Of Robes and Righteousness

Nephi and Jacob both echo Isaiah's metaphor of being covered by "the robe of righteousness." Robes can encircle us and protect us. They can signify our discipleship. And they can represent purity. For all of those reasons, we can, like Nephi, plead with God to cover us in the robe of His righteousness.

Isaiah 60

Jesus fills our lives with light. Isaiah prophesied of a time when Israel would be filled with light and people everywhere would be drawn to them. That prophecy was fulfilled at the temple in Bountiful and will be fulfilled at the Savior's Second Coming. It is also fulfilled as we each receive His everlasting light.

Isaiah 59

God Himself redeems Israel. That's Isaiah's message in chapter 59 of his book. He opens by affirming God's ability and willingness to save and listing Israel's sins. Israel confesses, and God, finding no intercessor for them, becomes their Redeemer. As Abinadi later testified, God Himself would come to redeem His people.

Isaiah 58

Our attitude when we fast can neutralize its benefits. Isaiah reproved those who seek divine approbation for their suffering. Jesus reproved those who seek praise from others. Either way, the fasting functions as a bid for attention, not for connection. In both cases, they fail to receive the rewards: light, divine presence, and personal growth.

The Redeemer Shall Come to Zion

Jesus promised to establish a New Jerusalem and to dwell there. Ether made a similar prophecy. Isaiah concludes his book by prophesying of the same events. The Redeemer will come to Zion, His glory will rest upon its inhabitants, and they will recognize Him as their Savior.

Strangers and Eunuchs

Isaiah delivered a joyful message to two unexpected groups of people: strangers and eunuchs. God's house is for all people, he said. You will be accepted here. Nephi and Mormon taught a similar message of inclusiveness: None are forbidden. God's arm is extended to all who will repent and believe.

Without Money and Without Price

Isaiah taught that God provides His greatest blessings "without money and without price." He urged his people not to waste energy on things of no value but instead to take the actions which will enable them to receive God's salvation: seek Him, call upon His name, return to Him.

Hearing Isaiah 54 with the Nephites and Lamanites

Isaiah 54 carries a message of reassurance and joy, delivered to people who have endured trauma. When Jesus quoted this chapter, it must have resonated with his audience, who had just survived terrible tempests and floods. But He indicated to them that its complete fulfillment would come in the last days.

Reading Isaiah 53 with Abinadi and Alma

Abinadi and Alma both comment on the Song of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53. Abinadi teaches us that the servant is "God himself." Alma teaches us that His suffering empowered Him to both erase our sins and to succor us in our infirmities.

Isaiah 52: A Book of Mormon-Guided Reading

Isaiah 52 is pervasive in the Book of Mormon. Verses from the chapter are quoted or interpreted by Lehi, Nephi, Jacob, Abinadi, the Savior, Mormon, and Moroni. The fact that Moroni embeds references to Isaiah 52 in his final exhortation indicates that it is central to the Book of Mormon's invitation to come unto Christ.

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