Writings of Isaiah

Prophecy and Ancient History

2011-01-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

I've recently discovered an excellent website for anyone interested in prophecy (like the writings of Isaiah), ancient history and current and future events. The author and researcher has done years of study and research and his findings are fascinating and filled with common sense and clarity. If you have any interest in the signs and signals we are witnessing in the daily news, and what these events may hold for our future; you will want to check out this very intriguing site. If you are LDS, or have an interest in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, you especially, will want to visit this site.

The author, Anthony Larson, is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and is willing to share what he has learned with all who have an interest in understanding prophecy.

There is also a free monthly email newsletter available and an online blog associated with the website. There are several articles on the website and also several books written by the author and researcher.

"Prophecy, Ancient History and the Restored Gospel"

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A True Independence Day

2009-07-02T09:29:00.003-06:00

"In His Law, the islands will put their hope."

Isaiah 42 (New International Version)

The Servant of the Lord

1 “Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him
and he will bring justice to the nations.

2 He will not shout or cry out,
or raise his voice in the streets.

3 A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;

4 he will not falter or be discouraged
till he establishes justice on earth.
In his law the islands will put their hope.”

5 This is what God the LORD says-
he who created the heavens and stretched them out,
who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it,
who gives breath to its people,
and life to those who walk on it:

6 “I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness;
I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you
to be a covenant for the people
and a light for the Gentiles,

7 to open eyes that are blind,
to free captives from prison
and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.

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Isaiah ~ Chapter 2

2009-04-10T09:01:00.003-06:00

The Establishment of Zion (continued)

Isaiah 2:1–5. “In the Last Days . . . the Mountain of the Lord’s House Shall Be Established”

These same verses appear in Micah 4:1–5. It is not known whether they were revealed first to Isaiah or to Micah.

The “mountain of the Lord” in the last dispensation refers to the restoration of the Church.

President Harold B. Lee said: “The coming forth of his church in these days was the beginning of the fulfillment of the ancient prophecy when ‘the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains’” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1973, p. 5).
On another occasion President Lee observed that “with the coming of the pioneers to establish the Church in the tops of the mountains, our early leaders declared this to be the beginning of the fulfillment of that prophecy” (“The Way to Eternal Life,” Ensign, Nov. 1971, p. 15).

The establishment of the Church headquarters in Salt Lake City is only a beginning of the fulfillment of that inspired declaration. Obviously, the effect of the Church center in Utah has been great. Elder LeGrand Richards said: “How literally [Isaiah 2:3] has been fulfilled, in my way of thinking, in this very house of the God of Jacob right here on this block! This temple [Salt Lake], more than any other building of which we have any record, has brought people from every land to learn of his ways and walk in his paths.” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1971, p. 143.)
But this scriptural statement extends far beyond Salt Lake City. Verse 3 suggests that eventually other world centers will be included. Then this prophetic statement will reach its fulfillment.

Isaiah 2:3. “Out of Zion Shall Go Forth the Law . . . the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem”

President Joseph Fielding Smith gave the following explanation of this prophetic statement of Isaiah:
“We are informed in the revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, that the city of Zion and the New Jerusalem is one and the same. [D&C 28:9; 42:9; 45:66–67; 57:2; 58:7.] . . .
“Jerusalem of old, after the Jews have been cleansed and sanctified from all their sin, shall become a holy city where the Lord shall dwell and from whence he shall send forth his word unto all people. Likewise, on this continent, the city of Zion, New Jerusalem, shall be build, and from it the law of God shall also go forth. There will be no conflict, for each city shall be headquarters for the Redeemer of the world, and from each he shall send forth his proclamations as occasion may require. Jerusalem shall be the gathering place of Judah and his fellows of the house of Israel, and Zion shall be the gathering place of Ephraim and his fellows, upon whose heads shall be conferred ‘the richer blessings.’ . . .

