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?

Isaiah 15-17

Map of Moab and surrounds (click to enlarge)

Isaiah 15-17 – to be discussed December 1
Day 1: Read Isaiah 15:1-4 (with footnotes 1a, 2b) Bible Dictionary entry, “Moab” Bible Dictionary entry, “High Places”
1. Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Moab.” From whom were these neighbors of Judah descended?


2. The phrase, “in the night,” is used twice in Isaiah 15:1 to describe how two Moabite cities would be laid waste. If “in the night” means suddenly, or without warning, how is the destruction of Moab a “type” of Christ’s Second Coming?


3. Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “High Places.” Why were the Moabites ripe for destruction?


BONUS: What are our “high places” today?


Day 2: Read Isaiah 15:5-9 (with footnotes 5b,c, 7a)
Note: The names in Isaiah 15:5-9 refer to cities and geographical landmarks in Moab. See a simple map of Moab on the class blog: http://ifestudyguides.blogspot.com.
4. What kind of destruction is described in Isaiah 15:4-5?*


5. What kind of destruction is described in Isaiah 15:6-7?


6. What would become of those who escaped the destructive forces in Moab?**


Day 3: Read Isaiah 16:1-5 (with footnotes 1a, 3a, 4a)
7. Using the footnote to Isaiah 16:1a, to whom would Moab appeal?


8. Find the river Arnon on map 10 in your Bible Appendix (C-6 through D-7). The Arnon was a major river and part of Moab’s northern border. Why were the daughters of Moab like “a wandering bird cast out of the nest”?


9. Read the footnotes to Isaiah 16:3a and 4a. Isaiah 16:3-5 contains Moab’s appeal to Judah for refuge. How might these verses foreshadow the pleas of the wicked during the destruction preceding the Lord’s Millennial reign?


Day 4: Read Isaiah 16:6-11 (with footnote 6a)
10. What was Judah’s reply to Moab’s appeal? List the sins of Moab from Isaiah 16:6.


11. Isaiah 16:7-11 is written using the Hebrew poetry form inverted parallelism, or chiasmus. Compare Isaiah 16:7-8 with Isaiah 16:9-11. List common phrases or concepts.


12. Regardless of the locations of all the Moabite sites listed in Isaiah 16:7-11, what is the overall feeling regarding the fate of Moab? If Moab represents pride and idol worship in the world, what is the message from the Lord through Isaiah?


Day 5: Read Isaiah 16:12-14, Amos 2:1-3
13. To whom would the Moabites turn for help in their distress? How much help would they find?


14. Read Amos 2:1-3, another burden of Moab. What do you think it means that Moab would die “with tumult… and with the sound of the trumpet”?


15. How long did the Moabites have before destruction (in the form of Assyrians) would arrive (v.14)?


Day 6: Read Isaiah 17:1-8 (with footnotes 1a, 3a, 6a, 7b), Bible Dictionary entry, “Damascus”
16. Damascus was the capital of Syria, a northern neighbor of Israel. What was to become of Syria during Isaiah’s lifetime? (See Bible Dictionary entry, “Damascus.”) Who was Syria’s ally? (See footnote 3a.)


17. From the institute manual: “Gleaning grapes” ( v. 6 ) are those few missed by the harvesters, and olives were harvested by shaking the branches, which always left a few scattered fruits in the topmost branches (see v. 6 ). Are these verses talking about fruit or people?


18. Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Grove.” What was the big problem in Israel and Syria? From Isaiah 17:7, what would the devastations cause Israel to do? (See footnote 7b.)


BONUS: Read Genesis 49:22, Jacob’s blessing to Joseph (father of Ephraim). How might this blessing be reflected in Isaiah 17:6-7?


Day 7: Read Isaiah 17:9-14 (with footnotes 10a,e, 12a)
19. Isaiah 17:9-11 provides agricultural metaphors. The “strange slips” in v. 10 indicate Israel has forgotten Jehovah and instead grafted into their “pleasant plants” the false gods of their heathen neighbors. What kind of harvest might they expect?


20. Isaiah 17:12-14 contains another “burden” or message of doom to the Assyrian empire. What words or phrases from these verses describe the power of the Assyrian army?


21. What would happen to this powerful force, according to Isaiah 17:13-14? (Note: The “rolling thing” in v.13 describes a tumble weed.)

