Why Study Isaiah?
By Joseph Warren Grammer
This small paper
is not intended to be an exhaustive study on why it is vitally important to study the Prophet Isaiah, but to merely point out a few scriptures and thoughts in that direction. If one wants a fuller understanding of Isaiah, besides the Book of Isaiah itself, it is highly recommended that they turn to the works of two noted Hebrew and Isaiah scholars, Avraham Gileadi and Robert Smith. Gileadi has the finest and most accurate translation of Isaiah available. He is the most profound of the two, writing for a rather general reading audience. Smith, who leans heavily on Gileadi’s Isaiah translation, gets quite pointed and addresses the LDS reading audience more than a general one.
Concerning the Book of Isaiah, when we read it with the understanding that he is speaking to us, the latter-day church, and not to those of his day, we receive a very potent message.
2. Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.
3. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.
4. Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.
5. Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. (Isaiah 1:2-5.)
In these very first verses of the Book of Isaiah, the Lord is speaking through that great prophet and says that He has raised and nourished his children — Israel. But they have rebelled against Him. The Lord goes on to say that even though the ox and the ass knows who their Master is, Israel does not know Him, neither will they consider Him. Not only will Israel not consider their Master, they have “gone away backward”from Him. In other words, Israel has regressed in their understanding of their God, in their obedience to Him, and in their general spirituality.
Now, it’s very easy for us, as Latter-day Saints, to accept that ancient Israel lapsed into apostasy, and that the Nephites did the same. However, there’s a human willingness to recognize a defect in another and not accept that same defect in ourselves. It is much more difficult for us to even grasp the idea that we, too, have lapsed into apostasy; that we, too, will “not consider”; that we, too, have “gone away backward.” It is understandable that this is a hard thing to consider for those who take great pride in their religious heritage. So, to help us understand this idea, let’s start out by considering a Book of Mormon reference to the Latter-day Saints in this regard.
As we consider the following scripture, I realize that it is more comfortable for us to believe that the Lord is speaking to other churches and not the latter day restored church. But this is NOT the case. The Book of Mormon was written for the Latter-day Saints through whom these scriptures came. Consequently, we cannot escape the fact that the message of the book is for Latter-day Saints to consider, as hard as it may be to do so. In Mormon 8:33-41, Moroni records that he sees our day. As he does, he scribes these words of warning to us, realizing that his words will not be read until the Book of Mormon comes forth in the latter times:
33. O ye wicked and perverse and stiffnecked people, why have ye built up churches unto yourselves to get gain? Why have ye transfigured the holy word of God, that ye might bring damnation upon your souls? Behold, look ye unto the revelations of God; for behold, the time cometh at that day when all these things must be fulfilled. (Mormon 8:33.)
During the time of the early apostles, all the different congregations were known as churches, and so it was also during the time of Joseph Smith. For example: the Apostle Paul, writing to the Romans said, “The churches of Christ salute you” (Rom. 16:16); John wrote to the “seven churches which are in Asia” (Rev. 1:4); and the Lord said through the Prophet Joseph Smith, “It shall be the duty of the several churches, composing the church of Christ, to send one or more of their teachers to attend the several conferences held by the elders of the church.” (D&C 20:81.) Therefore, the term “churches” in these verses means different congregations.
34. Behold, the Lord hath shown unto me great and marvelous things concerning that which must shortly come, at that day when these things shall come forth among you.
35. Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing. (Morm. 8:33-35.)
Moroni here, seeing into the future and seeing our day, speaks to us in writing just as if he is with us at the moment. He continues:
36. .And I know that ye do walk in the pride of your hearts; and there are none save a few only who do not lift themselves up in the pride of their hearts, unto the wearing of very fine apparel, unto envying, and strifes, and malice, and persecutions, and all manner of iniquities; and your churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted because of the pride of your hearts.
37. For behold, ye do love money, and your substance, and your fine apparel, and the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted.
38. O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God? Why are ye ashamed to take upon you the name of Christ? Why do ye not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that misery which never dies--because of the praise of the world? (Morm. 8:36-38.)
