Christs Return; Shall Put Israel Prisoner Again; Wonder Why
(17-one) Introduction
Nephi loved to quote Isaiah. Of the l-5 capacity in his books, nineteen are from Isaiah, and he quoted parts of other chapters of Isaiah as well. Small wonder, then, that Nephi, rather than always mentioning Isaiah by proper name, referred to him just as "the prophet" (meet i Nephi 19:24; 22:1–two; ii Nephi vi:12, 14). He explained that he read Isaiah to his people then that he "might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer" (1 Nephi nineteen:23).
Isaiah 48–54includes some of Isaiah'south greatest work. Half-dozen of the seven chapters, slightly changed in some instances, are found in the Book of Mormon; the other chapter, chapter 52, is scattered throughout the sacred record. The Book of Mormon is, therefore, our greatest help in understanding this part of Isaiah's written work.
Notes and Commentary on Isaiah 48–54
(17-2) Isaiah 48:one–11. "Hear Ye This, O House of Jacob"
Isaiah 48is the showtime chapter of Isaiah quoted in the Volume of Mormon and is found there as 1 Nephi 20. Every verse in the Book of Mormon reads differently from the way it reads in the King James text, and many of the differences are significant. It tin can be assumed that the Volume of Mormon text is more right than the Male monarch James Version because Nephi lived only a piffling more than one hundred years after Isaiah'due south time and almost probable possessed a purer text than the one the Male monarch James translators worked from. Advisedly compare verses 1–2, 6–seven, 11, 14, xvi–17, and 22 in both versions to encounter the meaning changes.
(17-3) Isaiah 48:1–eight. Judah's Apostasy
Isaiah 48:1–2describes Israel'due south betrayment from God's revealed ways. While these called people of the Lord have "come forth out of the waters of … baptism" (1 Nephi 20:1; compare Isaiah 48:1–2with 1 Nephi 20:1–2), "they do non stay themselves upon the … Lord" (1 Nephi 20:two). In other words, they take apostatized. For this reason, the Lord elected to demonstrate His powers of omniscience. He had, He told them, "declared … things from the beginning," that is, He spoke of them earlier their occurrence, and then "shewed them … suddenly" by bringing them to laissez passer (Isaiah 48:3). This He had washed, He said, lest the apostates should say, "Mine idol hath done them" (v. five), or "Behold, I knew them" (v. 7), that is to say, "I already knew that." The Lord then promised to defer His anger but utterly refused to give His glory to imitation gods or to endure His name to exist polluted (compare v. 11 with i Nephi twenty:eleven). Thus the Lord's purpose for revealing the future unto man is partly made clear: it is the solid proof that He is truly God, for no mute idol could maybe duplicate such a feat.
(17-4) Isaiah 49. Israel Scattered on the Isles of the Sea
Monte Southward. Nyman observed that "chapter 49 is one of the most important chapters in the whole book of Isaiah, because information technology also conspicuously foretells the mission of the Latter-day Saints and the destiny of the land of America in connection with the firm of Israel. Nephi interpreted the affiliate as foretelling that the land of America would receive some of scattered Israel, while his blood brother Jacob applied it both to the Jews in Jerusalem and to the Gentiles. Affiliate 49 is of such importance that it ought to be studied diligently by every member of the Church." ("Great Are the Words of Isaiah," pp. 173–74.)
(17-5) Isaiah 49:ane–3. "Grand Art My Servant, O State of israel, in Whom I Will Be Glorified"
The entire chapter of Isaiah 49is quoted in one Nephi 21. Half of verse ane is missing from the King James text. What was lost from the Bible is the statement that the scattering of Israel was a straight result of the wickedness of the religious leaders. Those on the isles who are invited to hearken are the cleaved-off or scattered branches of the firm of Israel. Nephi wrote that by his time "the more function of all the tribes" of State of israel had been "scattered to and fro upon the isles of the sea" (1 Nephi 22:iv). Moreover it is made articulate that the person speaking in these verses, the "me" of Isaiah 49:ane–2, was Israel herself. Her mouth was "like a sharp sword" (v. 2) because she possessed the give-and-take of God to give to the nations. In many places God's bulletin is likened to a sword with a keen edge (see Ephesians 6:17; Revelation ane:16; 2:12; D&C 6:2; 33:1). It is double-edged because information technology cuts regardless of the management information technology is moved.
Just ancient Israel did not spread the word of God equally they might have done. Commissioned by the Lord and placed under covenant to anoint all nations with the gospel and its priesthood ability (run into Abraham ii:11), near of State of israel refused even to live the teachings of the Lord. Isaiah 49:2–3may refer, therefore, to latter-day State of israel. Nyman's explanation of why this may be so is important:
"The Lord's hiding Israel in 'the shadow of his hand' is clarified in the Doctrine and Covenants, where the Lord declares that the priesthood holders of this last dispensation are 'lawful heirs, according to the flesh, and take been hid from the world with Christ in God' (D&C 86:8–9). This clarification of priesthood bearers as 'lawful heirs according to the flesh' is a reference to the covenant which the Lord made with Abraham that all nations of the globe would be blest through the literal seed of his body, who would bear the ministry and the priesthood (see Abraham 2:9–11). The Doctrine and Covenants as well identifies latter-24-hour interval Israel as the 'seed of Abraham' (D&C 103:17). The world did not know where scattered Israel was, but the Lord knew and had curtained them in his protective hand.