“These two cities, one in the land of Zion and one in Palestine, are to become capitals for the kingdom of God during the millennium.

“In the meantime, while the work of preparation is going on and Israel is being gathered, many people are coming to the land of Zion saying: ‘Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob.’ The Latter-day Saints are fulfilling this prediction, since they are being gathered from all parts of the earth and are coming to the house of the Lord in these valleys of the mountains. Here they are being taught in the ways of the Lord through the restoration of the gospel and by receiving blessings in the temples now erected. Moreover, before many years have passed away, the Lord will command the building of the City Zion, and Jerusalem in Palestine will in due time be cleansed and become a holy city and the habitation of the Jews after they are cleansed and are willing to accept Jesus Christ as their Redeemer.” (Doctrines of Salvation, 3:69–71.)

While the Saints await the time of the establishment of these world centers, the principle of sending forth the law has been associated not only with the spread of the gospel and its blessings, but also with the providing of a climate in which the gospel work can grow. President Harold B. Lee said:

“I have often wondered what that expression meant, that out of Zion shall go forth the law. Years ago I went with the brethren to the Idaho Falls Temple, and I heard in that inspired prayer of the First Presidency a definition of the meaning of that term ‘out of Zion shall go forth the law.’ Note what they said: ‘We thank thee that thou hast revealed to us that those who gave us our constitutional form of government were men wise in thy sight and that thou didst raise them up for the very purpose of putting forth that sacred document [the Constitution of the United States—see D&C 101:80]. . . .

“‘We pray that kings and rulers and the peoples of all nations under heaven may be persuaded of the blessings enjoyed by the people of this land by reason of their freedom and under thy guidance and be constrained to adopt similar governmental systems, thus to fulfill the ancient prophecy of Isaiah and Micah that “. . . out of Zion shall go forth the law and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.”‘ (Improvement Era, October 1945, p. 564.)” (“The Way to Eternal Life,” p. 15).

Isaiah 2:4–5. Establishment of the Millennium

These verses deal with the ushering in of the millennial era and with the changes that will accompany it. The writings of Isaiah as found in the Book of Mormon show the following additional phrase in verse 5: “Yea, come, for ye have all gone astray, every one to his wicked ways” (2 Nephi 12:5). This verse indicates a widespread apostasy in Israel and the return of Israel to the Lord before the Second Coming.

Isaiah 2:6–22. The Proud and the Wicked to Be Brought Low

Isaiah 2 summarizes the basic spiritual problems that troubled Israel in Isaiah’s day and that will prevail again among the people before the Second Coming. This passage is another excellent example of dualistic prophecy (see Enrichment E for a discussion of prophetic dualism). Though Isaiah’s prophecy was given “concerning Judah and Jerusalem” (v. 1), it is obviously also related to the last days and the Second Coming of Jesus.
Verse 6. They were “replenished from the east,” or in other words, they looked to the religious philosophies and the gods of the Assyrians and other heathen countries for power and sustenance. Today people look to many other religions and philosophies of men for wisdom and guidance instead of to the gospel.

Verse 6. They “hearken unto soothsayers” (2 Nephi 12:6), those false prophets who claimed to be able to foretell the future. Today, true prophets are largely ignored, and all kinds of false religionists and counselors are looked to for guidance.
Verse 6. “They please themselves in the children of strangers” or, as C. F. Keil and F. Delitzsch translated the phrase, “and with the children of foreigners they go hand in hand” (Commentary on the Old Testament, 7:1:118). In short, ancient Israel was joining the heathen nations in all their wickedness, and modern society is joining with the influences of the world rather than looking to the Lord.

Verse 7. The land was “full of silver and gold,” that is, the people were wealthy and materialistic. Their hearts were set on the things of the world. Again in the last days, materialism runs rampant.
Verse 7. The land was “full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots.” The horse was a symbol of warfare, as was the chariot. Today is an age characterized by “wars and rumors of war” (see JS—M 1:28.)