Moroni comes out and calls us “hypocrites,” and polluters of the “holy church of God.” What other church can be considered the holy church of God? The Catholic church, the Baptist, Methodist, or whatever? Or is it the restored church established by way of the Prophet Joseph Smith? Think about it. Moroni also accuses us of being ashamed to take upon ourselves the name of Christ, and that we love the praise of the world. When we think of how much is said in general conference praising the “Prophet”instead of the Lord; about the worldly leaders come to SLC to visit President Hinckley; of him receiving a medal of freedom from President Bush; of how the LDS church pushed for and promoted the 2002 Winter Olympics in SLC; and so on and so forth (the list could go on and on), is there any doubt of the pride of the world possessed by the latter-day Saints?
I am sure that the honest in heart can see the relevance of these two verses in relation to the Latter-day Saints. A little thoughtful investigation can verify and justify their inclusion. In the following verses of this chapter, which we will not take the time to discuss, Moroni goes on with his condemnation against the Latter-day church.
There is ample evidence that all of these charges can accurately be applied to the LDS church, and it is why we have so much mention of Isaiah in the Book of Mormon who wrote to the latter day church. It is interesting to note that 32% of the book of Isaiah can be found re-quoted in the Book of Mormon. Why did the Prophet Mormon include so much of it? It is because the Book of Mormon was written for us in the latter days, not to those of Mormon’s time. The Prophet Mormon, who compiled the plates of the Book of Mormon, had a good reason for including so much of Isaiah for us to consider.
So let’s consider a few more references to that great prophet, Isaiah, and why we have been commanded by the Lord to diligently search the words of Isaiah. Let’s start off with what Nephi had to say about Isaiah as he teaches his people by quoting often from that book.
20. And I did rehearse unto them the words of Isaiah, who spake concerning the restoration of the Jews, or of the house of Israel; and after they were restored they should no more be confounded, neither should they be scattered again... (1 Nephi 15:20.)
23. And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning. (1 Ne. 19:23.)
One important thing Nephi says is that we should “liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.” Now when we truly liken the words of Isaiah to ourselves, instead of just to those of his time, we can learn the truth concerning ourselves, and hopefully profit by it. Nephi’s younger brother, Jacob, also preaches concerning the words of Isaiah.
4. And now, behold, I would speak unto you concerning things which are, and which are to come; wherefore, I will read you the words of Isaiah. And they are the words which my brother has desired that I should speak unto you. And I speak unto you for your sakes, that ye may learn and glorify the name of your God.
5. And now, the words which I shall read are they which Isaiah spake concerning all the house of Israel; wherefore, they may be likened unto you, for ye are of the house of Israel. And there are many things which have been spoken by Isaiah which may be likened unto you, because ye are of the house of Israel. (2 Ne. 6:4-5.)
Here, Jacob preaching under the direction of Nephi and speaks concerning “things which are, and which are to come.” In doing so, he quotes from Isaiah, who spoke of our day by giving examples of that which occurred during his time. These are types and shadows: what has happened in the past is for-shadowing like events that will occur in the future (See Ne 23:1-3 below).
2. And now I, Nephi, write more of the words of Isaiah, for my soul delighteth in his words. For I will liken his words unto my people, and I will send them forth unto all my children, for he verily saw my Redeemer, even as I have seen him.
8. And now I write some 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 Ne. 11:2, 8.)
As can be seen, Nephi delights in Isaiah, and again he teaches that we should “liken” the words of Isaiah to ourselves; for if we do not take them personally, as though they apply to us, we will totally miss the vital message Isaiah has to offer.
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 hard for many of my people to understand; for they know not concerning the manner of prophesying among the Jews. (2 Ne. 25:1.)
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.... (2 Ne. 25:4.)
From this verse, Nephi tells us that Isaiah is hard to understand unless we know “concerning the manner of prophesying among the Jews.” This is what the Lord has helped Avraham Gileadi to unravel, while Robert Smith has been instrumental in identifying many of the metaphors found throughout Isaiah. Without this combined knowledge, Isaiah will remain a sealed book. Nevertheless, the words of Isaiah are plain to those who possess the “spirit of prophecy,” which of course comes by way of the Holy Ghost. Continuing on, Nephi says,
5. Yea, and my soul delighteth in the words of Isaiah, for I came out from Jerusalem, and mine eyes hath beheld the things of the Jews, and I know that the Jews do understand the things of the prophets, and there is none other people that understand the things which were spoken unto the Jews like unto them, save it be that they are taught after the manner of the things of the Jews.
