on the earth. But I am afraid that many of us have been surfeited with flocks and herds and acres and barns and wealth and have begun to worship them as false gods, and they have power over us. Do we have more of these good things than our faith can stand? Many people spend most of their time working in the service of a self-image that includes sufficient money, stocks, bonds, investment portfolios, property, credit cards, furnishings, automobiles, and the like to guarantee carnal security throughout, it is hoped, a long and happy life. Forgotten is the fact that our assignment is to use these many resources in our families and quorums to build up the kingdom of God—to further the missionary effort and the genealogical and temple work; to raise our children up as fruitful servants unto the Lord; to bless others in every way, that they may also be fruitful. Instead, we expend these blessings on our own desires, and as Moroni said, “Ye adorn yourselves with that which hath no life, and yet suffer the hungry, and the needy, and the naked, and the sick and the afflicted to pass by you, and notice them not.” (Morm. 8:39.)" (Spencer W. Kimball, “The False Gods We Worship,” Ensign, Jun 1976, 3)

As my dad and I were discussing the other day, we really do not own anything. We are born into this world with nothing and we leave this world with no possessions. The only thing we take with us are the memories and experiences and knowledge we have gained in this life - those things that moths and rust cannot corrupt (see Matt. 6:19-20, 3 Ne. 13:19-20; 27:32)

If we are not careful and do no repent of our sin of idolatry, then we will be among those the Lord will humble. "For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon everyone that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low" (Isaiah 2:12).

Isaiah 1

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Outline

This outline is from Ludlow's book.

A. Introductory discourse (vs. 2-20)
1. The Lord's accusation (2-6)
a. The Lord speaks—Israel has rebelled (2)
b. Animals know their master's crib (food supply) (3)
c. Sinful people! (4)
d. People stricken—every head and heart sick (5)
e. Open sores everywhere are not cared for (6)
2. Immediate judgments (7-15)
f. Strangers consume the land (labor of hands yields nothing) (7)
g. Zion is desolate after the harvest (8)
h. People are like Sodom and Gomorrah (blatant wickedness) (9)
i. Hear the word of the Lord (10)

Pivot point: For what purpose are your sacrifices?
Obedience is better than sacrifice! (See 1 Sam. 15:22.) (11)

i'. Who asked you to come to the Lord? (Haven't you heard?) (12)
h'. The Lord rejects sabbaths, religious assemblies (hiding wickedness) (13)
g'. No more harvest feasts accepted by the Lord (14)
f'. Sinful hands raised in prayer bring no results (15)
3. Promise of pardon (16-20)
e'. People wash themselves clean (16)
d'. Noble learning (head) and justice (heart)—oppression ended (17)
c'. Promise of forgiveness to people (18)
b'. If people follow God, they will eat food of the earth (19)
a'. Rebellious Israel will be devoured—the Lord has spoken (20)

B. Pronouncement upon Israel (21-31)
1. Apostasy (21-24)
u. Jerusalem and wickedness together (21)
v. Watered wine (22)
w. Greed for wealth (23)
x. The Lord will send vengeance on his enemies (24)
2. Restoration (25-27)
y. Wickedness will be purged out (25)

Pivot point: The LORD will restore proper leaders
God will restore to righteousness! (See Jer. 33:7-9.)

z. Jerusalem will be the faithful city again (26)
y'. Repentant ones will be redeemed (27)
3. Judgment (28-31)
x'. The Lord will destroy sinners (28)
w'. Coveting for property (29)
v'. Gardens without water (30)
u'. Selfish ones and their wealth burn together (31)

The Great Arraignment

Ludlow calls the first chapter in Isaiah the "Great Arraignment." (71) The arraignment is divided into four parts.

Accusation: where the Lord describes the charges against Israel. In Isaiah 1:2-6, the Lord describes the ills (sins) of the people.

Immediate judgments: because the people have disobeyed, the Lord will visit them with immediate consequences (Isaiah 1:7-15)

Promise of pardon: conditions of repentance and blessings wherein the basic gospel principles are established (Isaiah 1:16-20)

Final sentencing: those who repent are redeemed and those who do not repent are destroyed (Isaiah 1:21-31)

Desolate Country

As I read Isaiah 1 for the first time, one of the most striking verses was verse 7. "Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers." I know this verse warned the Israelites in Isaiah's time and this prophesy was fulfilled when the Assyrians and Babylonians invaded their nation, but I can't help but think this verse might not also apply to us today.

Just today (November 6, 2007), I read an article by Pat Buchanan who cited many shocking facts about our nation's economic state. In 2001, the euro was worth $.83. Today it is worth $1.45. The British pound is over $2 and the Canadian dollar is worth more than the U.S. dollar for the first time in 50 years.

