"My Soul Delighteth in the Words of Isaiah"
2 NEPHI 11-26
PURPOSETo inspire class members to read the prophecies of Isaiah and to help them understand how these prophecies apply in their lives.
2 NEPHI 11. Jacob saw his Redeemer—The law of Moses typifies Christ and proves he shall come. Between 559 and 545 B.C.
2 NEPHI 12. Isaiah sees the latter-day temple, gathering of Israel, and millennial judgment and peace—The proud and wicked shall be brought low at the Second Coming—Compare Isaiah 2. Between 559 and 545 B.C.
2 NEPHI 13. Judah and Jerusalem shall be punished for their disobedience—The Lord pleads for and judges his people—The daughters of Zion are cursed and tormented for their worldliness—Compare Isaiah 3. Between 559 and 545 B.C.
2 NEPHI 14. Zion and her daughters shall be redeemed and cleansed in the millennial day—Compare Isaiah 4. Between 559 and 545 B.C.
2 NEPHI 15. The Lord's vineyard (Israel) shall become desolate and his people shall be scattered—Woes shall come upon them in their apostate and scattered state—The Lord shall lift an ensign and gather Israel—Compare Isaiah 5. Between 559 and 545 B.C.
2 NEPHI 16. Isaiah sees the Lord—Isaiah's sins are forgiven—He is called to prophesy—He prophesies of the rejection by the Jews of Christ's teachings—A remnant shall return—Compare Isaiah 6. Between 559 and 545 B.C.
2 NEPHI 17. Ephraim and Syria wage war against Judah—Christ shall be born of a virgin—Compare Isaiah 7. Between 559 and 545 B.C.
2 NEPHI 18. Christ shall be as a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense—Seek the Lord, not peeping wizards—Turn to the law and to the testimony for guidance—Compare Isaiah 8. Between 559 and 545 B.C.
2 NEPHI 19. Isaiah speaks Messianically—The people in darkness to see a great Light—Unto us a child is born—He shall be the Prince of Peace and shall reign on David's throne—Compare Isaiah 9. Between 559 and 545 B.C.
2 NEPHI 20. Destruction of Assyria is a type of destruction of wicked at the Second Coming—Few people shall be left after the Lord comes again—Remnant of Jacob shall return in that day—Compare Isaiah 10. Between 559 and 545 B.C.
2 NEPHI 21. Stem of Jesse (Christ) shall judge in righteousness—The knowledge of God shall cover the earth in the Millennium—The Lord shall raise an ensign and gather Israel—Compare Isaiah 11. Between 559 and 545 B.C.
2 NEPHI 22. In the millennial day all men shall praise the Lord—He shall dwell among them—Compare Isaiah 12. Between 559 and 545 B.C.
2 NEPHI 23. Destruction of Babylon is a type of destruction at Second Coming—It shall be a day of wrath and vengeance—Babylon (the world) shall fall forever—Compare Isaiah 13. Between 559 and 545 B.C.
2 NEPHI 24. Israel shall be gathered and shall enjoy millennial rest—Lucifer cast out of heaven for rebellion—Israel shall triumph over Babylon (the world)—Compare Isaiah 14. Between 559 and 545 B.C.
2 NEPHI 25. Nephi glories in plainness—Isaiah's prophecies shall be understood in the last days—The Jews shall return from Babylon, crucify the Messiah, and be scattered and scourged—They shall be restored when they believe in the Messiah—He shall first come six hundred years after Lehi left Jerusalem—Nephites keep the law of Moses and believe in Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel. Between 559 and 545 B.C.
What are seers able to see?
Past, present, and future events.
Why are seers so important for us?
Because Isaiah was a seer, he saw in vision such events as the War in Heaven, the destruction of Jerusalem after the Savior's death, the battle of Armageddon, and the millennial reign of the Savior.
Many of Isaiah's writings seem difficult to understand because they refer to a wide range of past and future events described in symbolic language. However, we can come to understand them as we make a consistent, prayerful effort to read and study them. This lesson discusses some of Isaiah's most significant writings.
1. NEPHI TESTIFIES OF ISAIAH'S WRITINGS AND GIVES KEYS FOR UNDERSTANDING THEM
Why did Nephi find Isaiah's words important for his record?
Why Nephi Quoted Isaiah
1 NEPHI 19:23To "more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord"
23 And I did read many things unto them which were written in the abooks of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet bIsaiah; for I did cliken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our dprofit and learning.
