Isaiah 65-66

Isaiah 65-66 Study Guide – to be discussed May 10
Day 1: Read Isaiah 65:1-7 (with footnote 4a), Exodus 20:25
1. Re-read Isaiah 64:11-12. Isaiah 65 begins by answering the question Israel posed at the end of chapter 64. After acknowledging their unworthiness, Israel asks, How long will you continue to punish us, O Lord? The JST for Isaiah 65:1 reads, “I am found of them who seek after me. I give unto all them that ask of me; I am NOT found of them that sought me not, or that inquireth not after me…” How does the Lord “spread out [his] hands all the day” (v.2)?


2. Read Exodus 20:25 with Isaiah 65:3. What was wrong with using altars of brick? Of what other abuses was Israel accused? (See Isaiah 65:2-5.) What was (is?) the main problem with Israel?


3. According to Isaiah 65:6-7, who will be held accountable for Israel’s rebellious ways?


Day 2: Read Isaiah 65:8-16 (with footnotes 8a, 11a,b, 16a,b), Jacob 5:35-36
4. Compare Jacob 5:35-36 with Isaiah 65:8-10. Why does the Lord continue to work with Israel in spite of her iniquities?


5. What two idols, or false gods, was Israel in the habit of worshipping (see footnotes 11a,b)? How are these false gods worshipped today?


6. List phrases in Isaiah 65:13-16 illustrating God’s mercy and willingness to forgive.


Day 3: Read Isaiah 65:17-25 (with footnote 17c), D&C 101:30-31
7. When will the Lord create new heavens and a new earth? (See chapter heading and footnote 17c.)


8. Read D&C 101:30-31 with Isaiah 65:20-22. List promises to Israel in a coming day.



9. The promise in Isaiah 65:23, “They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble…” might indicate that the people who inhabit the Lord’s “new earth” will not bear children into a world of trouble. What further blessings will await those “offspring”? (See Isaiah 65:24-25.)



Day 4: Read Isaiah 66:1-4 (with footnotes 3a, 4a)
10. Isaiah 66 concludes the prophet’s record with a reprisal of many of Isaiah’s main themes. The message of the first two verses in chapter 66 addresses the idea that everything created by the Lord is specifically designed to help humble and righteous people. Give one example of this principle from either (1) church history or (2) your own life.



11. In Isaiah 66:3, the Lord addresses hypocrisy, another main theme in Isaiah. What had Israel chosen instead of true worship?

12. The prophecy in Isaiah 66:4 indicates Christ will exercise his own agency in choosing punishments for the wicked. Why will the Lord “bring their fears upon them”?


Day 5: Read Isaiah 66:5-9 (with footnote 7a), Isaiah 49:20-21
13. What promise is extended to those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, in Isaiah 66:5-6? (See also Isaiah 12:1.)


14. Another major theme in Isaiah writings is restated in Isaiah 66:7-9. Read the footnote to Isaiah 66:7a and review Isaiah 49:20-21. What is the marvelous promise to Israel in the last days?


15. Rewrite Isaiah 66:9 in your own words.


Day 6: Read Isaiah 66:10-14 (with footnote 12a), Isaiah 2:4, Isaiah 9:2, Isaiah 11:6-9, D&C 35:7
16. Why will the righteous have reason to rejoice in the renewal of Jerusalem?


17. Isaiah 66:10-14 reviews another major theme. Read Isaiah 66:12 with Isaiah 2:4, Isaiah 9:2, Isaiah 11:6-9, and D&C 35:7-8. What theme is evident here?


18. List promises to the righteous in Isaiah 66:12-14.



Day 7: Read Isaiah 66:15-24 (with footnotes 16b, 17a), Isaiah 1:25, Isaiah 13:6, Isaiah 49:22-23, Isaiah 5:26, Isaiah 11:11
19. What major message from Isaiah is restated in Isaiah 66:15-17? (See also Isaiah 1:25 and Isaiah 13:6.)


20. What theme is reviewed in Isaiah 66:18-21? (See also Isaiah 49:22-23, Isaiah 5:26, Isaiah 11:11.)


21. It is appropriate that Isaiah’s final recorded message contains both hope and warning. List promises from Isaiah 66:22-24. What is the implied warning?



