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A few years ago, a friend of mine asked me to write some posts to help her better understand the Isaiah chapters in the Book of Mormon. She wrote, “Whenever I see ‘Compare Isaiah. . .’ at the end of a chapter heading I have an instant feeling of dread, almost. Maybe you could break down the Isaiah chapters and how they relate to Nephi and his family and in turn to us.”
Out of 66 chapters in Isaiah, 20 are quoted in the Book of Mormon:
| Isaiah | Book of Mormon |
|---|---|
| Isaiah 2-14 | 2 Nephi 12-24 |
| Isaiah 29 | 2 Nephi 27 (paraphrased and extended) |
| Isaiah 48-49 | 1 Nephi 20-21 |
| Isaiah 51 | 2 Nephi 8 |
| Isaiah 52 | 2 Nephi 8:24-25, 3 Nephi 20:36-38, Mosiah 12:21-24, 3 Nephi 16:18-20, 3 Nephi 20:40-45 |
| Isaiah 53 | Mosiah 14 |
| Isaiah 54 | 3 Nephi 22 |
Furthermore, the Book of Mormon encourages us to study Isaiah:
- Nephi wrote, “My soul delighteth in the words of Isaiah” (2 Nephi 25:5).
- When Jesus Christ visited the American continent, He said, “A commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah” (3 Nephi 23:1).
- Moroni urged his future readers, “Search the prophecies of Isaiah” (Mormon 8:23).
Background
Here are some blog posts I wrote to give my friend some background as she studies the Isaiah chapters:
- Why Is Isaiah Quoted So Much in the Book of Mormon?
- Why Is Isaiah So Difficult to Understand?
- How Can Recognizing Parallelisms Help Me Understand Isaiah?
- What Is the Historical Context for the Book of Isaiah?
- Which of Isaiah’s Writings Are Quoted in the Book of Mormon?
- How Does Isaiah Point Us Toward Christ?
- What Is the Role of Isaiah’s “Servant Songs” in the Book of Mormon?
Posts by Chapter
I’ve written a lot about the Isaiah chapters that are quoted in the Book of Mormon. Here is a list of those posts, broken down by chapter.
Isaiah 2
Contents of the Brass Plates
Eight of the 39 books in the Old Testament were definitely in the brass plates, and another 16 may have been included. For Book of Mormon prophets, the brass plates…
Walking in the Light
Isaiah urged us to “walk in the light of the Lord.” Elder David A. Bednar explained that revelation often comes gradually, and that we may need to move forward according…
Sacred Spaces
After Nephi arrived in the promised land, he and his people built a temple. I imagine him being inspired by King David’s deep desire to build a house of the…
He Will Teach Us of His Ways
The following passage appears in the books of both Micah and Isaiah: In the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the…
The Mountain of the Lord’s House
Moses ascended a mountain to talk with the Lord. (See Exodus 19:20, Exodus 24:12, Exodus 34:4.) Elijah followed a similar pattern (1 Kings 19:8-9), as did Nephi (1 Nephi 11:1,…
Hubris, Arrogance, and Haughtiness
Ezra Taft Benson said that pride manifests itself in different ways, which he called the “faces of pride.” Some of the manifestations he identified were selfishness, contention, defensiveness, and unwillingness…
We Love Thy House
Based on: Psalm 26 Core message: We long to be in sacred spaces because we look forward to being in God’s presence. Related Book of Mormon passages: 2 Nephi 12,…
“Up, Make Us Gods”
Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made. Isaiah 2:8, 2 Nephi 12:8 When Moses delayed coming down from…
A Tower to Get to Heaven
Sometime after the Great Flood, the descendants of Noah were gathered in a place called Shinar, which later became known as Babylonia. They collectively resolved to build “a city and…
Loftiness, Haughtiness (2 Nephi 12:11, 17, 2 Nephi 15:15-16)
lofty – proud, aloof, or self-important haughty – arrogantly superior and disdainful (Oxford English Dictionary) A recurrent theme in the writings of Isaiah is the impermanence of worldly power. Physical…
How Can the Words of Isaiah Bring Us Joy?
Nephi explained why he quoted so much from Isaiah: “My soul delighteth in his words.” He introduced thirteen consecutive chapters of Isaiah by saying that he hoped the words would…
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About the Millennium?
A millennium is a period of a thousand years. The Millennium is a thousand-year period of peace following the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The apostle John foresaw a time…
What Is Haughtiness?
I wrote yesterday that pride means thinking too highly of yourself, exaggerating your capabilities and minimizing your limitations. When pride leads you to treat other people with contempt, it is…
What Is Zion?
Six generations after Adam, there was a man named Enoch. The Bible tells us that “Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him” (Genesis 5:24). In…
How Does Isaiah Point Us Toward Christ?
Nephi tells us that he read to his brothers from the books of Moses, “but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I…
Which of Isaiah’s Writings Are Quoted in the Book of Mormon?
