2 Nephi 12 Isaiah 2 Chronicles a significant time span from our current day to Isaiah’s period.

Isaiah 2 is a prophecy of that covers significant time Latter days to Isaiah’s period.  Latter days the house of Juda will not have temple the temple will be in the top of the mountains referring to Salt Lake City.  Prophecy that the Lord’s judgement will come upon the nations and specifically wicked Juda at Jerusalem.  The Lord has forsaken the house of Jacob and is going to remove his protections.  Juda shall be humbled. Prophecies concerning temples as a place God can teach us of his ways and laws.  Nephi has guided his people to build a temple in their new homeland.  The storyline in the book of Mormon we know that Lehi family is leaving Jerusalem because of the wickedness of the Jews, and we see the relevance of the prophecy of Isaiah as to the wickedness of those at Jerusalem.  Additionally, we know in the story line Nephi has guided his people in the construction of a temple in their new promised land.  Just as today the prophets instruct us from the scriptures, we see Nephi reading the words of Isaiah to his family as instruction and guidance.

Historical

Prophecy to the Jews last days or our day that the temple of the Lord will be in Salt Lake City or the top of the mountains not in Jerusalem because of Juda’s iniquity.  Nephi is teaching his family that the temple will be destroyed, and Jerusalem will not be center of worship. The Savior will rebuke all nations and humble them.   Under the Saviors’ direction the nations will not be able to wage war.  People from the rich to the poor will need to wordship the Savior and not the work of their hand’s idols.

Archeology

Isaiah the Son of Amoz wrote the Book of Isaiah prophecies between 740 BC and 686 BC In February 2018 archaeologist Eilat Mazar announced that she and her team had discovered a small seal impression which reads “[belonging] to Isaiah nvy” (could be reconstructed and read as “[belonging] to Isaiah the prophet”) during the Ophel excavations, just south of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.^[35] The tiny bulla was found “only 10 feet away” from where an intact bulla bearing the inscription “[belonging] to King Hezekiah of Judah” was discovered in 2015 by the same team.^[36] Although the name “Isaiah” in Paleo-Hebrew alphabet is unmistakable, the damage on the bottom left part of the seal causes difficulties in confirming the word “prophet” or a common Hebrew name “Navi”, casting some doubts whether this seal really belongs to the prophet Isaiah.

The bullae of King Hezekiah (left) and of Isaiah (right). Photo: Courtesy Dr. Eilat Mazar.  Isaiah is a true historical figure.

 1 The word that Isaiah, the son of Amoz, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: (This is specifically about Judah and Jerusalem. They will be scattered and Juda will not have a temple.)

 2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, when the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it.  (The Mormon Pioneers or house of Ephraim moving to western America in the tops of the mountains is a fulfillment of this prophecy.  The Mountain of the Lord’s house is the nation of Israel “Ephraim”. Direct reference to the Salt Lake Temple built primarily by the house of Ephraim. Ephraim in the last days will take gospel to the entire world.)

 3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the ^bmountain of the Lord, to the ^chouse of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will ^dwalk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. (President Hinckley has stated that this prophecy concerns that the Church of Jesus Christ will be an Ensign to the nations and a light to the world.  The Lords standards are upheld and preached throughout the world by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints.)

Salt Lake Temple and Salt Lake City are the headquarters for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

 4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plow-shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks—nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. (Glorious day foretold when men will not build weapons of war the world will have universal peace and will turn to gardening and food production to feed the earth.  The Savior will reign on the Earth.  Just as we do Nephi teaches about the Millennium and ultimate when men no longer conduct war.)

 5 O house of Jacob, come ye and let us walk in the light of the Lord (Universal prophecy to all people all times the light of the Lord are his commandments and covenants by living them we gain knowledge and wisdom from the Lord through revelation); yea, come, for ye have all gone astray, everyone to his wicked ways. (Repent and come to the Lord, recognize our imperfections, be humble and move away from wicked ways.)

 6 Therefore, O Lord, thou hast forsaken thy people, the house of Jacob, because they be replenished from the east (Lehi left Jerusalem because of the wickedness in Jerusalem.  The Lord had removed his hedge of protection because of the worship of false Gods in Jerusalem. The people of Jerusalem sought the false gods of the Assyrians and apostatized), and hearken unto soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers. (The people of Juda in Jerusalem at Nephi’s time were believing in gods of the nations around them.)

 7 Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots. (The family of Lehi was a wealthy family and they had gold and other precious items.  Lehi knew that Jerusalem at the time was a rich city and was apostatizing.  Nephi knew how to work metal the family was probably involved in working with precious metals.  We know Laban was envious of the Wealth of Nephi family.  Laman and Lemuel did not want to leave their wealth.  Jerusalem was a wealthy city. The average person was able to read and write making scripture available to them.)

 8 Their land is also full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made.  (Nephi is telling his family that Jerusalem was and is wicked not worshipping the true God a fulfillment of Isaiah prophecy.  In Jerusalem at the time the Jews were worshiping idols built with man’s hands.)

 9 And the mean man boweth not down, and the great man humbleth himself not, therefore, forgive him not. (Whether an average or a powerful person, the people were not humble.  In Jerusalem, the average man and the rich and powerful men would not humble themselves to the teachings of the prophets.)

 10 O ye wicked ones, enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for the fear of the Lord and the glory of his majesty shall smite thee. (Nephi has seen in vision the destruction of Jerusalem” 2 Nephi 25” by the Babylonians.)

 11 And it shall come to pass that the lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.  (That day refers to the day of judgement specifically the Lord had found the people of Jerusalem as wicked and not observing the covenant he made with them.  The Babylonians were the tool the Lord used to humble Juda in their day of judgement. Nephi is teaching his people to be righteous or the Lord will humble them.  Over the centuries there have been many days of judgement where the Lord humbles his people. The second coming of the Lord will be a day of judgement and the wicked will be punished.  The Savior will conquer all the nations alone at his second coming just as he submitted and accomplished the atonement alone.  Men will realize who the Savior is and his power and be humbled if they do not humble themselves.  Jacob Nephi’s brother has been pleading for his people to be righteous, he has shaken his garment to rid of the blood of his people, Jacob has told them plainly to repent.)

 12 For the day of the Lord of Hosts soon cometh upon all nations, yea, upon every one; yea, upon the proud and lofty, and upon everyone who is lifted up, and he shall be brought low.  (There is and always has been a day of judgement for wicked nations.  The great day of the Lord when the Savior returns in power and might to cleans the Earth for his Millennial reign will also be a day of judgement. Nephi teaching family of power of the Savior over wickedness.  Family has been split with those that follow Laman and Lemuel and those that followed Nephi.  Nephi built temple to teach people more about God and his power.  Uses the prophecies of Isaiah to prove Savior’s power and ability, his people recognize the fulfillments.)

 13 Yea, and the day of the Lord shall come upon all the cedars of Lebanon (cedar tree is a large beautiful tree used for it strong lumber and is a metaphor referring to the nations that look strong militarily and beautiful probably Ephraim), for they are high and lifted up (Ephraims Kings were extremely prideful); and upon all the oaks of Bashan; (Oaks of Bashan are the Syrians.)

 14 And upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills, and upon all the nations which are lifted up, and upon every people; (High mountains refer to the other Nations such as Asyria and Babylon hills refer to other nations possibly the Egyptians and phillistines thus we see the Lord will judge all nations.)

 15 And upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall; (Mans protections towers to watch surveil, fences to keep out will not work against the Lord power.)

 16 And upon all the ships of the sea, and upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures. (Military power naval power will not protect against the Saviors judgements only living righteously will.  Pleasant picture probably refers to places of retreat out of the cities if you are wicked no hiding or getting away from judgement.)

 17 And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low; and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.  (The prideful will lose their pride even if forced.  Jesus conquers the world by himself like he did the atonement alone.)

 18 And the idols he shall utterly abolish. (When the Savior returns all will worship him there will not be any false gods then.)

 19 And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for the fear of the Lord shall come upon them and the glory of his majesty shall smite them, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.  (The wicked will attempt to flee the judgements but will not be able to avoid their punishments or earned consequences.)

 20 In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which he hath made for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; (Money will not buy your way out of the judgements it will be worthless only your righteousness will count.  Nephi teaching lesson of humility through the words of Isaiah.)

 21 To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for the fear of the Lord shall come upon them and the majesty of his glory shall smite them, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.  (All will be judged by the Savior it will be unavoidable and the wicked will try to escape but none will.  The Savior will have all power.  Nephi knows the power of the Lord and is using the scripture available to him to teach his family of the Savior’s power.)

 22 Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils; for wherein is he to be accounted of?  (We are not to worship men as all are flawed.  People look to strong athletes, rich business people, or a religious leader, we are not to worship any of these as they all have flaws.  Worship the Savior who is perfect, lived a perfect life accomplished the atonement for us.)

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/cedar-of-lebanon–295759900502501849

Nephi had a purpose in placing the Isaiah scriptures on his plates as those scriptures were relevant and personal to Nephi.