7. ... nevertheless, in the days that the prophecies of Isaiah shall be fulfilled men shall know of a surety, at the times when they shall come to pass.
8. Wherefore, they are of worth unto the children of men, ... for I know that they shall be of great worth unto them in the last days; for in that day shall they understand them;... (2 Ne. 25:5, 7-8.)
In verse five, Nephi states that it’s important to be “taught after the manner of the thing of the Jews” to understand the writings of Isaiah. He then goes on to explain that we would be able to understand Isaiah in the last days and know when the prophecies are fulfilled.
So, we now know that the words of Isaiah ARE for those of us in the last days.
Now let’s travel further into Book of Mormon history to another Nephi. In 3 Nephi the resurrected Lord visited His people who survived the calamities following His death in Jerusalem.
10. And it came to pass that when they had all given glory unto Jesus, he said unto them: Behold now I finish the commandment which the Father hath commanded me concerning this people, who are a remnant of the house of Israel.
11. Ye remember that I spake unto you, and said that when the words of Isaiah should be fulfilled--behold they are written, ye have them before you, therefore search them--
12. And verily, verily, I say unto you, that when they shall be fulfilled then is the fulfilling of the covenant which the Father hath made unto his people, O house of Israel. (3 Ne. 20:10-12.)
Most of Isaiah’s prophecy has to do with the covenant pertaining to the gathering of Israel in the last days. Jesus said that they, the Nephites, had the writings of Isaiah and that they were to “search them” so that they would understand that covenant and future gathering. That wasn’t the only time He told them to search Isaiah. Again, in Chapter 23 we read:
1. 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.
2. For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel; therefore it must needs be that he must speak also to the Gentiles.
3. And all things that he spake have been and shall be, even according to the words which he spake. (3 Ne. 23:1-3.)
Let’s take a moment and really analyze these verses. Not only did our resurrected Lord say we are to search the things of Isaiah, He said we are to search them “diligently.” He did not say just read them, but “search” them; and not in just a cursory manner, but “diligently.” And not only did He say for us to search the words of Isaiah diligently, but He gave us a COMMANDMENT to do so.
In verse two Jesus informs us that Isaiah wrote concerning the house of Israel; that is, ALL of it, not just the Jews as some suppose. Also, he wrote to the Gentiles who are of the house of Israel. The word “therefore” is a transitional word linking both “house of Israel” with that of “Gentiles.” Consequently, Isaiah was speaking to the Gentiles who are actually of the house of Israel in the last days. That’s us. We are the gentiles. For example, the title page of the Book of Mormon says that it came forth “... by way of the Gentile.” Through whom did the Book of Mormon come? It was through the Latter-day Saints — Ephraim of the house of Israel. And speaking of the Book of Mormon, in Section 20 of the Doctrine and Covenants we read that the book contains “... the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and to the Jews also.” (D&C 20:9.) Since the Book of Mormon is for us, then we should understand that we are the Gentiles spoken of in the Book of Mormon. And since it is also for the Jews, we then know that it is for the entire house of Israel.
Jesus said in verse three that what Isaiah spoke, “have been and shall be.” In other words, it is as stated above about types and shadows: what has happened in the past is for-shadowing like events that will occur in the future. This was spoken of by the Savior earlier: “And then shall that which is written come to pass.” (3 Ne. 22:1.)
Our Lord commanded us to diligently search the words of Isaiah because they pertain to us, the Gentile Israelites of the last days. We are to learn of our condition before Him, repent, and prepare for the forthcoming gathering of His chosen people, Israel.
There is one more admonition to study the words of Isaiah found in the Book of Mormon, and that comes from the Prophet Moroni. He simply said, “Search the prophecies of Isaiah. Behold, I cannot write them.” (Morm. 8:23.)