About a third of the book of Isaiah (21 out of 66 chapters) is quoted in the Book of Mormon. Here is a list of those chapters with a brief…
Out of Zion Shall Go Forth the Law – 2 Nephi 12:3, 5
3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and…
Let Us Go Up – 2 Nephi 12:2-3
2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, when the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be…
The Mountain of the Lord’s House – 2 Nephi 12:2-3
2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, when the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be…
2 Nephi 12:11 The Lord Alone Shall Be Exalted in That Day
11 And it shall come to pass that the lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall…
2 Nephi 12:5 Let Us Walk in the Light of the Lord
5 O house of Jacob, come ye and let us walk in the light of the Lord; yea, come, for ye have all gone astray, every one to his wicked…
2 Nephi 12:2-3 Come Ye, and Let Us Go Up to the Mountain of the Lord
2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, when the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be…
Isaiah 3
Being Governable
We all love freedom, but we also recognize that living and working with other people requires us to voluntarily curtail…
What Does the Book of Mormon Refute?
This is the third of six posts answering a series of questions raised by President Russell M. Nelson in the…
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Finances?
Today, I’ll share a few principles of financial management that are taught in the Book of Mormon. Over the next…
The Bravery of Their Tinkling Ornaments – 2 Nephi 13:18-23
18 In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments, and cauls, and round tires…
They Cannot Hide It – 2 Nephi 13:9
9 The show of their countenance doth witness against them, and doth declare their sin to be even as Sodom,…
Make Me Not a Ruler – 2 Nephi 13:5-7
5 And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbor; the child shall…
2 Nephi 13:14-15 The Spoil of the Poor
14 The Lord will enter into judgment with the ancients of his people and the princes thereof; for ye have…
Isaiah 4
The Branch of the Lord
The “branch of the Lord” in 2 Nephi 14 could mean at least three things: 1. The blessings we receive…
Holy Places – 2 Nephi 14:5-6
The prophet Isaiah foretold a time when every home would be a holy place: And the Lord will create upon every dwelling-place…
Washed…and…Purged – 2 Nephi 14:3-4
3 And it shall come to pass, they that are left in Zion and remain in Jerusalem shall be called…
A Place of Refuge – 2 Nephi 14:6
6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place…
Upon Every Dwelling Place – 2 Nephi 14:5
5 And the Lord will create upon every dwelling-place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke…
Isaiah 5
Contributing to the Hastening
In 1832, the Lord promised a group of missionaries, “I will hasten my work in its time.” In recent years,…
Relentless
God’s love for us is unwavering. Eight times in Zenos’s Allegory of the Olive Tree, the Lord of the Vineyard…
“Wise in Their Own Eyes”
Isaiah said, “Wo unto the wise in their own eyes.” God wants us to be wise, but it’s apparently dangerous…
“From Darkness to Light”
Jesus came to bring light to those who walk in darkness. No wonder He told Paul that his mission was…
Tzedakah/Tze’akah
One of the hard things about being a parent or a teacher is when your children or students fall short…
“None Shall Slumber”
In 1837, Thomas B. Marsh was concerned about the state of the Church. In Missouri, church members had been driven…
Isaiah’s Six Woes – 2 Nephi 15:8-23
After sharing a discouraging parable about an unresponsive vineyard, Isaiah delivered six warnings to his readers, each beginning with the…
“Thine Anger Is Turned Away” – 2 Nephi 22:1
The following refrain appears five times in the book of Isaiah: For all this his anger is not turned away,…
What Is Wisdom?
Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, the prophet Jacob gives us the following counsel: “O be wise; what…
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Anger?
As we’ve discussed the last couple of days: We feel sadness when something bad happens to us or to someone…
An Ensign to the Nations – 2 Nephi 15:26, 2 Nephi 21:12
26 And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the…
Wo Unto Them that Join House to House – 2 Nephi 15:8-10
8 Wo unto them that join house to house, till there can be no place, that they may be placed…
In a Very Fruitful Hill – 2 Nephi 15:1-4
1 And then will I sing to my well-beloved a song of my beloved, touching his vineyard. My well-beloved hath…
What Could Have Been Done More? – 2 Nephi 15:4
4 What could have been done more to my vineyard that I have not done in it? Wherefore, when I…
Isaiah 6
Unspotted
James urges us to keep ourselves unspotted from the world. In modern revelation, the Lord explains that regular worship enables…
Unclean Lips
When Isaiah saw God, he felt out of place because he was “a man of unclean lips” who lived among…
The Throne of God
Isaiah, Lehi, and John all saw God sitting on a throne, surrounded by heavenly beings who were praising Him. These…
“I Shall Be Healed”
As Jesus approached a paralyzed man lying near the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem, He asked an unusual question: “Wilt…
“I Pray That He’ll Use Us”
In a video about the Church’s efforts to provide training for neonatal medical professionals in developing countries, Elder Jeffrey R.…
“Put Off Thy Shoes”
When God appeared to Moses “in the midst of a bush” on Mount Horeb, He said, “put off thy shoes from off…
“Behold the Seer”
MUSTAFA: Do you know what you would like this evening, sir? EGO: Yes, I think I do…. You know what…
How Can I Recognize the Voice of the Lord?
In his first talk as president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Russell M. Nelson pleaded with…
Words of Comfort and Encouragement from Isaiah
This morning, as I studied 2 Nephi 16-20 (Isaiah 6-10), a number of phrases caught my attention. Here they are…
How Can I Be Healed?
