Introducing Isaiah | 1 Nephi 19

It has been a while but I am back. Life can become overwhelming at times but I find that as I hang in there and turn to the Savior, it eventually stabilizes into the new normal.

I left off with Nephi reaching the promised land and making plates of ore to record his journey. Before moving forward, I want to take some time to prepare for the words of Isaiah which will be coming in the next couple of chapters and will be sprinkled throughout the Book of Mormon.

In addition to being an introduction to the small plates of Nephi, chapter 19 is also an introduction to the writings of Isaiah. They follow the same pattern for scriptures as outlined in Wise Purpose; however, they also have a special mission that can be revealed through the spirit of prophecy. I have listed some of the central themes that Isaiah puts forth and the specific audiences which he addresses.

He speaks of the mission of Jesus Christ and His Atonement. "Isaiah declared by prophecy that the Redeemer was anointed to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that were bound." (D&C 138:42) "But that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah." (1 Nephi 19:23) "He verily saw my Redeemer." (2 Nephi 11:2) "And I speak unto you for your sakes, that ye may learn and glorify the name of your God." (2 Nephi 6:4)

He speaks directly to the house of Israel and shows all of their doings. "For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel." (3 Nephi 23:2) "Hear ye the words of the prophet, ye who are a remnant of the house of Israel, a branch who have been broken off; hear ye the words of the prophet, which were written unto all the house of Israel." (1 Nephi 19:24) "And now, behold, I would speak unto you concerning things which are, and which are to come; wherefore, I will read you the words of Isaiah." (2 Nephi 6:4) "And all things that he spake have been and shall be, even according to the words which he spake." (3 Nephi 23:3)

He speaks to the Gentiles in the latter days. "Therefore it must needs be that he must speak also to the Gentiles." (3 Nephi 23:2) "Wherefore, hearken, O my people, which are of the house of Israel, and give ear unto my words; for because the words of Isaiah are not plain unto you, nevertheless they are plain unto all those that are filled with the spirit of prophecy." (2 Nephi 25:4)  "For I know that they shall be of great worth unto them in the last days; for in that day shall they understand them; wherefore, for their good have I written them." (2 Nephi 25:8)

He speaks of the restoration of the house of Israel and the renewal of the Lord's covenants with Israel. "And I did rehearse unto them the words of Isaiah, who spake concerning the restoration of the Jews, or of the house of Israel; and after they were restored they should no more be confounded, neither should they be scattered again." (1 Nephi 15:20) "Those saints who have gone before me, who have possessed this land, shall cry, yea, even from the dust will they cry unto the Lord; and as the Lord liveth he will remember the covenant which he hath made with them." (Mormon 8:23)

He speaks to the everyday saint for their profit and  learning. "I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning; [...] hear ye the words of the prophet, which were written unto all the house of Israel, and liken them unto yourselves." (1 Nephi 19:24) "And I speak unto you for your sakes, that ye may learn and glorify the name of your God." (2 Nephi 6:4) "Now these are the words, and ye may liken them unto you and unto all men." (2 Nephi 11:8) "And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah." (3 Nephi 23:1)

The Lord promises great blessings to those that take the time and effort to read and study the words of Isaiah.

Mercy: "For had not the Lord been merciful, to show unto me concerning them, even as he had prophets of old, I should have perished also." (1 Nephi 19:20)
Hope: "Hear ye the words of the prophet, which were written unto all the house of Israel, ... that ye may have hope." (1 Nephi 19:24)
Delight: "I, Nephi, write more of the words of Isaiah, for my soul delighteth in his words." (2 Nephi 11:2)
Joy: "And now I write some of the words of Isaiah, that whoso of my people shall see these words may lift up their hearts and rejoice for all men." (2 Nephi 11:8)

I am grateful for Isaiah's words and the peace and joy that they have brought into my life. I know it will be a blessing to those that take the time to dig a little deeper.