Isaiah36-37

Isaiah 36-37 Study Guide – to be discussed February 9
Note from Institute Manual: “The account in 2 Kings 18:13–19:37 is very similar to the account in Isaiah 36–37 . Sennacherib was the son of Sargon II and had numerous conquests to his credit. Clay tablets recording his various campaigns have been preserved and deciphered. The portion of one tablet that relates to the partial conquest of Judah reads as follows: ‘As for Hezekiah the Jew, who did not submit to my yoke, forty-six of his strong, walled cities, as well as the small cities in their neighborhood, which were without number—by constructing a rampart out of trampled earth and by bringing up battering-rams, by the attack of infantry, by tunnels, breaches, and [the use of] axes, I besieged and took [those cities]. Two hundred thousand, one hundred and fifty people, great and small, male and female, horses, mules, asses, camels, cattle, and sheep without number, I brought away from them and counted as spoil. Himself like a caged bird I shut in Jerusalem his royal city. Earthworks I threw up against him; the one coming out of the city gate I turned back to his misery.’ (In Madeleine S. Miller and J. Lane Miller, Harper’s Bible Dictionary, s.v. ‘Sennacherib.’)”
Day 1: Read 2 Kings 18:1-8, 13-16, Bible Dictionary entry, “Hezekiah,” and Bible Dictionary entry, “Hezekiah’s Tunnel”
1. How old was Hezekiah when he began to reign? List what he did to reform Judah (2 Kings 18:4-7).



2. What happened in the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign (2 Kings 18:13-16)?


3. What was Hezekiah’s tunnel? How long was it? Why was it critical to the safety of Jerusalem?



Day 2: Read Isaiah 36:1-10 (with footnotes 2a, 7a), Isaiah 7:3
Note: The narrative in Isaiah 36-37 took place around 701 BC.
4. Review Isaiah 7:3. Where did the Lord send Isaiah and his son to meet with Ahaz (then king of Judah)? Where did Assyria’s king send his chief officer (Rabshakeh) to deliver Assyria’s ultimatum and diatribe to Judah?


5. What did Assyria have to say about Judah’s alliance with Egypt?



6. How did Rabshakeh attempt to cast doubt on Hezekiah’s trust in the Lord? (See footnote to Isaiah 36:7a.)



Day 3: Read Isaiah 36:11-22 (with footnotes 11a, 19a, 21a), Isaiah 22:20-25
Note from the Institute Manual: “Lachish was a fortified city in the land of Judah that guarded the main highway to Jerusalem from the south. By destroying Lachish, the Assyrians would deprive Judah of any support from Egypt as well as depriving them of one of their strongest fortifications (see 2 Chronicles 32:9 ).”
7. Review Isaiah 22:20-25, with footnote 20a. Eliakim was like a prime minister in Judah. How did he receive this position?


8. Why did Eliakim, Shebna and Joah ask Rabshakeh to speak in the Syrian language (Aramaic) instead of Hebrew? Why did the Assyrian continue to speak Hebrew?


9. What arguments and tactics did Rabshakeh use to try to persuade Judah to surrender?

Day 4: Read Isaiah 37:1-7 (with footnotes 3b,c, 7a,b)
Note from the Institute Manual: “In Isaiah 37 is found one of the most remarkable stories in scriptural history. The Assyrian army, with all its might and power, encircled Jerusalem. The Northern Kingdom had already fallen; all of Judah except Jerusalem itself was in Assyrian hands. There was no cause to hope that they could successfully resist. [But] Hezekiah had been a righteous king (see 2 Kings 18:4–6 ), and now he trusted in God again.
10. What did Hezekiah do when he heard the message of the Assyrians?


11. In what ways did the words of Rabshakeh, representing Assyria, blaspheme or mock the Lord?


12. How did Isaiah answer Hezekiah’s call for help?


Day 5: Read Isaiah 37:8-20 (with footnotes 17a, 18a)
13. What “rumor” or report did the Assyrians receive, and what did it cause them to do?


14. Where did Hezekiah go when he received the latest Assyrian threats?


15. List elements of Hezekiah’s prayer, ie: (1) He addressed the Lord, (2) ….



Day 6: Read Isaiah 37:21-29 (with footnotes 22a, 26a), D&C 109:24-28
16. How did the Lord show he accepted and honored Hezekiah’s prayer?


17. When Rabshakeh reproached Judah, whom did he really reproach? What was wrong with the Assyrian boasts in Isaiah 37:24?



BONUS: Read D&C 109:24-28. If you consider yourself a part of God’s army, what kind of protection might you expect?


18. Rewrite the Lord’s response to the Assyrians from Isaiah 37:28-29 in your own words.




Day 7: Read Isaiah 37:30-38 (with footnotes 30a, 36c)
19. What sign did the Lord offer Hezekiah and his people?


