[Teachldsseminary] teach: how to study Isaiah

[Marji]

Victor L. Ludlow, Isaiah: Prophet, Seer, and Poet, 7-18.

WHY AND HOW TO STUDY ISAIAH

Numerous prophets and leaders have served the Lord. Of all the
prophets who prepare us for the future through messianic and
millennial prophecies, Isaiah is by far the most significant. Although
Christ has endorsed the words of all his servants, the prophets (D&C
1:38; 68:3-4), he singled out Isaiah's words in particular and
commanded his followers to study Isaiah's message:

Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things
diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah. For surely he spake . .
. concerning my people which are of the house of Israel; therefore . .
. he must speak also to the Gentiles. And all things that he spake
have been and shall be, even according to the words which he spake. (3
Ne. 23:1-3.)

Why? All Isaiah's words will be fulfilled. Isaiah spoke to Israel and
the whole world, delivering many prophecies concerning the Lord's
work. In speaking to the Nephites, Jesus promised that all Isaiah's
prophecies will be fulfilled, just as Isaiah gave them.

How? Read Isaiah. Isaiah's words help only those who read them. And
because of the complexity of his message and style, it is usually not
until the second or third reading that his ideas become clear and his
wisdom appears bright.

It is also very helpful to read more than one translation of Isaiah.
Obviously, reading his book in the original Hebrew would be of
greatest value, but any foreign language version or alternate English
translation helps the reader view Isaiah from a different perspective.
An additional English translation is also helpful because it often
provides alternate meanings for troublesome words, idiomatic
expressions, and language patterns. The main value of a second
translation is that it stimulates a closer evaluation of the text
itself. As one reads the material in a different language, new
meanings appear. This is important, since all scripture must be read,
pondered, and prayed about before it can be fully understood. (See
Moro. 10:3-5.) A second or third reading of Isaiah, especially if one
reads an alternate translation, stimulates meditation and enhances
understanding.

Since a great number and variety of new English translations have
appeared recently, this book includes a second English translation for
each Isaiah chapter to complement the standard King James Version. The
second version will appear within the text of the commentary on each
chapter.

As you set aside time for daily scripture study and read and reread
Isaiah, you will come to understand and feel more comfortable with his
writings.

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did teach my brethren . . . And I
read many things unto them . . .: 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; . . . that it might be for
our profit and learning. (1 Ne. 19:22-23.)

Why? Isaiah inspires and teaches. Many of the great prophets and
teachers took material for their messages from Isaiah: when Nephi
tried to persuade his brothers to believe in Christ, he read from
Isaiah; as Abinadi taught about the Messiah, Resurrection, and
Atonement, he preached from Isaiah (Mosiah 14-15); while the
resurrected Lord ministered to the Nephites, he incorporated and
elucidated much of Isaiah within his teachings (3 Ne. 16, 20-23); and
as Moroni concluded his records, he exhorted his readers to search the
prophecies of Isaiah (Morm. 8:23). The Lord and these Book of Mormon
prophets recognized the universal application of the inspired
teachings and prophecies of Isaiah. Just as they used his words to
teach their audiences, we too can reap insights from Isaiah to inspire
ourselves and others.

How? Search and study Isaiah's gospel teachings. It is not enough
simply to read the scriptures, or to read Isaiah; Christ said that one
must search the scriptures (John 5:39) and search Isaiah (3 Ne. 20:11;
23:1). It is only after careful and deep examination, comparison, and
synthesis that the words of Isaiah burn brightly and his images reveal
themselves.

As most of us read Isaiah, trying to ponder his words and understand
their meaning, we are like the Ethiopian who was reading an Isaiah
scroll while riding home in his chariot from Jerusalem. Philip met him
and asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?" The man replied,
"How can I, unless some man guides me?" (Acts 8:30-31.) Since Isaiah's
inspired writings reflect both his time and culture and also reveal
the Lord's work throughout later generations, the question, "What does
Isaiah say?" is not as important as the more insistent query, "What
does Isaiah mean?" This second question should motivate everyone's
search into the words of Isaiah.