From the institute manual: Isaiah 66:1–4 . How Is “He That Killeth an Ox . . . As If He Slew a Man”?
Anciently God required animal sacrifice as a token of the coming of His Son, Jesus Christ, to atone for the sins of men. But the people took the form of worship that was to teach them faith in the coming of Christ and turned it into a mockery. They maintained the outer form of the ordinances but lost the spiritual meaning, for they showed no corresponding inward righteousness. Thus, the very forms of worship that were intended to save them became an abomination and worked to their condemnation. In strong language Isaiah revealed the Lord’s feelings for their hypocritical religious observances. Those who killed the ox for sacrifice were viewed as though they offered a man, an act of great wickedness. Other sacrificial offerings would mean nothing more than sacrificing a dog or pig, both of which were considered abominable (see v. 3 ). People had “chosen their own ways” ( v. 3 ) instead of the Lord’s. When called by God through His prophets, they refused to hearken. The result was “delusions” and “fears” ( v. 4 ), fit rewards for evildoers.

Isaiah 61-64

Isaiah 61-64 Study Guide – to be discussed May 3

Day 1: Read Isaiah 61:1-3 (with footnote 1b), Luke 4:16-19
1. Read the chapter heading for Isaiah 61. From Isaiah 61:1-2, list what the Savior was anointed to do?


2. Read Isaiah 61:1-2 with Luke 4:16-20. Luke recorded in his gospel an account of Jesus reading these verses from Isaiah in Christ’s hometown of Nazareth. Why did the people who heard him first marvel, then become angry?


3. In Isaiah 61:3, we are taught something about the Lord’s mission and influence. List what the Lord wishes to give as replacement items for things less desirable. For example, he will give beauty in place of ashes. Why does he want to improve our situation?



Day 2: Read Isaiah 61:4-11 (with footnote 7b)
4. From Isaiah 61:4-6, what will be different when the Lord restores Israel to her promised state?


5. The term “double” in Isaiah 61:7 may have reference to the birthright blessings of Israel (see Deuteronomy 21:17). Of what two things does the Lord say Israel will receive a double portion?


6. Isaiah 61:10-11 gives us one of Isaiah’s songs of thanksgiving. List those things for which Isaiah was most grateful. How can we show gratitude for the tender mercies of the Lord?



Day 3: Read Isaiah 62:1-4 (with footnotes 4c,d)
7. Read the chapter heading for Isaiah 62. When will these prophecies occur?


8. How does the prophet describe righteousness and salvation in Isaiah 62:1?


9. From Isaiah 62:2-4, list promises to the righteous in the last days.*


Day 4: Read Isaiah 62:5-12 (with footnote 9a)
10. Note: The JST changes “thy sons” in Isaiah 62:5 to “thy God.” How is God’s relationship with his people like that of a bridegroom to his bride?


11. List promises to Israel from Isaiah 62:6-9.


12. As we approach Zion, the Lord admonishes us to “go through the gates” and prepare the way of the people. How can we build smooth roads today, inviting all to enter the gates of Zion?


Day 5: Read Isaiah 63:1-9 (with footnotes 1b, 2b, 6a), D&C 133:46-48
13. Read the chapter heading to Isaiah 63. Who is described in Isaiah 63:1-2, coming from the east with garments dyed red? How does he travel and why is he coming?


14. Why are his garments dyed red? (See also D&C 133:46-48.)


15. Beginning in Isaiah 63:7, Isaiah describes the “lovingkindnesses” of the Lord. List examples of the Lord’s loving kindness, from Isaiah 63:7-9.


Day 6: Read Isaiah 63:10-19 (with footnotes 11a,c,e, 14a,c, 15c, 16b, 17a)
16. Why was the Holy Spirit “vexed,” according to Isaiah 63:10? How might we “vex” the Spirit today?


17. In Isaiah 63:11-14, Israel remembers how the Lord blessed his people in the past. List phrases from these verses that illustrate the Lord’s good care.


18. Isaiah offers up a prayer in Isaiah 63:15-19, in which he pleads for Israel. Using footnotes 15c, 16b, and 17a to help understand difficult phrases, rewrite Isaiah’s prayer in only four simple sentences.


Day 7: Read Isaiah 64:1-12
19. Using the chapter heading, for what does Israel pray in Isaiah 64?