Jesus Christ is the Master Healer. After the destruction which coincided with His death and resurrection, while the people mourned…
Mine Eyes Have Seen the King – 2 Nephi 16:1, 5
1 In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted…
Be Converted and Be Healed – 2 Nephi 16:9-10
9 And he said: Go and tell this people—Hear ye indeed, but they understood not; and see ye indeed, but…
Here Am I; Send Me – 2 Nephi 16:8
8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?…
Here Am I – 2 Nephi 16:8
8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?…
Isaiah 7
The Remnant Shall Return
Isaiah’s prophecy about the remnant of Israel returning to God assures that no matter how far they are from home,…
God With Us
Isaiah prophesied that a virgin would bear a son and call him “Immanuel,” which means “God with us.” As Abinadi…
Emmanuel
The author of Psalm 46 wants us to know that God is not a distant and detached monarch. He is…
Unto Us a Child Is Born
Two of the most significant Old Testament prophecies of Jesus Christ focus on His birth. Both of these are in…
The Fear of the Lord
Throughout the scriptures, we are counseled to overcome our fears. God told Abraham, Hagar, and Jacob to “fear not” as…
The Living Christ and the Book of Mormon
The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles is a proclamation published by leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ…
What Is the Historical Context for the Book of Isaiah?
The principles taught by Isaiah have universal applicability, but many of them are expressed in terms of the cultural environment…
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Fear?
Fear is an unpleasant feeling caused by the anticipation of a negative event (Oxford English Dictionary). We feel sadness when…
What Is the Significance of the Name “Immanuel?”
We can be successful with God’s help. He has paved the way for us to overcome every obstacle, and He…
Immanuel – 2 Nephi 17:14-16
14 Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign—Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and shall bear a son, and…
These Smoking Firebrands – 2 Nephi 17:1-7
1 And it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king…
Fear Not, Neither Be Faint-Hearted – 2 Nephi 17:2-4
2 And it was told the house of David, saying: Syria is confederate with Ephraim. And his heart was moved,…
Isaiah 8
Waiting for Clarity
Our brains crave certainty. When coupled with impatience, this urge can be harmful. It can cause us to settle for…
“They Shall Not Be Ashamed That Wait for Me”
Waiting doesn’t come easy for human beings. We aren’t naturally patient. But multiple times, the prophet Isaiah identifies waiting as…
I Will Wait upon the Lord – 2 Nephi 18:17
17 And I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will…
Say Ye Not, A Confederacy – 2 Nephi 18:12-13
12 Say ye not, A confederacy, to all to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their…
To the Law and to the Testimony – 2 Nephi 18:19-20
19 And when they shall say unto you: Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep…
The Waters of Shiloah – 2 Nephi 18:6-8
6 Forasmuch as this people refuseth the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah’s son;…
Isaiah 9
The Prince of Peace
Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would be the Prince of Peace. As His followers, we ought to also encourage peace by…
Unto You / Unto Us
The angel told the shepherds that he had good news for everyone, but then he made it personal: “Unto you…
No Darkness
John testified, “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” Nephi declared, “The Lord God worketh not…
To Give Light
Eight days after John the Baptist was born, his parents brought him to be circumcised. At that time, they named…
The Sons of Jacob
Jacob had twelve sons. Each of them was unique, with his own strengths and weaknesses. In the Genesis narrative, as…
Breaking a Yoke
A yoke is a wooden beam placed on the necks of two animals so that they can pull together. That’s…
A House of Order
I’ve been listening to Supreme Court arguments the past couple of weeks. In each case, the attorneys are seeking a…
“The People That Walked in Darkness” – 2 Nephi 19:2
Even when we are surrounded by darkness, we can be filled with light. The ancient prophet Micah wrote, “Rejoice not…
Why Is Light an Appropriate Symbol for the Birth of Christ?
In a passage quoted by Nephi, Isaiah used the imagery of light to describe the birth of the Messiah: The…
What Is “Stoutness of Heart?”
After prophesying that the Savior will one day establish peace and justice on the earth, Isaiah contrasts God’s steady leadership…
What Is the Significance of the Name “Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace?”
Jesus Christ is the perfect leader. He gives good advice, He is powerful, and He brings peace and happiness to…
His Hand Is Stretched Out Still – 2 Nephi 19:12, 17, 21; 20:4
…For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. (2 Nephi 19:12, 17,…
Of Government and Peace – 2 Nephi 19:6-7
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon…
The People That Walk in Darkness – 2 Nephi 19:2-4
2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; they that dwell in the land of the…
Wonderful Counselor – 2 Nephi 19:6-7
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon…
Isaiah 10
“It Was Not You That Sent Me Hither, But God”
Joseph explained to his brothers that their harmful decision to sell him into slavery had actually helped God fulfill His…
Insiders Beware!
There is comfort in being included and valued, but there are dangers in feeling that we are uniquely chosen. God…
The Abrahamic Covenant
God repeated a set of promises to Abraham over and over again. When some of the promises seemed unlikely to…
Glory
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall…
“Plead the Cause of the Poor and Needy”
Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord issued a clear warning to political leaders: Wo unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write…
Widows and Orphans
In April 1832, the Lord provided specific instructions to the church on caring for those “who have lost their husbands…
Is It Wrong to Boast?
Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, Nephi quotes a passage from the Book of Isaiah which warns of…
How Can I Find Peace?