I have been amazed at how the Isaiah verses are relevant to the story line in the Book of Mormon.  How personal the scriptures are to Nephi and his family becomes the relevant reason, Nephi includes the specific Isaiah scriptures in his limited space on the gold plates.  Looking at Nephi’s own words:

1 Nephi 19:3 And after I had made these plates by way of commandment, I, Nephi, received a commandment that the ministry and the prophecies, the more plain and precious parts of them, should be written upon these plates; and that the things which were written should be kept for the instruction of my people, who should possess the land, and also for otherwise purposes, which purposes are known unto the Lord.

Nephi tells us that the ministries and prophecies are written on his plates for the instruction of his people.  The prophecies then should relate to Nephi and his people that is have real tangible information for them.  Nephi makes clear that he has a choice what he writes on the plates:

5 And an account of my making these plates shall be given hereafter; and then, behold, I proceed according to that which I have spoken; and this I do that the more sacred things may be kept for the knowledge of my people.

6 Nevertheless, I do not write anything upon plates save it be that I think it be sacred. And now, if I do err, even did they err of old; not that I would excuse myself because of other men, but because of the weakness which is in me, according to the flesh, I would excuse myself.

7 For the things which some men esteem to be of great worth, both to the body and soul, others set at naught and trample under their feet. Yea, even the very God of Israel do men trample under their feet; I say, trample under their feet but I would speak in other words—they set him at naught and, hearken not to the voice of his counsels.

Nephi chooses which of the prophecies that he believes will be most relevant and needed by his people and includes those on the gold plates he has made.

Isaiah prophecies are difficult to understand but using the Book of Mormon context helps them be more understandable.  Nephi knew Isaiah words are hard for many people to understand:

2 Nephi 25:1 Now I, Nephi, do speak somewhat concerning the words which I have written, which have been spoken by the mouth of Isaiah. For behold, Isaiah spake many things which were hard for many of my people to understand; for they know not concerning the manner of prophesying among the Jews.

The question: “Why did Nephi include the Isaiah verses on his plates?” has led to a very deep understanding of Isaiah scripture and his prophesies.  The answers to this question are enlightening and exciting and relevant to our day.  Nephi stated that the Isaiah scriptures would be understood in the last days. 

2 Nephi 25:7 But behold, I proceed with mine own prophecy, according to my plainness; in the which I know that no man can err; nevertheless, 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.

Nephi is telling us that we will have his prophecies which explain and expound upon the Isaiah prophecies in the last days to help us comprehend the meaning of Isaiah prophecies.  We know that Nephi’s commentaries before, between and after the Isaiah prophecies are there for us to have as plain words informing us as to the meaning of the Isaiah prophecies.

We need to seek first to comprehend the events of the Isaiah prophesies and recognize the fulfillments and that knowledge will provide greater faith in our God.  After we have knowledge of the prophecy and the prophecies fulfillment, we are then able to project how relevant the workings of God are to us.  Then we can liken them to ourselves and more fully comprehend how God works with his people.   The purposes behind all the scriptures are to teach us more of Jesus Christs powerful love for us and how he has worked to save us.

Nephi had a true love for his family, and he wanted to teach them of God.  It is for this reason that he has included the Isaiah scriptures which were on the brass plates that he faithfully retrieved even at the threat of his life.  Laman and Lemuel needed help understanding the scriptures and Nephi felt that the Isaiah scriptures could help them if they would liken the words of Isaiah unto themselves.  By reviewing how Nephi likened the Isaiah scriptures to him and his family we are better able to comprehend the meaning in the Isaiah scriptures and liken them to ourselves.

Reading I Nephi chapter 19 verses 22- 24.

22 Now it came to pass that I, Nephi, did teach my brethren these things; and it came to pass that I did read many things to them, which were engraven upon the plates of brass, that they might know concerning the doings of the Lord in other lands, among people of old.

23 And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; 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; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.

24 Wherefore I spake unto them, saying: 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, and liken them unto yourselves, that ye may have hope as well as your brethren from whom ye have been broken off; for after this manner has the prophet written.

It is obvious from these scriptures that Nephi has spent significant time reading and studying the Isaiah scriptures on the brass plates.  From these two verses, we know that Nephi’s study has led him to a complete understanding of the Isaiah prophesies.  As we will see the verses that Nephi includes in the Book of Mormon are very relative to him and his family in fact Nephi is fulfilling part of the Isaiah 29 prophecies by making his gold plates. You will find it very interesting how the Isaiah narrative fits closely with what is happening to the family of Lehi.  A background of the Book of Mormon story, the bible history of Israel, and the Joseph Smith History would be very helpful in comprehending the Isaiah prophesies and the fulfillments.  I am going to add my understanding and explanations into the Isaiah verses and an additional summary at the beginning of each chapter in the Book of Mormon how the prophecy is relevant to Nephi and his family.  My plan is to use Nephi’s and Jacobs commentaries, add historical information, provide archeological discoveries that confirm past events, and other than biblical or Book of Mormon historical evidences of the fulfilments of the prophesies.  A look from Nephi’s perspective and how he likened the scriptures to his family will help us comprehend Isaiah and their relevance to us today.

The Savior in John 14:29 sums up in a verse the reason for prophecy:

29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

1 Nephi 20 Isaiah 48 Prophecy of God

Summary of 1 Nephi 20

The first Isaiah prophecy included as 1 Nephi 20 is about the “Power of God”, and his ability to tell us of things past, present, future and his great abilities to create the heavens and earth.  In general, this Isaiah prophecy is about trusting and relying on the Lord and believing the Lord can tell us past, present and future events and is a direct scriptural answer to Laman and Lemuel who have stated that the Lord doesn’t reveal to them.  Isaiah scriptures are on the Brass Plates that Nephi and his brothers were sent to retrieve.  Nephi is using Isaiah 48 the scripture from the Brass Plates to teach his brothers the Lord does reveal future events.  At this time in the storyline the fact that the Lord revealed to Father Lehi the future destruction Jerusalem and the family needs to leave to be preserved.  The Savior told us: John 14:29 “And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe”.  As we look at the Isaiah prophecies and see the fulfillments we might believe in our God.

Historical Information

To understand how personal and relevant the Isaiah prophecies are let’s get started by reviewing some of the Book of Mormon storyline.  Nephi’s brothers Laman and Lemuel were having issues caused by leaving their home.  See Nephi 15: 6-11 for a review.

 6 And it came to pass that after I had received strength I spake unto my brethren, desiring to know of them the cause of their disputations.

7 And they said: Behold, we cannot understand the words which our father hath spoken concerning the natural branches of the olive tree, and also concerning the Gentiles.

8 And I said unto them: Have ye inquired of the Lord?

9 And they said unto me: We have not; for the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us.

10 Behold, I said unto them: How is it that ye do not keep the commandments of the Lord? How is it that ye will perish, because of the hardness of your hearts?

11 Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?—If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you.

Summarizing then Laman and Lemuel had two major questions first they didn’t comprehend the branches being broken off and second, they did not believe the Lord could make things known to them.  The first two chapters of Isaiah included in the Book of Mormon answer these two questions of Laman and Lemuel.

Archeological evidence of story

Ancient Jewish Seal from the Babylonian Exile period with the crescent moon shown above the alter in this seal is the symbol of the chief Babylonian god “Sin.”  Archeological evidence Israel was not worshipping the true and living God but worshipping the Moon God.  Israel had divorced themselves from God by their wicked and blasphemous actions.

1 Hearken and hear this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, (Nephi’s family is of the house of Jacob [Israel] –he wants his family who understand they are descended from Jacob through Joseph to learn of Isaiah prophecies.  This speaks directly to Lehi family who was lineage of Manasseh.) and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, or out of the waters of baptism, ( Lehi family is a covenant people baptized  by immersion symbolizing death and rebirth, they have been taught about covenants, living law of Moses where animal sacrifice is similitude of Saviors Sacrifice.) who swear by the name the Lord, and make mention of the God of Israel, yet they swear not in truth nor in righteousness.  (Israel invokes the name of Jehovah as their God but do not live by the covenants required of them.)

 2 Nevertheless, they call themselves of the holy city, (Lehi’s family lived in Jerusalem and knew the priests were teaching and an example of immorality yet told everyone they were holy.  Lehi knew the city was polluted with immorality.) but they do not stay themselves upon the God of Israel, (Did not keep commandments and were worshiping idols such as the moon god and others making images of the other gods) who is the Lord of Hosts; yea, the Lord of Hosts is his name. (Worship the true God)

 3 Behold, I (the Lord) have declared the former things from the beginning;       (Nephi wants Laman and Lemuel to know the prophecies in the brass plates specifically Isaiah’s are coming true. The scriptures about Lehi’s family have specifically come true.  Examples show that God has power to tell us of things that will happen in the future.  He has shown that formerly in brass plates are prophesies that have and are coming true.  We should have faith in the words of the prophets. Lehi’s family coming to the new world was prophesied along with many other prophecies) and they went forth out of my mouth, and I showed them. I did show them suddenly.  (All of Gods words through the Prophets will be fulfilled.  Did Lehi family not wander through the desert, cross the sea, and become broken off as prophesied.  In the storyline Laman and Lemuel when asked if they had prayed to know stated the Lord did or could not reveal to them.  Therefore, Nephi teaches from the brass plates to Laman and Lemuel the Isaiah scripture that the Lord has power to reveal to them past and future events.)