Does the reader recall this chapter of Mormon? It’s the same chapter that we referenced above where Moroni said, “Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing. ... And I know that ye do walk in the pride of your hearts; ... and your churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted because of the pride of your hearts. ... O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God?” (see vv.33-38.)
Isn’t it interesting that the Prophet Moroni prefaced this condemnation of the latter day church with the admonition to “Search the prophecies of Isaiah”? Could there be a connection? Of course there is! Those who cannot make that connection, perhaps, should “consider” what Avraham Gileadi had to say concerning one of the keys of understanding this great Prophet, Isaiah. In the “Introduction” to his book, The Literary Message of Isaiah, Gileadi observed:
“The art of prophesying in ancient times, which has only begun to be appreciated in our own time, was developed as much as a defense against those who should not understand a prophet̓s message as it provided a vehicle for those who should understand it. The inscrutable nature of Isaiah̓s prophecies — their complexity and formidableness — thus served a twofold purpose. On the one hand, Isaiah hid the meaning of his words from the wicked, those whom his message would condemn because they were not prepared to receive it. On the other hand, those who diligently sought to know the truth of Isaiah̓s words would understand his message because they were ready to receive it. The first interpretive key, therefore, has to do with being spiritually qualified or prepared.
“The highest spiritual preparedness a person can attain in order to comprehend a prophet̓s words is surely to be imbued with the same spirit of prophecy that inspired the prophet in the first place. In effect, the spirit of prophecy — to a greater or lesser degree — will, make Isaiah̓s words plain to the reader when both prophet and reader are attuned to the same spirit. When the spirit that inspired Isaiah dwells in us, then we are aided in understanding Isaiah̓s words.
“But what is the spirit of prophecy? According to Peter, ‘Prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit’ (2 Pet 1:21). Paul, too, says that prophecy is a gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:4,10) and notes that ‘the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God’ (1 Cor 2:11). In other words, we cannot comprehend the revelations God gave through the prophets except by the Spirit of God that gave the prophets utterance. Isaiah tells us that God will imbue with His Spirit those who perform justice and righteousness in the earth (Isa 32:15-17; 42:1-4). These, God will send to minister to others of His people (Isa 48:16; 61:1). Isaiah equates the influence of the Spirit of God upon His people with God̓s words being ‘placed in [their] mouth (Isa. 59:21).
“Our possessing the spirit of prophecy, or the gift of prophecy, thus depends on our spiritual preparedness or worthiness. This first key hinges on how we relate to God. We qualify for the gift of the Holy Spirit when we show ourselves righteous by His standards, when we truly desire to live His law. There is no getting around this key. Without it we cannot become enlightened, for it guarantees our comprehension or ensures our lack of it, depending on who we are before God.” (The Literary Message of Isaiah, “Introduction,” pp. 2-3.)
In light of the above, we can know how we stand in relation to God by the attitude we take towards the words of Isaiah. If we do not like Isaiah’s message; if his message offends us; if we oppose the study of Isaiah; or if we simply do not comprehend his message, we can know that we are not spiritually prepared as God would have us; for He commanded us to search the prophecies diligently. Remember what Nephi taught, “... the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.” (1 Ne. 3:7.)
Now, no one, not even a “real” prophet of God can override a direct commandment given by the Lord; and those who say we are not to study Isaiah and attempt to understand him is going against His direct commandment. It doesn’t matter if Isaiah is hard to understand at first. That’s a rather flimsy excuse for not diligently searching Isaiah’s words as commanded. If Jesus commanded us to search them, we must put forth the effort. He then gives the increase.
Remember we quoted above, “... the words of Isaiah are not plain unto you, nevertheless they are plain unto all those that are filled with the spirit of prophecy.... (2 Ne. 25:4.) Consequently, we may need to reexamine our relationship with God if we do not cherish in the words of Isaiah, or if they are not very plain to us.