"The 'polished shaft' hidden in the Lord's quiver may be a direct reference to Joseph Smith. As the 'choice seer' of the latter day, he was to be the Lord's servant in a special sense (see ii Nephi iii:6; iii Nephi 21:10). The Prophet Joseph'south description of himself is interesting in this low-cal:
"'I am like a huge, crude rock rolling downwardly from a loftier mount; and the simply polishing I get is when some corner gets rubbed off by coming in contact with something else, striking with accelerated forcefulness confronting religious bigotry, priestcraft, lawyer-craft, doctor-arts and crafts, lying editors, suborned judges and jurors, and the authority of perjured executives, backed by mobs, blasphemers, licentious and corrupt men and women—all hell knocking off a corner here and a corner there. Thus I will go a smooth and polished shaft in the quiver of the Almighty, who will requite me rule over all and every ane of them, when their refuge of lies shall fail, and their hiding place shall be destroyed, while these shine-polished stones with which I come in contact become marred.' (TPJS, p. 304.)
"The pointer shaft is polished that information technology might fly truer and faster, and the shaft that is polished is by and large reserved for one'southward virtually of import shot. The terminal impunity, when all things are gathered in one, is the Lord'southward most important 'shot,' so he saved his 'polished shaft' for this latter-day work. Joseph was called to give this generation the discussion of God (see D&C 5:10), which recalls too the sharp sword analogy mentioned in poesy two." ("Groovy Are the Words of Isaiah," pp. 176–77.)
(17-half-dozen) Isaiah 49:4–12. Did the Lord Forget Israel, His Chosen People?
The Restoration was a long fourth dimension in coming. During the years of waiting, dispossessed Israel undoubtedly felt lone and forsaken by the Lord. Isaiah 49:4–12shows that loneliness. Poetry 4 describes the attitude of one somewhat discouraged, yet not completely so: "I have spent my strength … in vain: nevertheless surely my judgment is with the Lord" (Isaiah 49:iv).
Nephi spoke of the Jews in their cast-off condition equally beingness "a hiss and a byword and … hated among all nations" (ane Nephi nineteen:xiv). Isaiah 49:7describes that condition: men despise and abhor the Lord'southward covenant people. But Israel still has promise: "Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I (Israel) be glorious in the optics of the Lord" (v. 5). Jacob will yet be raised and restored and stand as "a low-cal to the Gentiles" and as a beacon of "salvation unto the end of the earth" (five. half-dozen). "In an acceptable time" God volition hear their cry and "give thee ["my servant," in 1 Nephi 21:8] for a covenant of the people" (Isaiah 49:eight). That began with the phone call of Joseph Smith. Since then, the call has gone forth to others, "to the [spiritual] prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in [spiritual] darkness, Shew yourselves" (v. 9). They shall be fed with the fruits of the gospel—not "hunger nor thirst"—and shall be gathered into the gospel net "from far … from the n and from the west" (vv. 10, 12).
Nephi interpreted the foregoing verses in 1 Nephi 22. His brothers had asked if Isaiah's words were to be interpreted spiritually or temporally, and Nephi replied that they were to be interpreted both ways (see one Nephi 22:ane–iii). He and then described Israel'south handful and gathering by the Gentiles. Showtime Nephi 22:8–12 gives a very articulate interpretation of Isaiah 49.
(17-7) Isaiah 49:13–17. God Remembers All His Covenants and Promises
Through the restoration in the latter days, God would show that He remembered the covenant He made with male parent Abraham.
Nephi quotes verse ane differently than in the Male monarch James Version (see ane Nephi 21:1). The promise says clearly that Zion volition be restored and smitten no more. But however, Zion in her forlorn status will come to view herself as one "forsaken" of the Lord (Isaiah 49:14), but He will show that He has not forsaken her. Can mothers forget their nursing children when they cry for food? The Lord answered that question emphatically, "Yea, they may forget, yet volition I not forget thee, O business firm of Israel" (1 Nephi 21:fifteen; emphasis added). All that the Lord has promised will be fulfilled, for His covenant people are so much a function of Him that it is as if their proper noun has been carved on His hands or on the walls that are continually earlier His eyes (see Isaiah 49:16). For this reason State of israel's children (or descendants) shall "make haste against [their] destroyers; and they that made thee waste shall get forth" (1 Nephi 21:17; note the improver of the word against in the Volume of Mormon). The account in Nephi suggests that while God's ancient people were "wasted" by their enemies, the tables will be turned in the latter days. In speaking of this truth, President Wilford Woodruff said:
"This Zion of the Lord, in all its dazzler, power and glory is engraven upon the easily of Almighty God, and it is before his confront continually; his decrees are set and no man can turn them aside.
"There never was a dispensation on the earth when prophets and apostles, the inspiration, revelation and power of God, the holy priesthood and the keys of the kingdom were needed more than they are in this generation. There never has been a dispensation when the friends of God and righteousness amidst the children of men needed more than faith in the promises and prophecies than they exercise to-mean solar day; and there certainly never has been a generation of people on the earth that has had a greater work to perform than the inhabitants of the globe in the latter days. That is one reason why this church and kingdom has progressed from its beginning until today, in the midst of all the opposition, oppression and warfare which have been waged against it by men inspired past the evil i. If this had not been the dispensation of the fulness of times—the impunity in which God has declared that he will constitute his kingdom on the world never more to be thrown down, the inhabitants of the world would have been enabled to overcome the kingdom and Zion of God in this besides equally in whatsoever former dispensation. But the set time has come up to favor Zion, and the Lord Omnipotent has decreed in the heavens that every weapon formed against her shall be cleaved." (In Periodical of Discourses, 15:viii–9.)