20. Read Isaiah 64:1-5 with D&C 133:37-45. Both accounts suggest no one on earth can imagine the great blessings the Lord has prepared for those who wait for him. According to Isaiah 64:5, after our long wait, who will the Lord “meet”? (Note: The JST changes Isaiah 64:5-6 to read: “Thou meetest him that worketh righteousness, and rejoiceth in him that remembereth thee in thy ways; in righteousness there is continuance, and such shall be saved. But we have sinned; we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”)


21. In spite of (or because of?) our sins, we must look to our maker (or “potter”). How can we be more usable clay?



*From the Institute Manual, regarding Isaiah 62:4-5: Why Will the Lord Call Israel “Hephzi-bah” and “Beulah”? The words that Isaiah used to describe this latter-day condition of Zion are important. Hephzi-bah means “delightful” in Hebrew and may refer to Jerusalem and Zion’s latter-day righteousness. Beulah means “union” (see Isaiah 62:4 ). A marriage is once again the symbol of unity, but this time the marriage is not of the people and God but of the land and God. According to the Doctrine and Covenants, there will come a time when “the land of Jerusalem and the land of Zion shall be turned back into their own place, and the earth shall be like as it was in the days before it was divided” ( D&C 133:24 ). In the days of Peleg the earth was divided into continents (see Genesis 10:25 ), but before that time it was all united in one land mass. The joining of the continents once again can be likened to a union or a marriage that is both hephzi-bah and beulah, that is, delightful and united. The lands, like a man and woman in holy wedlock, will be sealed by the authority of the one officiating (see JST, Isaiah 62:4–5 ).

Isaiah 58-60

Isaiah 58-60 Study Guide – to be discussed April 26
Day 1: Read Isaiah 58:1-7 (with footnotes 1c, 2a, 3d, 4b, 7c), D&C 59:12-14
1. Chapter 58 begins with the Lord speaking to Isaiah, instructing him to warn Israel. From Isaiah 58:1-3, what seems to be the problem with Israel’s worship?


2. In the first part of Isaiah 58:3, Israel asks the Lord why she has not been adequately blessed for her fasting. List the Lord’s responses in Isaiah 58:3-5.


3. Give the true purpose of fasting, as identified by the Lord in Isaiah 58:6-7.


BONUS: Read D&C 59:12-14. How can we improve our fasting?



Day 2: Read Isaiah 58:8-14 (with footnotes 8c, 9b, 10b, 11c)
4. List blessings of sincere fasting from Isaiah 58:8-11.


5. According to Isaiah 58:12, by what two names might we be called if we are obedient to the letter and spirit of the fast?


6. What is the “if-then” promise in Isaiah 58:13-14, regarding Sabbath worship? Why do you think this promise is included in Isaiah’s discourse on fasting?


Day 3: Read Isaiah 59:1-8 (with footnotes 2c, 8b), Bible Dictionary entry, “Cockatrice”
7. Isaiah 59:1-8 describes how Israel has distanced herself from God. What caused the separation?


8. How many times is the word “iniquity” used in Isaiah 59:1-8? List some of the sins cited by Isaiah in these verses.


9. What is a “cockatrice”? (See Bible Dictionary entry, “Cockatrice.”) What was Israel really “hatching”?


Day 4: Read Isaiah 59:9-15 (with footnotes 9a, 14a)
10. In Isaiah 59:9-15, Israel begins to recognize and confess her sins. How is living a sinful life like walking in darkness?


11. How do our sins testify against us (Isaiah 59:12)?


12. Isaiah 59:14 states, “truth is fallen in the street, and equity [honesty] cannot enter.” What conditions might these phrases indicate? What kind of society allows this to happen? How does that society typically treat those who want to repent?


Day 5: Read Isaiah 59:16-21 (with footnotes 16a,d, 19a)
13. Beginning in the last half of Isaiah 59:15, the Lord responds to repentant Israel with merciful promises. List promises from Isaiah 59:16-18.


14. Why will people reverence the name of the Lord from east to west? When might this prophecy have fulfillment?


15. In Isaiah 59:21, the Lord speaks of his covenant with Israel. What will he do for his people, and for how long?


Day 6: Read Isaiah 60:1-9 (with footnotes 1a, 2a,c, 5a,b,c, 8a)
16. Read the chapter heading for Isaiah 60. When will the events described in this chapter have fulfillment?


17. According to the footnote to Isaiah 60:2a, what does the darkness in verse 2 represent? Whose light will draw Gentiles to Zion?


18. Midian, Ephah, Sheba, Kedar and Nebaloth represent countries historically considered enemies of Israel (Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, etc.). What will these nations bring when they come to Zion?