2 NEPHI 11:2-4
To provide another witness of Jesus Christ
2 And now I, Nephi, write amore of the words of bIsaiah, for my soul delighteth in his words. For I will liken his words unto my people, and I will send them forth unto all my children, for he verily csaw my dRedeemer, even as I have seen him.
3 And my brother, Jacob, also has aseen him as I have seen him; wherefore, I will send their words forth unto my children to prove unto them that my words are true. Wherefore, by the words of bthree, God hath said, I will establish my word. Nevertheless, God sendeth more cwitnesses, and he proveth all his words.
4 Behold, my soul delighteth in aproving unto my people the truth of the bcoming of Christ; for, for this end hath the claw of Moses been given; and all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the dtypifying of him.
2 NEPHI 11:5-6, 8
To help us (his readers) rejoice
5 And also my soul delighteth in the acovenants of the Lord which he hath made to our fathers; yea, my soul delighteth in his bgrace, and in his justice, and power, and mercy in the great and eternal plan of cdeliverance from death.
6 And my soul delighteth in proving unto my people that asave Christ should come all men must perish.
8 And now I write asome of the words of Isaiah, that whoso of my people shall see these words may lift up their hearts and rejoice for all men. Now these are the words, and ye may liken them unto you and unto all men.
2 NEPHI 25:3
To reveal God's judgment
3 Wherefore, I write unto my people, unto all those that shall receive hereafter these things which I write, athat they may know the judgments of God, that they come upon all nations, according to the word which he hath spoken.
Why are these reasons important for us today? How can understanding Isaiah's words cause us to rejoice?
Nephi provided several keys that can help us better understand the writings of Isaiah
Key 1: "Liken all scriptures unto us" (1 NEPHI 19:23; see also 2 NEPHI 11:2, 8). Many of Isaiah's prophecies deal with events in the latter days. As we watch these prophecies unfold and as we participate in their fulfillment, we can better understand Isaiah's teachings and apply them in our lives. For example, 2 Nephi 15 contains Isaiah's prophecy that the Lord will "lift up an ensign to the nations" to gather Israel (2 NEPHI 15:26). This prophecy can help us better understand the importance of sharing the restored gospel—the ensign, or standard, to guide all nations to the Lord.
2 NEPHI 11: 2,8
2 And now I, Nephi, write amore of the words of bIsaiah, for my soul delighteth in his words. For I will liken his words unto my people, and I will send them forth unto all my children, for he verily csaw my dRedeemer, even as I have seen him.
8 And now I write asome of the words of Isaiah, that whoso of my people shall see these words may lift up their hearts and rejoice for all men. Now these are the words, and ye may liken them unto you and unto all men.
2 NEPHI 15:26
26 And he will lift up an aensign to the bnations from far, and will hiss unto them from the cend of the earth; and behold, they shall dcome with speed swiftly; none shall be weary nor stumble among them.
ISAIAH 5:26
26 ¶And he 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:
Key 2: "Know ... concerning the manner of prophesying among the Jews" (2 NEPHI 25:1). Isaiah's prophecies are written in a style that the Jews were accustomed to reading and hearing. We can better understand Isaiah's writings if we remember that he used imagery and symbolism that would have been familiar to Jewish people in his time. For example, in 2 Nephi 12:1-3, Isaiah uses the word mountain to symbolize a high spiritual place, a place for revelation and closeness with God, such as the temple.
2 NEPHI 25: 1
1 Now I, Nephi, do speak somewhat concerning the words which I have written, which have been spoken by the mouth of Isaiah. For behold, Isaiah spake many things which were ahard for many of my people to understand; for they know not concerning the manner of prophesying among the Jews.
2 NEPHI 12:1-3
1 aThe word that Isaiah, the son of Amoz, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem:
2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, awhen the bmountain of the Lord’s chouse shall be established in the top of the dmountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it.
3 And many apeople shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the bmountain of the Lord, to the chouse of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will dwalk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
ISAIAH 2:1-3
1 The word that aIsaiah the son of Amoz bsaw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
2 And it shall come to pass in the alast days, that the bmountain of the Lord’s chouse shall be destablished in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all enations shall flow unto it.