One aid to understanding is to study Isaiah within the context of the
gospel dispensation of Moses. Many Israelites of Isaiah's time knew
the elements of the plan of salvation (premortal existence, purpose of
earth life, resurrection, etc.), the basic principles and ordinances
of the gospel, and the prophetic promises about the Messiah, who would
free them from spiritual and physical bondage. Isaiah builds upon this
gospel foundation and teaches it in greater depth. For example, his
ideas in chapter 14 elaborate on the account of Lucifer and his hosts
being cast down to spirit prison. And in chapter 1, he teaches in his
unique vocabulary the basic gospel principles of knowing one's master
(faith), changing scarlet sins to white (repentance), washing oneself
(baptism), and hearing the word of the Lord (the gift of the Holy
Ghost). His servant songs and insights about a prophet's burdens
culminate in chapter 53 with his great discourse on the atoning
servant, Jesus Christ.

Before we can understand Isaiah's teachings and share the inspiration
he received, we must study his words, ponder how they fit within the
gospel, and pray about them. A careful study requires us to look at
Isaiah theme by theme, chapter by chapter, concept by concept, verse
by verse. As we come to share his insights, we will come to a greater
understanding of the gospel.

I [Nephi] did . . . read unto them that which was written by the
prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might
be for our profit and learning. Wherefore I spake unto them, saying:
Hear ye the words of the prophet . . . and liken them unto yourselves,
that ye may have hope. And now I, Nephi, write more of the words of
Isaiah, . . . For I will liken his words unto my people, . . . for he
verily saw my Redeemer. (1 Ne. 19:23-24; 2 Ne. 11:2.)

Why? We can learn from Isaiah today. Nephi includes many historical
passages in his Isaiah extracts and gives them not as history lessons
so much as lessons from history, showing the past types and patterns
that can influence later generations. The fate of ancient unrighteous
nations (and individuals) was all too familiar to Nephi. Having seen
the destruction of Jerusalem and the future destruction of his own
people in vision, and knowing the awful destiny of most latter-day
Gentiles, he strove to motivate those who would repent, both among his
own people and later readers. (Compare 1 Ne. 12 with 2 Ne. 28:32.) He
recognized that scripture will help only those readers who can
personally relate to its message. A modern prophet, Bruce R. McConkie,
has expressed similar feelings:

Scriptural understanding and great insight relative to the doctrines
of salvation are valuable only insofar as they change and perfect the
lives of men, only insofar as they live in the hearts of those who
know them. (Ensign, Oct. 1973, p. 83.)

How? Liken Isaiah to yourself. You might take the words of Isaiah and
place them in a modern context by:

1. Rewriting a chapter to express the same ideas, only using your own
vocabulary and imagery.

2. Preparing a talk or home evening lesson based upon one of Isaiah's themes.

3. Writing a poem that conveys the same feelings as one of Isaiah's.

4. Drafting a sermon as a general authority might address one of the
doctrines stressed by Isaiah.

But whatever method you choose, take the ideas, feelings and teachings
of Isaiah and see how they apply in your own life and how you can use
them in teaching and inspiring others.

Isaiah spake many things which were hard for many . . . to understand;
for they know not concerning the manner of prophesying among the Jews.
. . . And my soul delighteth in the words of Isaiah, . . . and I know
that the Jews do understand . . . the prophets, and there is none
other people that understand . . . save it be that they are taught
after the manner of the things of the Jews. (2 Ne. 25:1, 5.)

Why? Isaiah is profoundly prophetic. Just as many Nephites did not
understand Isaiah because they did not know "the manner of prophesying
among the Jews," most people today continue to lack understanding for
the same reason. While Nephi's writings are simple and plain, Isaiah's
compositions are complicated and eloquent. Isaiah's messages contain
many levels of meaning and are thus comparable to the Savior's
parables, which were addressed to different audiences of varied
spiritual backgrounds. Isaiah's audience included the people of his
own time and place, Israelites in exile, Jews returning from Babylon,
Jews at the time of Jesus, early Christians, and the Nephites. Now it
includes modern Christians, Jews, Moslems, and Latter-day Saints. He
has something to say to all of us, and in order to teach and inspire
us, his poetry is superb, his prophecy sublime, and his style of
teaching unique.

