Let's Understand Isaiah (Jehovah Saves)
by Timothy B. Wilson

As members of latter-day Israel, we must appreciate Isaiah's writings as some of the most relevant prophetic writings pertaining to our day. Isaiah's writings focus on the fulfilling of covenants made to the house of Israel. Interestingly, and by design, this is also the focus of The Book of Mormon.

For example, part of fulfilling covenants is the provision of protection. Thus we read of covenant protection, beginning with the thousand year written history of Lehi and his descendants, wherein there are no less than six accounts of a Lehi-type exodus. These accounts illustrate how the Lord tells His servants, for their own safety, to take their families, their people, and to "depart into the wilderness."

In each exodus account, the righteous left their prideful brethren who had sinned against light and knowledge and had brought themselves under condemnation. These examples are a type for a latter-day exodus, as prophesied by Isaiah. An exodus preceeding a day of wrath, burning and desolation, which as in times past, will begin upon the Lord's people (see D&C 112:23-26).

The other five exodus accounts are found in 2 Nephi 5:5, Omni 1:13, Mosiah 18:34, 22:11, and Alma 27:11-4. A seventh took place in 2,200 BC (Ether 1:39-42).

1 Nephi 19:23-24 - In 570 B.C., Nephi first tells us why he's going to transcribe Isaiah's then 200 year old writings directly from the brass plates onto his small plates that he made after studying Isaiah for 30 years.

After transcribing two chapters of Isaiah, 1 Nephi 20 and 21, Nephi wrote that his brothers (30 years earlier, when Nephi was reading Isaiah to them from the brass plates) did not understand Isaiah. And so we read in 1 Nephi 22, the explanation Nephi gave to his brothers, which explanation also helps us understand Isaiah.

As Nephi explains Isaiah, he reminds us of the nature of covenant fulfillment, that it is done in the flesh. If this were not so, members of the house of Israel, ancient and modern, with whom covenants are made, could not bless all the earth. Most covenants with the Lord are fulfilled in the flesh (see 2 Ne 10:15, 17). One example of this are people being restored to their lands of inheritance (1 Ne 22:6).

The flip side is that breaking covenants with the Lord results in being cursed in the flesh. Thus Isaiah's themes are dualistic.....judgments, destruction or blessings and rejoicing.

Timing Note: In The Book of Mormon, Jesus states that the act of Israel's latter-day descendants reading The Book of Mormon itself is a sign to them that the Father's work has begun...that He will soon fulfill His covenant to all the house of Israel, to bring them knowledge of their Redeemer and restore them to their lands of inheritance (see 3 Nephi 8:10-11, 16:12, 20:20-21, 21:15-16).

2 Nephi 11:2

And now I, Nephi, write more of the words of Isaiah, for my soul delighteth in his words. For I will liken his words unto my people, and I will send them forth unto all my children...

...for he verily saw my Redeemer, even as I have seen him.

Read the last verses in 2 Nephi 11, and see how Nephi sets up more of Isaiah's words that he is about to relay to us. Nephi includes his strong testimony of Jesus (the spirit of prophecy), and he writes his desire...that Isaiah's words will cause people to rejoice (to have great hope).

At around age 50, after Nephi transcribes 13 consecutive chapters of Isaiah (chapters 2 -14) onto his plates, he beautifully recaps the messages of those 13 chapters, again ending with his Christ-centered testimony.

And then, deep into the spirit of prophecy after transcribing much of Isaiah, and after recapping those messages to us, Nephi gives us four chapters of his own magnificent prophecies, filled with wonderful detail concerning latter day events…when the Lord fulfills His covenants with the house of Israel with power and great glory (see 2 Nephi 26 - 29, and end of 2 Nephi 33).

It makes sense that the covenant the Father made with Abraham will be fulfilled when Isaiah's words are fulfilled (3 Nephi 20:11-12). Don't stop reading at verse twelve. Finish chapter 20 and see how well Jesus explains Isaiah's themes and messages as they pertain to covenant fulfillment.

NOTE: Among the hundreds of records available to Mormon, the few he included in his book contain historical information that strictly follow the pattern set forth by Isaiah's writings. Isaiah's prophecies illustrate how the Lord's people repeat cycles of blessings, apostasy, exile, invasion by their enemies, captivity, and ultimate deliverance through repentance. This is why Isaiah's writings (written on Laban's brass plates and then on Nephi's) were used by Nephi, Jacob, Mosiah, Abinadi, the resurrected Savior and Moroni to teach and explain covenant fulfillment.