3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us ago up to the bmountain of the Lord, to the chouse of the God of Jacob; and he will dteach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of eZion shall go forth the flaw, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
Key 3: "Know the judgments of God" (2 NEPHI 25:3; see also verse 2 NEPHI 25:6). Isaiah foresaw how the kingdoms of Israel and Judah would suffer because of their wickedness, but he also prophesied that their blessings would be restored when they repented and followed Jesus Christ. From Isaiah's accounts of what happened to Israel and Judah, and from his prophecies of the future restoration of the house of Israel, we can better understand how God works in our lives and how He blesses nations according to their righteousness.
2 NEPHI 25:3,6
3 Wherefore, I write unto my people, unto all those that shall receive hereafter these things which I write, athat they may know the judgments of God, that they come upon all nations, according to the word which he hath spoken.
6 But behold, I, Nephi, have not taught my children after the manner of the Jews; but behold, I, of myself, have dwelt at Jerusalem, wherefore I know concerning the regions round about; and I have made mention unto my children concerning the judgments of God, which ahath come to pass among the Jews, unto my children, according to all that which Isaiah hath spoken, and I do not write them.
Key 4: "Know concerning the regions round about [Jerusalem]" (2 NEPHI 25:6). Knowing the geography and place-names in Israel helps us better understand Isaiah's prophecies concerning the kingdoms of Israel and Judah and the nations that threatened them. For example, in 2 Nephi 20:28-34, Isaiah named the cities the Assyrian army would pass through and how it would be stopped just as it reached Jerusalem. The events happened exactly as he prophesied.
2 NEPHI 25:6 (SEE ABOVE)
Key 5: Be "filled with the spirit of prophecy" (2 NEPHI 25:4).
2 NEPHI 25:4
4 Wherefore, hearken, O my people, which are of the house of Israel, and give ear unto my words; for because the words of Isaiah are not plain unto you, nevertheless they are plain unto all those that are filled with the aspirit of bprophecy. But I give unto you a cprophecy, according to the spirit which is in me; wherefore I shall prophesy according to the dplainness which hath been with me from the time that I came out from Jerusalem with my father; for behold, my soul delighteth in eplainness unto my people, that they may learn.
What is the spirit of prophecy? (See REVELATION 19:10.) How can we obtain it? How can the spirit of prophecy help us understand Isaiah's teachings about the Savior?
REVELATION 19:10
10 And I afell at his feet to bworship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy cfellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the dtestimony of Jesus is the spirit of eprophecy.
2. ISAIAH SEES THE LATTER-DAY TEMPLE AND THE GATHERING OF ISRAEL
2 NEPHI 12:1-12.
1 aThe word that Isaiah, the son of Amoz, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem:
2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, awhen the bmountain of the Lord’s chouse shall be established in the top of the dmountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it.
3 And many apeople shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the bmountain of the Lord, to the chouse of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will dwalk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
4 And he shall ajudge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plow-shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks—nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
5 O house of Jacob, come ye and let us walk in the light of the Lord; yea, come, for ye have all agone astray, every one to his bwicked ways.
6 Therefore, O Lord, thou hast forsaken thy people, the house of Jacob, because they be replenished from the east, and hearken unto asoothsayers like the bPhilistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers.
7 Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their atreasures; their land is also full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots.
8 Their land is also full of aidols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made.
9 And the mean man aboweth bnot down, and the great man humbleth himself not, therefore, forgive him not.
10 O ye wicked ones, enter into the rock, and ahide thee in the dust, for the fear of the Lord and the glory of his majesty shall smite thee.
11 And it shall come to pass that the alofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.
12 For the aday of the Lord of Hosts soon cometh upon all nations, yea, upon every one; yea, upon the bproud and lofty, and upon every one who is lifted up, and he shall be brought low.
1 The word that aIsaiah the son of Amoz bsaw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
2 And it shall come to pass in the alast days, that the bmountain of the Lord’s chouse shall be destablished in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all enations shall flow unto it.
3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us ago up to the bmountain of the Lord, to the chouse of the God of Jacob; and he will dteach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of eZion shall go forth the flaw, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
4 And he shall ajudge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn bwar any more.
6 ¶Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob, because they abe replenished from the east, and are bsoothsayers like the Philistines, and they cplease themselves in the children of strangers.
7 Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots:
8 Their land also is full of aidols; they bworship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made:
10 ¶Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty.
11 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be aexalted in that bday.
12 For the aday of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is bproud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought clow:
How does the Salt Lake Temple fulfill a portion of Isaiah's prophecy recorded in 2 Nephi 12:2-3?