The Hebrew word shalom (שָׁלוֹם) appears 237 times in the Old Testament. It is usually translated as “peace,” but it is sometimes…
The Remnant of Israel…Shall Stay upon the Lord…in Truth – 2 Nephi 20:20
20 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped…
Where Will Ye Leave Your Glory? – 2 Nephi 20:1-3
1 Wo unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed; 2 To turn away…
The Yoke Shall Be Destroyed – 2 Nephi 20:27
27 And it shall come to pass in that day that his burden shall be taken away from off thy…
Shall the Ax Boast Itself? – 2 Nephi 20:12-15
12 Wherefore it shall come to pass that when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon Mount Zion and…
Isaiah 11
Shoots from Stumps
Isaiah foresaw a shoot growing from the fallen stump of King David’s descendants—new life emerging from what seemed dead. Jesus,…
What Does It Mean to “Gird Up Your Loins”?
Throughout the Old Testament, beginning with Passover instructions, “girding one’s loins” indicated readiness to act. In modern revelation, the Lord…
“The Rod of My Mouth”
In the scriptures, a rod represents correction, protection, and guidance. Nephi taught that the iron rod represents the word of…
Old Testament Prophecies of the Second Coming
Four Old Testament prophecies quoted by Moroni to Joseph Smith teach us how to prepare for the Second Coming of…
“A Little Child Shall Lead Them”
In the middle of a prophecy about the Millenium, Isaiah inserted a fascinating phrase: “and a little child shall lead…
The Root and the Offspring
Jesus was a descendant of King David, but was also his progenitor, the source of his life and spiritual strength.…
“Reprove the World”
The Holy Ghost is a teacher, a reminder, and a comforter. He is also a reprover. Part of teaching us…
The Stem, the Rod, and the Root
After prophesying that Israel would be conquered, using a metaphor of a tree being chopped down or burned, Isaiah presents…
“The Girdle of His Loins”
Immediately after prophesying of the destruction of the wicked and the gathering of Israel, Isaiah proclaims the coming of the…
A Standard for My People
Isaiah prophesied that the Lord would one day erect a standard which would attract people from all nations: Thus saith…
Promises to Covenant Israel
Nephi told us that God “loveth those who will have him to be their God.” As an example, “he loved…
Old Testament Scriptures Quoted by Moroni to Joseph Smith
When Moroni, the last author in the Book of Mormon, appeared to Joseph Smith on Sunday, September 21, 1823, he…
Knowledge and Peace
A good friend of mine says that there are only two kinds of people in the world: the people you…
What Is Meekness?
Mormon identified meekness as the foundational virtue: [A man] cannot have faith and hope, save he shall be meek, and…
How Will the Meek Inherit the Earth?
Why do dishonest, unkind, and undisciplined people succeed in life? All around us, we see decent, hard-working people with more…
The Earth Shall Be Full of the Knowledge of the Lord – 2 Nephi 21:6-9
6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the…
“The Earth Shall Be Full of the Knowledge of the Lord” – 2 Nephi 21:6-9
6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the…
An Ensign for the Nations – 2 Nephi 21:11-12
11 And it shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall set his hand again the second…
He Shall Not Judge After the Sight of His Eyes – 2 Nephi 21:1-4
1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out…
Isaiah 12
Declare His Doings
Isaiah’s second millenial psalm is a call to action, encouraging us to share our faith in a variety of ways:…
The Lord Is My Light
Based on: Psalm 27 Core message: Some hymns represent a personal testimony, even though we sing them as a group.…
“With the Voice Together Shall They Sing”
The Book of Mormon opens with music. In the opening scene, Lehi sees in a vision: God sitting upon his…
“I Will Praise Thee” – 2 Nephi 4:30
In the middle of Nephi’s psalm, after lamenting his susceptibility to temptation and after commanding himself to do better, Nephi…
My Strength…My Song…My Salvation – 2 Nephi 22:2
2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength…
He Hath Done Excellent Things – 2 Nephi 22:4-6
4 And in that day shall ye say: Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the…
With Joy Shall Ye Draw Water Out of the Wells of Salvation – 2 Nephi 22:1-3
1 And in that day thou shalt say: O Lord, I will praise thee; though thou wast angry with me…
Isaiah 13
The Lord Hath Brought Again Zion
The millenial hymn in Doctrine and Covenants 84:99-102 conveys the joy we will feel when the Savior returns. It acknowledges…
Trembling Nations and Shaking Heavens
Ancient prophets foretold dramatic upheavals preceding the Second Coming of Jesus Christ—heavens shaking, nations trembling. Those prophecies have been reiterated…
Devoted to Study
Scripture study requires time and effort but leads to personal revelation and spiritual growth. Prophets like Nephi, Jacob, and Benjamin…
“Above the Brightness of the Sun”
The Restoration began with a burst of light chasing away the darkness. Not ordinary darkness, but “thick darkness.” Not ordinary…
Burdens
Isaiah called some of his prophecies “burdens.” They described difficult times ahead. The scriptures teach us how to manage our…
Babylon
Don’t get attached to temporary things. That’s the message I hear when I read about the destruction of Babylon. A…
“Go Ye Forth of Babylon” – 1 Nephi 20:20
“The world is too much with us,” wrote the poet William Wordsworth. He meant that our lives are influenced more…
The Star
Why is a star such a powerful symbol for the birth of the Savior? Stars represent us. The Lord referred…
“My Time Is at Hand” – 3 Nephi 17:1
Near the end of the first day of the Savior’s ministry on the American continent, He announced to the people…
Every Man’s Heart Shall Melt – 2 Nephi 23:6-8
6 Howl ye, for the day of the Lord is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the…
I Will Shake the Heavens – 2 Nephi 23:13-14
13 Therefore, I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of…
The Sun Shall Be Darkened – 2 Nephi 23:9-11
9 Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate;…
Isaiah 14
What Do We Know About the Council in Heaven?