So, let us truly consider the words of Isaiah; and instead of going away backwards, let’s move forward in the knowledge of the Lord, understanding the covenant He made with our forefathers, and look forward to the gathering of our people, the House of Israel, which surely will come to pass.
is not intended to be an exhaustive study on why it is vitally important to study the Prophet Isaiah, but to merely point out a few scriptures and thoughts in that direction. If one wants a fuller understanding of Isaiah, besides the Book of Isaiah itself, it is highly recommended that they turn to the works of two noted Hebrew and Isaiah scholars, Avraham Gileadi and Robert Smith. Gileadi has the finest and most accurate translation of Isaiah available. He is the most profound of the two, writing for a rather general reading audience. Smith, who leans heavily on Gileadi’s Isaiah translation, gets quite pointed and addresses the LDS reading audience more than a general one.Concerning the Book of Isaiah, when we read it with the understanding that he is speaking to us, the latter-day church, and not to those of his day, we receive a very potent message.
2. Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.
3. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.
4. Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.
5. Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. (Isaiah 1:2-5.)
In these very first verses of the Book of Isaiah, the Lord is speaking through that great prophet and says that He has raised and nourished his children — Israel. But they have rebelled against Him. The Lord goes on to say that even though the ox and the ass knows who their Master is, Israel does not know Him, neither will they consider Him. Not only will Israel not consider their Master, they have “gone away backward”from Him. In other words, Israel has regressed in their understanding of their God, in their obedience to Him, and in their general spirituality.
Now, it’s very easy for us, as Latter-day Saints, to accept that ancient Israel lapsed into apostasy, and that the Nephites did the same. However, there’s a human willingness to recognize a defect in another and not accept that same defect in ourselves. It is much more difficult for us to even grasp the idea that we, too, have lapsed into apostasy; that we, too, will “not consider”; that we, too, have “gone away backward.” It is understandable that this is a hard thing to consider for those who take great pride in their religious heritage. So, to help us understand this idea, let’s start out by considering a Book of Mormon reference to the Latter-day Saints in this regard.
As we consider the following scripture, I realize that it is more comfortable for us to believe that the Lord is speaking to other churches and not the latter day restored church. But this is NOT the case. The Book of Mormon was written for the Latter-day Saints through whom these scriptures came. Consequently, we cannot escape the fact that the message of the book is for Latter-day Saints to consider, as hard as it may be to do so. In Mormon 8:33-41, Moroni records that he sees our day. As he does, he scribes these words of warning to us, realizing that his words will not be read until the Book of Mormon comes forth in the latter times:
33. O ye wicked and perverse and stiffnecked people, why have ye built up churches unto yourselves to get gain? Why have ye transfigured the holy word of God, that ye might bring damnation upon your souls? Behold, look ye unto the revelations of God; for behold, the time cometh at that day when all these things must be fulfilled. (Mormon 8:33.)
During the time of the early apostles, all the different congregations were known as churches, and so it was also during the time of Joseph Smith. For example: the Apostle Paul, writing to the Romans said, “The churches of Christ salute you” (Rom. 16:16); John wrote to the “seven churches which are in Asia” (Rev. 1:4); and the Lord said through the Prophet Joseph Smith, “It shall be the duty of the several churches, composing the church of Christ, to send one or more of their teachers to attend the several conferences held by the elders of the church.” (D&C 20:81.) Therefore, the term “churches” in these verses means different congregations.
34. Behold, the Lord hath shown unto me great and marvelous things concerning that which must shortly come, at that day when these things shall come forth among you.
35. Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing. (Morm. 8:33-35.)
Moroni here, seeing into the future and seeing our day, speaks to us in writing just as if he is with us at the moment. He continues:
36. .And I know that ye do walk in the pride of your hearts; and there are none save a few only who do not lift themselves up in the pride of their hearts, unto the wearing of very fine apparel, unto envying, and strifes, and malice, and persecutions, and all manner of iniquities; and your churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted because of the pride of your hearts.
37. For behold, ye do love money, and your substance, and your fine apparel, and the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted.
38. O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God? Why are ye ashamed to take upon you the name of Christ? Why do ye not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that misery which never dies--because of the praise of the world? (Morm. 8:36-38.)