Isaiah also writes about patterns that will repeat themselves in the last days. This is why The Book of Mormon, a book written to warn latter-day Israel, is patterned after Isaiah's writings.

Nations of the earth cannot be blessed until the Lord makes His arm bare in the eyes of them all 1 Nephi 22:10-11. This means He will fulfill His covenants with power as He brings His gospel to all the tribes of Israel. Note how power is described in 2 Nephi 6:14, D&C 1:14, and 103:16-18.

Working in conjunction with this power, look for a repeating "deliverance" theme in Isaiah's writings. Also look for the word "remnant"….those left after the judgments and destructions. Look for the Lord's "servant". Lastly, look for the "Assyrian king", a type for a latter-day anti-Christ.

To understand the themes and names, to know who is who, Nephi tells us we need the spirit of prophecy, which is simply a testimony of Jesus (Rev 19:10). We also need to learn the "manner of prophesying among the Jews".

Having been raised in Jerusalem and taught according to Jewish learning (1 Nephi 1:2), Nephi was acquainted with the Jewish manners, ways, or methods of prophesying. Manners such as types and shadows, metaphors, and dualism (where one concept is said twice, but in two ways, often with two different metaphors or symbols, for the sake of emphasis).

Understanding Isaiah is simply understanding that the Lord's covenant with the house of Israel will be fulfilled in the flesh in the last days. No wonder Isaiah's name translated means, "Jesus Saves".

Note how in Isaiah's prophecies (especially his last 4 chapters), judgments are followed by deliverance. This is how it was in the days of Moses, when directly after judgments and plagues came upon Egypt the Israelites were delivered. This is how it will be again in the last days...

"1834 - Behold, I say unto you, the redemption of Zion must needs come by power; Therefore, I will raise up unto my people a man, who shall lead them like as Moses led the children of Israel. For ye are the children of Israel, and of the seed of Abraham, and ye must needs be led out of bondage by power, and with a stretched–out arm. And as your fathers were led at the first, even so shall the redemption of Zion be."
--- D&C 103:15-18

Who is this man, revealed to Joseph Smith, that the Lord will raise up? The Lord also mentioned this man to the Nephites in 3 Nephi 21:10......a servant who will be marred, yet whom the Lord said he would heal. This servant is mentioned many times by Isaiah, referred to as hand, rod, ensign, root of Jesse, and of course, servant.

This servant will be present during the millennium...

"They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.
And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles (including LDS Gentiles) seek; and his rest shall be glorious. And it shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people."
--- 2 Nephi 21:9 - 11

"And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise (be raised up) to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust."
--- Romans 15:12

Lehi knew this servant would be his descendant...

"And there shall rise up one mighty among them (among his son Joseph's seed), who shall do much good, both in word and in deed, being an instrument in the hands of God, with exceeding faith, to work mighty wonders, and do that thing which is great in the sight of God, unto the bringing to pass much restoration unto the house of Israel (Jews and lost tribes), and unto the seed of thy brethren (the Lamanites)."
---- 2 Nephi 3:22 - 24

Compare the servant's characteristics above with the ones found in this direct revelation to Joseph Smith, given six years prior to his death...

"What is the root of Jesse spoken of in the 10th verse of the 11th chapter?
Behold, thus saith the Lord, it is a descendant of Jesse, as well as of Joseph (the Lehi connection), unto whom rightly belongs the priesthood, and the keys of the kingdom, for an ensign, and for the gathering of my people in the last days."
---- D&C 113:5-6

Keep this powerful servant in mind as you read all 66 Isaiah chapter summaries below. Almost every chapter has one or more of six repeating themes:

A = Assyrian King / AntiChrist J = Judgment
J&D = Judgment & Deliverance M = Millennial day
R = Remnant Delivered S = Davidic King Servant
Isaiah Chapter

Book of Mormon
Chapter

Theme Letter(s)
see key above

 Chapter Summary
1
  
J
 Israel in bad shape. Judgment and destruction pending.
2
2 Ne 12
M, J

Contrary to popular interpretation, Isaiah's 2:2 is not his vision of people from many lands coming to Salt Lake City, Utah.