Revelation is often incremental, building on what we already know and adding clarity to concepts we are already familiar with.…
Biblical References in Doctrine and Covenants 76
The revelation recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 76 was prompted by meditation about a single Bible verse, but it contains…
Noah, Babylon, and the Slipperiness of Political Power
King Noah trusted too much in his political power and failed to recognize the real dangers he and his people…
The Lord of Hosts Hath Purposed
Isaiah assures us that God’s purposes will be fulfilled. That may be hard to see in the middle of a…
The Lord Hath Founded Zion
Nephi quotes thirteen chapters in a row from the book of Isaiah (chapters 2-14). At the end of this extended…
Joshua and the Book of Mormon
This week, I reviewed the book of Joshua, summarizing the content of each chapter and identifying related Book of Mormon…
The Earth Shall Rest
Contention is exhausting. Any parent will tell you: When your children aren’t getting along with each other, it saps your…
The Lord Hath Founded Zion – 2 Nephi 24:32
32 What shall then answer the messengers of the nations? That the Lord hath founded Zion, and the poor of…
Fallen from Heaven – 2 Nephi 24:12-20
12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! Art thou cut down to the ground,…
Above the Stars of God – 2 Nephi 24:12-17
12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! Art thou cut down to the ground,…
The Lord Shall Give Thee Rest – 2 Nephi 24:3
3 And it shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall give thee rest, from thy sorrow,…
The Lord Hath Founded Zion – 2 Nephi 24:32
32 What shall then answer the messengers of the nations? That the Lord hath founded Zion, and the poor of…
Isaiah 29
“He Lived Great”
John Taylor wrote that Joseph Smith “lived great” and that he “lived for glory.” Jesus promised to help us live…
Cheerfully
How can we calibrate our efforts in God’s work? Joseph Smith wrote that we should “cheerfully do all things that…
Devouring Fire and Divine Mercy
In a revelation to Joseph Smith, the Lord warned that the “great and abominable church” would be cast down by…
Endless
Book of Mormon authors use the phrase “endless torment” to describe the suffering from which God has delivered us. The…
Faith and Witnessing
God told Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris that they would see the gold plates after they had obtained…
Preface to Four Revelations, April-May 1829
Four revelations received by Joseph Smith on behalf of different people have nearly identical openings. These openings are derived from…
Hypocrisy and Denying the Power of God
Hypocrisy stunts growth by distorting our view of where we are and of what we can become. When we are…
A God of Miracles
Nephi and Moroni taught that God is a God of miracles and that He is unchanging. President Nelson encouraged us…
“Stay Yourselves and Wonder”
Isaiah said, “Stay yourselves and wonder,” which could be paraphrased, “Slow down, and let yourself be awestruck.” When we take…
Nephi’s Vision and Nephi’s Prophecy
Many themes from Nephi’s vision (1 Nephi 11-14) also appear in Nephi’s prophecy (2 Nephi 25-30): 1. Jesus Christ would…
The Own Due Time
Lehi told his family that their people would return to Jerusalem “in the own due time of the Lord.” We…
The Title Page and Nephi
Although Moroni wrote the Title Page of the Book of Mormon, he was heavily influenced by Nephi. In this post,…
Vain Jangling – Part 1
Paul warned Timothy and Titus against engaging in time-wasting conversations on low-priority topics. He urged them instead to focus on…
Apostasy and Restoration
Patterns of apostasy and restoration are an example of God’s grace. Left to ourselves, we tend to drift, both collectively…
Wisdom and Foolishness
Our perception of wisdom is not very reliable. We may overestimate other people’s understanding and our own. The key is…
A Famine…of Hearing the Words of the Lord
When Alma spoke in the city of Zarahemla, he asked a number of questions to help his listeners assess their…
The Poor Among Men Shall Rejoice
After identifying a severe societal problem—rampant hypocrisy—Isaiah prophesies that God will address this issue by doing a “marvellous work” which…
“Fools Mock”
Included in Alma’s list of soul-searching questions to the people of Zarahemla was the following: “Is there one among you…
No End
A few months ago, I heard a presentation by Simon Sinek, author of The Infinite Game. He explained that many…
The Work, the Sword, the Sickle, and the Prayer
In the first half of 1829, Joseph Smith received a number of revelations on behalf of other people. Four of…
“With Their Lips” – 2 Nephi 27:25
Through the prophet Isaiah, God explained the problem which would be solved by the publication of the Book of Mormon…
“Out of Obscurity and Out of Darkness”
Isaiah prophesied that God would do a marvelous work among His children in response to widespread hypocrisy and cynicism. An…
“They Also That Erred in Spirit” – 2 Nephi 27:35
Isaiah foresaw a time when people would turn their hearts away from God. Speaking on behalf of the Lord, he…
“Revealed…Manifest…Loosed” – 2 Nephi 30:17
As we’ve studied 2 Nephi 26-30 this week, I’ve noticed a pattern. Every one of these chapters affirms God’s desire…
“I Am Able to Do Mine Own Work” – 2 Nephi 27:20-21
God told Moses that His work is to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life (Moses 1:39). He also…
What Does the Book of Mormon Fulfill?