20. List the very specific promises the Lord gave Judah in Isaiah 37:33-35.



21. How many in the Assyrian army DID NOT get up the next morning? What was the final fate of Sennacherib?

Isaiah 33-35

Isaiah 33-35 Study Guide – to be discussed February 2
Day 1: Read Isaiah 33:1-6, Omni 1:13, Psalm 97:2
Note: The pronoun “thee” in Isaiah 33:1 may refer to Shalmaneser of Assyria, representing wickedness, oppression, and treachery. “Their” in Isaiah 33:2 should read “our.”
1. What will eventually happen to the wicked, even though they seem to get away with murder?


2. Read Omni 1:13 with Isaiah 33:2. How can we look to the Lord to be our “arm every morning” and our “salvation in time of trouble”?


3. With what has the Lord filled Zion? (See also Psalm 97:2.) What is His treasure?


Day 2: Read Isaiah 33:7-18 (with footnotes 8a, 15b,d,e), Bible Dictionary entry, “Sharon,” Bible Dictionary entry, “Carmel,” Bible Dictionary entry, “Bashan,” Psalm 24:3-4
Note: Isaiah 33:7-9 returns to the theme of an Assyrian attack.
4. Lebanon was the capital of Syria, an ally to the Northern Kingdom of Israel during Assyria’s attack. Look up “Sharon,” “Bashan,” and “Carmel” in the Bible Dictionary, then find them on map 1 in your Bible Map section. What do these three places have in common? What did Isaiah prophesy concerning these areas?


5. What is the end result of a wicked lifestyle?


6. Read Psalm 24:3-4 with Isaiah 33:14-17. Compare questions asked in each passage. List six qualities of discipleship from Isaiah 33:15 and six blessings of discipleship from Isaiah 33:16-17.



Day 3: Read Isaiah 33:18-24 (with footnotes 18a, 19a, 21a)
7. Another translation of the first phrase in Isaiah 33:18 reads, “You shall recount in your mind the terror….” When foreign invaders are gone, what are the righteous remnant encouraged to look upon? Why?


8. Rearrange the verses in Isaiah 33 as follows: 19, 20, 24, 21, 23, 22. The galleys and gallant ships mentioned in Isaiah 33:21 are enemy ships – which, according to Isaiah 33:23, will not be able to sail in the “broad rivers” (living waters) of Zion. List other promises to Israel from Isaiah 33:19-21.



9. Isaiah 33:22, explains why Zion is a goal to be desired. What can we count on the Lord to be and do for us when he comes again?


Day 4: Read Isaiah 34:1-10 (with footnotes 4a, 5a, 7a, 9a), D&C 1:1-3, Revelation 6:12-15, D&C 88:95
Note: Isaiah 34 contains harsh words to the wicked, followed by beautiful promises of hope to the righteous in Isaiah 35. In these chapters, “unicorns” should read “oxen”; “dragons” should be “jackals”; “satyrs” should read “goats.” “Idumea” is another name for Edom, and represents the wicked world.
10. Read D&C 1:1-3 with Isaiah 34:1-3. Although these passages were written nearly 2700 years apart, they have much in common. List similar themes or phrases from these scripture blocks.
11. Read Revelation 6:12-15 with Isaiah 34:4-5 and D&C 88:95. Comparing Isaiah 34:4 with Revelation 6:13, what might the “host of heaven” represent? According to D&C 88:95, what will be revealed when the “scroll” of heaven is unfolded or unrolled?


12. From Isaiah 34:8, what “day” is being described in these verses? (See also chapter heading.)


Day 5: Read Isaiah 34:11-17 (with footnotes 11c, 13a)
13. Look up “cormorant” and “bittern” in any dictionary. (“Bittern” is also in the Bible Dictionary.) What kind of animals are these? Why might they be associated with owls, ravens, and jackals?



14. All the beasts mentioned in Isaiah 34:11-15 are considered unclean according to Mosaic Law. What message might this send to Israel regarding the indignation of the Lord?


15. The JST for Isaiah 35:16 reads, “Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, and read the names written therein: no one of these shall fail, none shall lack their mate; for my mouth it hath commanded, and my spirit it hath gathered them.” Read the note below from the Institute Manual.* List promises from Isaiah 34:16-17.


Day 6: Read Isaiah 35:1-4 (with footnote 1c), D&C 49:24-25, Review Isaiah 34:9, D&C 81:5, D&C 45:71
16. Read the footnote to Isaiah 35:1c and D&C 49:24-25. For whom will the wilderness and the solitary place be glad?