Isaiah's mechanical techniques (his "manner of prophesying") were
probably understood by the Nephites. That is, they understood Isaiah's
types, figures, symbols, and poetic structure. Their ignorance was not
so much in the mechanics of prophecy as in spiritual comprehension, as
suggested by Nephi's brother Jacob:

The Jews were a stiffnecked people; and they despised the words of
plainness . . . and sought for things that they could not understand.
Wherefore, because of their blindness, which blindness came by looking
beyond the mark . . . God hath taken away his plainness from them, and
delivered unto them many things which they cannot understand, because
they desired it. And because they desired it God hath done it. (Jacob
4:14.)

Nephi and Jacob are saying, in other words, "Isaiah is hard for many
people to understand because they do not know the way the Lord
commanded Isaiah to prophesy. Since they have desired complicated
messages, God has given them prophetic utterances which they do not
comprehend."

Isaiah's prophesying is usually cryptic, for he often veils his
message from his audience. (See the commentary on Isaiah 6 in this
book.) Elder McConkie illustrates this technique as follows:

The virgin birth prophecy is dropped into the midst of a recitation of
local historical occurrences so that to the spiritually untutored it
could be interpreted as some ancient and unknown happening that had no
relationship to the birth of the Lord Jehovah into mortality some 700
years later. Similarly, many chapters dealing with latter-day apostasy
and the second coming of Christ are written relative to ancient
nations whose destruction was but a symbol, a type, and a shadow, of
that which would fall upon all nations when the great and dreadful day
of the Lord finally came. . . . Once we learn this system and use the
interpretive keys found in the Book of Mormon and through latter-day
revelation, we soon find the Isaiah passages unfolding themselves to
our view. (Ensign, Oct. 1973, pp. 82-83.)

How? Study Isaiah's manner of prophesying. Four major stylistic
elements must be understood before Isaiah's "manner of prophesying"
can be unraveled. First, his mode of communication should be studied,
since most of his writings are poetry. A careful look at his poetic
style, called "parallelism," is necessary to understand the form of
his writing.

The second element in Isaiah's "manner of prophesying" is his use of
symbolism. Symbolic names (such as Immanuel, and those of Isaiah's two
sons—Shear-jashub and Maher-shalal-hash-baz, Shiloh, etc.), titles
(servant, the blind, Holy One, etc.), places (altar, temple, mountain
of the Lord, Edom, Babylon, etc.), and acts (washing, sacrifice,
shedding blood, etc.) are scattered throughout Isaiah. By studying the
history and context of Isaiah's ministry, one can see how he uses
contemporary symbols both to teach his immediate audience and to
provide images and lessons for later generations.

The third element in understanding Isaiah's prophesying is more
difficult since it requires a careful look at his prophetic role and
philosophy of teaching. Because of the spiritual limitations of his
audience, he could not always be exact and straightforward in his
teaching. His insights are often well hidden within a poetic
discourse. He thereby not only challenges our understanding through
his writing expertise, but also deliberately obscures his ideas in
imagery and symbolism.

The last element necessary to understand Isaiah's prophesying is the
use of inspired interpretation. Revealed insights and interpretive
keys are found in the New Testament, the Book of Mormon, and
latter-day revelation, though much remains to be revealed as the
prophecies of Isaiah continue to unfold. (See Article of Faith 9.)