Verse 8. The land was filled with idolatry then, and people still turn to false gods today, though not necessarily to idols made of wood or stone.

Verse 9. The “mean man boweth not down, and the great man humbleth himself not”

(2 Nephi 12:9; emphasis added). The differences in the Book of Mormon account of Isaiah’s writings, noted by the italics, show that Isaiah was not making further reference to idolatry but was referring to the fact that men would not worship the true God. In the preface to the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord indicated this failure would be a major concern of the last days. (See D&C 1:16.)
Because of her sins, ancient Israel brought upon herself the judgments of God, and because of the same problems the people of the last days will likewise bring sorrow and problems upon themselves.
The brass plates contained other differences that clarify Isaiah’s meaning. Compare Isaiah 2:10, 12–14, 16, 19, 21 with 2 Nephi 12:10, 12–14, 16, 19, 21.3-14)

Isaiah 2:13. What Were the “Cedars of Lebanon” and the “Oaks of Bashan”?

They were the loftiest and most impressive trees in the ancient Middle East. They therefore symbolized not only the great beauty of the land that would be destroyed but also the proud and lofty people of the earth (see Keil and Delitzsch, Commentary, 7:1:122–23).

Isaiah 2:16. What Is Meant by the Phrase “Ships of Tarshish”?

Trade with other nations would cease. Such trade had been established and had prospered during the reign of kings Uzziah and Jotham (see Enrichment F; Keil and Delitzsch, Commentary, 7:1:124).
Again the Book of Mormon affirms the completeness of the record from which its Isaiah citations were taken. Sperry illustrated this contribution:
“In 2 Nephi 12:16 (cf.)

Isaiah 2:16) the Book of Mormon has a reading of remarkable interest. It prefixes a phrase of eight words not found in the Hebrew or King James versions. Since the ancient Septuagint (Greek) Version concurs with the added phrase in the Book of Mormon, let us exhibit the readings of the Book of Mormon (B.M.), the King James Version (K.J.), and the Septuagint (LXX) as follows:

B.M.
And upon all the ships of the sea,
K.J.
—— —— —— —— —— ——
LXX
And upon every ship of the sea,

and upon all the ships of Tarshish

And upon all the ships of Tarshish

—— —— —— —— —— ——

and upon all pleasant pictures.

and upon all pleasant pictures.

and upon every display of fine ships.

“The Book of Mormon suggests that the original text of this verse contained three phrases, all of which commenced with the same opening words, ‘and upon all.’ By a common accident, the original Hebrew (and hence the King James) text lost the first phrase, which was, however, preserved by the Septuagint. The latter lost the second phrase and seems to have corrupted the third phrase. The Book of Mormon preserved all three phrases. Scholars may suggest that Joseph Smith took the first phrase from the Septuagint. The prophet did not know Greek, and there is no evidence that he had access to a copy of the Septuagint in 1829–30 when he translated the Book of Mormon.” (The Voice of Israel’s Prophets, pp. 90–91.)3-16)

Isaiah 2:22. “Cease Ye from Man”

This expression is a warning about the weaknesses of trusting merely in man (see also 2 Nephi 4:34; 28:31; Topical Guide, s.v. “trust not in the arm of flesh”).

(from CES Old Testament manual)

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The Establishment of Zion

2009-03-31T09:00:00.000-06:00

Isaiah 1–12

The Establishment of Zion (part 1)

Introduction

Has someone ever recommended a book to you? Did it make any difference who recommended it? Did the recommendation influence your feelings toward the book? Ponder the following recommendation given the writings of Isaiah: “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.” (3 Nephi 23:1). This instruction was given by the Savior to the Nephites, but the commandment to “search these things diligently” forms a challenge that continues for us today. Isaiah had a wide perspective of God’s workings with His children. He understood the power and principles of the Zion society and saw their application for his day and for the future. While strengthening the spiritual of his own day, he prophesied of the establishment of Zion for those who would be called to carry it out. The first part of his writings contains many references to this great event.
The book of Isaiah is a compilation of the prophet’s writings, possibly even an abridgment of some of his work. Chapters 1 through 39 deal with the ministry of Isaiah, and chapters 40 through 66 with his visions and revelations of the future. Chronological order is not always adhered to; therefore each chapter should be examined carefully within its own historical context.