Please leave your thoughts in a comment below.
Why do you think Isaiah described the temple as "the mountain of the Lord"?
Ancient prophets often went up into the mountains to commune with the Lord and receive revelation from Him.
How can all temples be "mountains" for our worship?
Emphasize that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been established in the tops of the mountains and that temples are being built where people can come and learn about the Lord.
Isaiah described temples as a "place of refuge" from heat and storms (2 NEPHI 14:6). What are some examples of spiritual storms that we face in this life? How can the temple help protect us from these storms?
2 NEPHI 14:6
6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of arefuge, and a covert from storm and from rain.
ISAIAH 4:6
6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of arefuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.
How can we as Latter-day Saints help establish the kingdom of God on earth, as described in 2 NEPHI 12:3-5? (See D&C 133:7-14.)
DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 133: 7-14
7 Yea, verily I say unto you again, the time has come when the voice of the Lord is unto you: Go ye out of Babylon; agather ye out from among the nations, from the bfour winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
8 Send forth the elders of my church unto the anations which are afar off; unto the bislands of the sea; send forth unto foreign lands; call upon all nations, first upon the cGentiles, and then upon the Jews.
9 And behold, and lo, this shall be their cry, and the voice of the Lord unto all people: Go ye forth unto the land of Zion, that the borders of my people may be enlarged, and that her astakes may be strengthened, and that bZion may go forth unto the regions round about.
10 Yea, let the cry go forth among all people: Awake and arise and go forth to meet the aBridegroom; behold and lo, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Prepare yourselves for the bgreat day of the Lord.
14 Go ye aout from among the nations, even from bBabylon, from the midst of cwickedness, which is spiritual Babylon.
Isaiah exhorted the house of Jacob to "walk in the light of the Lord" instead of "all [going] astray, every one to his wicked ways" (2 NEPHI 12:5). What are some of the specific sins mentioned in 2 NEPHI 12:7-12? How are these sins still prevalent today? How can we avoid these pitfalls and "walk in the light"?
2 NEPHI 12:5 (SEE ABOVE)
2 NEPHI 12:7-12 (SEE ABOVE)
3. ISAIAH PROPHESIES THAT THE LORD WILL RAISE AN ENSIGN AND GATHER ISRAEL
Read and discuss 2 NEPHI 15:26-29; 21:12.
2 NEPHI 15:26-29
26 And he will lift up an aensign to the bnations from far, and will hiss unto them from the cend of the earth; and behold, they shall dcome with speed swiftly; none shall be weary nor stumble among them.
27 None shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken;
28 Whose arrows shall be sharp, and all their bows bent, and their horses’ hoofs shall be counted like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind, their roaring like a lion.
29 They shall roar like young alions; yea, they shall roar, and lay hold of the prey, and shall carry away safe, and none shall deliver.
2 NEPHI 21:12
12 And he shall set up an aensign for the nations, and shall assemble the boutcasts of Israel, and cgather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.
Isaiah prophesied that the Lord would "lift up an ensign to the nations" (2 NEPHI 15:26; see also 2 NEPHI 21:12).
What is an ensign? (A BANNER OR FLAG; A STANDARD BEARER)
What did Isaiah say would happen when this ensign was raised? (See 2 NEPHI 15:26-29.) Leave your thoughts on a comment below.
When the angel Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith, he said that chapter 11 of Isaiah (QUOTED IN 2 NEPHI 21) was about to be fulfilled (JOSEPH SMITH—HISTORY 1:40). How is the restored gospel of Jesus Christ an ensign to all nations? (See D&C 64:41-43; 105:39; 115:4-6.)
JOSEPH SMITH HISTORY 1:40
40 In addition to these, he quoted the eleventh chapter of aIsaiah, saying that it was about to be fulfilled. He quoted also the third chapter of Acts, twenty-second and twenty-third verses, precisely as they stand in our New Testament. He said that that bprophet was Christ; but the day had not yet come when “they who would not hear his voice should be ccut off from among the people,” but soon would come.
DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 64: 41-43
41 For, behold, I say unto you that aZion shall flourish, and the bglory of the Lord shall be upon her;
42 And she shall be an aensign unto the people, and there shall come unto her out of every bnation under heaven.
43 And the day shall come when the nations of the earth shall atremble because of her, and shall fear because of her terrible ones. The Lord hath spoken it. Amen.
DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 105:39
39 And lift up an aensign of bpeace, and make a proclamation of peace unto the ends of the earth;
DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 115:4-6
4 For thus shall amy bchurch be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day cSaints.
5 Verily I say unto you all: aArise and shine forth, that thy blight may be a cstandard for the dnations;
6 And that the agathering together upon the land of bZion, and upon her cstakes, may be for a defense, and for a drefuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be epoured out without mixture upon the whole earth.
2 NEPHI 21:12
12 And he shall set up an aensign for the nations, and shall assemble the boutcasts of Israel, and cgather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.
4. ISAIAH AND NEPHI TESTIFY OF JESUS CHRIST'S REDEEMING POWER
2 Nephi 16 contains Isaiah's account of a vision in which he saw the Lord. How did Isaiah describe the setting of the vision? (See 2 NEPHI 16:1-4.) How did Isaiah feel in the presence of the Lord? (See 2 Nephi 16:5.)
2 NEPHI 16:1-5
1 aIn the byear that king Uzziah died, I csaw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.
2 Above it stood the aseraphim; each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
3 And one cried unto another, and said: Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of Hosts; the whole earth is full of his aglory.
4 And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
5 Then said I: Wo is unto me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips; and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have aseen the King, the Lord of Hosts.ISAIAH 6:1-5
1 aIn the year that king Uzziah died I bsaw also the cLord sitting upon a dthrone, high and lifted up, and ehis train filled the temple.
2 Above it stood the aseraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the aLord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his bglory.
4 And the aposts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with bsmoke.
5 ¶Then said I, Woe is me! for I am aundone; because I am a man of bunclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have cseen the dKing, the Lord of hosts.
What was symbolized by the angel touching Isaiah's lips with the burning coal? (See 2 NEPHI 16:6-7. Isaiah's sins were forgiven.) How did Isaiah respond when he heard the voice of the Lord? (See 2 NEPHI 16:8.) In what other scriptural account have you seen similar language used? (See ABRAHAM 3:27.) When might we need to give a similar response to the Lord?
2 NEPHI 16:6-7
6 Then flew one of the seraphim unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar;
7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said: Lo, this has touched thy lips; and thine ainiquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.
ISAIAH 6:6-7
6 Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live acoal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:
7 And he laid it upon my amouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is btaken away, and thy sin purged.
2 NEPHI 16:8
8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I asend, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; bsend me.
ISAIAH 6:8
8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I asend, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; bsend me.
ABRAHAM 3:27
27 And the aLord said: Whom shall I bsend? And one answered like unto the Son of Man: Here am I, send me. And canother answered and said: Here am I, send me. And the Lord said: I will dsend the first.
Have class members read 2 NEPHI 22:1-6. Contain Isaiah's description of how all people will praise the Savior during the Millennium. What impresses you about these verses? What "excellent things" (2 NEPHI 22:5) has the Savior done for us?
2 NEPHI 22:1-6
1 aAnd in that day thou shalt say: O Lord, I will praise thee; though thou wast angry with me thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedest me.
2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will atrust, and not be afraid; for the Lord bJehovah is my cstrength and my dsong; he also has become my salvation.
4 And in that day shall ye say: aPraise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.
6 aCry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion; for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.
ISAIAH 12:1-6
1 aAnd bin that day thou shalt say, O Lord, cI will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.
2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord aJehovah is my bstrength and my song; he also is become my csalvation.
4 And in that day shall ye say, aPraise the Lord, bcall upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.
6 Cry out and shout, thou ainhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the bmidst of thee.
2 NEPHI 25:19-30 contains Nephi's testimony of the Savior. What impresses you about Nephi's testimony? How can we, like Nephi, "labor diligently ... to persuade our children ... to believe in Christ"? (2 NEPHI 25:23; see also verse 2 NEPHI 25:26). Leave your thoughts in a comment below. 2 NEPHI 25:19-30
19 For according to the words of the prophets, the aMessiah cometh in bsix hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem; and according to the words of the prophets, and also the word of the cangel of God, his dname shall be Jesus Christ, the eSon of God.
20 And now, my brethren, I have spoken plainly that ye cannot err. And as the Lord God liveth that abrought Israel up out of the land of Egypt, and gave unto Moses power that he should bheal the nations after they had been bitten by the poisonous serpents, if they would cast their eyes unto the cserpent which he did raise up before them, and also gave him power that he should smite the drock and the water should come forth; yea, behold I say unto you, that as these things are etrue, and as the Lord God liveth, there is none other fname given under heaven save it be this Jesus Christ, of which I have spoken, whereby man can be saved.
