The very first passage from Isaiah which Nephi quotes opens with an indictment. The prophet addresses himself to the people who claim to be the covenant people of God but who aren't acting like it: Hearken and hear this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth... Continue Reading →
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 description of each: Isaiah 2 (2 Nephi 12) - There will be a great division in the last days: Many people will ascend to God's... Continue Reading →
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, He becomes the "near kinsman" who will deliver us from bondage, even bondage of our own making.
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 the waves of the sea. (1 Nephi 20:18, Isaiah 48:18) The imagery in this passage from Isaiah is compelling to me. I can easily imagine a calm, wide river, flowing powerfully but with no anxiety... Continue Reading →
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 48:10) Why do we experience trials? Isaiah gives two reasons in the passage above. Speaking on behalf of the Lord, he tells Israel that they have been refined and chosen in the furnace of their... Continue Reading →
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 wicked. (1 Nephi 20:22, Isaiah 48:22) One of the major themes of the Book of Mormon is that if we make righteous choices, we will prosper, while if we choose wickedly, we will be cut... Continue Reading →
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 teacheth thee to profit, who leadeth thee by the way thou shouldst go, hath done it. (1 Nephi 20:17) Heavenly Father wants us to be successful in life. Of course we have trials and difficulties--that's part of... Continue Reading →
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 forth out of the waters of Judah, or out of the waters of baptism, who swear by the name of the Lord, and make mention of the God of Israel, yet they swear not in... Continue Reading →