NOTES AND COMMENTARY ON ISAIAH 1–12(part 1)

Isaiah 1:1. “The Vision of Isaiah”

Great prophetic insight to the problems of the world in which he lived and into the challenges of the future came about through the revelation (“vision”) the prophet Isaiah received. The kings, the times of these kings and their people, and the prophet Isaiah’s labor with them are discussed in Enrichment F.

Isaiah 1:1–9. Rebellion against the Lord

“Israel’s rebellion is evidence of the highest degree of sin” (Sidney B. Sperry, The Spirit of the Old Testament, p. 175). Jehovah had nourished and brought them up as children (in Egypt and the wilderness), and now in their adulthood (in the promised land) they had turned against the Lord. Their affliction is like wounds or sores that have not healed. The totality of their rebellion is illustrated by the references to head and heart, to the whole person from foot to head. In other words, the spiritual cancer had infested the whole body of Israel. Little spiritual health was left in the nation. That was why the land would be left utterly desolate.

Isaiah 1:4. “Holy One of Israel”

This sacred title of the Savior appears about thirty times in the writings of Isaiah but only twice in Jeremiah, once in Ezekiel, and three times in Psalms. It is not used elsewhere in the Old Testament, except in 2 Kings 19:22, which is Isaiah speaking. The Book of Mormon prophets Lehi, Nephi, and Jacob used this expression thirty-nine times, only four of which are passages from Isaiah.

Isaiah 1:8. What Is a “Cottage in a Vineyard”?

When the vineyard and the cucumber crops were ready to harvest, small booths, or huts, were built in the fields so the owner or his servants could watch over the harvest and protect it from thieves or animals. These huts were generally crudely made and hastily erected. After the harvest, they were abandoned and quickly became dilapidated and forlorn relics of the harvest. Jerusalem was to be like that—once proud and useful, but now, through her own spiritual neglect, an empty and forlorn relic. (See Edward J. Young, The Book of Isaiah, 1:55–56.)

Isaiah 1:9. “Left unto Us a Very Small Remnant”

The prophetic declaration promises the preservation of the lineage of Judah for future time. Paul cited this passage in this same context (see Romans 9:29; Isaiah 10:22).

Isaiah 1:10–15. The Hypocrisy of Insincere Worship

These verses do not mean that the Lord rejected the law of Moses, particularly the performances and ordinances of the law. The condemnation here is of the hypocritical fulfillment of the Mosaic offerings and feasts. Israel misused these religious activities because they fulfilled only the outward requirements and did not worship with full purpose of heart, turning their worship toward the Savior. (See Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 58–59; Young, Book of Isaiah, 1:61–62). To refer to the people of Israel as Sodom and Gomorrah (v. 10) vividly depicts how deeply the people had sunk into sin and depravity.