17. Compare Isaiah 35:2 with Isaiah 34:9. What is the good news for these areas in the Holy Land?


18. Read Isaiah 35:3-4 with D&C 81:5. How can we actively strengthen tired hands and revive stumbling knees today?


Day 7: Read Isaiah 35:5-10 (with footnotes 6a, 7b)
19. List phrases from Isaiah 35:5-7 indicating the gospel heals.



20. Isaiah 35:8 reintroduces the idea that there will be a “highway” for the righteous remnant in the last days (see Isaiah 11:16). According to Isaiah 35:8, what will this highway be called?


21. From Isaiah 35:10, with what will the “ransomed of the Lord” return? (See also D&C 45:71)


*From the Institute Manual: Isaiah 34:16–17 . What Is the “Book of the Lord”? Not all people, of course, are wicked, and those who are not will be saved from the destroying fire—both the spiritual (hell) and the physical (see 1 Nephi 22:15–17 ). The names of the children of the Lord who have kept their covenants are enrolled in a special book known as “the book of the Lord” ( Isaiah 34:16 ), “the book of the law of God” ( D&C 85:5 ; see also vv. 9, 11 ), or “the book of life” ( Revelation 20:12 ). Records of our works are kept on earth by the Lord’s clerks, but the book of life is the record kept in heaven. Both records should agree (see D&C 128:6–9 ). Of those whose names are recorded in the heavenly book, “no one of these shall fail” ( Isaiah 34:16 ). The promise that “none shall want [lack] their mate” (JST, Isaiah 34:16 ) is particularly interesting to Latter-day Saints since we know that only through the ordinance of celestial marriage can we have our mate eternally.

Isaiah 30-32

Isaiah 30-32 Study Guide – to be discussed January 26
Day 1: Read Isaiah 30:1-7 (with footnotes 2b, 5a, 6a,b), Jeremiah 2:17-19
Note: Chapter 30 was written approx. 705-701 BC. Sargon II of Assyria had died. Judah joined the Philistines and the Phonecians in rebellion against Assyria. Judah made a treaty for protection with Egypt. Oops.
1. How did the people of Judah “add sin to sin” (v.1) when they relied on their alliance with Egypt? See also Jeremiah 2:17-19.


2. If Egypt represents worldly attitudes and tyranny, how do we sometimes look to Egypt for help today? From Isaiah 30:3, what two things will be ours if we misplace our faith?


3. Read the footnote to Isaiah 30:6a and b. What is the “burden of the beasts of the south”?


Day 2: Read Isaiah 30:8-17 (with footnote 9a)
4. Why was it important for Isaiah to record this message of doom?


5. Why did the people reject Jehovah and His truth? In what did Israel put her trust, according to Isaiah 30:12?


BONUS: How is sin like a crack in the city wall?


6. Isaiah 30:16-17 describes the lonely state of scattered Israel. From Isaiah 30:15, what counsel did the Lord give Israel that, if followed, would have given strength and salvation?


Day 3: Read Isaiah 30:18-26 (with footnotes 18a,b, 20b, 21a, 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a)
7. According to the footnote for Isaiah 20:18a, for what will the Lord wait?


8. List temporal and spiritual blessings from Isaiah 30:19-26. Who is our Teacher?


9. How does the Lord give you the rain for your seed today? How does he “bind up the breach” (v.20)?


BONUS: Make a note of all the metaphors you find in Isaiah 30:18-26.



Day 4: Read Isaiah 30:27-33 (with footnotes 27a, 29a,b,d, 32a,b, 33a), Bible Dictionary entry, “Topeth”
10. When wickedness is destroyed, who will have a sacred, joyful song to sing? (See footnotes 27a, 29a.)


11. According to Isaiah 30:31, what power is greater than the Assyrian army (or forces of wickedness)?


12. Look up “Topeth” in the Bible Dictionary. Where was Topeth and for what was it known? Of what might it be a symbol?
Day 5: Read Isaiah 31:1-9, D&C 45:68-71 (with footnotes 2a, 3a,b, 5a, 8b)
Note from Institute manual: “This chapter follows a theme similar to that of the chapter preceding it . However, “the first warning speaks against trusting the wisdom of man, and the second against trusting the power of man” (Nyman, “Great Are the Words of Isaiah,” p. 118). “Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help,” for there is none there ( Isaiah 31:1 ). “The Egyptians are men, and not God”; they themselves and those they help “shall fail together” ( v. 3 ). Only the Lord can save Israel. Isaiah said, “Turn ye unto him from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted,” and “then shall the Assyrian fall with the sword, not of a mighty man,” but of the Lord ( vv. 6, 8 ). The “Egyptian” and the “Assyrian” of the latter days may be those in whom a modern people trust rather than in the Lord.”
13. It must have seemed quite practical for Judah to trust in her alliance with Egypt. Why was this a big mistake?