 4 And I did it because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass; (how relatable is this to Laman and Lemuel who throughout this experience have been obstinate and had necks of iron that they won’t bow and pray to know the will of God and thick headed or a brow as brass Nephi has been unable to teach them the knowledge and information from the scriptures. Laman and Lemuel have left Jerusalem traveled through the desert like Moses being led by a miraculous ball, helped Nephi build ship crossed the oceans, seen angels and yet they do not comprehend the prophesies about them as a family being broken off from the house of Israel.)

 5 And I (The Lord) have even from the beginning declared (prophesied of future events-example Isaiah 7 prophecy capture of Israel’s ten tribes by the Assyrians which is history to Lehi family so they know of the prophecy and fulfilment has already happened during the reign of King Ahaz in 763 BC, the destruction to Jerusalem was also prophesied by Isaiah and the family lived in Jerusalem and were given the chance to escape before it was conquered.) to thee; before it came to pass I showed them thee; (Gods ability to tell us of events before they happen.  Isaiah lived 760 BC prophesies of the destruction of Jerusalem approximately 586 BC in his writings.  Nephi and Lehi were shown the destruction of Jerusalem before it happened and know that it has occurred and have testified to the family.  As we go through these Isaiah verses, we will see many other prophesied events that have come to pass so that we can know of the power of God in knowing the future and letting us know.  Before events happen or come to pass God shows the prophets.) and I showed them for fear lest thou shouldst say—Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image hath commanded them. (People in Jerusalem during time of Lehi were worshiping idols.  The Lord wants us to recognize his power and ability to help us.  This really helps us understand the nature of God that he is powerful and able to help us if we believe.  Idols pieces of wood, metal or stone, money in the bank have no real power to help us reach salvation.  Idols definitely do not have the power to show the future as God does recognizing the fulfillment of prophecy is a key to faith in God.  Nephi is pleading with his brothers to worship the true God who has real power and using the scriptures from the brass plates to prove Nephi’s and their father Lehi’s words.  This verse should be cross referenced with a New Testament verse quoting the Savior concerning prophecy John 14:29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.)

 6 Thou hast seen and heard all this; and will ye not declare them? (Lehi family have seen all this obvious evidence even to a casual observer it’s obvious that the Prophets have got it right.  Israel in slavery Egypt, freed from slavery given promised land, wickedness of Israel, northern ten tribes captured, branch broken off, promised land to Lehi America have all been fulfilled need to acknowledge.) And that I (the Lord through the prophets) have showed thee new things from this time, (Nephi read to them many things which were upon the brass plates that they might know of the doings of the Lord in other lands among the people of old.  Prophesies that had been fulfilled concerning Lehi family specifically.  Additionally, many prophesies about the Savior and his role as creator, Savior, king have been given both past and future events) even hidden things, and thou didst not know them.  (We are unable to know the future without the help of God, with the help of God we know the future by studying the scriptures, praying and asking for knowledge and wisdom from God who will give us the answers.  Nephi told Laman and Lemuel to pray to know what scriptures mean.)

 7 They are created now, (The prophesied events are happening right now and Lehi’s family are part of them we are part of the prophesied events happening in our day) and not from the beginning, (when the prophesies were made in the beginning before the actual events we could not have predicted them) even before the day when thou heardest them not they were declared unto thee, lest thou shouldst say—Behold I knew them. (It was prophesied that Nephi would be a ruler over his brothers and that has happened.  Laman and Lemuel didn’t understand this in the beginning, yet it was prophesied, and it happened. It is the same in our day until we study the scriptures learn of the Lord and his prophets, we are unable to predict the future hundreds of years in advance.  Knowing the scriptures is knowing the prophecies from the beginning of the world to the end of the world.)

 8 Yea, and thou heardest not; yea, (didn’t listen to the prophesies.  Hey Laman and Lemuel listen to the prophesies I’m trying to teach you.) thou knewest not; (Laman and Lemuel you are not understanding therefore you don’t comprehend what is happening) yea, from that time thine ear was not opened; for I knew that thou wouldst deal very treacherously, and was’t called a transgressor from the womb.  (Nephi is about to leave because Laman and Lemuel are plotting to take his life they are dealing treacherously with the Lords anointed prophet.  Even though they were born in the bloodline still have choice and have chosen to be transgressors.  Nephi is applying the Isaiah scripture to him and his family and the application is very apparent.)

 9 Nevertheless, for my ^aname’s sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain from thee, that I cut thee not off.  (This is the hope Nephi was preaching to his brothers even though they hadn’t been righteous to this point the Lord would forgive them and not cut them off.  They and we just need to repent and obey.)

 10 For, behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.  (The family has gone through affliction in the desert and that has strengthened them.  The Lord has chosen them to come to the new Promised Land so that there will be a righteous branch of Israel.  The family of Nephi have worked metal and made tools they understand how the furnace purifies metal.  We will all have trials even the righteous.)

 11 For mine own sake, yea, for mine own sake will I do this, (The Lord loves us but if we are unrepentant he will allow Jerusalem to be destroyed) for I will not suffer my name to be polluted, (The Lord loves us and wants us to love him and worship him.  He will not allow us to pollute where we live with all kinds of sin there will be consequences.) I will not give my glory unto another.  (There will be a righteous branch of Israel in the end days (Ephraim) that will be a light to the world and take the Lords Gospel to all the earth.  The Lord is the God of this Earth and will work to save the people of this earth in his Fathers kingdom. Satan will not win.  The Lord has integrity. The House of Israel will be key in the last days including Juda in the land of Israel and Ephraim of the United States.)

 12 Hearken unto me, O Jacob, and Israel my called, for I am he; I am the first, and I am also the last. (Listen and Obey Israel “Lehi Family” I am God I created the Earth and will complete the final judgement.)

 13 Mine hand hath also laid the foundation of the earth, (I God created the earth and have power and ability to save you) and my right hand hath spanned the heavens. (I God control not only the earth but the Heavens. The plan of salvation started before the earth was created and goes on after it’s destruction by fire.  This plan of salvation is for you because I love you.) call unto them and they stand up together.  (I am calling you Israel to take this gospel to all the earth.  Stand up for what you believe and preach the gospel faithfully.  Lehi family was called, and they stood up and left Jerusalem for a new land.)

 14 All ye, assemble yourselves, (come to church organize yourselves) and hear (listen to the gospel); who among them hath declared these things unto them? The Lord hath loved him; (The Lord loved Nephi and the righteous for standing up and teaching his people and loves all who are willing to serve) yea, and he will fulfil his word which he hath declared by them; (The prophesies will be fulfilled.  The Lord himself is promising us his words will be fulfilled) and he will do his pleasure on Babylon, and his arm shall come upon the Chaldeans. (The unrighteous will also be judged and punished by the Lord.  Nephi family know the Babylonians they are coexisting, or contemporary nations and Babylon is the chief idol worshiping nation.  There will be many prophecies concerning Babylon and we will see from our perspective the fulfillments.)

 15 Also, saith the Lord; I the Lord, yea, I have spoken; yea, I have called him to declare, I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous.  (In addition, I have given my words to the Prophets throughout the ages and those that followed their words prospered.  Nephi’s people prospered when they followed the prophets and we will too.  True principle is that live righteously and you will prosper.  Seen throughout the Book of Mormon when people were righteous, they prospered this is a true principle.  Learning the gospel teaches wisdom about self-reliance and true principles that bring wealth to those that live them.)

 16 Come ye near unto me; I have not spoken in secret; from the beginning, from the time that it was declared have I spoken; and the Lord God, and his Spirit, hath sent me.  (Laman and Lemuel have told Nephi the Lord doesn’t make the scriptures clear.  Nephi teaches them from Isaiah that the Lord does not speak in secret, read the scriptures get close to me and I will enlighten your minds.  Again, Nephi loves his family even the straying brothers he is trying to teach them from the scriptures.  Knock, meaning read and pray and I will be there I will give you my knowledge and wisdom from Adam to modern day prophets are providing us with the up to date methods to stay safe and keep our families safe.  The scriptures have always been available we need to find and study the scriptures our not reading and studying the scriptures will hide or keep their wisdom secret.)

 17 And thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I have sent him, the Lord thy God who teacheth thee to profit, who leadeth thee by the way thou shouldst go, hath done it.  (The Lord has been leading Nephi family given them the ball Liahona as to which way they should go, and the ball only worked with righteousness.  The Savior called Isaiah to be prophet.  The Savior tells us to study the words of Isaiah “Yea a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah.”.  The words of Isaiah will teach us about the nature of our Savior and his love for us.  Isaiah in his prophetic method is declaring the Lord God called him and these prophesies are important.)