In Jewish literature, the word "mountain" is a metaphor for the word "nation." Isaiah 2:2 and Jer 31:6-7 clearly illustrate this metaphor. Note in these twin scriptures, how "top of the mountains" and "chief of the nations" are used in the same context.

In chapter 2:2, Isaiah saw the "mountain" (nation) where the Lord's house is found, as the "top of the mountains" (top of all nations). This top nation, America, will be exhalted above all other, smaller nations (hills).

Isaiah saw Zion established in The New Jerusalem, and people from all former nations flowing to it (to learn of the law.....principles of millennial government under the King of Kings, who will have made an end of all nations (D&C 87:6).

Isaiah wrote that the word of the Lord will come from Jerusalem, and from The New Jerusalem, the law.
3
2 Ne 13
J

Proud, vain people, especially Zion's women.
Men to die in war (creating a shortage of men). Desolation.
4
2 Ne 14
M, R
 A happy redemption. With so many men killed in war, it appears that plural marriage may be reinstituted, with many women stating they will support themselves in order to receive priesthood covenant protection. In the coming times of great judgments, wars and destructions, the protection provisions of holy covenants will be in huge demand by many righteous women. Yet righteous single priesthood holders will be in short supply.
5
2 Ne 15
J, R
 Vineyard forsaken, over-building, wine of Babylon. Lord's people apostate. The Lord will lift up a righteous remnant of Jacob to come from afar. They will come swiftly to destroy the wicked, and none shall deliver (see Micah 5:8, 3 Ne 20:16, 21:12, Mormon 5:24). This is similar to the Israelites cleansing the land of Canaan.
6
2 Ne 16
R

Isaiah's calling in the temple.
His humility and desire to serve.

7
2 Ne 17
J

Israel's enemies attack.
Prophecy of Mary and the Savior's life.
8
2 Ne 18
J

Isaiah's children named "hurry the plunder" and "a remnant will return".
9
2 Ne 19
J, S

Note in last verse, "hand stretched out still"
is not the hand of mercy.
10
2 Ne 20
J, R

Assyrian destroys much, boasts, is destroyed.
Remnant returns.
11
2 Ne 21
S, M
 Explained in D&C 113. This is the Lord's latter-day servant (vs.10-11).
12
2 Ne 22
M

What's the only all-capitalized name in
The Book of Mormon?
13
2 Ne 23
J
 Major destruction as the earth is moved back to Kolob.
14
2 Ne 24
M, A

Millennial rejoicing over fallen Assyrian
(end of Nephi's transcribing).
15
  
J
 Pure judgments upon ancient Israel no fun.
16
  
S, J, R
 Comes now the Davidic King (vs. 5), note small remnant, end of vs.14.
17
  
J&D, R
 Syrian remnants to be as glorious as Israel (vs. 3)
18
  
S
 "Ensign" and "hand" are metaphors for the Lord's servant.
19
  
J
 Egypt was a refuge for Israel, as is America, a modern day type for Egypt.
20
  
J, A
 Captivity and bondage under the Assyrians (short-lived).
21
  
J&D
 Babylon (a type for the Great Church of the Devil) will fall in last days.
22
  
J
 Israel to be overrun (by Assyrians and Babylonians, 720 & 587 BC).
23
  
J, A
 More judgments / captivity at the hand of the Assyrian.
24
  
J, M
 Major judgments, earth moves, sun shut out (vs. 19-20). Lord in Zion.
25
  
M
 Happy, rejoicing in Zion chapter!
26
  
M
 More rejoicing in the Lord.
27
  
M
 Latter day Israel is saved by the Lord's mercy.
28
  
J
 "drunkards of Ephraim" (prideful LDS), drunk on the wine (economy) of Babylon (false gods, worldliness).
29
    

Coming forth of The Book of Mormon.
Its critics shall be brought down.
30
  
J&D, M, A
 Modern day America (Egypt) warned, for we will not hear (vs. 9).
31
  
J, A, S
 Israel saved by the Lord, not by men. Assyrian falls. Servant feared.
32
  
M, S
 After judgments, the people dwell in peace.
33
  
J, D
 A good example of flip side Isaiah.
34
  
J, D
 90% judgments, with a bit of deliverance in Zion in last verse.
35
  
M, R
 100% millennial joy, "remnant" or "ransomed" returning (vs. 10).
36
  
A
 Assyrian king defies Israel, telling them to not believe their faithful leader.
37
  