(17-8) Isaiah 49:18–21. Israel'south Latter-twenty-four hours Gathering Shall Exist Rapid and Sustained
In Isaiah 49:18–21, the latter-day gathering of Israel is spoken of. In the same fashion that a new bride adorns herself for her wedding day, and so will the Zion of the latter days spiritually beautify those who come to her for blessings. This imagery of Christ as the Bridegroom and His covenant people as His helpmate is seen elsewhere in the scriptures (meet Isaiah 54:5; Jeremiah iii:14; Matthew 25:i–13; Revelation 19:vii; D&C 33:17; 133:10, 19). And only as a bride puts on her finest clothing in training for the matrimony, so will Israel clothe herself in righteousness in preparation for her coming "marriage" (run across Revelation 19:8, where the "wearable" of the bride is described).
So many people will come, both to Zion and the Old Jerusalem, that they will mutter that the land is "too strait [narrow] for me: requite place to me that I may dwell" (Isaiah 49:xx). This overcrowding has occurred wherever the modern gathering has taken place. The Church has a hard fourth dimension keeping up with needs for chapels and leadership considering of its many converts. Modern State of israel has received so many ingatherers that the land is literally "too narrow by reason of the inhabitants" (v. nineteen). Thus the reaction voiced in verse 21 is quite real: "Who hath begotten me these … ; where had they been?" In other words, where in the globe did all these people (Israelites) come up from?
(17-9) Isaiah 49:22–26. How Volition the Gentiles Be Nursing Fathers and Mothers to State of israel?
Isaiah 49:22–26speaks of the twenty-four hour period when God's promises will be fulfilled and of how it volition be done. The "how" is made articulate in verses 22 and 23. God will gear up upward His "standard," the gospel, or the new and everlasting covenant (see D&C 66:two), "and they [the Gentiles] shall bring thy [the business firm of State of israel'south] sons in their arms and thy daughters shall be carried on their shoulders. And kings shall be thy nursing fathers and their queens thy nursing mothers." (Isaiah 49:22–23.) This prophecy has, every bit Nephi said, both a temporal and spiritual fulfillment (see one Nephi 22:three).
The "when" of the prophecy is at present. Converts from throughout the earth have joined the Church building and and so have gone throughout the world seeking to reclaim the house of Israel and bring them back to the Lord. President Spencer W. Kimball saw a partial fulfillment of these verses in the Church's modern missionary efforts, specifically with the descendants of Lehi:
"This mean solar day of the Lamanite brings opportunity. Millions farm the steep hillsides of Andean ranges and market their produce with llamas and horses and burros. They must have the emancipating gospel. Millions serve in menial labor, eke out blank subsistence from soil and toil. They must hear the compelling truths of the gospel. Millions are tied to reservations, deprived, untrained, and less than they could be. They must accept the enlightening gospel. It volition break their fetters, stir their ambition, increase their vision, and open new worlds of opportunity to them. Their captivity will be at an finish—captivity from misconceptions, illiteracy, superstition, fear. …
"The brighter twenty-four hour period has dawned. The scattering has been accomplished; the gathering is in procedure. May the Lord anoint us all as we become nursing fathers and mothers (see Isa. 49:23and 1 Nephi 21:23) unto our Lamanite brethren and hasten the fulfillment of the great promises made to them." (In Conference Report, Oct. 1965, p. 72.)
But in that location is another side too. Post-obit the cease of World War I, Not bad United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland was given the mandate over Palestine and began to facilitate the ingathering of the Jews scattered throughout the world. Other gentile nations, such as the The states, also rallied to assist.
President Joseph Fielding Smith spoke of the function Neat Britain played in the establishment of the nation of Israel:
"From the time of the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus until the year 1917, Jerusalem was trodden downward of the Gentiles. Afterwards Full general Allenby, at the head of the British forces, captured Palestine, that country became free from the tyranny and oppression of the Turkish empire, and after peace was declared, England sent to Palestine Dr. Herbert Samuel, a Jew, to be governor of the land, and that is the first time in all those years that a Jew has ruled in Palestine. …
"We encounter today a phenomenon being performed earlier our optics. Post-obit the war, which nosotros are pleased to telephone call the first world war, the British Premier issued a proclamation to the Jews telling them they could gather and they could have in Palestine a Jewish Home, or state. They began to assemble in slap-up numbers. At the offset of [the 20th] century things in Palestine were in a deplorable status. They were using wooden plows, water wheel irrigation; they had infested wells and streams. They carried water in skins equally of onetime. Sanitation was sad.
"The British government changed all of this, when they obtained the mandate. You see, the mandate of Palestine was given to Great United kingdom. That nation and other nations spent millions of pounds in rehabilitating that country. The Body of water of Galilee is at present a great reservoir, and the flood waters from the various streams are existence diverted into it.
"Canals take been built for irrigation, and the Hashemite kingdom of jordan has been changed from its natural channel into channels or into canals on each side of the original stream. These irrigate some 7 million acres, which could non be under cultivation otherwise. Hydro-electric stations have been built on these streams." (Doctrines of Conservancy, three:259–60.)
In 1947 the United Nations voted to partition Palestine and create a Jewish state in the land for the first time in nearly two one thousand years. Thus, the Gentiles participated in the fulfillment of this prophecy, although there may yet exist future fulfillment.