Day 7: Read Isaiah 60:10-22 (with footnotes 11b, 13b, 21b, 22c)
19. What does it indicate when a city’s gates are “open continually” (Isaiah 60:11)? (See also Revelation 21:25)


20. According to Isaiah 60:14, how will Israel’s former enemies behave when they come to Zion?


21. List blessings to which we can look forward, as explained in Isaiah 60:18-22.



From the Institute manual: Isaiah 59:16–21 . What Time Periods Do These Verses Refer To?
Isaiah 59:16–21 refers to Jesus Christ, our intercessor with the Father. He came to earth because “there was no man” and “there was no intercessor” ( v. 16 ) for the people. If the Savior had not been sent, our state, because of iniquity, would have been grim indeed (see vv. 1–15 ; compare 2 Nephi 9:8–9 ). Therefore, Jesus was sent to earth. “His arm brought [man’s] salvation unto him,” which was possible because “his righteousness, it sustained him,” much as a breastplate protects a soldier in battle ( v. 16 ). On His head was a “helmet of salvation,” and He was clothed in “garments of vengeance,” for He deals with men “according to their deeds” ( vv. 17–18 ).
When the Savior comes again, He will “come to Zion,” and if Jacob, or the house of Israel, will “turn from transgression” ( v. 20 ) to the Lord, He will place His Spirit upon them. Elder Orson Pratt said of that promise: “Certainly Jesus, when he came eighteen centuries ago, did not turn away ungodliness from Jacob, for they then were filling up their cup with iniquity. They have remained in unbelief from that day to this; hence, there did not come a Deliverer out of Zion eighteen centuries ago. But the Zion of the last days, that Zion that is so frequently and so fully spoken of by the ancient prophets, especially by Isaiah, is the Church and kingdom of God; and out of that Church or kingdom or Zion is to come a Deliverer, who will turn away ungodliness from Jacob after the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” (In Journal of Discourses, 14:64.)

Isaiah 55-57

Isaiah 55-57 Study Guide – to be discussed April 19

Day 1: Read Isaiah 55:1-7, 2 Nephi 26:23, 2 Nephi 9:50-51
1. Read Isaiah 55:1-2 with 2 Nephi 26:23-27. What do the waters, wine, milk and bread represent; or in other words, what does the Lord offer us at no charge? (See also 2 Nephi 9:50-51.)



2. According to Isaiah 55:3, what are the “sure mercies of David”?


3. When should we seek the Lord and call upon him? Why?



Day 2: Read Isaiah 55:8-13 (with footnote 13a), Moses 6:63
4. How does the Lord say his thoughts and ways are different from our thoughts and ways?


5. How is the word of God like rain?



6. Read Isaiah 55:12-13 with Moses 6:63. How does the earth bear witness of the divinity of Christ?



Day 3: Read Isaiah 56:1-8
7. Compare Isaiah 56:1-2 with the first phrase in the chapter heading for Isaiah 56. How can we “keep judgment” and “do justice”?


8. What is the promise to the faithful in Isaiah 56:5?



9. Which specific commandment is mentioned three times in Isaiah 56:1-8?*


Day 4: Read Isaiah 56:9-12 (with footnote 9a), John 10:12-13
10. When the watchmen are blind and watchdogs dumb, what happens to those they watch over?


11. Whose interests are the shepherds and dogs concerned with?


12. What has caused the watchmen to be blind? (See also John 10:12-13.)


Day 5: Read Isaiah 57:1-6 (with footnotes 3a, 5b), D&C 59:1-2
13. Read Isaiah 57:1-2 with D&C 59:1-2. What comfort does the Lord offer those whose righteous friends or family members have died?
14. The footnote to Isaiah 57:3a indicates those whom the Lord condemns are not born into evil, but have chosen it. List the sins mentioned in Isaiah 57:4-5.



15. Note: The German translation for the first part of Isaiah 57:6 reads (in English): “You base your whole existence on your false god, idols! You have chosen them over me, therefore, you will have to depend on them for your reward.” How does the Lord feel about our relying on idols? Does idol worship require faith?



Day 6: Read Isaiah 57:7-12 (with footnotes 7a, 8a, 9a, 10b)
16. How do we make “covenants” with idols today?


17. How far will people go to find new ways to sin? Are there really any new ways? Why do people do this?



18. Who do we fear most when we forget our covenants?


Day 7: Read Isaiah 57:13-21 (with footnotes 14a, 17c, 19a), Proverbs 10:2
19. Where and with whom does the Lord dwell?


