Isaiah Made Plain
by the Spirit
The testimony of Jesus, the spirit of prophecy, is also what makes "the words of Isaiah...plain." (2 Ne. 25:4.) Notwithstanding that it is admittedly difficult to understand (Ibid.), the book of Isaiah is paramount in the realm of prophecy. No other prophet is quoted more in the standard works.(1) No other prophet's writings were singled out in such a manner as they were by Christ, who taught: "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 Ne. 23:1; 20:11.) Nephi and Moroni also commended the words of Isaiah to us. (2 Nephi 11:2; 25:7; Mormon 8:23.)
Jesus said that the reason these words are so important is that they touch "all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel; therefore it must needs be that he must speak also to the Gentiles." (3 Ne. 23:2.) The importance of the theme of "Israel" in the scriptures was discussed earlier.(2) This theme is also the centerpiece of the temporal parallels in Book of Mormon history. The meaning of the word Israel(3) (the name God chose for Jacob (Gen 32:24-28)) and the focus of the parallels, both point to a triumphant victory for God's people in our day -- through His intercession. No wonder Nephi instructed Jacob to quote Isaiah "that [we] may learn and glorify the name of [our] God." (2 Ne. 6:4.)
While a comprehension of Isaiah's writings has traditionally been shrouded, more recently people have begun understanding them like never before.(4) Does this have to do with the fact that many prophecies are now in or on the verge of fulfillment? Nephi said that "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." (2 Ne. 25:7.) It would seem that we have entered into that time, with the clock of earth's probation approaching the stroke of midnight. If we are negligent and do not knock, diluded speculation may soon be replaced by stark realization.
Building Upon the Rock
of Christ
Current events are now unfolding before us like a whirlwind. Even full-time observation of world events would not enable us to fully comprehend what is taking place, if we rely wholly on the news sources of the day with all their "think tank" commentaries. Nephi warned, "Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost." (2 Ne. 28:31.) Most all the prophets saw our day and described what they saw. The prophecies they related "came not..by the will of man: but holy men of god spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (2 Pet. 1:21.) Trusting in the arm of flesh creates a sandy foundation for the soul, upon which if men build they will fall when the storms increase. (2 Ne. 28:28,31; Matt. 7:26,27.) Relying on the word of God will ensure that our foundation is upon the rock of Christ, upon which "if men build they cannot fall," but will be able to withstand that time "when the devil shall send his shafts in the whirlwind." (Hel. 5:12; 2 Ne. 28:28,30; Matt. 7:24,25.) The Lord beckons us to "come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted..." (2 Ne. 9:51.)
An initial glance at prophecy might yield the same impression as a cursory look at today's world: confusion. The fact is, however, studying prophecies is a lot like studying the gospel. Why would it be any other way, with the temporal and the spiritual being reflections of one another?
The standard works are full of lessons that increase our understanding of the gospel. The essence of the gospel itself, however, can be summarized in a few words. The resurrected Christ did just that when he ministered among the Nephites, telling them, "...This is my gospel...." (3 Ne. 27:13.) He then proceeded in the next eight verses to outline what his gospel entailed, concluding, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel...." (27:21.)
The gospel be condensed into essential elements which have universal application. No matter how divergent a person's life or circumstances may be, the way is the same, and "is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto Him." (1 Ne. 10:18.)
The same principle applies to prophecy. The prophets' descriptions of the latter-day scene are numerous and vary. Still, within the network of prophecies is one underlying progressional pattern. Different prophets focus on varying segments and elements of that pattern.
It is not important that we know every particular event that will happen in the latter days. That we understand the basic principles of salvation that pertain to nations and individuals is what is important. We can then apply these principles to aid us in our study of the prophecies in the scriptures pertaining to any nation or civilization. Isaiah did not specifically mention every event that would happen in the latter days. Most of his words were spoken to the house of Israel. (3 Ne. 23:2.) Still, Nephi said, "ye may liken them unto you and unto all men." (2 Nephi 11:8.) Comprehending the basic elements of prophecy is our objective.
Here is where the parallels in Book of Mormon history prove valuable. They lay down a basic pattern, helping us to understand other prophecies more readily, including the words of Isaiah. Since God's design is what we hope to comprehend our eyes and ears should be trained on His prophets.
< Previous | GT home | VISION OF ALL - home | Contents | Next > |
Endnotes:
1. Monte S. Nyman, Great are the Words of Isaiah, Bookcraft, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1981.
2. See "Why the Emphasis on the House of Israel?" section in Chapter Two.
3. "One who prevails with God." Bible Dictionary, LDS King James Version, Salt Lake city: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1979, p.708.
4. Avraham Gileadi, The Book of Isaiah: A New Translation and Interpretive Keys from the Book of Mormon (Deseret Book, Salt Lake, 1988). This book has been truly instrumental in bringing many people to a greater understanding of Isaiah's message. This is not because Avraham's book interprets it more clearly than any other commentary, for this is not his intent. It is because he presents some important interpretive keys, and has pointed out prevalent themes in terms that help us to see that Isaiah is indeed a book for our time.
< Previous | GT home | VISION OF ALL - home | Contents | Next > |