14. What did the Lord compare himself to in Isaiah 31:4? In Isaiah 31:5? Why are these appropriate symbols?


15. Read D&C 45:68-71. Why will the princes of wickedness (or heirs of sin) retreat and be afraid in the face of the Lord’s ensign?


Day 6: Read Isaiah 32:1-8 (with footnotes 2a, 5a,b,c, 6a, 7a, 9b)
Note from Institute manual: Orson Pratt saw this scripture (Isaiah 32) as applying not only to ancient Israel but also to the Latter-day Saints, who were driven from their homes in the East to the deserts of the Rocky Mountains. “Did you see it, Isaiah, as well as the people that live in our day? Did you see a people go into the desert and offer up thanksgiving and the voice of melody? Did you see that desert and wilderness redeemed from its sterile condition and become like the garden of Eden? ‘O yes,’ says Isaiah, ‘I saw it all, and I left it on record for the benefit of the generation that should live some two or three thousand years after my day.’ But Isaiah, are we to understand that the people are to be gathered together in that desert, and that the gathered people are to be instrumental in the hands of God, in redeeming that desert? Yes, Isaiah has told us all this. We will go back to what we read in his thirty-second chapter —’Until the spirit be poured out upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest. Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness and righteousness remain in the fruitful field.’ What fruitful field? Why, the wilderness that will be converted into a fruitful field. ‘The work of righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness, and assurance forever; and my people shall dwell in peaceable habitations, and in sure dwellings and in quiet resting places.’
16. Read the chapter heading to Isaiah 32. Who is the “king” and “man” referred to in Isaiah 32:1-2?


17. From Isaiah 32:3-4, describe what effect this ruler will have on his people. Would you like to be a citizen in his realm?


18. Isaiah 32:6-8 contain an elaboration on the three types of people listed in Isaiah 32:5. Use the footnotes for Isaiah 32:5 to describe the three types of people (liberal = bountiful). Isaiah’s point is that their true worth will be seen clearly.


Day 7: Read Isaiah 32:9-20 (with footnotes 9b, 12a, 14a, 19b)
19. If the women described in Isaiah 32:9-11 represent all the proud and complacent, what counsel and warnings are extended to them in Isaiah 32:9-14? (Note: Isaiah 32:12-14 describe a long period of destruction to come.)


20. Isaiah 32:15-20 prophesy regarding peaceful conditions to come upon Israel in a future day of righteousness. Look again at the chapter heading. When will this promise be realized?


21. What will the works of righteousness bring?

Isaiah 28-29

Isaiah 28-29 Study Guide – to be discussed January 19
Day 1: Read Isaiah 28:1-8 (with footnotes 1b,c, 4a, 5a, 7a), 2 Nephi 27:1, D&C 104:7
(Note: This message to Israel was given around 724 BC. By 721, the Northern 10 tribes would be conquered.)
1. What kind of crown was Ephraim (representing the Northern Kingdom of Israel) wearing? Why might this cause Israel to be spiritually “drunk”? See also 2 Nephi 27:1.


2. (Note: In Isaiah 28:2, the “mighty and strong one” may refer to Shalmaneser of Assyria and his armies.)
In what ways would Israel be like an early fruit before summer (Isaiah 28:4)?


3. Isaiah 28:5-6 is parenthetical, and refers to a future day. What is the promise to the righteous remnant, outlined in Isaiah 28:5-6? See also D&C 104:7.


BONUS: Read the footnote to Isaiah 28:7a. Who is named specifically in the Lord’s condemnation of a later apostasy?


Day 2: Read Isaiah 28:9-17 (with footnotes 9b, 13b, 15b), 2 Nephi 28:30, Helaman 5:12
4. Read 2 Nephi 28:30 with Isaiah 28:9-13. Why is learning truth a life-long process? What happens when we think we have enough knowledge?


5. What kind of covenant had the rulers of Jerusalem made? Where was their supposed refuge?


6. Read Helaman 5:12 with Isaiah 28:16-17. What foundation stone has been provided for Zion?


Day 3: Read Isaiah 28:18-29 (with footnotes 18a, 29a), D&C 101:93-95
7. How comfortable is a man whose bed is too short and blanket too narrow? What might these symbols in indicate (Isaiah 28:20)?


8. Read D&C 101:93-95 with Isaiah 28:21. What is God’s “strange work” or “strange act”?


9. Read Isaiah 28:23-29, an agricultural metaphor. Would it make sense for the Lord to plow if he didn’t intend to sow and eventually reap? What can you infer from the footnote to Isaiah 28:29a?