20. Who will the Lord heal?


21. Why is there no peace for the wicked? (See also Proverbs 10:2.)


*From the Institute Manual: Isaiah 56:1–8 . Who Are the “Son of the Stranger” and the “Eunuch”? What Is Their Significance? To understand Isaiah’s meaning in 56:1–8 , one must understand the significance of three words and their meaning to ancient Israel. The words are Sabbath, strangers, and eunuchs. Sabbath. Modern readers think only of Sunday, or the Lord’s day, as the Sabbath, but for ancient Israel Sabbath had a wider meaning. The weekly sabbath was only one of several days called the Sabbath. All of the feast days, including Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles, and the day of Atonement, were also called sabbaths (see Samuel Fallows, ed., The Popular and Critical Bible Encyclopedia and Scriptural Dictionary, s.v. “Sabbath”; James Hastings, ed., A Dictionary of the Bible, s.v. “Sabbaths.”) Thus, to “keep my sabbaths [plural]” ( v. 4 ) implied a keeping of the whole law of Moses, since the various feasts covered many aspects of the Israelites’ commitment to God. Also, by revelation, the Lord told Moses that keeping the Sabbath was a sign of the covenant between Israel and God (see Exodus 31:13, 16–17 ). When Isaiah talked about polluting the Sabbath, he meant far more than simply working or playing on Sunday (Saturday for the Jews). Strangers. “A stranger in the Mosaic law, and in the Old Testament generally, means one not of Israelitish descent dwelling with the Hebrews, as distinguished from a foreigner temporarily visiting the land [ Exodus 20:10 ; Leviticus 16:29 ; 17:8 ; 2 Samuel 1:13 ; Ezekiel 14:7 ]. The stranger was not a full citizen, yet he had recognized rights and duties. He was under the protection of God, and the Israelites were charged to treat him kindly [ Leviticus 19:33–34 ; Deuteronomy 10:18–19 ].” (Fallows, ed., Bible Encyclopedia, s.v. “strangers.”) Eunuchs. Under the Mosaic law, anyone who had been sexually mutilated was not allowed into full fellowship in the house of Israel (see Deuteronomy 23:1–2 ). The law was likely written because wholeness of body typified or symbolized spiritual wholeness. (See Old Testament Student Manual: Genesis–2 Samuel [religion 301, 2003], pp. 229–30 .) A priest or Levite who was a eunuch could not function in the priesthood offices (see Leviticus 21:17–23 ).
With an understanding of these three words, one can see the beauty of Isaiah’s promise given in Isaiah 56 . Strangers (Gentiles) and eunuchs (those previously excluded from full fellowship with the covenant people, and who felt they could produce no fruit in the covenant, being “a dry tree” [ v. 3 ]) would now find the full blessings of God extended to them if they kept the sabbaths (epitomizing the law of God). Not only will the “outcasts of Israel” (those who were scattered) be gathered in the last days, but so will “others” ( v. 8 ). Whether one is a literal descendant of Israel will not matter as much as whether one will make and keep the covenant with God. In the age of restoration, the house of God will be “an house of prayer for all people” ( v. 7 ; emphasis added).

Isaiah51-54

Isaiah 51-54 Study Guide – to be discussed April 12
Day 1: Read Isaiah 51:1-8 (with footnotes 1b, 4a, 6a,b), Abraham 2:9-10
1. Read the footnote to Isaiah 51:1b. From which rocks are we hewn? (Note: “hole of the rock pit” = rock quarry.)


2. Read Abraham 2:9-10. With what were Abraham and Sarah blessed? Why should this be a comfort to the righteous?


3. Isaiah 51:1, 4 and 7 begin with the instruction “Hearken unto me.” Who is asked to listen and obey in each passage? List instructions given in each case.


Day 2: Read Isaiah 51:9-16
4. In Isaiah 51:9-11 the righteous reply to the Lord. What is their request?


5. The Lord addresses Israel again, beginning in Isaiah 51:12. What does he say about their fears? (See also 2 Nephi 8:12.)


BONUS: Read the footnote to 2 Nephi 8:13c. Who are “the oppressors”?

6. From Isaiah 51:16, what will the Lord do for his people?*


Day 3: Read Isaiah 51:17-23 (with footnote 20a), 2 Nephi 8:19-20, Revelation 11:3-12
7. What does the Lord ask Jerusalem to do in Isaiah 51:17? Why?


8. Isaiah 51:18 indicates Israel has gone through a period without prophets to guide her. Read 2 Nephi 8:19-20 and Revelation 11:3-12 with Isaiah 51:19-20. What critical change is made in 2 Nephi 8:19? How might these verses from Isaiah be related to the message in Revelation 11:3-12?


9. What does the Lord mean when he says he will take the “cup of trembling” out of the hand of his covenant people and give it to her enemies?


Day 4: Read Isaiah 52:1-15 (with footnotes 2b, 4a, 8c, 9a, 12b, 13a, 14a,b, 15a), D&C 113:7-10, D&C 82:14-20, Mosiah 15:18-20, 28-29
10. Read D&C 113:7-10 with Isaiah 52:1-2. What is the “strength” of Zion? How does revelation free Israel from the curses of God?


BONUS: Read D&C 82:14-20. What is one way Zion might put on her beautiful garments?