 18 O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments—then had thy peace been as a river (continuously living the gospel brings peace to our lives there is protection in living the gospel and peace in our lives, a river is continuously flowing and brings the life giving moisture needed.  Lehi has already told Laman that he should be like the river continually running into righteousness), and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea. (This is clarion call for us to improve our lives to shake off chains that bind us and live righteously and life will be better. I Nephi 2:9 about Laman Oh that thou mightiest be like unto this river, continually running into the fountain of all righteousness!  Obvious Lehi new the words of Isaiah and understood them and was teaching his sons from the scriptures.  Totally relevant to Nephi family they experienced how a river flows continuously and how the waves just roll on and on we know they lived by the seashore for years building the boat.  Important that we recognize that throughout the narrative are quotes from Isaiah and examples that Lehi and Nephi were using the Isaiah scriptures in teaching the family.  Our modern prophets do the same.)

 19 Thy seed also had been as the sand; the offspring of thy bowels like the gravel thereof; his name should not have been cut off nor destroyed from before me.  (Live righteously and the Lord will put a protection around us we won’t have wars that kill our offspring or posterity.  Book of Mormon is testimony to wars caused by unrighteousness.  Lehi family is being preserved fulfilment of prophecy to Abraham.)

 20 Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter to the end of the earth; say ye: The Lord hath redeemed his servant Jacob. (Lehi family is literally fleeing the Chaldeans a people absorbed by the Babylonians.  Jerusalem was going to be attacked by the Babylonians and Lehi’s family left so they would not be attacked. Lehi family would survive because they left Jerusalem and the Book of Mormon tells or sings their history to the ends of the earth.  Repent and declare the gospel to all the earth that is what Israel calling is. Serve missions, serve in the church to help bring the second coming.  Ephraim called to gather the house of Israel last days and the Lord preserved the blood line.)

 21 And they thirsted not; he led them through the deserts; he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them; he clave the rock also and the waters gushed out.  (Lehi was leading his family though the desert like Moses relying on the Lord for directions as it was a non-forgiving desert you could either starve and thirst to death by going the wrong direction.  Moses took direction from the Lord and lead the House of Jacob out of Egypt and the Lord protected them gave them water to survive.  Israel has a purpose to bring God’s children back to him.  If he could lead both Moses the Israelites and Lehi’s family through the deserts, then studying his words can lead us in the right direction.  See how relevant to Lehi’s family the words of Isaiah are and how easy it is for them to liken the words to themselves.  The living waters that we thirst not are the words of the Savior that lead us to salvation.  Example of the Lord telling them former things of Moses water flowing out of a rock which is history to Nephi family but the real known history to the family of Lehi, are relevant to the  words “thirsted not” are reference to the words of the Savior and atonement which is yet future and the Lord is providing knowledge before it comes to pass.)

 22 And notwithstanding he hath done all this, and greater also, there is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked.  (The Lord helped Moses through the desert feeding the people giving them water yet Greater promises of salvation and all the Lord has will go to those who repent and serve the God of Israel.  Nephi’s family had come through the desert just like Moses and this scripture would be very relevant to the family as they lived the prophecy also just like the people of Moses Nephi family able to liken the scripture unto themselves.  Greater than feeding and giving them water is the words and example of the Savior in giving us direction for salvation which is more important than eating and drinking in the eternities.  No peace for the wicked wars and contention when people are wicked no peace.  Book of Mormon testimonial of wars for the wicked.)

There is archeological evidence for Moses in the Bible, and we know that Isaiah was commanded to write his prophesies down. Isaiah list former events of Moses and the exodus to show Gods Power.  

There is real evidence of Moses existence and Isaiah was referencing what God had done for Israel in leading them out of slavery.  Moses was historical to Lehi family and they knew the history of Moses.  Lehi’s family were practicing the Passover and other rituals of Israel.

I Nephi 21 Isaiah 49 Branch of Israel broken off

Summary I Nephi 21

The next Isaiah prophecy I Nephi 21 included is about the branches of Israel broken off and scattered of which Lehi’s family is one of the scattered and broken off branches.  I believe this prophecy is directly about Lehi’s family leaving Jerusalem.  The prophecy is a direct answer to Laman and Lemuel question we do not understand what Father means about the branch broken off.  Had Laman and Lemuel read this scriptures, prayed to understand then the events happening to them would have been obvious that leaving Jerusalem was to preserve them as a branch of Israel.  Their Father has told them they are leaving their home because of the wickedness in Jerusalem and Jerusalem is about to be destroyed.  The family will be one of the preserved of Israel because the family has believed and followed their father.  Nephi and Lehi comprehend this Isaiah prophecy that the family is being preserved and will have a land of promise.  This prophecy of a branch of Israel being broken off is relevant to the storyline as entire Book of Mormon is about what happens to the family after they leave Jerusalem and specifically testifies of Jesus Christs visit to their promised land. 

Historical information

Nephi’s brothers Laman and Lemuel did not understand the concept of them being the branch of Israel being broken off.  See Nephi 15: 6-11 for a review.

 6 And it came to pass that after I had received strength I spake unto my brethren, desiring to know of them the cause of their disputations.

7 And they said: Behold, we cannot understand the words which our father hath spoken concerning the natural branches of the olive tree, and also concerning the Gentiles.

8 And I said unto them: Have ye inquired of the Lord?

9 And they said unto me: We have not; for the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us.

Nephi give this explanation 1 Nephi 15:12 Behold, I say unto you, that the house of Israel was compared unto an olive tree, by the Spirit of the Lord which was in our father; and behold are we not broken off from the house of Israel, and are we not a branch of the house of Israel?

Nephi then amplifies the teachings to his brothers that they are the branch broken off by quoting Isaiah 49 a prophesy made of them over a hundred years previously. 

Archeological and other evidence of branch broken off in America

This website provides 5 compelling evidences for the Book of Mormon.  I have chosen to include the Arabian alter at a crossroad called Nahom as it fits the specific narrative of Nephi’s family traveling through Arabian as they left Jerusalem.   https://www.bookofmormoncentral.org/blog/five-compelling-archeological-evidences-for-the-book-of-mormon

An Arabian altar at a crossroad called Nahom

Okay, we admit, this item is on most lists of Book of Mormon evidences—undoubtedly because it’s so spot-on. Not one, but three ancient altars inscribed with the same three Semitic consonants of the place-name, Nahom, as mentioned in 1 Nephi 16:34. Never mind the lack of vowels in the Hebrew alphabet that might alter the pronunciation: “Ni-ham,” “Nu-heem,” “Nehum”. The coincidence remains staggering. Not only are these altars found in the right place, they date to the right time. If that’s not enough, Nahom itself appears associated with the Hebrew word for “mourning”, which is precisely why the Lehites were there. Nahom was one of the largest burial areas in ancient Southwestern Arabia,6 and the travelers were there to mourn the death of their beloved friend, Ishmael.

Joseph Smith simply could not have known this in 1830. Some of the theories proposed to explain away this coincidence have lower odds than Joseph just making a wild and lucky guess. Want to learn more? Visit our KnoWhy here and watch our Evidences Video on Nahom here.

1 And again: Hearken, O ye house of Israel, all ye that are broken off and are driven out because of the wickedness of the pastors of my people; (Specifically to Lehi family who left the land of their inheritance area of Jerusalem because the priests had become wicked and then traveled through the desert to the sea and across the sea to America.) yea, all ye that are broken off, that are scattered abroad, who are of my people, O house of Israel. Listen, O isles, unto me (Isaiah prophesying to those who are broken off the house of Israel, which is Lehi’s family.  They have left Jerusalem crossed Ocean entered their own promised land.  The reference to Lehi’s family is clear and Nephi wants to make that clear using Isaiah to teach family about scriptures he is likening the scriptures unto themselves.), and hearken ye people from far; the Lord hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.  (Isaiah was from different time and different land, yet he is telling those broken off listen to his prophecies.  The Lord hath called Isaiah and Isaiah is testifying of that fact.  The Lord or Savior Jesus mentions Isaiah’s name in Third Nephi and tells us to study his words “for great are the words of Isaiah”.

Jacob in 2 Nephi 10 explains the branch broken off see verses 1 & 2.

1 And now I, Jacob, speak unto you again, my beloved brethren, concerning this righteous branch of which I have spoken.  (Branch broken off is Jacobs (Lehi) family Isaiah prophecy explained again this is the question Laman and Lemuel didn’t understand, and Jacob is making the answer crystal clear that the branch is their family.)

 2 For behold, the promises which we have obtained are promises unto us according to the flesh; wherefore, as it has been shown unto me that many of our children shall perish in the flesh because of unbelief, nevertheless, God will be merciful unto many; and our children shall be restored, that they may come to that which will give them the true knowledge of their Redeemer.