Isaiah 1:16–20. Call to Repentance, Promise of Forgiveness

In the midst of a scathing denunciation of the house of Israel, the Lord reminded them that they could be saved as a nation if they would truly repent. This scripture is often used to encourage individuals to repent and seek forgiveness, but it was originally given to a nation, not a person. President Joseph Fielding Smith wrote:
“This is not an individual promise, but one to a rebellious nation. No matter how many prophets the Lord sent to Israel and Judah, and how many times he pleaded with them, all through their history they were rebellious.
“Here we find a promise that if they would return to the Lord, their past sins would be forgotten, and he would again receive them as his people and bless them abundantly, and they should continue to be his covenant people.” (Answers to Gospel Questions, 2:180.)
Nephi, however, said that he took the words of Isaiah and “did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning” (1 Nephi 19:23). Certainly this beautiful promise, though originally given to Israel as a nation, can be “likened” to individuals. Elder Charles W. Penrose applied Isaiah’s promise from the Lord to all who meet certain requirements: “Now here is the pattern: Those who believe and repent must be taken down into the water and be buried from their old lives, must put off the old man with his deeds, must be buried in the likeness of Christ’s burial and raised up again in the likeness of Christ’s resurrection. Then, when they come forth from the water, if they have believed, repented, and been baptized by a man sent of God to baptize—then, ‘though their sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.’ They are cleansed, they come forth to a new birth, they are born of the water, and every time they partake of the holy sacrament they witness to God that they will continue in his ways, and walk in his paths, that they have put on Christ, and that they will remember him to keep his commandments in all things. Now when people are thus properly cleansed, and purified and made white, like unto newborn babes on entering into the world, without blemish or spot, then their tabernacles are fit to receive the Holy Ghost.” (In Journal of Discourses, 22:91.)
President Joseph Fielding Smith suggested that the washing mentioned in verse 16 could be baptism (see Answers to Gospel Questions, 1:51). From the Book of Mormon it is known that Isaiah taught baptism at least one other time (see 1 Nephi 20:1).

Isaiah 1:19–20. A Blessing or a Curse

This same conditional promise and warning was given to the Saints of the latter days (see D&C 64:34–35).

To be continued...

(from CES Old Testament manual)

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The Word of Our God

2009-03-24T09:04:00.001-06:00

I love this verse from Isaiah! In this world of ours, things change daily, nothing is forever. But we have a message from "out of this world", in a way. We have God's Word. And, as Isaiah reminds us, "the word of our God shall stand forever". No changes. It isn't Spring one day and back to Winter the next day, as we see in our world. (Yep, it snowed here yesterday, 9 inches the first week of "Spring"!)
In God's world, it is Spring everyday! When the changes of this world get to be too much, be sure to grab your Scriptures and refresh yourself. Go to the place where things never change, immerse yourself in the Word of God.

Let the Light and Love of God shine in your heart, everyday!

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Hope in the Lord

2009-03-17T10:23:00.003-06:00

This verse in Isaiah is similar to another Old Testament verse and promise in Proverbs:

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

In other words, listen to God's voice with your heart, not your head (your own understanding).

You will always be guided perfectly, when you listen with your heart.

Our Lord loves us with a perfect loving, forgiving and totally compassionate heart.

All he ever asks of us..."Come unto me."

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The Lord Strengthens Us

2009-03-16T09:01:00.004-06:00

"Isaiah declares that God's children cannot say they have not been told the nature of the everlasting God. He is omniscient and omnipotent, the Creator of all that exists in the earth. He has reached a state of perfection where he neither needs rest nor is subject to weakness. In fact, his greatness is so all-encompassing that it is beyond the comprehension and understanding of man.

Not only is God omnipotent himself, but he gives power to the righteous when they are faint. When his children have no power to accomplish the tremendous tasks assigned to them, God increases their strength."

~W. Cleon Skousen

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Why Mormons Build Temples

2009-03-13T11:11:00.003-06:00

Isaiah 66:1

"Thus, saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?"

"This verse introduces the theme that when the great Millennium is ushered in, the Lord will make the earth his dwelling place. It is his footstool, meaning the place where his feet shall rest. He therefore asks about his house in which he can dwell and the place where he can call his place of rest or a place of dwelling. No doubt this is referring to a temple, which the Lord says "my people are always commanded to build unto my holy name" (D&C 124:39)
("Isaiah Speaks to Modern Times", W. Cleon Skousen)

I love the following video. It is excerpted from the church video, "Between Heaven and Earth", about the beauty and sacred meaning of Temples. I love how those of other faiths can see the importance of building Temples today. A restoration of that which was known anciently, the temple is a place of Light and Love. It is the house of God.