11. Read Mosiah 15:18-20 and 28-29 with Isaiah 52:7-8. Abinadi quoted Isaiah in an attempt to explain the mission of the Lord and his true prophets to the wicked priests of King Noah. Why are the Lord’s feet beautiful? What is the role of his watchmen? (See also 3 Nephi 16:10-20, 3 Nephi 20:29-35.)
12. The Lord quoted extensively from Isaiah when he visited the Nephites. Parts of Isaiah 52 were recorded in 3 Nephi 20. Look through Isaiah 52:9-15 and list major themes that are important for Israel in every generation.


Day 5: Read Isaiah 53:1-12 (with footnotes 2d, 9c), 2 Nehi 9:21-22
13. Read the chapter heading to Isaiah 53. Who is Isaiah talking about throughout this chapter? If the “tender plant” in Isaiah 53:2 represents the restoration of truth, and the “dry ground” represents the apostasy of Judah, how has this prophecy been fulfilled?


14. Read Isaiah 53:4-5 and 7 with 2 Nephi 9:21-22. Why did the Lord bear our griefs and sorrows?


15. From Isaiah 53:10-12, what are the fruits of the Lord’s sacrifice?**


Day 6: Read Isaiah 54:1-8 (with footnotes 5a, 6d)
16. Read the chapter heading for Isaiah 54. What time frame is discussed in this chapter?


17. Who is the bride of Christ? If she never went through labor, how did she get so many children?


18. Why will the Lord gather his people in spite of their inconsistent devotion?


Day 7: Read Isaiah 54:9-17 (with footnote 16a)
19. Isaiah 54:10 describes the true nature of God. What do we know about Jehovah from this verse?


20 Note: The “fair colors” with which precious stones will be laid may indicate “hard mortar.” What kind of house does the Lord build for his people?


21.List phrases from Isaiah 54:14-17 that indicate the Lord will protect his people.



BONUS: Read Isaiah 54:13 with D&C 45:58-59. When might these prophecies be realized?


From the Institute Manual: *In Isaiah 51:4–16 , 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. 4–8 ). The Lord emphasized these things to stress His relationship with us. 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 old like a garment” ( v. 6 ), the qualities He claims for Himself will endure forever. God is permanent, stable, upright, and dependable. Those who trust in Him need not fear “the reproach of men” ( v. 7 ) but should “awake” and “put on strength . . . as in the ancient days” ( v. 9 ). This call is from God to His latter-day children to return to Him and “come with singing unto Zion” where “sorrow and mourning shall flee away” ( v. 11 ).

**Also, regarding Isaiah 53:10: Elder Bruce R. McConkie summarized what Abinadi taught as follows: “The seed of Christ are those who are adopted into his family, who by faith 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 keep his commandments. ( 4 Ne. 17 ; Morm. 9:26 ; Moro. 7:19 .)”

Isaiah 48-50

Isaiah 48-50 Study Guide – to be discussed March 29
Day 1: Read Isaiah 48:1-8 (with footnotes 2b, 4a), 1 Nephi 20:1-8
1. To whom is Isaiah 48 addressed? Read Isaiah 48:1 with 1 Nephi 20:1. What phrase is added in 1 Nephi 20:1 that helps clarify the phrase “the waters of Judah” in Isaiah 48:1?


2. One way of viewing Isaiah 48 is as a contract between God and Israel. In this context, we can read Isaiah 48:1-2 as the “preamble” and Isaiah 48:3-8 as an “historical review” of God’s dealings with Israel. The “former things” (Isaiah 48:3) refer to ancient prophecies and/or miracles. From Isaiah 48:4-5, give two reasons the Lord sent Israel prophecies and showed them the fulfillment of these prophecies.


3. The phrase, “They are created now” means prophecies are being fulfilled now. What was the reaction of Isaiah’s people to the fulfillments of these prophecies?


Day 2: Read Isaiah 48:9-22 (with footnote 14a), 1 Nephi 20:9-22
4. If we are reading Isaiah 48 as a contract between God and Israel, Isaiah 48:14-15 outlines conditions of the contract. How will the Lord fulfill his part of the contract?


5. Isaiah 48:12-13 and Isaiah 48:16 list witnesses to the contract. What three witnesses are listed? Note: Read 1 Nephi 20:16 with Isaiah 48:16.


6. List the blessings which are the results of Israel’s righteous acts and the Lords mercy, as given in Isaiah 48:17-22.


BONUS: How might peace be like a river and righteousness like waves?


