For unto Us a Child Is Born, by Simon Dewey
Before quoting 13 chapters from the book of Isaiah, Nephi explains his purpose: “My soul delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ,” he writes (2 Nephi 11:4). Isaiah’s words can deepen our testimony of the Savior and help us grow closer to Him.
Even though many of these words may seem to apply specifically to events happening during Isaiah’s lifetime, Nephi encourages us to think about them more broadly. “Ye may liken them unto you and unto all men,” he wrote (2 Nephi 11:8).
Here are some highlights from these chapters, with links to relevant blog posts:
Outline
- 2 Nephi 11 – Nephi introduces the chapters from the book of Isaiah
- 2 Nephi 12 – The “mountain of the Lord’s house” will be established (Isaiah 2)
- 2 Nephi 13 – Israel suffers from leaderlessness and worldliness (Isaiah 3)
- 2 Nephi 14 – Every home can be like the ancient tabernacle (Isaiah 4)
- 2 Nephi 15 – The song of the vineyard and six warnings (Isaiah 5)
- 2 Nephi 16 – Isaiah is called (Isaiah 6)
- 2 Nephi 17 – Isaiah assures King Ahaz that God is with him (Emmanuel) (Isaiah 7)
- 2 Nephi 18 – The waters of Shiloah vs. the overflowing Assyrian army (Isaiah 8)
- 2 Nephi 19 – Jesus is our perfect and patient leader (Isaiah 9)
Key Themes
- The words of Isaiah can point us toward Christ and bring us joy.
- The temple helps us grow closer to God.
- Just as tithing belongs to God, some of our possessions rightly belong to the poor.
- Don’t build your confidence on transitory things, and don’t be intimidated by people who have temporary power.
- Our homes can be holy places, which can shield us from the storms of life.
- God is involved in our lives. We are not alone. He feels sorrow when we fall short of our potential.
- We should be willing to serve in any way God needs us.
- The Savior can bring us light and hope, even in the darkest of times.
Connections
- Moses taught that we should look for multiple witnesses to determine what’s true rather than relying on a single person. Nephi tells us that’s why he quotes from his brother Jacob and from Isaiah: to provide three witnesses of Jesus Christ. (See 2 Nephi 11:3.)
- The author of Psalm 46 testified, “The Lord of Hosts is with us.” Isaiah expressed the same principle by referring to Jesus as “Immanuel,” which means “God is with us.”
- Isaac blessed his son Esau that he would eventually break the yoke with was on his own neck (Genesis 27:40). Isaiah prophesied that the Savior would break our yoke. In 1836, Joseph Smith pleaded with God to break the yoke which burdened church members in Ohio and Missouri.
Applications
- Find time to be quiet and peaceful, not rushed or anxious, and Don’t let current events unsettle you.
- Just as God’s arm remains extended to us, we should reach out our arm to help those in need.
- Schedule your next visit to the temple and invite someone to come with you.
- Be governable, willing to prioritize the needs of the community over your personal desires.
- Share the gospel continuously and naturally.
- Just as God’s arm remains extended to you, reach out your arm to help those in need.
- Follow the Savior’s example of righteous leadership.
Recommended Posts
- About Isaiah and Plainness
- Which of Isaiah’s Writings Are Quoted in the Book of Mormon?
- What Is the Historical Context for the Book of Isaiah?
Blog Posts: February 27-March 3
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 to our current understanding before we receive additional understanding.
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 as we turn our hearts to God. 2. Jesus Christ, who came from the Father 3. We become the branch of the Lord as we bind ourselves to Him
“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 to think we’re wise. This is probably because a fundamental characteristic of wisdom is a willingness to listen and learn, particularly from God.
Unclean Lips
When Isaiah saw God, he felt out of place because he was “a man of unclean lips” who lived among “people of unclean lips. We should strive to communicate in a way that invites the Spirit of the Lord to be with us. When we fall short, God can purify us.
Waiting for Clarity
Our brains crave certainty. When coupled with impatience, this urge can be harmful. It can cause us to settle for easy answers. Isaiah said, “I will wait upon the Lord.” Faith in God includes trusting that He will eventually resolve all ambiguities.
The Prince of Peace
Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would be the Prince of Peace. As His followers, we ought to also encourage peace by acting in harmony with His teachings and example.