Day 4: Read Isaiah 29:1-5 (with footnotes 1b,c), JST Isaiah 29:1-5, Moroni 10:27, 2 Nephi 26:15-16
10. Read the chapter heading to Isaiah 29. In what ways have the Nephites spoken in the latter days “as of one that hath a familiar spirit” (like a dead relative) or “as a voice from the dust”? (See also Moroni 10:27, 2 Nephi 26:15-16)


11.What does the name “Ariel” mean? To what city does it refer?


12. List phrases from Isaiah 29:5 indicating Judah’s enemies will be numerous.


Day 5: Read Isaiah 29:6-12, JST Isaiah 29:6-8, 2 Nephi 27:2-10, 15-18, JS-H 1:63-65
13. Why do you think the enemies of Zion will be “as a dream of a night vision” or “as when an hungry man dreameth… and his soul is empty…” (See Isaiah 29:7-8 and 2 Nephi 27:3.)


14. What is the “spirit of deep sleep” mentioned in Isaiah 29:10 and 2 Nephi 27:5, caused by rejecting the prophets?


15. Read Isaiah 29:11-12 with 2 Nephi 27:6-10, 15-18, and JS-H 1:63-65. Why might this prophecy regarding a book to come forth in the latter days have been recorded by Isaiah around 720 BC and by Nephi around 550 BC?*


Day 6: Read Isaiah 29:13-17 (with footnote 13f), 1 Nephi 22:8-9, JS-H 1:19, 2 Nephi 29:1-22, Nephi 26:22-24
16. What is the “marvelous work and a wonder” (1 Nephi 22:8-9, Isaiah 29:14) the Lord is doing in the latter days? Why is it necessary for the eternal happiness of mankind?


BONUS: Read 2 Nephi 29:1-2. List five reasons the Lord will proceed with his marvelous work.


17. Read Isaiah 29:15 with 2 Nephi 26:22-24. Who is the father of “works of darkness” and why are these works so effective to his purposes?


18. In what way are people who try to justify sins dumber than pots?


Day 7: Read Isaiah 29:18-24 (with footnotes 21b, 23b), D&C 45:50
19. How has the prophecy recorded in Isaiah 29:18 been fulfilled today, both spiritually and physically?


20. Read Isaiah 29:20-21 with D&C 45:50. What kind of people “watch for iniquity”?


21. (Note: the pronoun “he” at the beginning of Isaiah 29:23 refers to Jacob, as spoken of in verse 22.) How will Jacob (Israel) feel about his posterity after the Lord accomplishes His “marvelous work” in the latter days? What amazing tool has the Lord given us so we will “come to understanding” and “learn doctrine”?


*From the Institute Manual: Isaiah 29:11–12 . What Was the “Book That Is Sealed” and to Whom Were Its “Words” Delivered? Early in the process of translating the Book of Mormon, Martin Harris desired proof that the translation Joseph Smith was making was genuine. He obtained permission to carry a copy of several of the “words” from the plates, together with their translation, to some learned men. Martin Harris’s account given to the Prophet Joseph Smith states that he took the copy to Professor Charles Anthon of New York City, who certified that the characters were real and correctly translated. But when Professor Anthon discovered that the record from which the characters were obtained was itself received by supernatural means, he retracted his statement by asking for his certificate back and tearing it to bits. Martin Harris reports that Anthon said that “if I would bring the plates to him he would translate them. I informed him that part of the plates were sealed, and that I was forbidden to bring them. He replied, ‘I cannot read a sealed book.’ I left him, and went to Dr. Mitchell, who sanctioned what Professor Anthon had said respecting both the characters and the translation.” ( Joseph Smith—History 1:65 .)The unlearned man to whom the book was delivered was, of course, Joseph Smith. Elder Orson Pratt once said: “Now in regard to Joseph Smith’s qualifications or attainments in learning, they were very ordinary. He had received a little education in the common country schools in the vicinity in which he had lived. He could read a little, and could write, but it was in such an ordinary hand that he did not venture to act as his own scribe, but had to employ sometimes one and sometimes another to write as he translated. This unlearned man did not make the same reply that the learned man did. For when the book was delivered to this unlearned youth and he was requested to read it, he replied, ‘I am not learned.’ I suppose he felt his weakness when the Lord told him to read this book; for he thought it was a great work.” (In Journal of Discourses, 15:186.)

Isaiah 25-27

Isaiah 25-27 Study Guide: To be discussed January 12
Day 1: Read Isaiah 25:1-5 (with footnote 5a), D&C 56:18-20
(Note: A major theme of Isaiah 25 is that it is worth it to be righteous! Isaiah 25:1-5 is a hymn of praise; Isaiah 25:6-12 foreshadows the “Great Supper of the Lord” which will be attended by all the righteous. See also Revelation 19.)
1. Isaiah 25:1 states, “I will exalt thee”; and Isaiah 25:3 notes, “… the strong (righteous) people glorify thee.” How do we exalt and glorify the Lord, if He is already exalted and glorified?
(Note: Isaiah 25:2 should read “For thou hast made of a wicked city an heap… it shall never be rebuilt.”)