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Remember... and Rest in God

2009-03-12T09:29:00.002-06:00

Remember...

God has known you individually, brethren, for a long, long time (see D&C 93:23). He has loved you for a long, long time. He not only knows the names of all the stars (see Psalm 147:4; Isaiah 40:26); He knows your names and all your heartaches and your joys! By the way, you have never seen an immortal star; they finally expire. But seated by you tonight are immortal individuals--imperfect but who are, nevertheless, 'trying to be like Jesus'!

~ Neal A. Maxwell,

Remember How Merciful the Lord Hath Been,

Ensign, May 2004

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"Isaiah" Mousepad

2009-03-10T09:25:00.003-06:00

Wow, have you ever seen a more beautiful mousepad! I don't usually pay any attention to them, but this one is going on my "wish list". I love this verse and the truth of it. I love the picture and I love the colors. What a perfect mousepad this would be for my blog!

If you like it too, you can order one (or two...hint, hint) here:

Isaiah Scripture mousepad

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Righteousness and Praise

2009-03-09T11:59:00.005-06:00

"For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. " (Isaiah 61:11)

"When Zion is redeemed, it will be as natural for righteousness and praise to emanate from God's people as it is for trees to bud, flowers to blossom, and the well-cultivated garden to bring forth its abundance." ("Isaiah Speaks to Modern Times", W. Cleon Skousen)

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Master of Life

2009-03-06T10:01:00.000-07:00

"Having died, Jesus Christ might have been forgotten, or, at best, remembered as one of many great teachers whose lives are epitomized in a few lines in the books of history. Now, having been resurrected, He became the Master of life. Now, with Isaiah, His disciples could sing with certain faith, 'His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace' (Isaiah 9:6)."

~ Gordon B. Hinckley,
The Symbol of Our Faith,
Ensign, Apr. 2005

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Streams in the Desert

2009-03-05T23:11:00.000-07:00

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,and the ears of the deaf unstopped;

then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.

For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert;

the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water

(Isaiah 35:5-7)

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Isaiah Speaks to Modern Times

2009-03-04T12:01:00.002-07:00

I love the book of Isaiah. One of the reasons I love it so much is because it speaks to us in modern times, in our current latter-days.

There is even a book with that exact title, "Isaiah Speaks to Modern Times". It is by LDS author, W. Cleon Skousen. He was an LDS professor, a federal lawyer and worked for the FBI for sixteen years. He has written over thirty books. "Isaiah Speaks to Modern Times" was published in 1984, but is probably available at most libraries.

This is one of the books I'll be studying this summer, in my quest to know and understand more about the powerful and prophetic book of Isaiah. The author goes through the entire book, verse by verse, explaining how Isaiah speaks to us today.

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Ye Shall Go Out With Joy !

2009-03-03T09:33:00.004-07:00

Isaiah chapter 55 is one of my most favorite chapters in the Bible, it's filled with so many joyous and amazing verses of redemption and salvation. I love how Isaiah uses the simile of trees to represent God's people. ..."for ye shall go out in joy......and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." Whahooooo!

THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET ISAIAH
CHAPTER 55

Come and drink: Salvation is free—The Lord will make an everlasting covenant with Israel—Seek the Lord while he is near.

1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

4 Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.

5 Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the Lord thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.

6 ¶ Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

8 ¶ For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

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Learn War No More

2009-03-02T14:55:00.008-07:00

I love this quote from the prophet Isaiah. I think the wall engraving above is at the United Nations building.

The prophet Nephi, in the "Book of Mormon", says every prophecy of Isaiah will be fulfilled.

What a glorious day that will be, when
all nations of the world,
all peoples,
all families
will live in peace.