The "prey" mentioned in Isaiah 49:24is the house of Israel in her scattered status. She is "prey" or "convict" because she has been unable throughout the centuries to return to her promised home or to merits her gospel blessings. Until recently many gentile countries would not permit Jewish residents to emigrate, and many nevertheless practice not permit the gospel to be preached freely in their borders. All of that will change, for "fifty-fifty the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered" (v. 25). When Jacob quoted this verse in the Book of Mormon, he added these significant words: "For the Mighty God shall deliver his covenant people" (2 Nephi vi:17), and thus, "all flesh shall know that I the Lord am thy Savior and thy Redeemer, the Mighty 1 of Jacob" (v. eighteen). First the Lord predicts it, then He brings information technology to pass; only a "mighty one" could perform such a task. Nephi made it very clear that all who seek to thwart the Lord in bringing this great thing to laissez passer shall be destroyed, for "they shall autumn into the pit which they digged to ensnare the people of the Lord" (1 Nephi 22:14).
(17-10) Isaiah 49:26. An Addition to Isaiah from the Book of Mormon
In his work on Isaiah, Nyman noted a pregnant addition to Isaiah: "As Nephi commented on Isaiah 49in 1 Nephi 22, he quoted or paraphrased three verses from 'the prophet,' obviously Isaiah. We do non have these verses in the nowadays Bible text, but they fit very well into the context of Isaiah 49and 50. Nosotros can illustrate this by placing [1 Nephi 22:fifteen–17] between the last poetry of chapter 49 and the first verse of chapter fifty." ("Nifty Are the Words of Isaiah," p. 191.)
(17-11) Isaiah fifty. "Where Is the Bill of Your Mother's Divorcement?"
The Lord employed the figure of a divorce and the auction of a slave to teach that though Israel'southward past betrayment scattered them among the nations, the Lord had not prepare aside the original covenant He made with His people. Chapter 50 continues the theme begun in chapters 48 and 49 that in the last days Israel would be gathered and established again.
Under Mosaic police a man who divorced his wife was required to give her a written bill of divorce. She was then free to marry again (see Deuteronomy 24:i–iv). As well, under the ancient laws, a man could sell himself or his children into slavery to satisfy his creditors. Just the Lord had no creditors; neither had He divorced His "wife," Israel. Instead, Israel had separated herself from the Lord by her sins and was in debt to her evil creditors. "For your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away" (Isaiah 50:i).
Just the Lord has power both to redeem Israel from their creditors and to forgive their transgressions confronting Him. This He assured them He will exercise. Speaking of the future as if information technology were already past, He reminded them that He tried to do so once before when He, Jehovah, came to earth as Jesus Christ. This statement is a messianic passage, since Jesus is both Redeemer from sin and Deliverer from evil ways. Yet when He appeared on earth, at that place was no man prepare to receive Him; when He chosen upon men to repent, there was none to answer (come across v. 2). He gave His "dorsum to the smiters" (He was scourged) and hid non His face "from shame and spitting" (5. 6; compare Matthew 26:67; 27:26). But in spite of such rejection and treatment, He still did not divorce Israel or sell her as a slave. The covenant was yet in event, and Israel would be restored to the status of a complimentary and faithful married woman of Jehovah.
The foregoing imagery may also refer to scattered Israel, for State of israel, also, has been smitten and spat upon and scourged through the centuries. Still, Israel is represented equally proverb that "the Lord will help me; … I know I shall not be aback" (Isaiah 50:7). Israel's confidence and trust in God appears unbounded. "He is about that justifieth me; who will fence with me?" (5. 8). The "he" in this poetry is clearly "the Lord" in a parallel verse in 2 Nephi 7:8. "Behold, the Lord God will help me; who is he that shall condemn me?" (Isaiah l:9). Israel so asks a question, as if they have learned something by their past experiences. "Who is among yous … that walketh in darkness, and hath no low-cal?" (v. 10). People trust in themselves; they practice not trust in God. Instead, they "walk in the light of [their own] fire, and in the sparks that [they themselves] have kindled" (5. 11). They who refuse God'southward revelations and put their trust in their own reason "shall lie downwards in sorrow" (five. 11).
(17-12) Isaiah 51:1–iii. What Is Meant By the "Hole … Whence Ye Are Digged"?
God's promises to Israel were stated in a direct style in the Abrahamic covenant. Most Latter-24-hour interval Saints have patriarchal blessings that declare their descent from Abraham through 1 of the twelve tribes. Abraham, then, is the "rock" from whence Israel was hewn and the "pit" from whence they were digged. Israel, both ancient and modern, is urged to "look unto Abraham [our] father, and unto Sarah" (Isaiah 51:1–2). They are the ones through whom the Saints claim their promised blessings. By means of the covenant established with Abraham and Sarah, "the Lord shall comfort Zion" and make "her desert like the garden of the Lord" (5. 3). This passage is a plain assurance that God will fulfill for Abraham and his descendants all that He has promised in the covenant.
(17-13) Isaiah 51:4. What Police Will Go along from God?
Isaiah 51:4contains a prophecy of the restoration of the gospel police and covenant in the last days. That law and covenant includes modern scripture and living prophets to reveal God's volition afresh.
(17-14) Isaiah 51:4–sixteen. Who Is Speaking in These Verses?