2. How might the Lord’s “counsels of old” (v.1) be “faithfulness and truth”?



3. Read D&C 56:18-20 with Isaiah 25:4-5. Who will ultimately be subdued by the Lord? Who will receive his blessing?



Day 2: Read Isaiah 25:6-12, D&C 58:6-9, Revelation 7:17, Revelation 21:4
4. List promises to the faithful in Isaiah 25:6-8.



5. Read D&C 58:6-9 with Isaiah 25:6. What is the “feast of fat things” promised by the Lord?



6. Read Revelation 7:17 and Revelation 21:4 with Isaiah 25:8. When and how will the Lord wipe away all tears?



BONUS: Notice the repetition in Isaiah 25:9. What does it mean to “wait upon the Lord”?



Day 3: Read Isaiah 26:1-8 (with footnote 7a), Helaman 3:28, 2 Nephi 31:17, D&C 64:22
7. Read Isaiah 26:1-2 with Helaman 3:28 and 2 Nephi 31:17. How has Christ opened the gates of salvation and invited us in?


8. Give two reasons from Isaiah 26:3-7 why we should trust in the Lord.



9. According to the footnote for Isaiah 26:7a, who is “most upright”? Read D&C 64:22 with Isaiah 26:8. Why is it important for us to always keep the Lord in remembrance?



Day 4: Read Isaiah 26:9-15 (with footnotes 11a, 14a, 15b)
10. In Isaiah 26:9, the prophet promised the Lord “I will seek thee early.” How can we seek Christ early?

11. Read the footnote to Isaiah 26:11a. Why will the wicked be ashamed at the last day?


12. (Note: Isaiah 26:15 should read, “… thou hast increased the righteous nation….”) List phrases or thoughts from Isaiah 26:12-15 that indicate millennial conditions.



Day 5: Read Isaiah 26:16-21 (with footnotes 16a, 18a, 20a, 21a)
13. According to Isaiah 26:16-17, what do God’s people do when faced with trials?



14. What is the good news, described in Isaiah 26:19, that should be shared with the world? How is going through the pains of mortality without sharing the gospel like going through labor, and delivering only the wind?



15. Isaiah 26:20-21 contains Passover symbolism. If you need to review Passover symbolism, read the section on Passover in the Bible Dictionary entry, “Feasts” (p. 672 in the Bible Appendix). How do we symbolically put the blood of the atonement on our doorposts today?



Day 6: Read Isaiah 27:1-6 (with footnotes 1a,c, 2a, 6b), Revelation 20:2
16. According to the footnote for Isaiah 27:1c, what does Leviathon represent? (See also Revelation 20:2.)


17. Isaiah 27:2-6 includes a song about the ultimate destiny of Israel. What will the Lord do for Israel (his vineyard)?


18. What will Israel (the vineyard) do because of the Lord’s good care?



Day 7: Read Isaiah 27:7-13 (with footnotes 9a, 12a,b, 13a), Jeremiah 30:10-11, D&C 49:23-27
(Note: A little help with Isaiah 27:7-8: The question in Isaiah 27:7 might better read, “Has God been as hard on Israel as her enemies have been? The answer (no!) is seen in verse 8, which might read, “God metes out to Israel what is needed to set them straight so he can set them free.”)
19. Read the above notes on Isaiah 27:8-9 with Jeremiah 30:10-11. How and why does the Lord “correct” his covenant people?


20. (Note: The “defenced city” in Isaiah 27:10 refers to a wicked city or nation.) How much idolatry will remain during the millennium?

21. What reward does the Lord offer to those who remain faithful even in the midst of wickedness (represented by Assyria and Egypt)? See also D&C 49:23-27.



BONUS: Read Numbers 10:1-8. What did the blowing of the trumpet in ancient Israel indicate?

Isaiah 22-24

Ancient Jerusalem. Click to enlarge.

Isaiah 22-24 Study Guide – to be discussed January 5 Happy Holidays!
Day 1: Read Isaiah 22:1-7 (with footnotes 1a, 2a) and chapter heading
1. Read chapter heading and the footnote to Isaiah 22:1a. Against whom is the burden in Isaiah 22 directed? How is the place addressed by this burden described in Isaiah 22:1 and 22:5? What might this mean?