Moroni comes out and calls us “hypocrites,” and polluters of the “holy church of God.” What other church can be considered the holy church of God? The Catholic church, the Baptist, Methodist, or whatever? Or is it the restored church established by way of the Prophet Joseph Smith? Think about it. Moroni also accuses us of being ashamed to take upon ourselves the name of Christ, and that we love the praise of the world. When we think of how much is said in general conference praising the “Prophet”instead of the Lord; about the worldly leaders come to SLC to visit President Hinckley; of him receiving a medal of freedom from President Bush; of how the LDS church pushed for and promoted the 2002 Winter Olympics in SLC; and so on and so forth (the list could go on and on), is there any doubt of the pride of the world possessed by the latter-day Saints?
I am sure that the honest in heart can see the relevance of these two verses in relation to the Latter-day Saints. A little thoughtful investigation can verify and justify their inclusion. In the following verses of this chapter, which we will not take the time to discuss, Moroni goes on with his condemnation against the Latter-day church.
There is ample evidence that all of these charges can accurately be applied to the LDS church, and it is why we have so much mention of Isaiah in the Book of Mormon who wrote to the latter day church. It is interesting to note that 32% of the book of Isaiah can be found re-quoted in the Book of Mormon. Why did the Prophet Mormon include so much of it? It is because the Book of Mormon was written for us in the latter days, not to those of Mormon’s time. The Prophet Mormon, who compiled the plates of the Book of Mormon, had a good reason for including so much of Isaiah for us to consider.
So let’s consider a few more references to that great prophet, Isaiah, and why we have been commanded by the Lord to diligently search the words of Isaiah. Let’s start off with what Nephi had to say about Isaiah as he teaches his people by quoting often from that book.
20. And I did rehearse unto them the words of Isaiah, who spake concerning the restoration of the Jews, or of the house of Israel; and after they were restored they should no more be confounded, neither should they be scattered again... (1 Nephi 15:20.)
23. And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning. (1 Ne. 19:23.)
One important thing Nephi says is that we should “liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.” Now when we truly liken the words of Isaiah to ourselves, instead of just to those of his time, we can learn the truth concerning ourselves, and hopefully profit by it. Nephi’s younger brother, Jacob, also preaches concerning the words of Isaiah.
4. And now, behold, I would speak unto you concerning things which are, and which are to come; wherefore, I will read you the words of Isaiah. And they are the words which my brother has desired that I should speak unto you. And I speak unto you for your sakes, that ye may learn and glorify the name of your God.
5. And now, the words which I shall read are they which Isaiah spake concerning all the house of Israel; wherefore, they may be likened unto you, for ye are of the house of Israel. And there are many things which have been spoken by Isaiah which may be likened unto you, because ye are of the house of Israel. (2 Ne. 6:4-5.)
Here, Jacob preaching under the direction of Nephi and speaks concerning “things which are, and which are to come.” In doing so, he quotes from Isaiah, who spoke of our day by giving examples of that which occurred during his time. These are types and shadows: what has happened in the past is for-shadowing like events that will occur in the future (See Ne 23:1-3 below).
2. And now I, Nephi, write more of the words of Isaiah, for my soul delighteth in his words. For I will liken his words unto my people, and I will send them forth unto all my children, for he verily saw my Redeemer, even as I have seen him.
8. And now I write some 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 Ne. 11:2, 8.)
As can be seen, Nephi delights in Isaiah, and again he teaches that we should “liken” the words of Isaiah to ourselves; for if we do not take them personally, as though they apply to us, we will totally miss the vital message Isaiah has to offer.
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 hard for many of my people to understand; for they know not concerning the manner of prophesying among the Jews. (2 Ne. 25:1.)
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.... (2 Ne. 25:4.)
From this verse, Nephi tells us that Isaiah is hard to understand unless we know “concerning the manner of prophesying among the Jews.” This is what the Lord has helped Avraham Gileadi to unravel, while Robert Smith has been instrumental in identifying many of the metaphors found throughout Isaiah. Without this combined knowledge, Isaiah will remain a sealed book. Nevertheless, the words of Isaiah are plain to those who possess the “spirit of prophecy,” which of course comes by way of the Holy Ghost. Continuing on, Nephi says,
5. Yea, and my soul delighteth in the words of Isaiah, for I came out from Jerusalem, and mine eyes hath beheld the things of the Jews, and I know that the Jews do understand the things of the prophets, and there is none other people that understand the things which were spoken unto the Jews like unto them, save it be that they are taught after the manner of the things of the Jews.