 2 And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me; (Isaiah’s is testifying of his own words that his prophecies are accurate and will be fulfilled.  Isaiah’s words are both great prophesies for the righteous and terrible for the wicked. Isaiah’s words are difficult to comprehend, take real effort to ponder them, and understand.  Therefore, the words are hiding the real meaning from those not yet ready for an understanding of the prophesies.  Isaiah was a polished shaft in the quiver of the Lord.  Isaiah through prophecy lays outs the Lords plan for the house of Israel from Abraham to the second coming provides guidance and counsel for them and the gentiles.  Isaiah testifying of his prophetic calling and Nephi is emphasizing the Isaiah scriptures to his family.)

3 And said unto me (Isaiah): Thou art my servant, O Israel, In whom I will be glorified.  (The Lord is telling Israel “Lords Servant” through Isaiah that through Israel -Lehi family is house of Manasseh or house of Israel- the world will be blessed with temples, missionaries, established churches.  And significantly the Book of Mormon Nephi’s record a marvelous work and wonder will glorify the Lord.  The Book of Mormon concerns the branch that is broken off.)

 4 Then I (Isaiah) said, I have labored in vain, (Isaiah has taught repentance and prophesied to the people and Israel harden their hearts and therefore most of Israel, is scattered.)  I have spent my strength for naught and in vain; (Isaiah worked tirelessly to teach Israel of the Savior but few there were that would believe.  Isaiah is a servant in the olive tree vineyard working to produce good fruit.  Laman and Lemuel are example in that they have the words of Isaiah but do not comprehend the prophecies concerning their family and the Lord.) surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God. (Isaiah understands the larger view and leaves judgement to the Lord he has done what he was called to do.  Nephi’s understanding took him through the trials, as well as our understanding can take us through trials.)

 5 And now, saith the Lord—that formed me from the womb that I (Isaiah) should be his servant, (called back to service by God after repenting.) to bring Jacob again to him (Isaiah’s Prophesies concerning the branches of Israel broken off, Nephi family worshiping the true God after leaving Jerusalem.)—though Israel be not gathered (Though Israel is scattered through the world.  Lehi’s family now in America a new promised land.), yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, (Nephites “not gathered” will create new scripture testifying of the Savior.  In third Nephi Jesus testifies of the words and work of Isaiah and how important they are to us, Isaiah was glorious in the eyes of the Lord) and my God shall be my strength.  (Nephi has already indicated how important are the words of Isaiah and this additional witness from Isaiah himself of his calling are relevant to the Book of Mormon storyline and why the words of Isaiah are included because they concern directly the family of Lehi.)

 6 And he said: It is a light thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob (The Nephites are the branches grafted in the far reaches of the olive vineyard creating new scripture and good works or good fruit), and to restore the preserved of Israel (Nephi’s family is the preserved by leaving Jerusalem they are now in their own promised land). I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the ends of the earth.  (the Nephite history Book of Mormon scripture testifying of The Savior will be a light to the world a second testimony to the Bible or history of the Jews.)

 7 Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, his Holy One (The Savior speaking), to him whom man despiseth (to Jews who other nations hate we have the history of the Jews in our day and their exterminations. The seed of Lehi’s family Lamanites were hated by the gentiles arriving in the new land America and almost exterminated.), to him whom the nations abhorreth (Juda has gone through several holocausts this is fulfilled prophecy.  Jacob explains next chapter how Juda will be hated by the world.), to servant of rulers (Historically Jewish people for much of its time did not fulfill calling and has been enslaved by other nations or the servant of rulers): Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful. (In the end, all the world will see the salvation of the Lord for Juda.  Israel will fulfill their calling beginning with Ephraim and take gospel to all the earth. Savior will reign as KING of the earth!  Everyone will worship him.  Nephi is teaching family of Savior who has not of yet come to this earth.  Throughout the Book of Mormon, the apostates teach that you cannot know what is to come and how can you know a Savior is coming.  The prophets counter with strong testimony of the Savior.)

 8 Thus saith the Lord: In an acceptable time have I heard thee, (When the time is right for the restoration of the Gospel) O isles of the sea (Nephi knows this refers to his plates and his family’s history or American scripture), and in a day of salvation have I helped thee; (preserved the record Book of Mormon) and I will preserve thee (Book of Mormon preserves record of Nephi people, prophets are taught to preserve the records.), and give thee my servant  (My servant is Joseph Smith a seer will the Lord raise up from Joseph of old to bring forth the word and to convincing them of my word) for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; (the desolate heritages inherited are Nephi’s family record the Book of Mormon.)

 9 That thou mayest to the prisoners: (Salvation for those that lived during the great apostasy and are now dead.  The Book of Mormon, Bible, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price all Scriptures testify of Jesus who will loose the bands of physical death and spiritual death that we prisoners may go forth all who believe living and dead.  This is revelation prophecy of the Saviors mission and power to save us.  Nephi and all the prophets teach of the Savior and temple ordnances for the salvation of the dead.) Go forth; to them that sit in darkness: (At the time of Joseph Smith there were no prophets and world was in darkness.  The believers are to take the Gospel to all the unbelievers.)  Show yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, (words of Savior and prophets are the food) and their pastures shall be in all high places. (Jesus know all his sheep and their pastures.  He will make sure the Gospel and temple learning are taught to them wherever they are.  Nephi is about to begin first temple in new world.  Temple teaches of the plan of salvation, repentance, baptism, atonement, life after life.  We are all prisoners and need the atonement of the Savior.   Nephi uses this prophecy to teach family and prepare them for temple service as can be seen in the next few chapters Nephi builds a temple very unique how Isaiah scriptures are fitting the Book of Mormon story line.)

 10 They shall not hunger nor thirst, neither shall the heat nor the sun smite them; for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them. (Isaiah repeats thoughts for emphasis if you are founded on the words of God you will be filled with the spirit and the heat of what is coming will not alter the testimony of those with strong spiritual strength. A reference to Moses leading Israel through desert and Lord provided water additionally provided spiritual water a method for living life for happiness.  Nephi wants his family including brothers Laman and Lemuel to study the Brass Plates and scriptures pray about them to gain the knowledge and wisdom necessary to live good lives.  Lehi’s family crossed great desert where we know temperatures exceed 110 degrees, water is in short supply and the family could have easily perished in the desert.  They were led by the Lord through the Liahona to springs for water.  This has significant meaning to Lehi and his family both physically and spiritually.)

 11 And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted. (Mountains often refer to Temples where we obtain higher knowledge and wisdom.  If we follow the wisdom and covenants of the temple, live the commandments the highway leads to exaltation.  Nephi loves his Brothers and family trying his hardest to teach them with Isaiah’s words.  Book of Mormon timeline Nephi has just built temple for greater knowledge and wisdom about God.  The family worshiped at Solomon’s temple before it was destroyed by the Babylonians.  Definite fit to Book of Mormon timeline with Nephi building temple similar Solomon’s.)

 12 And then, (Last days scattering done gathering begins) O house of Israel, behold, these shall come from far; and lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim.  (Revelation of Last days Nephi teaching that even though they were broken off and scattered a day would come when a gathering would occur.  Israel will be gathered from all the earth.  Sinim my understanding is southern China.  Juda specifically being gathered to Jerusalem note from after Parley Pratt’s blessing how significant the gathering is and how United States and Great Britain participated the gathering as nursing mothers and fathers. History of modern Israel after world war II. We know form the prophets gathering is taken place in peoples own lands east, west, north south.)

 13 Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; for the feet of those who are in the east shall be established; and break forth into singing, O mountains; for they shall be smitten no more; for the Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.  (Isaiah’s revelations allowed him to see the full history of Israel from Abraham through our day.  Whether the Jews or the American Indians descendants of Israel who became unrighteous we know have been greatly afflicted.  We know in the last days that the gospel will go forth and not stopped by anyone or anything.  The Lord will have mercy and restore the true gospel.  The Book of Mormon is key to this restoration and that is Nephi plates.  This scripture is about the restoration and the final gathering of Israel with the building of temples and the Saints established in the tops of the mountains.  Israel has been afflicted and conquered because of their wickedness but in the end will have a righteous posterity to take the Gospel to all the world.  Nephi will in chapter 29 of second Nephi verse 5 explain the prophecy and that the gentiles hated Jews.)

 14 But, behold, Zion hath said: The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me—but he will show that he hath not.  (Specific prophecy to the branches that are broken off.  Nephites have left their promised land of Jerusalem and are they now forsaken has the Lord forgotten them?  See John 10: 15-16 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And other Sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice: and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.)

 15 For can a woman forget her child, that should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel.  (Vivid imagery of God’s Love even greater than a Mothers for her new born baby. The Nephites are not a forgotten branch the Lord Jesus Christ will visit them in their promised land after his mortal mission among the Jews. The vast majority of us have felt the Love of a loving caring mother and know how great that love is.  The Lord is telling us his love is greater than the love a mother has for her child.  Lehi family left Jerusalem for the safety of the wilderness and a great new promised land shows the Lord’s love for he will minister among them in their own land.)