In Isaiah 51:four–16, great emphasis is placed on the pronouns me and my: "my people," "my nation," "my judgment," "my righteousness," "my salvation," "mine arm," "my law" (vv. four–eight). The Lord emphasized these things to stress His relationship with u.s.. He is our Creator, He is our Judge, He is our Savior, and He is our perfect Exemplar. And though the earth itself "shall vanish away like smoke, and … wax former like a garment" (v. half dozen), the qualities He claims for Himself will endure forever. God is permanent, stable, upright, and dependable. Those who trust in Him need non fear "the reproach of men" (v. 7) but should "awake" and "put on forcefulness … as in the ancient days" (v. ix). This phone call is from God to His latter-twenty-four hours children to return to Him and "come up with singing unto Zion" where "sorrow and mourning shall flee abroad" (v. 11).
Equally do many other passages in the Old Testament, these verses bear potent witness that Jehovah, the God of the Sometime Attestation, is the same person as Jesus Christ of the New.
(17-15) Isaiah 51:17–23. Who Were the "Two Sons" Who Fainted?
For centuries the covenant people of the Lord have "drunk at the hand of the Lord the cup of his fury," or in other words, they reaped the results of their refusal to heed His give-and-take and this "wrung them out" (Isaiah 51:17). And the days of judgments for Israel are non finished withal. In the battle of Armageddon, the Jewish nation will once over again undergo great oppression and judgment (see Enrichment I).
The text of 2 Nephi 8:19–20taken from the brass plates suggests that the two sons may exist the ii witnesses of Revelation eleven:1–6who will keep the armies from defeating the Jews (see too D&C 77:xv). The two witnesses are discussed in particular in Reading I-half-dozen.
By means of these 2 servants of God and the miracles they work, God will remove from Israel'south mitt "the cup of trembling, even the dregs of the cup of my fury." The promise is "thou shalt no more drink it once more" (Isaiah 51:22.) Instead, the loving cup of fury shall be given to those who accept trampled on and walked over the covenant people of the Lord. It volition then be their plough to know suffering. (run into v. 23.)
(17-xvi) Isaiah 52:1–six. "Put on Thy Force, O Zion"
As shown in Notes and Commentary on Isaiah 2:3, in that location will exist ii headquarters for the Lord and His people during the Millennium: Zion, the New Jerusalem, on the American continent; and Zion, the Sometime Jerusalem, in the Holy Country.
Isaiah 52:1–2is quoted in three places in the Book of Mormon (run into ii Nephi 8:24–25; iii Nephi twenty:36–37; Moroni 10:31) and once in the Doctrine and Covenants. In Doctrine and Covenants 113:7–viii, Joseph Smith answered questions about the meaning of Isaiah 52:ane–2. He showed that the cute garments symbolized the priesthood power restored to the house of Israel in the last days and that the loosing of the bands from her neck signified the removal of the curses of God. If Israel would return to God, new revelations would exist given.
When the Savior cited passages from Isaiah 52, He omitted verses four and 5, perhaps these verses did not apply to the Nephites at that time (see iii Nephi xx:36–40).
(17-17) Isaiah 52:seven. "How Beautiful upon the Mountain Are the Feet of Him That Bringeth Good Tidings"
Isaiah 52:7is a scripture significant to missionary piece of work. Its interpretation was given in the Book of Mormon where Abinadi was asked its meaning by the priests of King Noah (see Mosiah 12:twenty–24). The bringer of "proficient tidings" is Jesus Christ, the "founder of peace." Those who publish that peace are the servants of the Lord who spread His word.
(17-18) Isaiah 52:8–10. A Passage Oftentimes Quoted
Nyman noted that "these verses are quoted four times in the Volume of Mormon, and always as a unit, although the Savior one time interpolated a annotate between verses viii and ix when he quoted them (see 3 Nephi 20:33). Although poesy 8 speaks about Zion while poesy 9 speaks about Jerusalem, the Savior quoted all iii verses twice to the Nephites and said they would be fulfilled through both the Nephites and the Jews. This again shows the dual nature of Isaiah'south prophecies. The Savior first quoted this passage following His declaration that the state of America was to exist given to Lehi's descendants after the Gentiles reject the fulness of the gospel and are 'trodden under foot' by the house of Israel; he said this would fulfill the words of the prophet Isaiah (encounter 3 Nephi 16:10–20). He afterward quoted the passage while instructing the Nephites concerning the restoration of the Jews. He inverse the wording from 'thy watchmen' to 'their watchmen,' equally he was referring to Jerusalem's watchmen in this case rather than those of Zion (see 3 Nephi 20:29–35). Abinadi also recognized the universal application of this passage in teaching that 'the salvation of the Lord shall be alleged to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people' and quoting these three verses as prove (see Mosiah fifteen:28–31). Joseph Smith designated Jackson County, Missouri, every bit the Zion spoken of in verse viii (run across TPJS, pp. 79–80). The 'watchmen' are those who preach the gospel, as indicated in verse vii. The song to be sung in Zion volition exist a new vocal, sung when all will know Christ (i.e., during the Millennium). The words of the vocal, which will include parts of verse 8, are recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 84:99–102." ("Great Are the Words of Isaiah," p. 199.)
(17-19) Isaiah 52:11–12. Why Does the Lord Counsel That the Departure from Babylon Exist Non "with Haste"?