2. Which phrases in Isaiah 22:1-2 imply an unconcerned city, prone to party instead of prepare?



Note: Elam, current NW Iran, was famed for her archers (see also Jeremiah 49:34-39). Kir was a city on the main road between Elam and Babylon. Elam would eventually, with the Persians and the Medes, destroy Babylon. Cyrus was a king in Elam.
3. Isaiah 22:6 may indicate Judah was hopeful the invading Babylonians would be defeated by Elam and Kir before they reached Jerusalem. What did Isaiah say about these hopes? (Hint: See Isaiah 22:4-5 and 7.)



BONUS: From Isaiah 22:5, List three things it would be “a day of” when Babylon attacked.



Day 2: Read Isaiah 22:8-14 (with footnotes 8a, 9a, 11b, 12a, 13a), 2 Nephi 28:8
4. Which phrases from Isaiah 22:8-9 indicate the defenses of Jerusalem were weak and inadequate?



5. Did the Lord really want Judah to weep, morn, and go bald (v.12)? What does the Lord want from his people? (See also footnote 12a.)


6. Read 2 Nephi 28:8 with Isaiah 22:13-14. What was the problem with Judah?


Day 3: Read Isaiah 22:15-25 (with footnotes 15a, 18a, 20a), Revelation 3:7, Isaiah 9:6-7
7. What can we discern from these verses about the man Shebna, to whom Isaiah 22:15-19 was directed? What will happen to Shebna?


8. Eliakim was a real person in Jerusalem. According to the footnote to Isaiah 22:20a, who did Eliakim represent? What did his name mean?



9. Read Isaiah 22:21-25 with Revelation 3:7 and Isaiah 9:6-7. What does the “key of the house of David” represent?



BONUS: Why might the key be on Eliakim’s shoulder?



Day 4: Read Isaiah 23:1-9 (with footnotes 1a,c, 2a, 3a, 5a, 8b,c), Bible Dictionary entry, “Phoenicia”
10. Tyre was located within Asher territory in Israel, but was a Phoenician city. Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Phoenicia.” List distinguishing characteristics of Phoenicians.



11. Why would Sidon (Zidon) and Egypt mourn the downfall of Tyre?


12. What do you think this phrase in Isaiah 23:7 means: “… her own feet shall carry her afar off to sojourn”? How do our own feet carry us afar off sometimes?



Day 5: Read Isaiah 23:10-18 (with footnotes 11a, 17a, 18a)
13. Isaiah 23:10-12 indicates Tyre, her citizens and merchants, are ruined. How does the Lord “shake” kingdoms of the world today that are materialistically corrupt?



14. Isaiah 23:13 offers the destruction of Babylon at the hands of the Assyrians as an example of what will happen in Tyre. Verses 15-16 call Tyre a “harlot.” Why might a consumer-driven society be compared to a harlot?


15. What dos the footnote to Isaiah 23:8a tell you about the future of Tyre?


Day 6: Read Isaiah 24:1-12 (with footnotes 1c, 2b, 4b, 8a), chapter heading, Alma 41:10
Note: This chapter emphasizes the consequences of wickedness.
16. Isaiah 24:1-3 offers an example of the Hebrew poetry form called “chiasmus” or inverted parallelism. “The Lord” and “empty”/”emptied” in verses 1 and 3 frame the central theme in Isaiah 24:2. According to verse 2, who is accountable to the Lord for their own wicked acts? Is anyone exempt?


17. Give three reasons for the decline and destruction of the world from Isaiah 24:5.


18. Isaiah paints a vivid picture of the results of wickedness in Isaiah 24:7-12. List the phrases from these verses that indicate “the party’s over.” (See also Alma 41:10.)



Day 7: Read Isaiah 24:13-23 (with footnotes 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a,b, 23c), D&C 49:23-28, D&C 88:86-87, D&C 133:49
19. Who will sing praises to the Lord after the devastations of the last days? (See footnotes 14a, 16b.)


20. Read Isaiah 24:19-20 with D&C 49:23-28 and D&C 88:86-87. Where can we find refuge in the last days?


21. Read D&C 133:49 with Isaiah 24:23. Why will the moon be “confounded” and the sun “ashamed” when the Lord reigns in his glory?

Isaiah 18-21

Isaiah 18-21 Study Guide – to be discussed December 8
Day 1: Read Isaiah 18:1-7 (with footnotes 1a,c, 2a,b), D&C 84:2, D&C 128:24
1. Joseph Fielding Smith said “… A correct translation [of Isaiah 18:1] would be, ‘Hail to the land in the shape of wings.’” What land might be described, and who are the “swift messengers” (v. 2)?


