Six Keys To Understanding Isaiah

[isaiah28]

These 6 keys should start anyone out significantly in understanding Isaiah:

First key (simple): 1 Nephi 19:23

And I did read many things unto them which were written in 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; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.

explaining note: the Book of Mormon was written and filtered for us. All the compilers (Nephi, Jacob, Mormon, Moroni) saw our days, and they filtered out 99% of it because they knew that this 100th would be critical for our days. (Jacob 3:13, Words of Mormon 1:5, Helaman 3:14, 3 Nephi 5:8, 3 Nephi 26:6, Ether 15:33)

Second key (not so simple): 2 Nephi 6:5

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. And there are many things which have been spoken by Isaiah which may be likened unto you, because ye are of the house of Israel.

explaining note: all the words of Isaiah within the Book of Mormon apply to us, and many of Isaiah not in the Book of Mormon apply to us. Also a key thing: Israel = the Lord's chosen people / the Lord's church. When Isaiah talks about Israel, it's about us - the Lord's Church (for all instances when Nephi and Jacob quote Isaiah).

Third key (advanced): 2 Nephi 25:7-8

7 But behold, I proceed with mine own prophecy, according to my plainness; in the which I know that no man can err; nevertheless, 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 Wherefore, they are of worth unto the children of men, and he that supposeth that they are not, unto them will I speak particularly, and confine the words unto mine own people; 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.

explaining note: because Isaiah's prophecies were for the last days, once they are fulfilled ... then people will understand them. So, these chapters from 2 Nephi 12-24 are of the Last Days, the 'great and terrible' days of Armageddon immediately preceding Christ's Second Coming ... the sudden calamities 'as a thief in the night' following the great prosperity. We learn from Revelations that this Armageddon period lasts 42 months! (Yes, food storage is critical)

Fourth key (advanced): 2 Nephi 12-24 are in chronological order of events. The events parallel Revelations. Nephi was forbidden to record his vision of the Last Days in 1 Nephi 14, and so he instead gave us keys to understanding Isaiah's prophecies.

Fifth key (advanced): The book of first Nephi discusses the Scattering and Gathering of Israel four times. The book of second Nephi discusses it seven times.

Sixth key (advanced): Isaiah talks a lot about Zion. Do not confuse Zion with Israel, for Zion are certain righteous people among Israel, much like the parable of the ten virgins. History repeats itself many times, consider not only the cases of Lehi, Alma the Elder, and the Brother of Jared, but these two as well:

2 Nephi 5:5-6

5 And it came to pass that the Lord did warn me, that I, Nephi, should depart from them and flee into the wilderness, and all those who would go with me.

6 Wherefore, it came to pass that I, Nephi, did take my family, and also Zoram and his family, and Sam, mine elder brother and his family, and Jacob and Joseph, my younger brethren, and also my sisters, and all those who would go with me. And all those who would go with me were those who believed in the warnings and the revelations of God; wherefore, they did hearken unto my words.

Omni 1:12-13, 5-6

12 Behold, I am Amaleki, the son of Abinadom. Behold, I will speak unto you somewhat concerning Mosiah, who was made king over the land of Zarahemla; for behold, he being warned of the Lord that he should flee out of the land of Nephi, and as many as would hearken unto the voice of the Lord should also depart out of the land with him, into the wilderness—

13 And it came to pass that he did according as the Lord had commanded him. And they departed out of the land into the wilderness, as many as would hearken unto the voice of the Lord; and they were led by many preachings and prophesyings. And they were admonished continually by the word of God; and they were led by the power of his arm, through the wilderness until they came down into the land which is called the land of Zarahemla.

.....

5 Behold, it came to pass that three hundred and twenty years had passed away, and the more wicked part of the Nephites were destroyed.

6 For the Lord would not suffer, after he had led them out of the land of Jerusalem and kept and preserved them from falling into the hands of their enemies, yea, he would not suffer that the words should not be verified, which he spake unto our fathers, saying that: Inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall not prosper in the land.

The Lord will refine and purify His people prior to His coming. The Lord will have a humble people - a Zion people.

[Guest ApostleKnight]

Isaiah is my favorite book of scripture in the Old Testament. Practically every other word is highlighted or annotated in the margin. It's a tough nut to crack, but once you do, it's worth the effort. In my opinion, there's a lot of historical and cultural facts that need to be learned before Isaiah's context and clarity reveal themselves.