In summary, Isaiah's "manner of prophesying" follows certain patterns
that require sensitive interpretive skills before one can understand
his teachings. The four major elements of his prophesying must be
studied on two levels: (1) the mechanics or technique of his writings,
and (2) the meaning or interpretation of his teachings. The basic keys
are diagrammed in the following chart:

Ancient Israelites (such as Nephi's brothers) understood the prophetic
technique but, since they were often not spiritually sensitive, looked
"beyond the mark" and missed the correct interpretation. Today we
should be able to interpret Isaiah because of the many scriptures and
inspired interpretations available to us. However, we often hesitate
to study Isaiah because we do not or cannot appreciate the mechanics
of his prophesying, and therefore we stumble over his style and
symbols. As we both study his technique and learn how to interpret his
writings, we will master his "manner of prophesying" and come to
understand his message.

I [Christ] say unto you, that when they [the words of Isaiah] shall be
fulfilled then is the fulfilling of the covenant which the Father hath
made unto his people, O house of Israel. (3 Ne. 20:12; see also 23:2.)

I [Nephi] speak unto all the house of Israel, . . . he [the Lord]
surely did show unto the prophets of old all things concerning them; .
. . that they might know concerning the doings of the Lord. . . . Hear
ye the words of the prophet [Isaiah], which were written unto all the
house of Israel. (1 Ne. 19:19, 21, 22, 24.)

I [Jacob] have read these things [from Isaiah] that ye might know
concerning the covenants of the Lord that he has covenanted with all
the house of Israel. (2 Ne. 9:1.)

Why? Isaiah taught Israel concerning her covenants with the Lord.
Isaiah was the last great prophet who spoke to all of Israel while
they were still one people in the Holy Land. He taught the Israelites
how the Lord had worked with their ancestors and why they were his
covenant people. He reminded them of how they were breaking their
covenants and why the Lord's punishment would come upon them. In
short, he was the greatest teacher of Israel since Moses, and the last
prophetic witness before the scattering.

How? Review the Lord's covenants in the ancient scriptures. Read and
reread the Old Testament to appreciate how God dealt with his children
anciently. In particular, study chapters 12-50 of Genesis to review
how the Lord established covenants with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
(Israel). Then review the book of Deuteronomy to see what Moses taught
assembled Israel concerning their laws and covenants. Finally, read
the book of Psalms to capture some of the love and emotion expressed
by many authors (poets, kings, priests, and prophets) as they told
about God's relationship with his chosen people.

The Book of Mormon is also a key to understanding ancient covenants.
Review especially 1 Nephi 10 (Lehi's teachings on Israel), 2 Nephi
25-33 (Nephi's teachings), and Jacob 5 (Zenos's allegory) to see how
the Lord's covenants developed within that branch of Israel. Also note
how the law of Moses was fulfilled as recorded in 3 Nephi 1:24-25 and
9:16-22.

The fulfillment of the Mosaic dispensation, the preparation of the
Jews for Christ's dispensation, and many other Isaianic prophecies are
also recorded in the New Testament. All these ancient scriptures show
how the Lord worked through the prophets (particularly Isaiah) and
other servants (psalmists, poets, etc.) to teach Israel her proper
relationship with God.

And I [Nephi] 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 Ne. 15:20.)

Why? Isaiah promises the return of Israel. Isaiah not only taught
Israel about her ancient history and covenants, but he also prophesied
that the Jews and other remnants of Israel will return to the Lord and
their promised lands in the last days. His ideas stimulated the Book
of Mormon prophets to seek for further insights into these future
events. Isaiah also gives signs and promises concerning the other
remnants of Israel, the Ten Tribes and Lamanites; some of these
prophecies were used by Christ as he taught the Lamanites about their
latter-day destiny. When the Ten Tribes return and their scriptural
record is revealed, Isaiah's words will probably be frequently quoted
in them as a major teaching source and witness. (See 2 Ne. 29:13.) In
short, Isaiah's words have inspired all the dispersed groups of
Israel, and his promises concerning their return will certainly be
fulfilled.

