Isaiah 52

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. 20:38-393 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. 20:43-453 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 49

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 43

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 11 & 12

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).