Interestingly to me, the book of Isaiah is the only book of scripture that Jesus explicitly commanded his people to study (see 3 Ne. 23:1).

There are many good Isaiah-guide books to facilitate understanding. I enjoyed Cleon Skousen's "Isaiah Speaks to Modern Times."

[Princess3dward]

First key (simple): 1 Nephi 19:23

And I did read many things unto them which were written in 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; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.

explaining note: the Book of Mormon was written and filtered for us. All the compilers (Nephi, Jacob, Mormon, Moroni) saw our days, and they filtered out 99% of it because they knew that this 100th would be critical for our days. (Jacob 3:13, Words of Mormon 1:5, Helaman 3:14, 3 Nephi 5:8, 3 Nephi 26:6, Ether 15:33)

This is my faveorite point, mostly because I believe that so much, and that is wehat made my dad love Isaiah.

I am really happy for the Book of Mormon, and its clerification.

Thank you for these points, and I might save them somewhere for my dad (although he alreayd used a study guide. lol.)

[Dr T]

Hello Isaiah,

Why do you claim you are of the chosen people? Isn't Israel Israel not LDS?

Just checking,

Dr. T

[Princess3dward]

Hello Isaiah,

Why do you claim you are of the chosen people? Isn't Israel Israel not LDS?

Just checking,

Dr. T

We are in the last days, and preparing for Jesus' second coming. Yes, they are (in a different way)... and so are we.

[JoshuaFKon]

<div class='quotemain'>

Hello Isaiah,

Why do you claim you are of the chosen people? Isn't Israel Israel not LDS?

Just checking,

Dr. T

We are in the last days, and preparing for Jesus' second coming. Yes, they are (in a different way)... and so are we.

I'm going to start a list and see how many times you answer "both"

Josh

[Jason]

These 6 keys should start anyone out significantly in understanding Isaiah:

First key (simple): 1 Nephi 19:23

And I did read many things unto them which were written in 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; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.

explaining note: the Book of Mormon was written and filtered for us. All the compilers (Nephi, Jacob, Mormon, Moroni) saw our days, and they filtered out 99% of it because they knew that this 100th would be critical for our days. (Jacob 3:13, Words of Mormon 1:5, Helaman 3:14, 3 Nephi 5:8, 3 Nephi 26:6, Ether 15:33)

Second key (not so simple): 2 Nephi 6:5

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. And there are many things which have been spoken by Isaiah which may be likened unto you, because ye are of the house of Israel.

explaining note: all the words of Isaiah within the Book of Mormon apply to us, and many of Isaiah not in the Book of Mormon apply to us. Also a key thing: Israel = the Lord's chosen people / the Lord's church. When Isaiah talks about Israel, it's about us - the Lord's Church (for all instances when Nephi and Jacob quote Isaiah).

Third key (advanced): 2 Nephi 25:7-8

7 But behold, I proceed with mine own prophecy, according to my plainness; in the which I know that no man can err; nevertheless, 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 Wherefore, they are of worth unto the children of men, and he that supposeth that they are not, unto them will I speak particularly, and confine the words unto mine own people; 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.

explaining note: because Isaiah's prophecies were for the last days, once they are fulfilled ... then people will understand them. So, these chapters from 2 Nephi 12-24 are of the Last Days, the 'great and terrible' days of Armageddon immediately preceding Christ's Second Coming ... the sudden calamities 'as a thief in the night' following the great prosperity. We learn from Revelations that this Armageddon period lasts 42 months! (Yes, food storage is critical)

Fourth key (advanced): 2 Nephi 12-24 are in chronological order of events. The events parallel Revelations. Nephi was forbidden to record his vision of the Last Days in 1 Nephi 14, and so he instead gave us keys to understanding Isaiah's prophecies.

Fifth key (advanced): The book of first Nephi discusses the Scattering and Gathering of Israel four times. The book of second Nephi discusses it seven times.

Sixth key (advanced): Isaiah talks a lot about Zion. Do not confuse Zion with Israel, for Zion are certain righteous people among Israel, much like the parable of the ten virgins. History repeats itself many times, consider not only the cases of Lehi, Alma the Elder, and the Brother of Jared, but these two as well:

2 Nephi 5:5-6

5 And it came to pass that the Lord did warn me, that I, Nephi, should depart from them and flee into the wilderness, and all those who would go with me.

