I've always read Isaiah 50-51 as a series of short proverbs that are unrelated to one another. But if we read them as a dialogue between God and Israel, with Isaiah cheering Israel on, we see a coherent message: Our Creator can empower us to overcome every obstacle we face.
He Hath Borne Our Griefs, and Carried Our Sorrows
Isaiah 50-55 appear frequently in the Book of Mormon. Lehi, Jacob, Abinadi, Alma, and Jesus all quote from these chapters. At the end of the book, Moroni again alludes to them, as if to remind the reader that they contain the heart of the Book of Mormon message.
Like a Flint
Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would "set [his] face like a flint" and would endure untold suffering without retaliation. Jesus fulfilled that prophecy, willingly enduring humiliation and violence at the end of His life.
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.
When I Called
The book of Isaiah ends on a happy note: a new heaven and a new earth, with joy and peace among those who have been faithful to God. But the text is also tinged with sorrow for those who have not been faithful. Twice, the Lord utters the following lament: "When I called, ye did not... Continue Reading →
Seasons
Timing matters. The successful life isn't just about doing the right things. It's about doing them at the right time. "To every thing there is a season," said Solomon, "and a time to every purpose under the heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1). He also said, "A word spoken in due season, how good is it!" (Proverbs 15:23). Isaiah was grateful that God... Continue Reading →
Confounded
After prophesying of difficult days ahead, the prophet Isaiah foretold a time of prosperity and peace, when the children of Israel would be protected from both physical and verbal abuse: No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of... 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 →