How? Study Jewish and Lamanite history. A study of Jewish and Lamanite
history over the past hundred and fifty years will demonstrate the
fulfillment of many Isaianic prophecies pertaining to the return of
Israel in the last days. Many Jewish history books evaluate modern
Jewish history (since 1800), the development of Zionism, and the
modern state of Israel. Not as many sources are available for American
Indian or Lamanite history, but articles in the Church News, Ensign,
and other Latter-day Saint publications often highlight the current
social and religious development of the Lamanites as they join the
Church in large numbers in Central and South America. Of course, many
prophecies of these two remnants of Israel remain to be fulfilled, but
a review of their movements and growth indicates the tremendous
progress they have made from their ancient apostate traditions since
the keys for the gathering of Israel were restored by Moses to Joseph
Smith in 1836.

But behold, I [Nephi] proceed with mine own prophecy. . . . In the
days that the prophecies of Isaiah shall be fulfilled men shall know
of a surety, at the times when they shall come to pass. Wherefore,
they are of worth unto the children of men, . . . 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 Ne. 25:7-8.)

Why? People in the last days will witness the fulfillment of Isaiah's
prophecies. Although some of us may wish that we had lived in the days
of Isaiah, when his visions and revelations might have been explained
to us personally, most of us would still be confused, since we could
not then have comprehended the scientific achievements and religious
developments to come in the last days. From an ancient perspective,
our modern age would have appeared astonishing with its labor-saving
machines, communication systems, transportation devices, and other
advances; yet it would also have baffled us that so much poverty,
inequality, and wickedness could still be a part of the "advanced"
society of the last days. We would also have a difficult time
appreciating how the plain, simple, restored truths of the gospel
could come forth and grow in such a sophisticated and wicked world.
Since Isaiah used imagery and symbols to describe the latter days and
did not completely and literally describe all that he saw, his
audience would have been even more confused about modern events and
how they would fulfill Isaiah's prophecies.

In the Book of Mormon reference quoted above, Nephi promises that
those who live in the last days will witness the fulfillment of
Isaiah's prophecies and understand them! We can build upon our
hindsight of history with knowledge of contemporary events and
Isaiah's visions of our day to see how his words are being fulfilled.

How? Review the restored gospel and the signs of the times. In modern
revelation, the Lord has interpreted, clarified, and expanded the
meaning of many of Isaiah's words. Many quotations from Isaiah are
found in the latter-day scriptures, and explanations of his meaning
are contained in the teachings of the prophets and apostles of this
dispensation.

Moroni quoted Isaiah to Joseph Smith at the opening of this
dispensation (JS-H 1:40), and the Doctrine and Covenants is especially
rich in phraseology from Isaiah. For example, section 113 interprets
parts of Isaiah 11 and 52; section 133 repeats many phrases and ideas
from Isaiah 35, 51, 63, and 64; and section 101 presents some keys to
understanding Isaiah 65. Also, numerous Isaianic terms and phrases are
found in sections 1, 45, 88, 109, 124, and 128.

Later prophets and apostles of this dispensation also have taught from
Isaiah and explained difficult points of his message. Elder Bruce R.
McConkie points out the value of these modern, inspired commentaries:

There are also, of course, numerous allusions to and explanations of
the great seer's words in the sermons of Joseph Smith and the other
inspired teachers of righteousness of this dispensation. So often it
takes only a prophetically uttered statement, revealing the age or
place or subject involved in a particular passage in the writings of
any prophet, to cause the whole passage and all related ones to shine
forth with their true meaning and import.

It truly takes revelation to understand revelation, and what is more
natural than to find the Lord Jehovah, who revealed his truths
anciently, revealing the same eternal verities today and so tying his
ancient and modern words together, that we may be blessed by our
knowledge of what he has said in all ages. (Ensign, Oct. 1973, p. 81.)

In seeking to understand more of Isaiah by reviewing the restored
gospel and studying the signs of these last days, we should study the
Doctrine and Covenants carefully, especially the sections noted above.
We should know the important events and movements of Latter-day Saint
and world history. We should study the general conference addresses
and review the scriptures that prophesy of the last days. All these
things will not only help us to understand how Isaiah's prophecies are
being fulfilled, but also prepare us to become better servants in
fulfilling the prophesied events of this dispensation.