Day 3: Read Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Nephi 21:1-6, D&C 86:8-11, D&C 113:7-8
7. Wilford Woodruff said of Isaiah 49 that this prophetic vision of the last dispensation “is having its fulfillment.” Read Isaiah 49:2 with D&C 86:8-11. How has the Lord refined, protected, and prepared Israel? (Note: The pronoun “me” in v. 1 refers to Israel – see Isaiah 49:3.)


8. In Isaiah 49:4, the servant (broadly, Israel) laments the fact that no one seems to listen or heed his counsel. In this same verse, where does he find comfort?


9. Read Isaiah 49:5 with D&C 113:7-8. What is the strength of Israel?


Day 4: Read Isaiah 49:8-16, 1 Nephi 21:7-16, 1 Nephi 22:8-12, D&C 45:26
10. According to the chapter heading for Isaiah 49, who will be a light to the Gentiles? Is Israel also commissioned to be a light to the Gentiles?


11. From Isaiah 49:8-13, what has the Lord done for his people? (See also 1 Nephi 22:8-12, D&C 45:26.)

12. In Isaiah 49:14 we have the first excuse offered by Israel for her unfaithfulness. Here, Israel claims the Lord has forgotten her. What evidence does the Lord produce to the contrary? (Other excuses are in Isaiah 49:21 and 24.)


Day 5: Read Isaiah 49:17-26 (with footnote 20a), 1 Nephi 21:17-26 (with footnotes 24a, 25JST), 2 Nephi 6:16-18
13. A bride puts on her finest clothing for her wedding. With what will Israel adorn herself in the last days? Who is her Bridegroom?


14. What question will Israel ask, regarding the abundance of her children? (See Isaiah 49:21.) How does the Lord answer?


15. The third excuse from Israel comes in Isaiah 49:24. What question is asked, and how does the Lord answer? (See also the footnote to 1 Nephi 21:25, which gives the JST of this verse, and 2 Nephi 6:16-18.)


BONUS: How do you see the fulfillment of the prophecy that kings will be nursing fathers and queens nursing mothers to Israel in the last days?


Day 6: Read Isaiah 50:1-6, 2 Nephi 7:1-6, 1 Nephi 22:15-17
16. Read 1 Nephi 22:15-17. It has been suggested that these verses, in which Nephi quotes Isaiah, might originally have been in Isaiah’s record, between Isaiah 49 and Isaiah 50 (see OT Institute manual, 17-10). Why, ultimately, do the righteous have no need to fear?


17. Read Isaiah 50:1 with 2 Nephi 7:1. What extra information did Nephi include in his record? What is the message to Israel?* Read Isaiah 50:4 with 2 Nephi 7:4. Who gave the Lord “the tongue of the learned,” and how does he use that gift? (Note: Isaiah 50:4-9 is a “servant song.” In this case, the servant is Christ in the meridian of time.)


18. What proof do we have that the Lord is perfectly obedient to the Father?


Day 7: Read Isaiah 50:7-11, 2 Nephi 7:7-11
19. Compare Isaiah 50:8 with 2 Nephi 7:8. Who justifies, or approves of the Lord’s work?


20. The Lord asks a semi-rhetorical question in Isaiah 50:10. How would you answer this question?


21. What do we get when we try to navigate life without the light of Christ?


*From the Institute Manual, regarding Isaiah 50: “The Lord employed the figure of a divorce and the sale of a slave to teach that though Israel’s past apostasy scattered them among the nations, the Lord had not set 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 law 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 24:1–4). Likewise, under the ancient laws, a man could sell himself or his children into slavery to satisfy his creditors.”

Isaiah 45-47

Cyrus the Great

Isaiah 45-47 Study Guide: To be discussed March 22
Day 1: Read Isaiah 45:1-8 (with footnotes 1c,e, 3a, 8b), Bible Dictionary entry, “Cyrus,” Isaiah 46:1-4, Psalm 85:11
1. Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Cyrus”. Was Cyrus part of covenant Israel? Why did the Lord call Cyrus his “anointed,” decades before his birth?* (See also Isaiah 46:1,4.)


2. What did the Lord promise to do for Cyrus? (Note: “loose the loins of kings” means the Lord would take away the swords of Cyrus’ enemies.)


3. Read Isaiah 45:8 with Psalm 85:11. Can you think of a time when truth has come down from heaven and up from the earth? (Hint: Read Ezekiel 37:15-20.)


Day 2: Read Isaiah 45:9-19 (with footnotes 10a, 11c, 13a, 14b), D&C 38:7-8
4. How might our relationship with God be like the relationship between a piece of clay and a potter?