In language closely parallel to Isaiah's, the Doctrine and Covenants explains that the Lord'southward servants, those who "bear the vessels of the Lord" (D&C 133:v), are to abscond from Babylon, which is divers equally "wickedness, which is spiritual Babylon" (D&C 133:fourteen). Then follows what is about a direct quotation of Isaiah 52:12with the additional admonition to "allow all things be prepared before you" and to "not look dorsum lest sudden destruction come upon [you]" (D&C 133:15). This addition clarifies Isaiah'southward command. He admonished Israel to assemble (depart from wickedness) but in an orderly manner nether the Lord'southward direction. Had the early Saints of this dispensation observed this direction to the letter of the alphabet, their flight to Zion in Missouri and the events that followed might have turned out differently (see D&C 58:56; 63:24; 101:67–68, seventy, 74). The presiding elders in Missouri issued the following counsel in July of 1833:
"For the disciples to suppose that they tin come to this land without ought to consume, or to beverage, or to clothing, or anything to purchase these necessaries with, is a vain thought. For them to suppose that the Lord will open the windows of heaven, and rain downward angel'due south food for them by the way, when their whole journey lies through a fertile state, stored with the blessings of life from His ain mitt for them to subsist upon, is besides vain. For them to suppose that their clothes and shoes volition not wear out upon the journey, when the whole of it lies through a country where in that location are thousands of sheep from which wool in abundance can exist procured to brand them garments, and cattle upon a yard hills, to afford leather for shoes, is just as vain. …
"… Practise not conclude from these remarks, brethren, that we incertitude in the least, that the Lord will provide for His Saints in these final days; or retrieve that we would extend our hands to steady the ark; for this is not the case. We know that the Saints have the unchangeable word of God that they shall exist provided for; even so we know, if any are imprudent, or lavish, or negligent, or indolent, in taking that proper care, and making that proper use of what the Lord has fabricated them stewards over, they are not counted wise; for a strict account of every 1's stewardship is required, non just in fourth dimension, but will be in eternity. Neither do we auscultate that we shall be considered putting out our hands to steady the ark of God by giving communication to our brethren upon of import points relative to their coming to Zion, when the experience of nigh two years' gathering, has taught usa to revere that sacred give-and-take from sky, 'Let not your flight be in haste, but let all things be prepared before you.'" (History of the Church, i:382–83.)
(17-twenty) Isaiah 52:13–15. Who Is the Servant?
Isaiah 52:thirteen–15is a dualistic prophecy. On the one mitt, it refers to Jesus Christ. These verses vest with Isaiah 53as introductory material for the greatest of the Quondam Attestation messianic chapters. The Savior's "visage was so marred more than than whatever human being" (Isaiah 52:fourteen) when He suffered for the sins of mankind and was crucified on Calvary. Nails—metal spikes—were driven into His hands and anxiety, and a spear pierced His side to ensure His death (see John 19:17–eighteen, 32–34).
On the other hand, the Savior Himself fabricated it articulate that Isaiah 52:13also had reference to a servant involved in the "great and marvelous work" of the Father in the latter days (3 Nephi 21:9). The Book of Mormon poesy undoubtedly refers to Joseph Smith and the Restoration. Men "marred" him, persecuting him throughout his life until they succeeded in killing him. Yet power was given him past the Begetter "to bring along unto the Gentiles" the Volume of Mormon likewise every bit other latter-day revelations (come across 3 Nephi 21:ten–11; encounter besides D&C three; 10). As a event, kings and rulers of the earth behold and consider things "which had not been told them" (Isaiah 52:fifteen).
(17-21) Isaiah 53:ane–2. How Did Isaiah Foresee People Receiving Christ?
When Isaiah spoke of the Savior as being a "tender plant" without form and comeliness, he meant that Jesus was born as a pocket-size, helpless baby merely every bit all people are. Jesus grew every bit other people do.
President Joseph Fielding Smith wrote: "Did not Christ grow up as a tender plant? In that location was aught about him to cause people to single him out. In appearance he was like men; and and so it is expressed here by the prophet that he had no form or comeliness, that is, he was non so distinctive, so different from others that people would recognize him every bit the Son of God. He appeared as a mortal man." (Doctrines of Salvation, one:23.)
(17-22) Isaiah 53:three. In What Ways Was Jesus a "Human being of Sorrows and Acquainted with Grief"?
Jesus experienced tragedy and sorrow throughout His life. Members of His ain family did non have Him as the Messiah at first (encounter John 7:5). People in His hometown sought to impale Him (come across Luke four:16–30). His countrymen, the Jews, rejected His messianic calling (see John 1:11). One friend betrayed Him; another denied knowing Him (see Luke 22:48, 54–62). In the finish, "all the disciples forsook him, and fled" (Matthew 26:56). His enemies demanded His crucifixion (see Matthew 27:22–23).
President Joseph Fielding Smith asked: "Was not Christ a man of sorrows? Was he not rejected of men? Was he not acquainted with grief? Did not the people (figuratively) hide their faces from him? Did not the people esteem him not? Surely he knew our griefs and carried our sorrows, only he was thought to be stricken of God and forsaken past him. Did not the people say that? How true all these things are!" (Doctrines of Conservancy, 1:24.)
Christ in Gethsemane
(17-23) Isaiah 53:four–9. "He Was Wounded for Our Transgressions"
Jesus suffered and was crucified for men'south transgressions. "But few details of the bodily crucifixion are given us. We know notwithstanding that our Lord was nailed to the cross past spikes driven through the easily and anxiety, as was the Roman method, and not jump simply by cords as was the custom in inflicting this form of punishment among some other nations. Death by crucifixion was at once the most lingering and nigh painful of all forms of execution. The victim lived in ever increasing torture, by and large for many hours, sometimes for days. The spikes so cruelly driven through easily and anxiety penetrated and crushed sensitive nerves and quivering tendons, nevertheless inflicted no mortal wound. The welcome relief of expiry came through the exhaustion acquired by intense and unremitting pain, through localized inflammation and congestion of organs incident to the strained and unnatural posture of the torso." (James Due east. Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p. 655.)
