King David opens the 22nd psalm with a desperate cry: My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?Psalm 22:1 By the end of the psalm, he reaffirms his conviction that God doesn't forget His children, but at first, we just hear his poignant cry of anguish. O... Continue Reading →
Songs of Everlasting Joy
Isaiah associated singing with joy. For example: "Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter to the end of the earth; say ye: The Lord hath redeemed his servant Jacob" (Isaiah 48:20, 1 Nephi 20:20)."Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth;...and break forth into singing, O mountains;... for the... Continue Reading →
“Though Israel Be Not Gathered” – 1 Nephi 21:5
In a poignant expression of self-doubt, Isaiah lamented his apparent lack of success: I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for naught and in vain; surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God.1 Nephi 21:4, Isaiah 49:4 In response God offered the following words of reassurance: And now,... Continue Reading →
Be a Light
Jesus said, "Ye are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14). To His disciples on the American continent, He phrased it as an imperative: "I give unto you to be the light of this people" (3 Nephi 12:14). God had previously given a similar message to the prophet Isaiah: I will also give thee for... Continue Reading →
“I Will Fight Your Battles”
We all face battles that we can't fight alone. Whether it be people who oppose us, health issues, financial burdens, or other challenges, we all have frequent reminders of our limitations and of our need for help. Isaiah captured this quandary eloquently with the following poetic query: "Shall the prey be taken from the mighty,... Continue Reading →
A Standard for My People
Isaiah prophesied that the Lord would one day erect a standard which would attract people from all nations: Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.Isaiah 49:22, 1 Nephi 21:22, 2 Nephi 6:6 Nephi... Continue Reading →
“With the Voice Together Shall They Sing”
The Book of Mormon opens with music. In the opening scene, Lehi sees in a vision: God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels in the attitude of singing and praising their God.1 Nephi 1:8 The prophet Isaiah associated singing with expressions of joy and gratitude. For example: "Sing, O heavens; and... Continue Reading →
“They Shall Not Be Ashamed That Wait for Me” – 1 Nephi 21:23, 2 Nephi 6:7
Waiting doesn't come easy for human beings. We aren't naturally patient. But multiple times, the prophet Isaiah identifies waiting as a key component of discipleship. Here are some examples: "I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him" (Isaiah 8:17, 2 Nephi 18:17)."Lo,... Continue Reading →
“They Shall Not Be Ashamed That Wait for Me” – 1 Nephi 21:23, 2 Nephi 6:7
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 →
Book of Mormon Study Notes 