21 Wherefore, for this cause hath the Lord God promised unto me that these things which I awrite shall be kept and preserved, and handed down unto my seed, from generation to generation, that the promise may be fulfilled unto Joseph, that his seed should never bperish as long as the earth should stand.
22 Wherefore, these things shall go from generation to generation as long as the earth shall stand; and they shall go according to the will and pleasure of God; and the nations who shall possess them shall be ajudged of them according to the words which are written.
23 For we labor diligently to write, to apersuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by bgrace that we are saved, after all we can cdo.
24 And, notwithstanding we believe in Christ, we akeep the law of Moses, and look forward with steadfastness unto Christ, until the law shall be fulfilled.
25 For, for this end was the alaw given; wherefore the law hath become bdead unto us, and we are made alive in Christ because of our faith; yet we keep the law because of the commandments.
26 And we atalk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we bprophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our cchildren may know to what source they may look for a dremission of their sins.
27 Wherefore, we speak concerning the law that our children may know the deadness of the law; and they, by knowing the deadness of the law, may look forward unto that life which is in Christ, and know for what end the law was given. And after the law is fulfilled in Christ, that they need not harden their hearts against him when the law ought to be done away.
28 And now behold, my people, ye are a astiffnecked people; wherefore, I have spoken plainly unto you, that ye cannot misunderstand. And the words which I have spoken shall stand as a btestimony against you; for they are sufficient to cteach any man the dright way; for the right way is to believe in Christ and deny him not; for by denying him ye also deny the prophets and the law.
29 And now behold, I say unto you that the right way is to believe in Christ, and deny him not; and Christ is the Holy One of Israel; wherefore ye must bow down before him, and aworship him with all your bmight, mind, and strength, and your whole soul; and if ye do this ye shall in nowise be cast out.
30 And, inasmuch as it shall be expedient, ye must keep the aperformances and bordinances of God until the law shall be fulfilled which was given unto Moses.
Nephi taught that "it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do" (2 NEPHI 25:23). What does this statement teach about the relationship between the grace of Jesus Christ and our works? (See 2 NEPHI 10:24-25; D&C 20:29-31.) How does this statement give you encouragement to do the best you can?
2 NEPHI 25:23 (See Above)
2 NEPHI 10:24-25
24 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, areconcile yourselves to the bwill of God, and not to the will of the devil and the flesh; and remember, after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the cgrace of God that ye are dsaved.
25 Wherefore, may God araise you from death by the power of the resurrection, and also from everlasting death by the power of the batonement, that ye may be received into the ceternal kingdom of God, that ye may praise him through grace divine. Amen.
2 Nephi 25:29. What might you do this week to comply more fully with Nephi's exhortation to worship the Lord "with all your might, mind, and strength, and your whole soul"?
2 NEPHI 25:29 (See Above) Leave thoughts in a comment below.
The Savior gave His approval of Isaiah's teachings in this single statement: "Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah" (3 Nephi 23:1).
1 And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to asearch these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of bIsaiah.
ISAIAH
Son of Amoz, a prophet in Jerusalem during 40 years, 740-701 B.C. He had great religious and political influence during the reign of Hezekiah, whose chief advisor he was. Tradition states that he was "sawn asunder" during the reign of Manasseh; for that reason he is often represented in art holding a saw.
Isaiah is the most quoted of all the prophets, being more frequently quoted by Jesus, Paul, Peter, and John (in his Revelation) than any other O.T. prophet. Likewise the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants quote from Isaiah more than from any other prophet. The Lord told the Nephites that "great are the words of Isaiah," and that all things Isaiah spoke of the house of Israel and of the gentiles would be fulfilled (3 Ne. 23: 1-3).
The writings of Isaiah deal with events of his day as well as events beyond his time, some of which have already come to pass and others are yet to be. The bulk of Isaiah's prophecies deal with the coming of the Redeemer, both in his first appearance ("For unto us a child is born," Isa. 9: 6) and as the Great King at the last day, as the God of Israel. A major theme is that God requires righteousness of his people, and until they obey him they will be smitten and scattered by their enemies. But in the end, Israel will be restored; the barren land will be made fruitful and able to support a large population; and the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, will dwell in the midst of his people, who will be called Zion.
