One of the most striking aspects of Nephi’s books is that nearly a third of his chapters (17 out of 55) are quoted from the book of Isaiah (1 Nephi 20-21; 2 Nephi 7-8, 12-24), with another one paraphrased and elaborated (2 Nephi 27; Isaiah 29). Particularly noteworthy are thirteen chapters that he quotes in a row (Isaiah 2-14), which he introduces as a witness of Jesus Christ. “My soul delighteth in [Isaiah’s] words,” Nephi writes. “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” (2 Nephi 11:2). Then he adds, “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” (2 Nephi 11:8).
What in these chapters teaches us about Jesus Christ and gives us reason to rejoice? Today, rather than pull specific details from these chapters, I’m reviewing the totality of their message. I’d like to understand why Nephi saw them as a unit and what we can learn from reading them that way.
My first observation is that this block of chapters begins and ends with a divinely appointed place of safety and refuge. Isaiah 2 opens with a prophecy that “the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains.” People from all nations travel to it, with a promise of learning His ways, experiencing peace, and walking in His light (Isaiah 2:2-5; 2 Nephi 12:2-5). Isaiah 14 ends with this conclusion:
What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the Lord hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it.
Isaiah 14:32; 2 Nephi 24:32
So Nephi’s extended quotation opens and closes with a refuge provided by God.
The chapters in between all engage with that refuge in some way:
- Isaiah 3 speaks of lost stability as Judah turns away from God.
- Isaiah 4 foresees a time when “every dwelling place of mount Zion” will enjoy God’s presence, like the ancient tabernacle. He says that God will establish “a place of refuge” that will be “a covert from storm and from rain.”
- Isaiah 5 sings of a well-protected vineyard which loses its safety when it brings forth wild grapes.
- Isaiah 6 describes the calling of the prophet. He stands in God’s throne room, expressing despair because of his sins. A heavenly being cleanses him with a hot coal taken from an altar, and Isaiah promises to spread God’s messages to his people.
- Isaiah 7 contains his first attempt to do so. He assures King Ahaz that he need not fear two invading armies, and he prophesies of a child named Immanuel: “God with us.”
- In Isaiah 8, he provides the same assurance to all of Judah: Those who attack Judah will be overthrown by God.
- Isaiah 9 again promises the birth of a child who will establish peace and justice “upon the throne of David.”
- Isaiah 10 prophesies of the destruction of Assyria and the return of the remnant of Israel. The Lord says, “O my people that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian.”
- Isaiah 11 describes who will make this happen: A branch will grow out of the roots of Jesse who will judge the poor in righteousness and establish peace.
- Isaiah 12 contains a psalm of joy which the people will sing in that time of peace: “God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.”
- Isaiah 13 prophesies of the destruction of Babylon, describing that time as “the day of the Lord.”
- Isaiah 14 makes that prophecy more personal, describing the fallen king of Babylon who had seemed so powerful. Isaiah speaks of the supremacy of God: “The Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?” God brings Israel home, promising relief from sorrow and fear.
So the chapters carry a message of permanent (if delayed) stability through reliance on God. Some portions of these chapters teach this message broadly, describing God’s dealings with whole nations. Other portions become more personal, with warnings and reassurances to specific kings, and the promise of salvation through the birth of a specific child.
After quoting these chapters, Nephi speaks more about this promised child, calling Him “Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (2 Nephi 25:19), and testifying that He is the source of salvation (2 Nephi 25:23, 26). He promises that the Savior’s salvation is available to all. “Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying: Depart from me? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price” (2 Nephi 26:25; compare Isaiah 55:1).
Today, I will ponder the grandeur of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, including the universality of its promise and the stability and refuge it offers to those who exercise faith in Him.
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