7. ... nevertheless, in the days that the prophecies of Isaiah shall be fulfilled men shall know of a surety, at the times when they shall come to pass.
8. Wherefore, they are of worth unto the children of men, ... for I know that they shall be of great worth unto them in the last days; for in that day shall they understand them;... (2 Ne. 25:5, 7-8.)
In verse five, Nephi states that it’s important to be “taught after the manner of the thing of the Jews” to understand the writings of Isaiah. He then goes on to explain that we would be able to understand Isaiah in the last days and know when the prophecies are fulfilled.
So, we now know that the words of Isaiah ARE for those of us in the last days.
Now let’s travel further into Book of Mormon history to another Nephi. In 3 Nephi the resurrected Lord visited His people who survived the calamities following His death in Jerusalem.
10. And it came to pass that when they had all given glory unto Jesus, he said unto them: Behold now I finish the commandment which the Father hath commanded me concerning this people, who are a remnant of the house of Israel.
11. Ye remember that I spake unto you, and said that when the words of Isaiah should be fulfilled--behold they are written, ye have them before you, therefore search them--
12. And verily, verily, I say unto you, that when they shall be fulfilled then is the fulfilling of the covenant which the Father hath made unto his people, O house of Israel. (3 Ne. 20:10-12.)
Most of Isaiah’s prophecy has to do with the covenant pertaining to the gathering of Israel in the last days. Jesus said that they, the Nephites, had the writings of Isaiah and that they were to “search them” so that they would understand that covenant and future gathering. That wasn’t the only time He told them to search Isaiah. Again, in Chapter 23 we read:
1. 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.
2. For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel; therefore it must needs be that he must speak also to the Gentiles.
3. And all things that he spake have been and shall be, even according to the words which he spake. (3 Ne. 23:1-3.)
Let’s take a moment and really analyze these verses. Not only did our resurrected Lord say we are to search the things of Isaiah, He said we are to search them “diligently.” He did not say just read them, but “search” them; and not in just a cursory manner, but “diligently.” And not only did He say for us to search the words of Isaiah diligently, but He gave us a COMMANDMENT to do so.
In verse two Jesus informs us that Isaiah wrote concerning the house of Israel; that is, ALL of it, not just the Jews as some suppose. Also, he wrote to the Gentiles who are of the house of Israel. The word “therefore” is a transitional word linking both “house of Israel” with that of “Gentiles.” Consequently, Isaiah was speaking to the Gentiles who are actually of the house of Israel in the last days. That’s us. We are the gentiles. For example, the title page of the Book of Mormon says that it came forth “... by way of the Gentile.” Through whom did the Book of Mormon come? It was through the Latter-day Saints — Ephraim of the house of Israel. And speaking of the Book of Mormon, in Section 20 of the Doctrine and Covenants we read that the book contains “... the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and to the Jews also.” (D&C 20:9.) Since the Book of Mormon is for us, then we should understand that we are the Gentiles spoken of in the Book of Mormon. And since it is also for the Jews, we then know that it is for the entire house of Israel.
Jesus said in verse three that what Isaiah spoke, “have been and shall be.” In other words, it is as stated above about types and shadows: what has happened in the past is for-shadowing like events that will occur in the future. This was spoken of by the Savior earlier: “And then shall that which is written come to pass.” (3 Ne. 22:1.)
Our Lord commanded us to diligently search the words of Isaiah because they pertain to us, the Gentile Israelites of the last days. We are to learn of our condition before Him, repent, and prepare for the forthcoming gathering of His chosen people, Israel.
There is one more admonition to study the words of Isaiah found in the Book of Mormon, and that comes from the Prophet Moroni. He simply said, “Search the prophecies of Isaiah. Behold, I cannot write them.” (Morm. 8:23.)