Some notable references are the following: Ch. 1, which is a prologue to the rest of the book; Isa. 7: 14; Isa. 9: 6-7; Isa. 11: 1-5; Isa. 53: 1-12; and Isa. 61: 1-3, which foreshadow the mission of the Savior; chs. 2, 11, 12, and 35, which deal with events in the latter day, when the gospel is restored, Israel is gathered, and the thirsty land blossoms as the rose; ch. 29, an exposition of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon (cf. 2 Ne. 27); and chs. 40 - 46, which extol the superiority of Jehovah as the true God over the idol gods of the pagan worshippers. The remaining chs., 47 - 66, deal with events in the final restoration of Israel, the cleansing of the earth, and the establishment of Zion, with the Lord dwelling among his people.
A major difficulty in understanding the book of Isaiah is his extensive use of symbolism, as well as his prophetic foresight and literary style; these take many local themes (which begin in his own day) and extend them to a latter-day fulfillment or application. Consequently, some prophecies are probably fulfilled more than one time and/or have more than one application.
Some notable references to Isaiah in the N.T. are Luke 4: 16-21; John 1: 23; Acts 8: 26-35; 1 Cor. 2: 9; 1 Cor. 15: 54-56. When the angel Moroni came to Joseph Smith on September 21-22, 1823, he quoted Isa. 11 and said it was about to be fulfilled (JS-H 1: 40).
The reader today has no greater written commentary and guide to understanding Isaiah than the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants. As one understands these works better he will understand Isaiah better, and as one understands Isaiah better, he more fully comprehends the mission of the Savior, and the meaning of the covenant that was placed upon Abraham and his seed by which all the families of the earth would be blessed.
2 NEPHI 15:26
"High on the Mountain Top" (Hymns,no. 5). This hymn celebrates the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy of the Restoration of the gospel.
High on the Mountain Top, Hymn 5
1 High on the mountain top A banner is unfurled.
Ye nations, now look up; It waves to all the world.
In Deseret's sweet, Peaceful land, On Zion's mount behold it stand!
2 For God remembers still His promise made of old
That he on Zion's hill Truth's standard would unfold!
Her light should there attract the gaze Of all the world in latter days.
That he on Zion's hill Truth's standard would unfold!
Her light should there attract the gaze Of all the world in latter days.
3 His house shall there be reared, His glory to display,
And people shall be heard In distant lands to say;
We'll now go up and serve the Lord, Obey his truth and learn his word.
And people shall be heard In distant lands to say;
We'll now go up and serve the Lord, Obey his truth and learn his word.
4 For there we shall be taught The law that will go forth,
With truth and wisdom fraught, To govern all the earth.
Forever there his ways we'll tread, And save ourselves with all our dead.
In what ways might we, like ancient Israel, make the mistake of calling "evil good, and good evil"? (2 NEPHI 15:20). How can we be sure that we recognize good and evil for what they really are? (See MORONI 7:12-17.)
2 NEPHI 15:20
20 Wo unto them that acall bevil good, and good evil, that put cdarkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
ISAIAH 15:20
20 ¶Woe unto them that call aevil bgood, and good evil; that put cdarkness for dlight, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
The Book of Mormon is one of the greatest guides to help us understand the writings of Isaiah. Share with class members the following ways the Book of Mormon helps us understand Isaiah.
a. The Book of Mormon quotes, either in their entirety or in part, 22 of the 66 chapters in the book of Isaiah, and it contains additional commentary about those chapters. Because the Book of Mormon prophets lived near the time of Isaiah, their commentaries can help us understand his teachings.
b. The writings of Isaiah that are quoted in the Book of Mormon include words, phrases, and explanations that do not appear in any other copies of the book of Isaiah.
c. The world's oldest known copy of Isaiah was discovered among the Dead Sea Scrolls. The "Isaiah scroll" dates back to 200 b.c. (Bible Dictionary, "Dead Sea Scrolls," 654). However, the chapters of Isaiah in the Book of Mormon date back to the time of Nephi, approximately 600 b.c. Joseph Smith's translation of the Book of Mormon provided the world with a copy of Isaiah's writings that predates the Dead Sea Scrolls by 400 years.
d. Because the tone of the first 33 chapters of Isaiah differs from the last 33 chapters, many people believe that the book of Isaiah was written by two different people. The Book of Mormon quotes from both the first and last half of Isaiah and identifies Isaiah as the author, thus bearing witness of and authenticating his writings.