 16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me. (In 3 Nephi 11 this prophecy is fulfilled the Nephites are allowed to thrust your hand in my side and feel the prints of the nails in the Savior hands showing that all people even those broken off are part of the Lord’s flock and He is the shepherd.) 

 17 Thy children shall make haste against thy destroyers; and they that made thee waste shall go forth of thee.  (Children are the seed of Lehi’s family really all the house of Israel and all the kindreds of the earth will be blessed.)

18 Lift up thine eyes round about and behold; (Look and see, read the scriptures know the prophesies) all these gather themselves together, and they shall come to thee. (Israel will be gathered in the last days with Ephraim starting and gathering all the other tribes and gentiles.  Isaiah has seen the gathering to the Salt Lake valley the desert blooming) And as I live, saith the Lord, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on even as a bride.  (Choice souls left for these last days to prepare world for second coming.  This is the righteous souls doing good works seed of Abraham fulfilling the covenant.  Israel is now the beautiful bride waiting for the Lord and preparing for his coming.)

 19 For thy waste and thy desolate places, and the land of thy destruction, shall even now be too narrow by reason of the inhabitants; and they that swallowed thee up shall be far away.  (Nephi teaching his people about the return to Jerusalem in last days this is the city they left.  As Juda “Jews” return to Israel the land does not have enough room for them.  They are building new settlements in the area taken during the 1967 war, and more Jewish people are immigrating to the holy land.  Those nations that swallowed up Israel are not capable of stopping the Jewish immigration.  The Venezuelan Jews because of the economic situation are moving to Israel by the thousands to escape deepening poverty.  Nephi let’s his family know the revelations of their ancestral land.) 

 20 The children (seed of Abraham Israel) whom thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the first (after the apostasy), shall again in thine ears say: The place is too strait for me; give place to me that I may dwell.  (Anciently the land of Israel was given to them by the Lord.  The promised land of America was given to the Nephi’s family.  The growth of the church will be great in last days, numerous wards and stakes specifically Salt Lake valley spreading out.  The immigrants into Israel will ask for room to build settlements.  New stakes will be created for all the saints and the gathering will be to each country of descent so there is room for the people.)

 21 Then shalt thou say in thine heart: Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? (Israel was defeated, captured, the people taken from the land and the land left desolate a fulfillment we know happened after Lehi’s family left Jerusalem.  This part of the revelation concerning Israel has been fulfilled.  Now in these last days we see Israel now as the beautiful bride is having children the church is growing and expanding.  People are converted and living the Gospel to the best of their ability serving in the church.) And who hath brought up these?  (Joseph Smith restored the gospel and started the gathering a fulfillment of revelation.  Prophets and missionaries are serving and teaching the Gospel.) Behold, I (Jesus left alone to complete the atonement) was left alone; these, where have they been?  (where were all these righteous souls.)

 22 Thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, (Gentiles a mighty nation United States on the land of the Nephites a place that the Church of Jesus Christ may be formed because of the freedoms from the constitution.  It’s now time to take the Gospel to all the world same thing as Peter vision) and set up my standard (Standard is our government with the constitution providing freedom to set up the Lords Church.) to the people; and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.  (Gentiles will first scatter the seed of Nephi but then a marvelous work will be done among them that will be of great worth and the gentile will assist in the gathering and restoration of Jews to their homeland. The full restoration of the Gospel that starts with the first vision, Moroni a righteous Nephite visit and the translation of the book of Mormon.)

 23 And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers; (Multiple fulfillments of this prophecy are known today.  We are promised to become Kings and Queens if we live the covenants we make in temple.  The family becomes first, and we take care of our children teaching them the doctrine of the kingdom of God.  Anciently King Cyrus 530 BC 70 years after Nephi left Jerusalem made it possible for the Israelites to return to the homeland and build the temple for Jesus coming in the meridian of time.  Queen Ester lived 520 BC 80 years after Nephi left Jerusalem saved the Israelites from death and destruction so they could return to Jerusalem.  Why would these names and deeds be preserved except to verify the fulfillment of prophecy?  England with its Monarchy was the country to help Juda establish Israel as a homeland for the Jews.  Many of the European countries helped and the US has been a major friend of Israel, more about US and Israel in Isaiah 11.) they shall bow down to thee with their face towards the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the Lord; (All people will know the Savior when he returns) for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.  (The Lord Jesus will fight the battles in the last days for the righteous.  The righteous will look forward to the Saviors return.)

This is archeological evidence of King Cyrus who was prophesied by Isaiah by name in Isaiah 45:1. This prophecy was yet future to Nephi family, but we know it was fulfilled perfectly with the Name of the King Cyrus.

 24 For shall the prey be taken from the mighty (prey-Israel taken from the mighty-stronger enemy nations- US war of independence Ephraim defeated Great Britain and War of 1967 Israel wins against multiple nations.), or the lawful captives delivered?  (Lords covenant people set free to preach to the nations.)

 25 But thus saith the Lord, even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.  (Isaiah repeats the thought and adds that the Lord will fight battles and delivers physically as well as spiritually.  In the last days Israel will be gathered, and the Lord will protect them if they worship him.)

 26 And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; (1 Nephi 22: 14 “And every nation which shall war against thee , O house of Israel, shall be turned one against another, and they shall fall into the pit which they digged to ensnare the people of the Lord.”  The enemies of Israel will fight amongst themselves examples are Syria ISIS fighting Bashar al-Assad government destroying Syria and in Iraq the Iraq government fighting the Islamic State.  Iraq and Iran fighting each other.) they shall be drunken with their own blood as with sweet wine; (ISIS fighting other Islamic states and the mind set of brutal ISIS) and all flesh shall know that I, the Lord, am thy Savior and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.  (The Savior will return as King of Kings and rule all the Earth.  The nations will combine against Juda but after the Savior wins the battle the armies that were fighting Israel will turn on themselves.)

Savior with nail prints in the palms of his hand Isaiah 740 years before the crucifixion seen and prophesied concerning the sacrifice the Jesus the Christ would make.

Today there is substantial archeological evidence of the Book of Mormon and Lehi family coming to America.

In 2 Nephi 10 Jacob make crystal clear that the branch broken off referenced in Isaiah 49 is his family or the family of Lehi that left Jerusalem for a new promised land.  The promised land is the United States and Jacob is clarifying the blessing on America.  I have included all of Chapter 10 later even though it is not an Isaiah prophecy the chapter is great in explaining the Isaiah prophecies in greater detail and plainness.

Jacob, Nephi’s faithful brother in 2 Nephi 6 explains Isaiah’s prophecy to his people as do our prophets today.

Jacob recounts Jewish history matching it to the prophesies of Isaiah: The Babylonian captivity and return; the ministry and crucifixion of the Holy One of Israel; the help received from the Gentiles; and the Jews’ latter-day restoration when they believe in the Messiah. About 559–545 B.C.

The Chapters that do not quote Isaiah by verbatim in the Book of Mormon are actually commentary of the prophecies and should be used to know the actual meaning of the Isaiah verses that are quoted.  As all prophets do, Jacob is explaining what Isaiah is prophesying about in more understandable words for his people. History of Juda includes facts that Juda crucifies their King and Savior. Isaiah prophecies are concerning Jewish or Israel history and if you match Jacob’s recount of Jewish history you see the fulfillments of the Isaiah prophecies.

 1 The words of Jacob, the brother of Nephi, which he spake unto the people of Nephi:

 2 Behold, my beloved brethren, I, Jacob, having been called of God, and ordained after the manner of his holy order, and having been consecrated by my brother Nephi, unto whom ye look as a king or a protector, and on whom ye depend for safety, behold ye know that I have spoken unto you exceedingly many things.

 3 Nevertheless, I speak unto you again; for I am desirous for the welfare of your souls. Yea, mine anxiety is great for you; and ye yourselves know that it ever has been. For I have exhorted you with all diligence; and I have taught you the words of my father; and I have spoken unto you concerning all things which are written, from the creation of the world.

 4 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. And they are the words which my brother has desired that I should speak unto you. And I speak unto you for your sakes, that ye may learn and glorify the name of your God.  (Prophecies of Isaiah that have been fulfilled and other prophecies that will yet be fulfilled.  Jacob uses the scriptures and concentrates on the words of Isaiah to teach his family about the Lord Jesus Christ.)

 5 And now, the words which I shall read are they which Isaiah spake concerning all the house of Israel; wherefore, they may be likened unto you, for ye are of the house of Israel. And there are many things which have been spoken by Isaiah which may be likened unto you, because ye are of the house of Israel. (almost repeating the first verses of Isaiah 48)

 6 And now, these are the words: Thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people; and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.  (Jacob giving his people hope that in the last days the Gospel will be restored through the Plates of Nephi will be translated into Book of Mormon and the Book of Mormon used to teach their descendants.  Righteous Mothers and Fathers doing their best to bring up the offspring in the Gospel.)

