To the captive children of Israel, the prophet Isaiah made a promise. When it feels like God has forsaken you, like your covenant relationship with Him has been broken, you need only look up to see that He is still with you. Rescue is on the way. You may have to wait patiently and hopefully,... Continue Reading →
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 Lord: In an acceptable time have I heard thee, O isles of the sea, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee; and I will preserve thee, and give thee my servant for... Continue Reading →
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 because of persistent disobedience. But he also told them that, when they humbled themselves and repented, God would remember His covenant with their ancestors (Leviticus 26). By the time Lehi and his family left Jerusalem,... Continue Reading →
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, and they collectively describe a servant of God who would save God's children by suffering for them ("The Servant Songs in Isaiah," American Bible Society Resources website, "Isaiah's 'Other' Servant Songs," Religious Studies Center, Brigham... Continue Reading →
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 did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah" (1 Nephi 19:23). Just before quoting thirteen chapters in a row by Isaiah,... 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 Is the Significance of the Title “the Mighty One of Jacob?”
Near the end of Jacob’s life, he gathered his twelve sons together and gave each of them a blessing. In his blessing to Joseph, he used imagery which symbolized how Joseph had overcome persecution by trusting the Lord: The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him: But his bow abode in strength,... Continue Reading →
How Do Book of Mormon Prophets Use the Title “Savior?”
The word "Savior" only appears twelve times in the Book of Mormon. This is surprising to me, since "Christ" appears 396 times, "Jesus" appears 188 times, and "Redeemer" appears 41 times. (I used the "simple searches" function on the University of Michigan website to obtain these numbers.) I don't know why the word doesn't appear more... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean for Jesus to Be Our “Redeemer?”
To redeem something is to repurchase it, to buy back something we have given away or sold. When applied to a person, the word implies rescue from captivity or bondage. (See "redeem," Webster's Dictionary, 1828.) Isaiah uses the imagery of redemption to remind us that we don't deserve the relief we receive from God. "To... Continue Reading →