May we all make this prayer:

"Heavenly Father, all I want is your Peace.
The Peace of God is my only goal.
Today, right now, let Peace begin within me.
Thank You, Father. Amen"

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Isaiah, Chapter One

2009-02-27T10:13:00.009-07:00

The best place to start.... at the beginning....Chapter 1 of the book of Isaiah. I found a wonderful article, by LDS author, Hugh Nibley, entitled "Great are the Words of Isaiah" it is an address given at BYU's sixth annual Sidney B. Sperry Symposium on January 28, 1978. He goes through Chapter 1 of Isaiah verse by verse. Be sure to check out the entire article HERE

"The quickest way to get an overview of the immense book of Isaiah is simply to read the first chapter. Scholars have long held that this is not part of the original book but a summary by a disciple. If so, that makes it nonetheless valuable, and indeed it is remarkable that this, the most famous chapter of Isaiah, is never quoted in the Book of Mormon. Let's take it verse by verse.

1:2. The people of Israel are God's children—he is their Father. This is the doctrine they have forgotten, and they will be in no condition to receive it again until they have undergone the moral regeneration that is the burden of Isaiah's preaching.
1:3. That doctrine they have rejected: they refuse to hear it.
1:4. Because they can't live with it in their sinful state, they have run away from it. This is inexcusable; God does not look upon it with forbearance. He knows that they are quite capable of understanding and living by the gospel. Accordingly, he is more than displeased; he is angry.
1:5. Yet it is not he who has been giving them a hard time. They decided to go their own way, openly revolting against him. And their system is simply not working. They are not able to cope with the situation mentally nor do they have the spirit to carry it through. Men on their own are a pitiful object.
1:6. The whole thing is sick, sick, sick. Every attempt to correct the situation fails miserably. Nothing works.
1:7. The result is internal depression and international disaster.
1:8. God's chosen people are holed up, trusting in their miserable defense, trapped by their own walls.
1:9. The reason they survive at all so far is that there are still a few righteous, a small remnant of honest people among them.
1:10. So it is time they were considering the alternative, which Isaiah herewith offers them.
1:11. You are not going to appease God by trying to buy him off, by going through the pious motions of religious observances, your meetings and temple sessions.
1:12. It is not for you to decide what to do to please God—it is for him to decide, and he has not required all this display of piety from you.
1:13. Your most dedicated observances, even following my ancient prescriptions, if done in the wrong spirit are actually iniquity—not to your credit but to your loss.
1:14. God is not impressed but disgusted by it.
1:15. Even when you pray I will not hear you. Why not? Answer: Because there is blood on your upraised hands.
1:16. The blood and sins of this generation are on you in the temple. What blood and sins? Your evil ways.
1:17. What evil ways? What should we be doing? Answer: Dealing justly, relieving those oppressed by debt instead of collecting from them, giving a fair deal to the orphans and assistance to the widow, in other words, showing some thought for people without money.
1:18. God is not being capricious or arbitrary. He is eminently reasonable. Is his way the only way? Let him tell you why, and then see if you do not agree: "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord." Then a surprising statement: "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." Plainly God does not take pleasure in these rebukes, he does not gloat as men would (for example, Thomas Aquinas) over the punishment in store for the wicked; he loves them all and holds forth the most wonderful promises for them. There is a way out, and that is why Isaiah is speaking, not because he is a puritanical scold.
1:19. Have they had enough? They need only to listen and to follow advice and all will be well.
1:20. But you cannot go on as you have been. You will be wiped out by war if you do. "For the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." The "consumption decreed" (D& C 87) is another quotation from Isaiah.
1:21. You can do it—because you once did. And then you lost it all—went over to unbridled sex and murder.
1:22. And for what? Property and pleasure, for silver that is now as worthless as garbage and wine that is flat.
1:23. The leaders set the worst example. They work with crooks, everybody is on the take: "Every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards," while the poor don't get a break in court and a widow can't even get a hearing.
1:24. God wants nothing to do with such rascals; he is going to get rid of them. They have made themselves his enemies.
1:25. This calls for a thorough housecleaning. All that dross must be purged away.
1:26. To bring back the old order, "restore thy judges as at the first" (as quoted in the well-known hymn). It is still possible, and God is going to bring it about. There will yet be "The city of righteousness, the faithful city."
1:27. There is going to be a Zion redeemed with many of these same sinful people living in it, along with a lot of converts from the outside.
1:28. All the rest will have to go, but not because God chooses to throw them out. They will walk away from safety right into destruction; with eyes wide open they will forsake the Lord and be consumed.
1:29—31. These verses are the only references to paganism—popular cults that will wither and be burned up—not be destroyed, however, because they follow pagan manners or forms, as the doctors, ministers, and commentators love to tell us, but because they were part of the cover-up for avaricious, hard, and immoral practices.