 7 And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers; (Lehi leaves Jerusalem and Jerusalem is destroyed by Assyrian King.  Then King Cyrus of Persia helps the Jews to be restored to their lands and Jerusalem. Queen Esther helps save the Jews so that they can be restored.  Jacob tells his people Jerusalem has been destroyed he has seen that in vision.  And in our day US and England help restore the Jews to the land of their inheritance. ) they shall bow down to thee with their faces towards the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the Lord; for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.  (Israel-Juda defeated all of its Arab neighbors in the 1967 war to gain land necessary for the return of more Jews to the lands of their inheritance.  Additionally, the Savior will return as King of Kings and all will worship him.)

 8 And now I, Jacob, would speak somewhat concerning these words. For behold, the Lord has shown me that those who were at Jerusalem, from whence we came, have been slain and carried away captive.  (History has recorded that the Jews were conquered by Babylon around 592 BC and taken captive including Daniel and his friends that were taken to the Kings Court. The family are the preserved of Israel Jerusalem was destroyed as prophesied.)

 9 Nevertheless, the Lord has shown unto me that they should return again. And he also has shown unto me that the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, should manifest himself unto them in the flesh; and after he should manifest himself they should scourge him and crucify him, according to the words of the angel who spake it unto me.  (The Jews are saved by Queen Esther while in captivity. The Jews return to Jerusalem assisted by King Cyrus who Isaiah prophesies of by name.   They rebuild temple but are ruled by Rome when the Savior comes amidst them.  We know the Jewish leadership Pharasees and Saducees plot and have the Savior crucified.

 10 And after they have hardened their hearts and stiffened their necks against the Holy One of Israel, behold, the judgments of the Holy One of Israel shall come upon them. And the day cometh that they shall be smitten and afflicted.  (History again proves the prophesies to be accurate as after the Savior was crucified the Jewish nation was conquered and scattered.  Even with all this the Jews have maintained their ancestral lineage which is a miracle within its self.)

 11 Wherefore, after they are driven to and fro, for thus saith the angel, many shall be afflicted in the flesh, and shall not be suffered to perish, because of the prayers of the faithful; they shall be scattered, and smitten, and hated; nevertheless, the Lord will be merciful unto them, that when they shall come to the knowledge of their Redeemer, they shall be gathered together again to the lands of their inheritance. (Jacob provides a perfect description of the fulfillments even before they happened.  Jewish people are hatred today by the Islamic nations, just a few years back Nazi Germany slaughtered them by the millions.  Anti- Semitism is on the rise worldwide and yet the Jewish people are being gathered to their lands as prophesied.)

 12 And blessed are the Gentiles, they of whom the prophet has written; for behold, if it so be that they shall repent and fight not against Zion, and do not unite themselves to that great and abominable church, they shall be saved; for the Lord God will fulfil his covenants which he has made unto his children; and for this cause the prophet has written these things.  (Make no mistake there is an Abominable church and that is led by Satan with his priesthoods.  There are counterfeits for all that is good.  Satan reigns with violence and terror.  Gentiles- are all other peoples than Jews because the rest of Israel has lost their identity.)  

 13 Wherefore, they that fight against Zion and the covenant people of the Lord shall lick up the dust of their feet; and the people of the Lord shall not be ashamed. For the people of the Lord are they who wait for him; for they still wait for the coming of the Messiah.  (HOW ACCURATE THE PROPHECY explanations – the Jews are still waiting for the coming of the Messiah.)

 14 And behold, according to the words of the prophet, the Messiah will set himself again the second time to recover them; wherefore, he will manifest himself unto them in power and great glory, unto the destruction of their enemies, when that day cometh when they shall believe in him; and none will he destroy that believe in him. (See the pattern Jacob amplifies and explains the scripture much as President Hinckley has done for us with the vision of Joel in his conference talk of October 2001,)

 15 And they that believe not in him shall be destroyed, both by fire, and by tempest, and by earthquakes, and by bloodsheds, and by pestilence, and by famine. And they shall know that the Lord is God, the Holy One of Israel.  (Calamities are coming we need to be prepared be out of debt, have food storage and repent be obedient.  In this chapter we see the prophesies and are able to see the fulfillments which should provide us with faith to know of the fulfillments of the prophesies yet to come.)

 16 For shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered?  (Israel is the prey of the nations, lawful captive is the covenant people they are to be delivered by God.)

 17 But thus saith the Lord: Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; for the Mighty God shall deliver his covenant people. For thus saith the Lord: I will contend with them that contendeth with thee—

 18 And I will feed them that oppress thee, with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood as with sweet wine; and all flesh shall know that I the Lord am thy Savior and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.

(What a great summary of the words of Nephi teachings concerning the Isaiah scriptures quoted earlier that Jacob now repeats and provides enlightenment on.  Our prophets today quote scripture and interpret the meaning for us.  This is precisely what Jacob has just completed a summary of the history of Israel from the beginning.  From covenant people to disobedient, scattered-smitten hated, then gathered and becoming the covenant people again and the Lord fighting the battles for the believers.)

2 Nephi 7 Isaiah 50 Jews wickedness

Summary of Prophecy

The Isaiah 50 prophecy concerns the Jews who are left in Jerusalem that divorce themselves from their God.  Nephi’s family would have been interested concerning the people and land they left.  Prophecies of how wicked the Jews will be as they are the only nation wicked enough to crucify their God.   Jacob has just explained this prophecy 2 Nephi 6:9 “Nevertheless, the Lord has shown unto me that they should return again. And he also has shown unto me that the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, should manifest himself unto them in the flesh; and after he should manifest himself they should scourge him and crucify him, according to the words of the angel who spake it unto me.”   In 600 BC Nephi and Jacob completely understand Isaiah prophecy of the Savior and how the Jews will treat him.  I am sure the Savior during his mortal life would have completely understood the prophecy of him being spit on, giving his back to the smiter and known of the coming atonement.  The Savior knew he had the power to control the heavens and earth, the power to dry up the sea.  Even with this foreknowledge he moved ahead, set his face like flint and completed the atonement for us. The Savior had already earned his Godhood and completed the atonement totally out of love for us.

Historical events

The entire New Testament testifies of the events of Jesus life in Jerusalem among the Jews that match this prophecy.  Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John each give their own views of Jesus life that match the prophecy.  The Savior was the sacrificial lamb of God for our sins.  The Old Testament and the law of sacrifice also testify of the Savior and his role as our Savior.

Archaeological Evidence Supporting The New Testament

Within the last few decades, several pieces of archaeological evidence have been discovered which support the biblical accounts in the New Testament. These include:

• A skeleton of a crucifixion victim with a nail still in the foot, and nail holes in the wrist/hand bones.
• A marble slab with a decree from Caesar Claudius in c.41-54 AD, found in Nazareth, declaring grave-robbing to be a capital offense.
• The pool of Bethesda.
• The pool of Siloam.
• A stone monument naming Pontius Pilate, the Roman leader who sentenced Jesus to death.
• A stone ossuary containing the skeleton of Caiaphas, the Jewish High Priest at the time of Christ.

The New Testament mentions all of these in one degree or another.

 1 Yea, for thus saith the Lord: Have I put thee away, or have I cast thee off forever? (The symbolism of marriage between the Lord and Israel His question have I cast you off or divorced Israel.  Marriage between a man and woman has existed since the beginning and the imagery is understandable by all peoples.) For thus saith the Lord: Where is the bill of your mother’s divorcement? What proof do you have that I am not your God you have left me I have not left you?) To whom have I put thee away, or to which of my creditors have I sold you? Yea, to whom have I sold you? (The Lord has not given up on us he continues to love us even when we leave him.  Israel left the Lord to worship idols other gods such as “Sin” the Moon god or God of Babylon.) Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away. (When we transgress, we move away from the Lord, yet he is always there if we return and repent.  True sign of love from Savior.  Jacob wants family to know about the Savior these Isaiah scriptures are great for teaching about the Savior and remember they were written long before the Savior Jesus came to earth.  How accurate are these prophesies looking back from our point of view?  Nephites were looking forward but knew of the wickedness in Jerusalem and the Prophecies that Jerusalem would be destroyed, and Israel taken captive.) 

 2 Wherefore, when I came, there was no man; when I called, yea, there was none to answer. O house of Israel (The Nation of Israel was disobedient and not answering to the Lord it is for this reason Lehi family had to leave Jerusalem), is my hand shortened at all that it cannot redeem, or have I no power to deliver (The Lord has the power to redeem or deliver us but we must be obedient his ability is not shortened ever had Juda been obedient they would not have been conquered by Assyria Jacob makes this point to his people)? Behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make their rivers a wilderness and their fish to stink because the waters are dried up, and they die because of thirst. (The Savior is the creator of the earth he has all power to dry up the sea like for Moses, is able dry up Rivers for Joshua to cross the Jordan all historical facts to Nephi family these events are in the brass plates.  Statements as to the Savior powers we know of the miracles he did while in the flesh.  This all goes to the fact the Savior allowed himself to go through the trials voluntarily out of love for us.)