2. In reference to Isaiah 18:3, Victor Ludlow wrote, “Like the delicate balance of warmth and moisture needed to fully ripen grapes, God attends to the harvest of souls by providing the proper light (truth) and moisture (cleansing powers) to ensure the full development of each person.” Give one promise, one warning, and one command to the nations of the earth from Isaiah 18.



3. Read D&C 84:2 and D&C 128:24. What “present” (Isaiah 18:7) will be brought to the Lord in the latter days?


Day 2: Read Isaiah 19:1-19 (with footnotes 1a, 3a, 4a, 5a, 8a, 9a, 10a), Bible Dictionary entry, “Cloud”
4. Parley P. Pratt wrote in his popular hymn, “Once upon the cross he bowed; now his chariot is the cloud.” Isaiah 19:1 describes the Lord riding on a “swift cloud.” What does this tell you about the power of the Lord? (See also Bible Dictionary entry, “Cloud”)


5. List trials promised to the Egyptians in Isaiah 19:2-4. What is the common element in all these afflictions?


6. List trials promised in Isaiah 19:5-10. What do these problems have in common?



Day 3: Read Isaiah 19:11-17 (with footnotes 13b, 15a, 17a)
Note: “Zoan” was Tanis, Egypt’s capital 1100-600 BC. “Noph” was Memphis, an ancient capital of Northern Egypt. Therefore, Zoan and Noph both represent Egypt.
7. Why should government leaders be responsible for using wise counsel or making wise decisions? To whom should they look for direction if they have their constituents’ best interest at heart?


8. Use the footnote to Isaiah 19:15a to explain what the head, tail, branch and rush represent. What did Isaiah prophesy regarding the unemployment rate in Egypt?


9. According to footnote 17a, when will Judah be a terror to Egypt?


Day 4: Read Isaiah 19:18-25 (with footnotes 18a, 24a)
10. List promises to Egypt in Isaiah 19:18-22 that should give Egypt (and other nations of the world) hope.



11. According to the prophecy in Isaiah 19:24-25, what three countries will be allies “in that day”? Can you think of a time when this has been the case? How did the Lord describe his relationship with each country in Isaiah 19:25?


BONUS: How many times does the phrase, “in that day” appear in Isaiah 19:16-25? What day might be indicated?


12. How might Israel be a blessing to the nations around her?


Day 5: Read Isaiah 20:1-7 (with footnotes 1a, 2a, 5a)
Note: Isaiah 20 discusses events in ancient Egypt, not future events.
13. In what year was the prophecy recorded in chapter 20 given to Isaiah? (See footnote 1a.)


14. What phrase is repeated three times in Isaiah 20:2-4? What might this mean, physically and spiritually?



15. If Judah had hoped for military help from Egypt and Ethiopia during the Assyrian invasion, what was Isaiah’s bad news?


Day 6: Read Isaiah 21:1-10 (with footnotes 1a,b, 2b, 3a), Revelation 14:8-11
16. Read the chapter heading to Isaiah 21 and footnote 1a. Who or what did Isaiah describe as “the desert of the sea”?


17. List phrases in Isaiah 21:2-4 indicating the vision Isaiah saw was personally disturbing to him.



18. Jerusalem was finally destroyed by Babylon in 587 BC. Babylon fell to the Medes and Persians in 539-538 BC – the event described in Isaiah 21. One year later, in 537, Cyrus issued the decree allowing the Jews to return and rebuild Jerusalem and their temple. If Babylon represents the wicked world, how might the prophecy in Isaiah 21 apply to our day? (See also Revelation 14:8-11.)



Day 7: Read Isaiah 21:11-17 (with footnotes 11a,c, 12a 13a), Genesis 36:8
Notes: The word translated “prevented” in Isaiah 21:14 has the archaic meaning “met” or “went before.” In other words, Tema and Dedam would need to help refugees from Kedar. Seir is a mountain range southeast of the Dead Sea, associated with Edom, or Idumea. Mt. Seir usually represents worldliness, in contrast to Mt. Zion, which represents righteousness (see D&C 1:36). Darkness = sin, apostasy; morning = light, truth.
19. Read Genesis 36:8. From whom were the Edomites (Dumah) descended? About what were they warned in Isaiah 21:11-12? (See footnote 12a. Also, read Isaiah 21:11-12 as a dialogue between a man of Seir and Isaiah. Seir speaks in v. 11, Isaiah replies in v. 12.)


20. The burden against Arabia (Isaiah 21:13-17) includes messages to various tribes. From the institute manual: “Dedanim identifies the residents of Dedan, which is southeast of the gulf of Aqaba along the coast of the Red Sea; and Kedar is the region eastward from Mount Hermon that includes the area called Bashan...” How did the people of Tema and Dedan help the children of Kedar?


21. How can we prepare ourselves to give assistance to our neighbors, physically and spiritually?