The Book of Mormon teaches us to study the book of Isaiah. Nephi quoted Isaiah to teach his readers about Christ. Rather than search for prophecies of specific events, we should look for the mission of Jesus in the broad sweep of Isaiah's messages.
The Battle Is the Lord’s
From a humble shephered to Israel's most honored king, David's spectacular rise to power was not his own doing. God affirmed that He had established David's house, a house which would endure forever through the ultimate victory of a later member of his house: Jesus Christ.
Contents of the Brass Plates
Eight of the 39 books in the Old Testament were definitely in the brass plates, and another 16 may have been included. For Book of Mormon prophets, the brass plates were an essential part of their identity: connecting them to intergenerational covenants, testifying of the Savior, and bringing them closer to God.
The Prince of Peace
Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would be the Prince of Peace. As His followers, we ought to also encourage peace by acting in harmony with His teachings and example.
Unto You / Unto Us
The angel told the shepherds that he had good news for everyone, but then he made it personal: "Unto you is born...a Saviour." The Atonement of Jesus Christ is both universal and personal. It is for everyone, but we receive His power one by one.
No Darkness
John testified, "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." Nephi declared, "The Lord God worketh not in darkness." When the light of Christ shines in our hearts, the darkness surrounding us no longer prevents us from moving forward.
“From Darkness to Light”
Jesus came to bring light to those who walk in darkness. No wonder He told Paul that his mission was "to turn [people] from darkness to light." We all pass through periods of darkness, but we will receive the Savior's perfect light as we follow Him.
To Give Light
Eight days after John the Baptist was born, his parents brought him to be circumcised. At that time, they named him, and his father Zacharias gave him a blessing, known commonly as the Benedictus. (See Bible Dictionary: "Hymns," "Zacharias.") The first part of that blessing speaks of the mission of Jesus Christ as a fulfillment... Continue Reading →
Unto Us a Child Is Born
Two of the most significant Old Testament prophecies of Jesus Christ focus on His birth. Both of these are in the book of Isaiah, and both also appear in the Book of Mormon: Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14, 2 Nephi 17:14; see also Matthew 1:22-23 The people... Continue Reading →
The Sons of Jacob
Jacob had twelve sons. Each of them was unique, with his own strengths and weaknesses. In the Genesis narrative, as each son is born, we learn not only their name but also the significance of the name to Rachel or Leah (Genesis 29:32-35, Genesis 30:1-24, Genesis 35:18). Some of these boys were their literal children,... Continue Reading →