5. Read D&C 38:7-8. What did Isaiah mean when he wrote, “Verily thou art a God that hideth thyself, O God of Israel, the Savior”? (Isaiah 45:15.) Who is the God of the Old Testament, and how does Isaiah bear witness of Him?



6. How does Isaiah 45:18-19 answer the insolent questions raised in Isaiah 45:9-10?



Day 3: Read Isaiah 45:20-25 (with footnote 23b)
7. Who does the Lord say has “no knowledge” in Isaiah 45:20? (See also Isaiah 44:18.)


8. Read Isaiah 45:22 with D&C 6:36-37. What qualifies Christ to offer salvation?


9. In Isaiah 45, the Lord invites Israel to compare Him to false gods and graven images, knowing there is no comparison. Isaiah 45:22-25 invites us to compare ourselves to the Lord’s righteousness if we have any lingering doubts. What then does it mean when the Lord promises, in Isaiah 45:25, that “… all the seed of Israel [will] be justified….”? What does it mean to be justified?



Day 4: Read Isaiah 46:1-4 (with footnotes 1a,b, 2a, 4b), Bible Dictionary entry, “Bel,” Bible Dictionary entry,"Nebo" (2)
10. Read the Bible Dictionary entries for "Bel" and “Nebo” (entry 2). Where were these idol-gods worshipped? Of what was Nebo the god?


11. Read the footnotes to Isaiah 46:1b and Isaiah 46:2a. How is Isaiah being ironic in his description of these false gods?


12. Who carried the idols? Who carries us? How many pairs of footprints are really in the sand?



Day 5: Read Isaiah 46:5-13 (with footnotes 10b, 11a, 12a, 13b), D&C 1:38
13. Think about the false gods we worship today. Who carries them? Why?


14. In Isaiah 46:9, we are asked to “Remember the former things,” or past miracles. Name a miracle ancient Israel could recall. Now name a miracle from latter-day church history or a personal miracle. Why is it good to reflect on these?


15. Read D&C 1:38 with Isaiah 46:10-13. What evidence do we have that we can count on the Lord to fulfill all his promises?


NOTE: The “ravenous bird from the east” in Isaiah 46:11 is a metaphor describing Cyrus, who would swiftly humble Babylon. From the Institute Manual: “This is a fitting insertion and serves as a prelude to chapter 47….”
Day 6: Read Isaiah 47:1-9 (with footnotes 1b,c, 2a,b, 3a, 5a, 6a, 7a, 8b, 9a)
16. According to the footnotes to Isaiah 47:1-2, what should the Babylonians prepare to become? This prophecy was fulfilled around 539 BC, but Isaiah wrote between 740-701 BC. Imagine yourself a citizen of Jerusalem during the Babylonian siege of 609-587 BC. How might you feel about Isaiah’s 100-year-old prophecy?


17. According to Isaiah 47:6, how did Babylon treat her prisoners? How does spiritual Babylon, or wickedness, do the same?


18. What two things would come upon Babylon “in a moment in one day” (Isaiah 47:9)? Why?


Day 7: Read Isaiah 47:10-15 (with footnote 11a)
19. List phrases from Isaiah 47:10, indicating Babylon was prideful enough to believe she could exercise wickedness without consequence. Compare to 2 Nephi 9:27-28.


20. According to Isaiah, how much help would Babylon receive from Bel and Nebo at the day of reckoning?


21. Note: The term “merchants” in Isaiah 47:15 refers to religious leaders in Babylon. They are here lumped in with astrologers (sorcerers), stargazers and prognosticators. According to Isaiah 47:14, will they even be able to deliver themselves?


*From the Institute Manual: How could Cyrus, a Persian king, be called the Lord’s “anointed”? Alfred Martin, in his work on Isaiah, gave an excellent answer to this question: “Cyrus is the only Gentile king who is called God’s ‘anointed.’ Since this is the translation of the Hebrew word which we spell in English as Messiah, Cyrus is in a sense a type of the Anointed One, the Lord Jesus Christ. Typology is often misunderstood and abused. A type is a divinely appointed prophetic symbol, usually of Christ. When a person or a thing is called a type, that does not alter its literal meaning or deny its historical reality. Cyrus was a Persian king, and we have no evidence that he ever really knew the true God, although the Persian religion was relatively free from the gross idolatries of the Babylonians. Consequently when it is asserted that Cyrus is a type of Christ, it is not said that he was like the Lord Jesus Christ in every respect. The only intended resemblance is in the fact that Cyrus was the anointed one who delivered the people of Israel from their captivity. As such he points us to the greater Anointed One who saves His people from their sins.” (Isaiah, the Salvation of Jehovah, pp. 77–78.)