Then he said, "The dollar is plunging because America has been living beyond her means, borrowing $2 billion a day from foreign nations to maintain her standard of living and to sustain the American Imperium." (Opinion by Pat Buchanan November 3, 2007 http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=58476)

I can't help but think that "strangers [are devouring our] country in [our] presence."

Sincerity

One of the accusations the Lord lays on the people is their lack of sincerity. In Isaiah 1:11-15, the Lord tells His people that He is tired of their lack of sincerity. He doesn't want "vain oblations" (Isaiah 1:13) and He is "weary" bearing all the peoples' sacrifices and burnt offerings and assemblies because the people have lost their sincerity.

Perhaps more applicable to us today is Isaiah 1:15 where the Lord says, "And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear." Other scriptures have taught us the importance of sincerity in prayer and how the Lord will not listen to insincere prayer.

Alma quoted a prophet by the name of Zenos regarding sincere prayer. "And thou didst hear me because of mine afflictions and my sincerity" (Alma 33:11). A search of the scriptures on sincere prayer teaches us that if we do not pray with sincerity, the Lord will no hear our prayers (see Matt. 6:6-15; 3 Nephi 13:5-15; Matt. 23:14; Mark 12:40; Luke 20:47; Alma 38:13; 3 Nephi 19:24; Moroni 7:48)

Prayer is only a part of our worship. If we are not sincere in all aspects of our worship, then our worship is in vain. We must be sincere in our temple worship and when we partake of the sacrament. We must be sincere when we serve others.

As I read these verses, I could see and feel the Lord's frustration. He doesn't only want us to be baptized and pray and partake of the sacrament for the sake of doing those things … what he really wants is a "broken heart and contrite spirit" … he wants us live the gospel and mean it. We cannot give lip service; we must mean it and live it. We must be sincere.

Repentance and Baptism

A person who has open sores or wounds would not leave them to rot and become infected (see Isaiah 1:6). Rather, we would clean the sore and wounds and anoint them with ointment. So should it be with our sins. We need to wash them from us and allow Christ to heal them. As we repent, we will "cease to do evil" and "learn to do well" (Isaiah 1:15-16).

The remedy to a sick head (Isaiah 1:5) is to learn to do well (Isaiah 1:17). The remedy to a faint heart (Isaiah 1:5) is to seek judgment or justice (or to devote our hearts to justice). We are to serve and help the fatherless and the widow.

One of the greatest scriptures in all books is Isaiah 1:18. "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: thought your sins be as scarlet, theyshall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." No other doctrine should be as soothing as that of repentance. We have all sinned and need the Physician. We can always repent no matter the sin.
Failure to repent and turn to the Lord will bring grave consequences. The Lord will purge his people like dross from silver (Isaiah 1:25). The choice is ours. Will we repent or will we suffer the consequences?

Those who do not repent will suffer "destruction" and will be "consumed" and will "burn" and nothing will quench the fire (see Isaiah 1:28-31).

About This Blog

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I have just finished reading the Book of Mormon and writing commentary on it. One of the many things I learned from the Book of Mormon when I read it this time was the need to study Isaiah.

In past readings of the Book of Mormon, I would often skip over or skim the Isaiah chapters in 2 Nephi, Mosiah and 3 Nephi. But this time through, I decided that I would try to at least read through these chapters and understand them. With a lot of help from other Book of Mormon commentators, I was able to learn a few things from the Isaiah chapters.

When I got to 3 Nephi and the Savior's minsitry among the Nephites, one verse seemed to echo over and over again in my mind. The Savior said, "And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah." (3 Nephi 23:1)

The general impression I got while reading Isaiah in the Book of Mormon was that he was writing to us in the Last Days ... the days before the Lord would come again. His teachings are not irrelavant today. In fact, they are more relevant with each passing day as the world grows more wicked and ripe for destruction.

And so I felt that once I finished reading the Book of Mormon this time through, I would begin my studies of Isaiah. I do not think I have Isaiah's writings "at my fingertips" and so I have a desire and a need to study Isaiah.

Just as I needed help understanding the Isaiah chapters in the Book of Mormon, I will seek the help of a teacher at BYU to guide me through Isaiah. In 1980-81, Victor Ludlow was able to devote all his time to studying the writings of Isaiah. From that period came the book Isaiah: Prophet, Seer, Poet. This book, along with other resources found on the Internet, will aid me in my study of Isaiah.

So what will I be writing about on this blog? I plan to capture notes of interests, my personal thoughts about the writings of Isaiah and how I can apply (liken) them in my life (see 1 Nephi 19:23).

Feel free to leave comments about what you've learned from Isaiah.