This is the fourth of six posts answering a series of questions suggested by President Russell M. Nelson. So far…
How Can I Recognize the Temptations of the Devil?
The Book of Mormon teaches that there is a being in the universe who is trying to harm us and…
What Is the Sealed Portion of the Book of Mormon?
Isaiah described a “sealed book” which would confound a “learned man.” He would be asked to read it and would…
Who Were the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon?
While Joseph Smith was translating the Book of Mormon, he was not allowed to show anyone else the metal plates…
The Spirit of Deep Sleep – 2 Nephi 27:4-5
4 For behold, all ye that doeth iniquity, stay yourselves and wonder, for ye shall cry out, and cry; yea,…
A Marvelous Work and a Wonder – 2 Nephi 27:25-26
25 Forasmuch as this people draw near unto me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but…
His Soul Is Empty – 2 Nephi 27:3
3 And all the nations that fight against Zion, and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a…
I Am Able to Do Mine Own Work – 2 Nephi 27:19-20
19 Wherefore it shall come to pass, that the Lord God will deliver again the book and the words thereof…
A Marvelous Work and a Wonder – 2 Nephi 27
25 Forasmuch as this people draw near unto me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but…
Isaiah 48
Thy Name, My Name
I spent the day yesterday serving with some people I haven’t seen in a long time. I was gratified when…
Songs of Everlasting Joy
Isaiah associated singing with joy. For example: That last quote is referenced multiple times in modern revelation. I particularly like…
Pandemic Lessons
Behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. 1 Nephi 20:10, Isaiah 48:10 Last April,…
“I Have Not Spoken in Secret”
Isaiah emphasized to his people that the Lord had communicated very clearly what they needed to know. “I have not…
The Sound of Rejoicing
A few years ago, I had the responsibility to recruit some volunteers to help a family move between Christmas and…
“With a Voice of Singing” – 1 Nephi 20:20
Earlier this week, I discussed Isaiah’s admonition to acknowledge the hand of the Lord in our lives and share with…
The Furnace of Affliction – 1 Nephi 20:10
After rebuking the children of Israel for hypocrisy and negligence, the Lord goes on to explain why He hasn’t disowned…
Will Ye Not Declare Them? – 1 Nephi 20:6
The very first passage from Isaiah which Nephi quotes opens with an indictment. The prophet addresses himself to the people…
What Does It Mean for Jesus to Be Our “Redeemer?”
The Hebrew word “go’el” is sometimes translated “redeemer” and sometimes “near kinsman.” When we enter a covenant relationship with Jesus,…
Peace…as a River, and…Righteousness as the Waves of the Sea – 1 Nephi 20:18
18 O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments–then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as…
In the Furnace of Affliction – 1 Nephi 20:10
10 For, behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. (1 Nephi 20:10, Isaiah…
There Is No Peace…unto the Wicked – 1 Nephi 20:22
22 And notwithstanding he hath done all this, and greater also, there is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the…
1 Nephi 20:17 Who Teacheth Thee to Profit
17 And thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I have sent him, the Lord thy God who…
1 Nephi 20:1-2 Yet They Swear Not in Truth Nor in Righteousness
1 Hearken and hear this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, and are come…
Isaiah 49
Tender Blades, Lawful Heirs
Commenting on the parable of the Wheat and the Tares, the Lord taught the following principles: 1. Be grateful for…
The Islands of the Sea
Lehi’s family took comfort in knowing that God remembers people who live on islands. Whether we are isolated geographically, or…
The Acceptable Year of the Lord
David pleaded with God to save him “in an acceptable time.” Paul and Amulek both testified that the acceptable time…
Hunters and Fishers
The gathering of Israel is underway, and each of us can be part of it. Jeremiah said, “The days come,…
“Thou Art My Servant”
To be a servant of God is a great honor. King Benjamin reported to his people that God had preserved…
Waiting Upon the Lord
At the end of Isaiah 40, the prophet draws a sharp contrast: The strongest among us will eventually fail. “Even…
“I…Will Hold Thine Hand”
Yesterday, I wrote about the importance of acknowledging our vulnerability and recognizing God’s supremacy. While it is true that God…
Forsaken
King David opens the 22nd psalm with a desperate cry: My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from…
“Though Israel Be Not Gathered” – 1 Nephi 21:5
In a poignant expression of self-doubt, Isaiah lamented his apparent lack of success: I have labored in vain, I have spent…
Be a Light
Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). To His disciples on the American continent, He phrased…
“I Will Fight Your Battles”
We all face battles that we can’t fight alone. Whether it be people who oppose us, health issues, financial burdens,…
“They Shall Not Be Ashamed That Wait for Me” – 1 Nephi 21:23, 2 Nephi 6:7
To the captive children of Israel, the prophet Isaiah made a promise. When it feels like God has forsaken you,…
For a Covenant of the People – 1 Nephi 21:8-10
Shortly after arriving on the American continent, Nephi shared the following passage from Isaiah with his brothers: Thus saith the…
Why Were the Children of Israel Scattered?
When the children of Israel arrived in the promised land, Moses told them that they would one day be scattered…
What Is the Role of Isaiah’s “Servant Songs” in the Book of Mormon?
Four passages in the Book of Isaiah are known as the “servant songs.” They are written in a poetic style,…
What Is the Significance of the Title “the Mighty One of Jacob?”