Please read the entire article HERE. LDS author, Hugh Nibley, also examines why we should study Isaiah today, and why it is sometimes unpopular .... "The book of Isaiah is a tract for our own times; our very aversion to it testifies to its relevance. It is necessary to remind us of its importance, however, because Isaiah's message has not been popular, and he tells us why."

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And It Shall Come To Pass

2009-02-26T11:17:00.001-07:00

"And it shall come to pass in the last days, when the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it." (2Nephi 12:2, Isaiah 2:2)

I love this photo, from the Deseret Morning News, of the new Draper Temple, in the background and the new Oquirrh Mountain Temple in the foreground. There is also another temple, the Jordan River Temple, in between these two, but not in line for the camera shot. Along with the Salt Lake Temple, we now have four temples in the Salt Lake Valley! I love the verse above, from 2Nephi12:2 and Isaiah 2:2. The "mountain of the Lord's house" is, of course, referring to the temple. And I love how it says "established in the top of the mountains", did you know that the word "Utah" is from the Ute Indian word meaning "top of the mountains"?

Today, we are going to visit the open house of the Draper Temple again. We went on the first day, back in January, and now we're going again and taking three teenagers with us. One of the boys we have known since he was 2 years old. He's always been a good boy, kind and loving, but when he was 15, about a year ago, he got in with the wrong crowd of kids and got addicted to hard drugs. Through lots of prayer, intervention, a return to right-minded friends and God's grace, he was turned around and is now back to his happy, loving and giving self. He is now helping other kids to get clean. He is an inspiration to many. Now he is ready to open himself up to the spirituality he feels inside himself. Like Joseph Smith, he is looking for which church to join. He's met with the missionaries a few times, and when I asked him if he'd like to go through the temple at the open house, he accepted gladly, and is bringing along a couple friends. What a wonderful day!

And it shall come to pass....

"The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined." (Isaiah 9:2)

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Importance of Isaiah's Writings

2009-02-24T00:11:00.000-07:00

The words of Isaiah . . . are written, ye have them before you, therefore search them (3 Nephi 20:11).
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 (3 Nephi 23:1).

"The Importance of Isaiah’s Writings"
"Isaiah’s name means “Jehovah saves” or “the Lord is salvation.” His life and teachings proclaim the message of Christ and the way of salvation Christ provided. John wrote that “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10). Using that statement as a criteria to evaluate, we must classify Isaiah among the greatest of the prophets, because he powerfully and eloquently testified of Christ and His work.
The Savior Himself affirmed the importance of Isaiah’s writings when, in His visit to the Nephites, He commanded them to search diligently the words of Isaiah (see 3 Nephi 20:11). The Lord said, “Great are the words of Isaiah. For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel” (3 Nephi 23:1–2). The words Jacob spoke to his people can also be applied to us. Jacob said, “There are many things which have been spoken by Isaiah which may be likened unto you, because ye are of the house of Israel” (2 Nephi 6:5). We also are of the house of Israel."
Old Testament CES

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