Wherefore, hearken, . . . 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 Ne.
25:4.)

Why? Isaiah's words are plain to those with the spirit of prophecy. An
angel told John the Revelator that "the testimony of Jesus is the
spirit of prophecy." (Rev. 19:10.) Peter likewise recorded that no man
can know the things of God without enlightenment by the Spirit. (2
Pet. 1:20-21.) Since the spirit of prophecy makes plain the words of
Isaiah, a living knowledge and testimony of the gospel truths,
especially the divine mission of the Lord Jesus Christ, is imperative
for understanding Isaiah's writings.

With this spiritual gift, we can understand Isaiah through the same
spirit of prophecy that inspired Isaiah. Isaiah's inspired writings
and all other scriptures come from God through the power of the Holy
Ghost. As any man studies scripture, that same Holy Ghost enlightens
him as to the meaning and value of revealed truths. (See Hel. 9:20; 1
Cor. 2:11; 1 Ne. 10:17-19; D&C 75:10.)

How? Gain the spirit of prophecy. The value of all spiritual gifts
depends upon our worthiness to receive them and our diligence in
developing them. God's Spirit does not come to the unworthy and, as
demonstrated in the parable of the talents, gifts from God profit
neither him nor us if they are not used and magnified. (See Hel.
4:12-14; Matt. 25:15-30; Ether 12:35.) Thus, in order to receive the
spirit of prophecy, we must strive to keep all the commandments and
retain the Holy Spirit at all times. The development of this spiritual
gift through constant study, pondering, and prayer can eventually lead
us to receive the same spirit of instruction that inspired Isaiah
originally.

And now I, Nephi, write more of the words of Isaiah, for my soul
delighteth in his words . . . for he verily saw my Redeemer, even as I
have seen him. (2 Ne. 11:2.)

Why? Isaiah has seen the Lord. Nephi loved to quote Isaiah because he
shared Isaiah's spiritual manifestations and insights. Both Nephi and
Isaiah had seen the Lord, and they foresaw how his work would unfold
among the children of men.

Of all the prophetic writings on the brass plates, Nephi specifically
chose the writings of Isaiah to use in persuading his brothers and the
whole house of Israel to believe in the Lord their Redeemer, Jesus
Christ. (1 Ne. 19:18-23.) Isaiah received and recorded messianic
insights that continue to inspire God's children. As Elder McConkie
writes,

Isaiah is everywhere known as the messianic prophet because of the
abundance, beauty, and perfection of his prophetic utterances
foretelling the first coming of our Lord. And truly such he is. No old
world prophet, whose inspired sayings have come down to us, can
compare with him in this respect. Moreover, the first coming of the
Messiah is past, and so even those among us who are not overly endowed
with spiritual insight can look back and see in the birth, ministry,
and death of our Lord the fulfillment of Isaiah's forecasts. (Ensign,
Oct. 1973, p. 81.)

How? Develop yourself spiritually. During our mortality, most of us
may not be privileged to see Christ in vision as did Isaiah and Nephi,
or in the flesh as did others, but all of us can draw nearer to the
Lord through following his teachings and example. As we attain greater
spiritual heights and develop an intimate relationship with him
through mighty prayer, we will naturally come to a greater love and
appreciation of him. And as we give Christian service and increase our
love toward others, we will become more like him. Then we will
understand more of the words and feelings of Isaiah and the other
prophets who loved the Lord and served him with all their power. As
our spiritual life becomes more like Isaiah's, his writings will
communicate to us on a higher spiritual level and teach us great
truths about ourselves, others, the Lord, and the divine plan for this
earth and its inhabitants.

We can derive many values from studying Isaiah's book, for as we
follow the necessary steps in understanding his writings, they will
help us come closer to the Lord's goal for the children of
men—immortality and eternal life. (Moses 1:39.)



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