Jesus Christ is the same God who delivered Joseph from slavery and from prison and who rescued his family from…
How Do Book of Mormon Prophets Use the Title “Savior?”
The atonement of Jesus Christ is universal. He saves us by revealing the gospel to us and entering into a…
In an Acceptable Time – 1 Nephi 21:8
8 Thus saith the Lord: In an acceptable time have I heard thee, O isles of the sea, and in…
Then I Said, I Have Labored in Vain – 1 Nephi 21:4-5
4 Then I said, I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for naught and in vain; surely…
1 Nephi 21:9-10 Thou Mayest Say to the Prisoners: Go Forth
9 That thou mayest say to the prisoners: Go forth; to them that sit in darkness: Show yourselves. They shall…
Isaiah 51
Waves of Wonder in the Song of the Sea
The Israelites’ Song of the Sea reads like an ecstatic expression of awe, with waves of amazement at the miracle…
A Proclamation
Anyone can declare something, but only a person with authority can proclaim it. Ancient prophets proclaimed truths to kings by…
Beautiful Garments
Isaiah expressed the joy he wanted his people to feel by encouraging them to “put on [their] beautiful garments.” The…
“Lift Up Your Heart”
Jeremiah encouraged his people to “lift up our heart” during difficult times and to remember the promises they had received…
“Joy and Gladness”
The Lord asked Martin Harris if he could read His words without rejoicing. This is a good question for all…
“Loose Thyself”
Do we make repentance harder than it needs to be by thinking of it as the beginning of the process…
Promised Light
After three days of darkness, when the light returned, the mourning of the Nephites and the Lamanites was turned into…
Beautiful Garments
Isaiah urged us to put on our beautiful garments. The message is metaphorical, but there is also a literal application.…
Joy and Gladness
Jacob read the prophecies of Isaiah so that his people would rejoice in God’s promised blessings. He said, “Let your…
Awake and Arise!
Lehi repeatedly admonished his sons to do three things: 1. Awake 2. Arise from the dust. 3. Shake off the…
Sacrifice and Thanksgiving
The book of Jonah contains a poetic prayer which the prophet offered from the belly of the fish. In that…
“Look unto Abraham…and Sarah”
After reminding Israel that God has not abandoned them (Isaiah 50, 2 Nephi 7), the prophet Isaiah invites them to…
The Wilderness Shall Blossom
God saves us in many ways. Sometimes, He changes our environment. Sometimes, He heals us. And in some cases, He…
With Thanksgiving
Many of the psalms encourage us to express our gratitude to God. For example: These passages depict a spontaneous and…
Pavilion
The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, features the building of booths or huts, temporary structures which represent the tents the…
“Put on Thy Strength”
In the middle of a passage about the gathering of Israel, Isaiah pleads with the Lord to rescue His captive…
Endowed with Power
The Greek word enduo (ἐνδύω) means “to clothe.” In the New Testament it is sometimes used literally (Mark 1:6: “John…
“Songs of Everlasting Joy”
Isaiah prophesied of a time when the children of Israel would be delivered from bondage and would gather to Zion.…
“Fear Ye Not the Reproach of Men” – 2 Nephi 8:7
Faith in God includes prioritizing His words over the words of other people. To ancient Israel, through the prophet Isaiah,…
“Fear Ye Not the Reproach of Men” – 2 Nephi 8:7-8
There’s an arrogance in our anxiety. When we allow ourselves to be intimidated by other people, we are assigning too…
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About the Creation of the Earth?
It’s so easy to have a narrow perspective. Our brains have finite capacity, and we all have tasks that must…
Look unto the Rock from Whence Ye Are Hewn – 2 Nephi 8:1-3
1 Hearken unto me, ye that follow after righteousness. Look unto the rock from whence ye are hewn, and to…
Put on Thy Strength – 2 Nephi 8:24-25
24 Awake, awake, put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city; for…
Who Art Thou, That Thou Shouldst Be Afraid of Man? – 2 Nephi 8:12-13
12 I am he; yea, I am he that comforteth you. Behold, who art thou, that thou shouldst be afraid…
My Salvation Shall Be Forever – 2 Nephi 8:6
6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath; for the heavens shall vanish away…
2 Nephi 8:6-8 But My Salvation Shall Be Forever
6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath; for the heavens shall vanish away…
Isaiah 53
With the Rich in His Death
Two members of the Sanhedrin, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, prepared Jesus’s body for burial and buried Him in Joseph’s…
Four Foundational Strategies
Book of Mormon authors modeled four strategies which can enhance our study of the Old Testament: (1) search for precious…
Despised
To despise someone is to “look down on” them. So despisers may have an inaccurate view of their own status…
Every Knee, Every Tongue
In his epistle to the Philippians, Paul writes poetically about the Savior’s humility as evidenced by His willingness to descend…
Numbered with the Transgressors
Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would be “numbered among the transgressors.” He did this in at least 4 ways: 1. He…
“He Opened Not His Mouth”
Isaiah prophesied that, like a lamb, the Savior would stand silently as He was afflicted. On the night of His…
Not Without Honour
Jesus said, “A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.” Why do…
“I Shall Be Turned”
Last week I wrote about Jeremiah’s striking appeal: “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed” (Jeremiah 17:14). I…
The Passover
The tenth and final plague which afflicted the Egyptians and which resulted in the liberation of the Israelites was the…
Finding Favor
Luke tells us that as a young man, “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and…
“No, Not One” – Moroni 10:25
Psalms 14 and 53 are nearly identical, and both paint a depressing picture of humankind. The author begins by pointing…
“Surely He Has Borne Our Griefs” – Mosiah 14:3-4
As Abinadi taught the wicked priests of King Noah, he quoted Isaiah 53 to emphasize that salvation is available to…
“He Was Despised” – Mosiah 14:3
Today, I was pondering a prophecy of the Savior written by Isaiah and later quoted by Abinadi (Isaiah 53:3-6, Mosiah…
What Do We Know About God’s Love for Us?