Simply it was non just on the cross Christ suffered. In the Garden of Gethsemane He began the suffering that allowed Him to accept the sins of the world upon Himself, or as Isaiah says, to bear our griefs and carry our sorrows (run across Isaiah 53:4). Speaking of this suffering and pain, Elder Talmage wrote:
"Christ's agony in the garden is unfathomable by the finite mind, both equally to intensity and cause. The thought that He suffered through fearfulness of death is untenable. Death to Him was preliminary to resurrection and triumphal return to the Father from whom He had come up, and to a land of glory even beyond what He had before possessed; and, moreover, it was within His power to lay downwards His life voluntarily. He struggled and groaned under a brunt such as no other being who has lived on earth might even conceive as possible. It was not physical pain, nor mental anguish lonely, that caused Him to suffer such torture as to produce an extrusion of blood from every pore; but a spiritual desperation of soul such equally only God was capable of experiencing. No other man, nonetheless great his powers of physical or mental endurance, could have suffered so; for his human organism would have succumbed, and syncope would take produced unconsciousness and welcome oblivion. In that hour of anguish Christ met and overcame all the horrors that Satan, 'the prince of this world' could inflict. The frightful struggle incident to the temptations immediately following the Lord'due south baptism was surpassed and overshadowed by this supreme contest with the powers of evil.
"In some style, actual and terribly existent though to man incomprehensible, the Savior took upon Himself the brunt of the sins of flesh from Adam to the end of the earth. Modern revelation assists us to a partial agreement of the awful experience. In March 1830, the glorified Lord, Jesus Christ, thus spake: 'For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might non suffer if they would apologize, but if they would not repent, they must suffer even as I, which suffering caused myself, fifty-fifty God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit: and would that I might not drink the bitter loving cup and shrink—nonetheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.'" (Jesus the Christ, pp. 613–fourteen.)
The Savior'southward suffering was a vicarious act of one totally innocent assuming responsibility for myriads of guilty ones. Thus, Isaiah said, "He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows" and "was wounded for our transgressions, [and] bruised for our iniquities" (Isaiah 53:iv–5).
When Jesus stood before Pilate, the governor of Judea, "he was accused by the chief priests and elders" of many evil things, but "he answered nil" in return (Matthew 27:12). "Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness confronting thee?" But Jesus held His peace and "answered him … never a discussion; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly." (Matthew 27:13–14.) In fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, "as a sheep before her shearers is dumb," so Jesus "openeth not his mouth" (Isaiah 53:7).
While it was even so early in the morning, the soldiers in accuse of Jesus brought Him "from Caiaphas [the loftier priest] unto the hall of judgment" of Pilate'due south residence (John 18:28). Later, at the time of crucifixion, Jesus' cross was placed between two evil men who were thieves (see John nineteen:xviii; Luke 23:32–33). After Jesus' decease on the cross, Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man, went to Pilate and begged for permission to bury Jesus. Joseph laid the torso "in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the stone" (Matthew 27:60). An test of Matthew's business relationship shows that the remarkable particular with which Isaiah foretold the Savior'south arrest, trial, death, and burial was authentic.
(17-24) Isaiah 53:10. Did It "Delight" Male parent in Sky to "Bruise" His Son?
Obviously God was not pleased with the manner Jesus was treated, only He was pleased with His Son'southward "offering for sin" (Isaiah 53:10). The Atonement met the strictest demands of God'southward innate justice and made forgiveness and mercy possible on certain terms.
Elderberry Melvin J. Ballard explained why it pleased God non to interfere: "In that 60 minutes I think I can run into our love Father behind the veil looking upon these dying struggles until even he could non endure it whatsoever longer; and, like the female parent who bids adieu to her dying child, has to be taken out of the room, so equally not to look upon the last struggles, so he bowed his head, and hid in some part of his universe, his bully heart almost breaking for the love that he had for his Son. Oh, in that moment when he might take saved his Son, I thank him and praise him that he did not fail us, for he had non but the honey of his Son in heed, merely he also had love for united states. I rejoice that he did non interfere, and that his love for us fabricated it possible for him to endure to await upon the sufferings of his Son and give him finally to united states of america, our Savior and our Redeemer. Without him, without his sacrifice, nosotros would have remained, and we would never accept come up glorified into his presence. And so this is what information technology cost, in office, for our Father in Heaven to give the gift of his Son unto men." (Bryant Southward. Hinckley, Sermons and Missionary Services of Melvin Joseph Ballard, pp. 154–55.)
(17-25) Isaiah 53:x. In What Way Does Christ, through His Righteous Offering, "Encounter His Seed"? Who Are the Seed of Christ?
Abinadi explained who the seed of Christ volition be (see Mosiah 15:10–thirteen).
Elder Bruce R. McConkie summarized what Abinadi taught as follows: "The seed of Christ are those who are adopted into his family, who past religion have become his sons and his daughters. (Mosiah 5:7.) They are the children of Christ in that they are his followers and disciples and proceed his commandments. (4 Ne. 17; Morm. 9:26; Moro. vii:nineteen.)" (Mormon Doctrine, p. 700.)
(17-26) Isaiah 53:11. How Did Christ's Sacrifice "Satisfy" the Male parent and Thus "Justify Many"?