From the Institute Manual:
*(14-19) Isaiah 15:5 . What Was Meant by Moab Being a Heifer of Three Years Old? Isaiah recognized that Moab was a youthful, vibrant nation. “A three-year-old ox, is one that is still in all the freshness and fulness of its strength” (Keil and Delitzsch, Commentary, 7:1:326). In spite of Moab’s vigor and strength, Isaiah foretold that powerful forces from the north countries would destroy her only three years hence (see Isaiah 16:14 ). This prophecy was fulfilled with the Assyrian invasion under Sennacherib (see Enrichment F ).
**(14-20) Isaiah 15:8–9 . Moab’s Destruction Was UniversalThe cry of destruction of Moab is universal, even beyond her borders to Eglaim (En-Eglaim) northwest of the Salt Sea. To show the extent of the tragedy that Moab would experience, Isaiah prophesied that the heart of the rich pastoral land around Dibon would have its waters (called Dimon) stained with the blood of the people. In other words, there would be widespread slaughter and destruction of the people, the enemy penetrating even the very heart of Moab. In the Hebrew text, the word translated “lion” is actually a single lion. Isaiah revealed that the relationship of Judah and Moab would change, for the “lion,” Judah, would come upon the remnant of Moab that was spared and make them her vassal.

Isaiah 13-14

Isaiah 13-14 Study Guide – to be discussed November 17
Day 1: Read Isaiah 13:1-5 (with footnotes 1b,c, 2a,c, 3a), D&C 133:1-16
1. Read the chapter heading for Isaiah 13. What great city or nation is the object of the prophesied destruction recorded in Isaiah 13? What does it represent on a broader scale?


2. Where is the ensign mentioned in Isaiah 13:2 to be raised? What group is being gathered? (See footnote 13:3a.)



3. What war are we fighting today? Who will win?



BONUS: Read D&C 133:1-16. What is the fastest way out of Babylon?


Day 2: Read Isaiah13:6-18 (with footnotes 11d, 14a,b, 15a, 16c), Bible Dictionary entry, “Ophir,” D&C 18:10-16, Bible Dictionary entry, “Media,” Bible Dictionary entry, “Persia”
4. Why will the wicked “howl” at Christ’s Second Coming?


5. Give two possible meanings for the phrase, “I will make a man more precious than fine gold…” (Isaiah 13:12). See also D&C 18:10-16.



6. Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Media” and the Bible Dictionary entry, “Persia.” Who were the Medes? What would they do to Babylon in 538 BC?



Day 3: Read Isaiah 13:19-22 (with footnotes 19b, 21b, 22a,b), Bible Dictionary entry, “Babylon,” D&C 1:12-16, 2 Nephi 23:22
7. Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Babylon” and D&C 1:12-16. Why is Babylon an appropriate “type” or example of the wicked world today?


8. Who did Isaiah say would inhabit the spectacular palaces of Babylon after its destruction?


9. Read 2 Nephi 23:22. What message of hope is added to Isaiah’s message of burden in Nephi’s record?


Day 4: Read Isaiah 14:1-3 (with footnote 2a), Bible Dictionary entry, “Cyrus”
10. Isaiah 14:1 mentions “strangers” who will join with Israel. Footnote “a” for Isaiah 14:2 indicates other nations will help Israel. Give examples of how gentile nations assist Israel today.



11.Spiritually, how does the Lord give us rest from sorrow, fear and bondage?

12.Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Cyrus.” How did the Lord use Cyrus to fulfill part of the prophecy recorded in Isaiah 14:1-3?



Day 5: Read Isaiah 14:4-11 (with footnotes 4a,c, 6a, 8a,b,c, 9b,11a)
Note: Isaiah 14:4-11 contains a “proverb,” or instructive message to the king of Babylon. Much of this prophecy is “dualistic,” or has two meanings. The king of Babylon (the world) is a “type” of Satan.
13. The trees in Isaiah 14:8 (and in most of Isaiah’s writings) represent people. Why are the trees singing? (See also D&C 128:22-23.)



14. Why might the inhabitants of hell be surprised to see the king of Babylon coming? Or are they?



15. What does the wicked king have in death instead of a throne and a robe? (See Isaiah 14:11.)



Day 6: Read Isaiah 14:12-23 (with footnotes 12c, 13c, 16a,b, 18b, 19a,b, 21a, 23a), D&C 76:25-27, Moses 4:1-4
Note: Isaiah 14:12-20 is a message of doom to Lucifer, or Satan.
16. Read D&C 76:25-27. List ways in which Lucifer “fell.” (See also Moses 4:1-4.)



17. Lucifer makes five statements in Isaiah 14:13-14. What is the first word of each statement?



18. What do Lucifer and the king of Babylon have in common?




Day 7: Read Isaiah 14:24-32 (with footnotes 25a,b, 26b, 28a, 29a, 32a,d)
19. Turning back to Assyria in Isaiah 14:24, what does the Lord promise this wicked nation?



20. Isaiah 14:29-32 is a “burden” or message of woe to Philistia, a neighbor of Israel. Find Philistia on map 4 in your Bible Appendix. Today this land roughly coincides with the Gaza Strip. According to the footnote to Isaiah 14:28a, when was this burden prophesied?



21. Why would Philistia make a poor ally against Assyria? What might be the message to modern Israel (us)?