Yesterday, I received a question about one of my posts, entitled Willing to Submit – Mosiah 3:19. Here is the question:…
Why Are We Blessed When We Are Reviled?
At the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus lists a number of unlikely scenarios in which we should…
Why Is Jesus Called the Great Mediator?
The word “mediation” descends from the Latin word mediare, which means “to be in the middle.” A mediator stands with the…
Why Is Isaiah Quoted So Much in the Book of Mormon?
After Lehi’s family left Jerusalem and began to travel toward the promised land, the Lord commanded him to send his…
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Sadness?
Yesterday, I wrote about what the Book of Mormon teaches us about happiness. Today, I would like to consider what…
He Opened Not His Mouth – Mosiah 14:7
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he is brought as a lamb…
All We, Like Sheep, Have Gone Astray – Mosiah 14:3-6
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as…
A Man of Sorrows – Mosiah 14:3
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as…
Mosiah 14:3-6 He Was Wounded for Our Transgressions
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as…
Isaiah 54
“Noah Found Grace”
Noah found grace, and God covenanted to save his family. After the Flood, God extended that covenant to all of…
From on High: The Stabilizing Effect of Personal Revelation in a Turbulent World
The Lord said, “Ye are not sent forth to be taught, but to teach.” He meant that we must keep…
Moroni and Isaiah
In his final chapter, Moroni paraphrases two passages from Isaiah which urge us to live with more enthusiasm and joy…
“They That Feared the Lord Spake Often”
Malachi indicated that talking with other believers frequently can strengthen our faith and help us maintain our perspective. One of…
Everlasting Kindness
A sign commonly seen at a marathon says, “Pain is temporary; race results are online forever.” Isaiah shared a similar…
Belonging
One of the purposes of the Book of Mormon is to assure us that we belong, that because of “the…
Developing Christlike Attributes
Peter listed a number of attributes that we should strive to develop with God’s help: faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience,…
Psalm 22 and the Crucifixion
From the cross, Jesus cried out the first words of a psalm: “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken…
“I Will Not Abandon You as Orphans”
I was recently reflecting on John 14:18 and as I dug into other translations, I was captivated with the variety…
“Smite the Shepherd”
Jesus quoted a passage from Zechariah to explain that His apostles would soon abandon Him, but He promised to meet…
What Is the “Abomination of Desolation?”
Jesus instructed His disciples to stand in holy places when they see “the abomination of desolation.” What does that mean?…
“Tossed with Tempest”
Jesus remained calm during a tempest, and He asked His disciples why they had become so fearful. Lisa L. Harkness…
“With Everlasting Kindness”
Suboptimal circumstances can create glorious opportunities. When the kingdom of Israel was scattered by the Assyrians, it was a direct…
Spare Not
The Lord told Isaiah to preach the gospel whole-heartedly, holding nothing back. “Cry aloud,” He said, “spare not, lift up…
Confounded
After prophesying of difficult days ahead, the prophet Isaiah foretold a time of prosperity and peace, when the children of…
“Taught of the Lord” – 3 Nephi 22:13
During His visit to the American continent, the Savior quoted Isaiah 54. That chapter contains the following prophecy: And all…
Taught of the Lord – 3 Nephi 22:13
On the first day of the Savior’s ministry on the American continent, He invited all of the children to come…
“The Heritage of the Servants of the Lord” – 3 Nephi 22:17
When we become “the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters” (Mosiah 5:7), we also become “heirs of God”…
“For a Small Moment…” – 3 Nephi 22:7
The Savior quoted several passages from Isaiah during His ministry on the American continent. In one of those passages, God…
What Can We Learn about Children from the Savior?
During His ministry on the American continent, the Savior taught us about children by His words and by His example:…
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Kindness?
Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, Nephi prophesied that the Savior be scourged, smitten, and spit upon. He…
No Weapon That Is Formed Against Thee Shall Prosper – 3 Nephi 22:16-17
16 Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument…
Enlarge the Place of Thy Tent – 3 Nephi 22:1-3
1 And then shall that which is written come to pass: Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break…
“Great Shall Be the Peace of Thy Children” – 3 Nephi 22:13
13 And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.…
“Lengthen Thy Cords and Strengthen Thy Stakes” – 3 Nephi 22:2-3
2 Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thy habitations; spare not, lengthen…
O Thou Afflicted – 3 Nephi 22:11-12
11 O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted! Behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colors, and…
Great Shall Be The Peace of Thy Children – 3 Nephi 22:13
13 And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.…
Lengthen Thy Cords and Strengthen Thy Stakes – 3 Nephi 22:2-3
2 Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thy habitations; spare not, lengthen…
3 Nephi 22:7-8 I Hid My Face From Thee for a Moment
7 For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee. 8 In a…