The law of justice requires penalty for every sin. In making an Atonement for the sins of all, Jesus satisfied the full demands of justice and made forgiveness of sins possible. President Joseph Fielding Smith explained:
"And so Jesus Christ came upon the scene as the Mediator between man and God, and the Advocate for man with the Begetter. He pleads our crusade. As our Mediator, through his ministry, he labors to reconcile u.s., to bring usa into understanding with God his Male parent.
"An advocate is one who defends or pleads for or in behalf of another. A mediator is one who reconciles or brings about agreement between parties.
"That is part of his dandy mission. He stands between the Male parent and man. When he was upon earth, he prayed frequently for his disciples, pleading with his Father in their behalf, and he has been pleading ever since, and he stands between united states and God our Male parent." (Doctrines of Salvation, i:26–27.)
(17-27) Isaiah 53:12. How Will Jesus Receive a "Portion with the Great" and "Divide the Spoil with the Strong"?
As the literal and true-blue Son of God, Jesus inherits all that the Father has to requite (come across John sixteen:15). If nosotros take the Atonement of Christ and live worthy lives, we may go "joint-heirs" with Christ (Romans eight:17). Elderberry McConkie divers the term joint heir as follows:
"A joint-heir is one who inherits equally with all other heirs including the Master Heir who is the Son. Each joint-heir has an equal and an undivided portion of the whole of everything. If 1 knows all things, so practise all others. If i has all power, and then do all those who inherit jointly with him. If the universe belongs to 1, so it does equally to the total of all upon whom the joint inheritances are bestowed.
"Joint-heirs are possessors of all things. (D. & C. 50:26–28.) All things are theirs for they take exaltation. (D. & C. 76:50–60.) They are fabricated 'equal' with their Lord. (D. & C. 88:107.) They gain all power both in heaven and on globe and receive the fulness of the Father, and all knowledge and truth are theirs. (D. & C. 93:15–30.) They are gods. (D. & C. 132:20.)" (Mormon Doctrine, p. 395.)
(17-28) Isaiah 54:ane–8. The Helpmate of the Lord Is Prepared
One time once again the figure of a spousal relationship is employed. Israel is chosen a barren married woman because of her inability or unwillingness to produce spiritual offspring for the Lord. But in the finish, when she is gathered one time once again, there will be more children from the "desolate," or temporarily forsaken, wife than when she enjoyed her wedded condition in ancient times (Isaiah 54:1). This existence true, space must be found and so that the latter-day "tent" of Zion tin be expanded to accommodate them all. When 1 wishes to make a small tent larger, i must pull up the stakes and move to a further distance from the center pole. This is what is meant past lengthening the cords and strengthening the stakes (5. 2; see also Notes and Commentary on Isaiah 33:20–24). Israel's latter-mean solar day growth through conversion and gathering is represented equally breaking "forth on the right hand and on the left" (Isaiah 54:3).
In ancient times, the inability to bear children was considered a great curse past women of the Eye East. As a gathered "wife," State of israel will forget the shame or cast-off status of her earlier years and rejoice in her new and prosperous status. She is once again "married" to the Lord (see vv. 4–5). The barren or forsaken years, though they seemed long, were but a small moment compared to the vast eternity that lies ahead (run into vv. half dozen–8).
(17-29) Isaiah 54:9–17. What Is Meant by the "Waters of Noah"?
When God makes promises, He keeps them. He vowed to send a inundation to cleanse the globe in Noah's day then covenanted with Noah that He would never again destroy the world in that fashion (encounter Genesis 9:thirteen–17). His hope to restore State of israel in the latter days is "every bit the waters of Noah unto me" (Isaiah 54:nine), that is, His promise to restore Israel is just as sure every bit His promise to Noah. Mountains may depart and "hills be removed" (v. 10), only God's promise volition even so see fulfillment.
In her gathered condition Zion shall exist beautiful. The precious gems mentioned in verses 11 and 12 stand for the material and spiritual blessings that redeemed Israel will enjoy (run into likewise Revelation 21:19–21), including children being "taught of the Lord" (Isaiah 54:13) and knowing great peace. Those who gather together to oppress latter-day State of israel "shall fall for thy sake" (five. 15), for "no weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper" (v. 17; see likewise Doctrine and Covenants 71:9–ten, where a similar promise is made to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon).
Points to Ponder
(17-30) Isaiah's Witness of Christ Is of Value to Latter-mean solar day Saints
As yous read these chapters of Isaiah, did you observe how Latter-day Saints are the just ones who tin fully empathize what Isaiah foresaw? The scholars of the world fabricated a significant contribution to your understanding of the history and language of Isaiah. But only modern prophets can provide the key to understanding what the prophet saw when he wrote of future realms. More than any other people, the Latter-day Saints can understand why the Savior said, "Groovy are the words of Isaiah" (iii Nephi 23:i).
(17-31) You Can Gain Greater Appreciation for the Mission of Christ
When Jesus came the kickoff time, He came to His ain people, but they knew Him non (see John 1:11). Isaiah had been called to his ministry building to testify of Christ so that Christ'south own people would not be justified in rejecting Him.
Read Isaiah 53, and then read the accounts in the iv Gospels of the terminal calendar week of the Savior's life (see Matthew 26–28; Mark 14–sixteen; Luke 22–24; John xviii–21). Reread Isaiah 53, slowly and thoughtfully. Ponder each phrase carefully. Identify aspects of the Lord'south mortal life that Isaiah prophesied of. How do the prophecies in Isaiah 53help you to sympathize and appreciate the Savior?
Source: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/old-testament-student-manual-kings-malachi/chapter-17?lang=eng