A
 Hezekiah consults Isaiah, and 185,000 Assyrians perished (vs. 36). Type for latter-day servants who destroy enemies.
38
  
A
 Hezekiah further delivered from Assyrian king, with Isaiah's help.
39
     Isaiah tells Hezekiah of the Babylonian captivity to come (which came in 587 BC).
40
  
M, J
 George Handell's inspiration - Millennial joy.
41
     Israel declared as the Lord's servant to "thresh the mountains" (or nations...verse 15).
42
  
S

A major "servant" chapter. Compare 3 Ne 21:10, 2 Ne 7:7-9 & 2 Ne 20:24-25.
43
  
J, M
 The Lord reassuring Israel that He is in charge to protect them.
44
  
R
 More of the Lord reassuring "Jacob" or "Israel" that He will deliver them.
45
  
R
 Even further reassurance from the Lord, that Israel will be redeemed.
46
  
J
 Declaration against idols.
47
  
J
 Back to big time "sudden" judgments.
48
1 Ne 20
   The Lord declares His power, his refining process upon Jacob (Israel).
49
1 Ne 21
S
 The most specific "servant" chapter. His role is to raise the tribes of Israel (2 Ne 8:22-23) with power, as Moses did (D&C 103:16-18). The traits, role and lineage of this servant are found in D&C 113:5-6, and 2 Ne 3:24, Rom 15:12.
50
2 Ne 7
S
 Another major servant chapter. Isaiah writes as if in first person of the servant.
51
2 Ne 8 (vs 1-2)
J&D, M
 The Lord will deliver amidst chaos.
52
2 Ne 8:24
J&D, A, M, S

Servant marred, but healed, and kings will listen (see 3 Ne 21:10).
53
  
S
 Another chapter of the servant in the hands of the Lord.
54
3 Ne 22
M
 Israel forsaken for a time, as a woman in travail, but will be blessed in Zion.
55
  
M
 More millennial joy. Everlasting covenant through Davidic king (vs. 3-4).
56
  
M
 All invited to come to the Lord's nation (mountain), to receive covenants.
57
     Trust in the Lord, the only source of peace. The wicked have no peace.
58
     An honorable fast, exercising charity brings the Lord's protection and presence.
59
     If not pure, we seek light, we speak, we judge, but are in darkness (see D&C 9:5-6)
60
  
M
 The Millennial State of Israel. All wealth brought in. The Lord's light.
61
  
M, S
 A blessed state of the Lord's servant, and of Zion.
62
  
M
 The extremely blessed state of Israel in the millennial reign.
63
  
J&D, M
 The Lord will come in a red robe (verse 2) to represent having trodden the wine press alone.
64
  
J&D, M
 Israel seeks the Lord to come in glory. Humility so very important.
65
  
J&D, M
 Israel has forsaken the Lord. Servants in the millennium blessed.
66
  
J&D, M
 The Lord will judge the wicked, and comfort and nourish Israel.

Five Final Scriptures

2 Nephi 25:7-8 - Nephi wrote…
7 …in the days that the prophecies of Isaiah shall be fulfilled men shall know of a surety, at the times when they shall come to pass.
8 …for I know that they shall be of great worth unto them in the last days; for in that day shall they understand them; wherefore, for their good have I written them.

2 Nephi 6:5 - Jacob wrote…
5 And now, the words which I shall read are they which Isaiah spake concerning all the house of Israel; wherefore, they may be likened unto you, for ye are of the house of Israel.

 3 Nephi 20:11-12 - Jesus said to the Nephites…
11 Ye remember that I spake unto you, and said that when the words of Isaiah should be fulfilled...behold they are written, ye have them before you, therefore search them.
12 And verily, verily, I say unto you, that when they shall be fulfilled, then is the fulfilling of the covenant which the Father hath made unto his people, O house of Israel.

3 Nephi 23:1-3 Jesus also said to the Nephites…
1 AND now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah.
2 For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel; therefore it must needs be that he must speak also to the Gentiles (including LDS Gentiles, who Nephi saw in vision...1 Nephi 15:13).
3 And all things that he spake have been and shall be, even according to the words which he spake.

350 years after the Savior visited to his people, Moroni admonishes his descendants …

Search the prophecies of Isaiah.
I cannot write them. Yet saints who have gone before me in this land will cry from the dust to the Lord. And as the Lord lives, He will remember the covenant He made with them (see Mormon 8:23).

back