Does the reader recall this chapter of Mormon? It’s the same chapter that we referenced above where Moroni said, “Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing. ... And I know that ye do walk in the pride of your hearts; ... and your churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted because of the pride of your hearts. ... O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God?” (see vv.33-38.)
Isn’t it interesting that the Prophet Moroni prefaced this condemnation of the latter day church with the admonition to “Search the prophecies of Isaiah”? Could there be a connection? Of course there is! Those who cannot make that connection, perhaps, should “consider” what Avraham Gileadi had to say concerning one of the keys of understanding this great Prophet, Isaiah. In the “Introduction” to his book, The Literary Message of Isaiah, Gileadi observed:
“The art of prophesying in ancient times, which has only begun to be appreciated in our own time, was developed as much as a defense against those who should not understand a prophet̓s message as it provided a vehicle for those who should understand it. The inscrutable nature of Isaiah̓s prophecies — their complexity and formidableness — thus served a twofold purpose. On the one hand, Isaiah hid the meaning of his words from the wicked, those whom his message would condemn because they were not prepared to receive it. On the other hand, those who diligently sought to know the truth of Isaiah̓s words would understand his message because they were ready to receive it. The first interpretive key, therefore, has to do with being spiritually qualified or prepared.
“The highest spiritual preparedness a person can attain in order to comprehend a prophet̓s words is surely to be imbued with the same spirit of prophecy that inspired the prophet in the first place. In effect, the spirit of prophecy — to a greater or lesser degree — will, make Isaiah̓s words plain to the reader when both prophet and reader are attuned to the same spirit. When the spirit that inspired Isaiah dwells in us, then we are aided in understanding Isaiah̓s words.
“But what is the spirit of prophecy? According to Peter, ‘Prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit’ (2 Pet 1:21). Paul, too, says that prophecy is a gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:4,10) and notes that ‘the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God’ (1 Cor 2:11). In other words, we cannot comprehend the revelations God gave through the prophets except by the Spirit of God that gave the prophets utterance. Isaiah tells us that God will imbue with His Spirit those who perform justice and righteousness in the earth (Isa 32:15-17; 42:1-4). These, God will send to minister to others of His people (Isa 48:16; 61:1). Isaiah equates the influence of the Spirit of God upon His people with God̓s words being ‘placed in [their] mouth (Isa. 59:21).
“Our possessing the spirit of prophecy, or the gift of prophecy, thus depends on our spiritual preparedness or worthiness. This first key hinges on how we relate to God. We qualify for the gift of the Holy Spirit when we show ourselves righteous by His standards, when we truly desire to live His law. There is no getting around this key. Without it we cannot become enlightened, for it guarantees our comprehension or ensures our lack of it, depending on who we are before God.” (The Literary Message of Isaiah, “Introduction,” pp. 2-3.)
In light of the above, we can know how we stand in relation to God by the attitude we take towards the words of Isaiah. If we do not like Isaiah’s message; if his message offends us; if we oppose the study of Isaiah; or if we simply do not comprehend his message, we can know that we are not spiritually prepared as God would have us; for He commanded us to search the prophecies diligently. Remember what Nephi taught, “... the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.” (1 Ne. 3:7.)
Now, no one, not even a “real” prophet of God can override a direct commandment given by the Lord; and those who say we are not to study Isaiah and attempt to understand him is going against His direct commandment. It doesn’t matter if Isaiah is hard to understand at first. That’s a rather flimsy excuse for not diligently searching Isaiah’s words as commanded. If Jesus commanded us to search them, we must put forth the effort. He then gives the increase.
Remember we quoted above, “... the words of Isaiah are not plain unto you, nevertheless they are plain unto all those that are filled with the spirit of prophecy.... (2 Ne. 25:4.) Consequently, we may need to reexamine our relationship with God if we do not cherish in the words of Isaiah, or if they are not very plain to us.
So, let us truly consider the words of Isaiah; and instead of going away backwards, let’s move forward in the knowledge of the Lord, understanding the covenant He made with our forefathers, and look forward to the gathering of our people, the House of Israel, which surely will come to pass.
