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Jesus Christ himself said: "An 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)
I am heading into the Isaiah chapters of 1-2 Nephi and I wanted to share the notes that I have in regards to Isaiah and the Book of Mormon.
Why did the Nephites quote Isaiah?
1. He was a relatively recent prophet.
742-701BC - years of Isaiah's ministry
100-150 years from the time of Nephi and Jacob
2. Main theme was the destruction of the House of Israel, of which the Nephites were an important branch.
3. Isaiah spoke of the status of the House of Israel in the last days and the Book of Mormon was preserved from those in the Latter-days.
4. Isaiah spoke repeatedly about the coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
(I did not reference this list in my scriptures, so I am not sure if it was a quote from a book, or notes from an Institute class or something like that.)
Suggestions for better understanding Isaiah
1. Gain an overall understanding of the Plan of Salvation
Prophets assume that their listeners understand what they are talking about
2. Study the doctrine of the gathering of Israel
Most of Isaiah's writings are on this subject
3. Use the Book of Mormon - the Book of Mormon is our greatest scriptural commentary on Isaiah
Quoted by Nephi, Jacob, Abinadi and Jesus Christ
Bruce R. McConkie: "May I be so bold as to affirm that no one, absolutely no one, in this age and dispensation has or does or can understand the writings of Isaiah until he first learns and believes what God has revealed by the mouths of his Nephite witnesses as those truths are found in that volume of holy writ." (Ensign, Oct 1973, pg. 81)
4. Use modern revelation
In Doctrine and Covenants there are sixty-six places that use language similar or identical to Isaiah. In Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith there are thirty-five Isaiah passages in twenty-one different chapters.
5. Learn how New Testament writers understood and explained Isaiah
Jesus, Paul, John the Revelator
6. Know and understand the Old Testament settings and context for Isaiah's writings
For example: because of the wickedness of the people, Isaiah often spoke in figures, types and shadows, but Nephi didn't have to.
7. Understand the manner in which the prophesies may be fulfilled
Prophesies may have dual fulfillments or multiple applications. Recognize contemporary events as fulfillment of ancient prophecy.
8. Seek the spirit of prophesy and devote yourself for serious study
2 Nephi 25:4 - "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 spirit of prophecy. But I give unto you a prophecy, according to the spirit which is in me; wherefore I shall prophesy according to the plainness which hath been with me from the time that I came out from Jerusalem with my father; for behold, my soul delighteth in plainness unto my people, that they may learn."
How important is it that we understand Isaiah?
"Isaiah has been reserved for a reason. Nephi and Mormon went to great efforts to see that Isaiah's writings were a part of the Book of Mormon. They are meant to be understood. Nephi never intended that we skip or hurry through the now sixteen-page segment in the middle of his second book. 'If our eternal salvation,' Elder [Bruce R.] McConkie warned, 'depends upon our ability to understand the writings of Isaiah as fully and truly as Nephi understood them -- and who shall say such is not the case! -- how shall we fare in that great day when with Nephi we shall stand before the pleasing bar of Him who said: 'Great are the words of Isaiah'?. . . It just may be that my salvation (and yours also!) does in fact depend upon our ability to understand the writings of Isaiah as fully and truly as Nephi understood them. For that matter, why should either Nephi or Isaiah know anything that is withheld from us? Does not that God who is no respecter of persons treat all his children alike? Has he not given us his promise and recited to us the terms and conditions of his law pursuant to which he will reveal to us what he has revealed to them?'." (Ensign, Oct 1973, pg. 78) -- Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, McConkie and Millet, pg. 277
Understanding Isaiah is not the easiest thing in the world to do. I find it fascinating to understand how he described the things that he saw in our day. I mean, how does someone who lives 700 years before the birth of Christ, centuries before the invention of the automobile and airplane, describe modern transportation? "They shall come with speed swiftly; none shall be weary or stumble among them. None shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken." How might he describe a helicopter or a fighter jet? Maybe the "two tails of these smoking firebrands"? or the "hiss for the fly" or a "bee"?
Most importantly, Isaiah prophesied of the Savior, Jesus Christ! Studying the words of Isaiah can increase our testimony and love of Jesus Christ! Isaiah's words apply to our day, even more than they did to his day. I am grateful for the many resources we have to help us to better understand his words, especially the Book of Mormon! (If you would like a free copy of the Book of Mormon, click HERE)
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