6 Wherefore, it came to pass that I, Nephi, did take my family, and also Zoram and his family, and Sam, mine elder brother and his family, and Jacob and Joseph, my younger brethren, and also my sisters, and all those who would go with me. And all those who would go with me were those who believed in the warnings and the revelations of God; wherefore, they did hearken unto my words.

Omni 1:12-13, 5-6

12 Behold, I am Amaleki, the son of Abinadom. Behold, I will speak unto you somewhat concerning Mosiah, who was made king over the land of Zarahemla; for behold, he being warned of the Lord that he should flee out of the land of Nephi, and as many as would hearken unto the voice of the Lord should also depart out of the land with him, into the wilderness—

13 And it came to pass that he did according as the Lord had commanded him. And they departed out of the land into the wilderness, as many as would hearken unto the voice of the Lord; and they were led by many preachings and prophesyings. And they were admonished continually by the word of God; and they were led by the power of his arm, through the wilderness until they came down into the land which is called the land of Zarahemla.

.....

5 Behold, it came to pass that three hundred and twenty years had passed away, and the more wicked part of the Nephites were destroyed.

6 For the Lord would not suffer, after he had led them out of the land of Jerusalem and kept and preserved them from falling into the hands of their enemies, yea, he would not suffer that the words should not be verified, which he spake unto our fathers, saying that: Inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall not prosper in the land.

The Lord will refine and purify His people prior to His coming. The Lord will have a humble people - a Zion people.

Looks like someone just read Avraham Gileadi's "The Last Days", and thinks they've got a corner on the "key" market.

You're ten years behind bro.

[isaiah28]

This is my faveorite point, mostly because I believe that so much, and that is wehat made my dad love Isaiah.

I am really happy for the Book of Mormon, and its clerification.

Thank you for these points, and I might save them somewhere for my dad (although he alreayd used a study guide. lol.)

These six are all just from the Book of Mormon. Best to use both. There are some topics that one can never learn too much of ...

Looks like someone just read Avraham Gileadi's "The Last Days", and thinks they've got a corner on the "key" market.

You're ten years behind bro.

Is this how you treat your newcomers?

[Jason]

<div class='quotemain'>

This is my faveorite point, mostly because I believe that so much, and that is wehat made my dad love Isaiah.

I am really happy for the Book of Mormon, and its clerification.

Thank you for these points, and I might save them somewhere for my dad (although he alreayd used a study guide. lol.)

These six are all just from the Book of Mormon. Best to use both. There are some topics that one can never learn too much of ...

Looks like someone just read Avraham Gileadi's "The Last Days", and thinks they've got a corner on the "key" market.

You're ten years behind bro.

Is this how you treat your newcomers?

Just the one's who boast about their knowledge, instead of saying: "Hey, I just learned this, what do you guy's know?"

[Princess3dward]

<div class='quotemain'>

<div class='quotemain'>

Hello Isaiah,

Why do you claim you are of the chosen people? Isn't Israel Israel not LDS?

Just checking,

Dr. T

We are in the last days, and preparing for Jesus' second coming. Yes, they are (in a different way)... and so are we.

I'm going to start a list and see how many times you answer "both"

Josh

I get creative though!

[JoshuaFKon]

I get creative though!

I know! very impressive!

Josh

[Ray]

Hello Isaiah,

Why do you claim you are of the chosen people? Isn't Israel Israel not LDS?

Just checking,

Dr. T

Hi Doc,

In case you haven't heard, "Israel" includes...

... not only the person named "Jacob", whose name was later changed to Israel by God...

and,,,

... not only the persons who were direct descendents of Jacob, or Israel, as recorded in the Bible...

and...

... not only the land which was once inhabited by the children of Isreal, as recorded in the Bible...

and...

... not only the land which is now inhabited again by children of Israel, in this present day and age...

but...

... ALL persons who are direct descendents of Jacob, or Israel, wherever they are living today.

And btw, most LDS are literally children of Ephraim.

FYI. :)

[isaiah28]

Just the one's who boast about their knowledge, instead of saying: "Hey, I just learned this, what do you guy's know?"

All these items come straight from the Book of Mormon. Learning the Gospel and teaching those who seek for truth are important missions of this website. Christ Himself gave unto us a commandment to study the words of Isaiah in 3 Nephi 23:1

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.