 3 I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering. (Statement of the Savior’s Great Power that he is completing the atonement voluntarily.)

 4 The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned (Father in Heaven gave his Son Jesus the knowledge, wisdom, and ability to teach us the plan of salvation,) that I should know how to speak a word in season unto thee, O house of Israel  (The Savior knows the beginning to the end and has the ability to give us information as we need knowledge and wisdom.  Father in Heaven gave him the visions to know all John 7:17 My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me). When ye are weary he waketh morning by morning. (When we don’t know which way to go are tired, He will provide us with wisdom and knowledge.) He waketh mine ear to hear as the learned.  (The Savior will provide us with knowledge and wisdom of the ages as we study and learn from the prophets and the Saviors words directly.)

 5 The Lord God hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.  (Again Heavenly Father opened the Saviors understanding, let him know of his calling and the Savior was not rebellious even with the great requirement of the atonement he was to face.  From our perspective we know He did face and accomplish the atonement for us.)

 6 I gave my back to the smiter, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair. I hid not my face from shame and spitting.  (Isaiah wrote these Prophecies during his live 740-681 hundreds of years before Jesus came to earth and look how accurate the events are:  His accusers whipped him on the back, plucked off the hair from his beard, spit at him in the face and He endured all knowing his true purpose.  The new testament is evidence of the fulfillment of this prophecy!)

 7 For the Lord God will help me, (Jesus knew his Father in Heaven would guide and help him.) therefore shall I not be confounded. Therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. (The Savior had a calling from Heavenly Father, and he set his goals and accomplished them.  Put his eyes forward moving always in the direction of perfect obedience.)

 8 And the Lord is near, and he justifieth me.  (Our Heaven Father testified of Jesus “This is my beloved Son hear HIM” at his baptism “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased”.)  Who will contend with me? Let us stand together. (Savior with is power wants to stand together with us He is our Advocate, Redeemer and Savior.)   Who is mine adversary? Let him come near me, and I will smite him with the strength of my mouth.  (The Lord our Savior has more power than Satan we need to remember and be obedient.)

 9 For the Lord God will help me. And all they who shall condemn me, behold, all they shall wax old as a garment, and the moth shall eat them up.  (Heavenly Father and the Savior are united and all that fight against them will not have eternal life.  There is no one who has the ability to change the course our Heavenly Father has set.)

 10 Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness and hath no light?  (If we respect the Lord, obey his Prophets as Him then we will not walk in darkness we will have the light.)

 11 Behold all ye that kindle fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks, walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks which ye have kindled.  (If we try to live by that which we think right in our own view then we will not have the knowledge and wisdom that comes from studying the words of the Savior.  Refers to the Moral relativism that occurs as society becomes wicked.  Today a headline reads “Gay activist says it’s time to target Christians; Time to punish the wicked”)  This shall ye have of mine hand—ye shall lie down in sorrow. (We will be sorry if we don’t spend time in scriptures to gain testimony and strength to withstand all the fiery dart coming.)

2 Nephi 8 Isaiah 51 and 52: 1-2 Prophesy of living Righteously brings blessings.

Summary

Isaiah 51 and 52 1-2 is a great prophecy for the righteous covenant peoples as the righteous are promised prosperity, lands to live, be safe and live in joy and happiness.  I see Nephi using this to teach his family about their new land and future life.  The prophecy has an example how the Lord provided miracles to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and Nephi’s family will be going through the desert guided by the Liahona very similar to Israel leaving Egypt.  Looking from our perspective and knowing the complete storyline throughout the Book of Mormon and the cycles of righteousness and pride and the families struggles in the desert we see how the prophecy is relevant and why Nephi would include the prophecy.

Historical

Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon have significant evidence that living righteously will result in prosperity.  There continues to be evidence found of a great society that lived in the Mississippi Valley that was technically advanced working metal and trading goods and services worldwide during the period of the Book of Mormon 600 BC to 400 AD

Researchers studying Mississippians Cahokian mounds found that the civilization was working copper in southwestern Illinois

Archaeology

Clay Tablets Offer Ancient Data concerning Abraham

Among these artifacts are some 20,000 clay tablets found deep inside in the ruins of the city of Mari in today’s Syria. According to The Biblical World, Mari was located on the Euphrates River some 30 miles north of the border between Syria and Iraq. In its time, Mari was a key center on the trade routes between Babylon, Egypt and Persia (today’s Iran).

Mari was the capital of King Zimri-Lim in the 18th century B.C. until it was conquered and destroyed by King Hammurabi. In the late 20th century A.D., French archaeologists looking for Mari dug through centuries of sand to uncover Zimri-Lim’s former palace. Deep within the ruins, they discovered tablets written in an ancient cuneiform script, one of the first forms of writing.

Some of the tablets have been dated back 200 years before Zimri-Lim’s time, which would place them around the same time that the Bible says Abraham’s family departed Ur. Information translated from the Mari tablets would seem to indicate that the Sumerian Ur, not Ur of the Chaldeans, is more likely the place where Abraham and his family started their journey.

1 Hearken unto me, ye that follow after righteousness. Look unto the rock from whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit from whence ye are digged.  (The Nephites were trying to be righteous live the Abrahamic covenant.  Jacob telling his family to listen and obey.  In the last days there will be righteous people of the House of Israel.  When we listen, and obey we become part to the rock and like the Savior.  Nephi family is following after righteousness in following Lehi leaving Jerusalem the ancient, promised land, going into the desert and then across the sea to their new promised land.)

 2 Look unto Abraham, your father, and unto Sarah, she that bare you; for I called him alone, and blessed him. (Many of our blessing come through the birthright of Abraham.  We are promised lands and Lehi family has new land to call home that has many riches.  Also, if we keep the commandments, we have been promised prosperity, Nephi and Jacob enforcing the concept that their family is member of Israel and covenant lineage of Abraham.)

 3 For the Lord shall comfort Zion, he will comfort all her waste places (The righteous will understand the purpose of life and be comforted through trials and will gather Israel and move them from place to place to increase righteousness or bring forth good fruit.); and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord (Nephi’s family has this new rich land he has stated that crops grow well and that there is an abundance of precious metals in the new promised land of theirs.  Brigham Young seen in vision the Salt Lake valley blossom and turn a desert into a garden.  Saints are taught to be industrious when and wherever they are.  Nephi told us of his new home after leaving Laman and Lemuel how they built a beautiful city). Joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving and the voice of melody.  (When we live righteously the Lord protects and prospers his people there is happiness and contentment wherever we live if we are obedient.  We know the Saints are gathering to their own lands a fulfillment of the tame and wild olive trees.  Modern prophets have told us to gather in our own lands, literal fulfillment of the tame and wild olive allegory.  It makes sense to me that Nephi and Jacob used this scripture to teach the people about being happy in their new land.)

 4 Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me (These are the righteous people who will listen) , O my nation; for a law shall proceed from me (Savior calls his people his nation and he will be the law giver.), and I will make my judgment to rest for a light for the people. (The righteous receive more light “knowledge and wisdom” from the Savior.  In the last days there will be continuous light and knowledge coming to the earth from our Savior.)

 5 My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth (Nephi family saved by being righteous and obeying the commandment to leave Jerusalem.  Salvation follows righteousness no matter the land we live in.), and mine arm shall  judge the people (Jerusalem was judged and found guilty and destroyed). The isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust. (Nephi and family were driven out of the land and led to a better land across the sea an isle because they trusted in the Lord.  Gathering of Israel last days, the people trust and obey the Lord. The Lord knows where his sheep reside.)

 6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath; for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment; and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner.  (The Earth like us has a temporal life and will get old and die.  Even the Universe has limited existence, but God lives forever and is based on righteous principals.) But my salvation shall be forever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.  (Worshipping and obeying God will gain us salvation and the ability to live in righteousness with him what a glorious promise!)

 7 Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart I have written my law, fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.  (These Isaiah prophecies were Nephi’s scriptures and we know he studied and believed them he was not afraid of Laban.  The Lord has the intent and ability to save us as we live righteously we need to have the faith and trust in him.  This comes with obedience and righteous living and the more we live that way the more we know, and faith becomes written in our hearts we look forward to our salvation and fear not as we know real life goes on.)

 8 For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool. (Men who revile and reproach the righteous will be destroyed even if by natural means controlled by the Lord. The wicked will vanish away and there will be no place for them.) But my righteousness shall be forever, and my salvation from generation to generation. (Perfectly fitting in the story line, Nephi’s courage throughout his life comes from knowing the scriptures and trusting in the Lord.  The righteous know that God will support them forever in their righteousness.  The priesthood was with Adam in the beginning and will be everlasting.)

 9 Awake, awake! Put on strength, O arm of the Lord; awake as in the ancient days. Art thou not he that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon?  (The Lord is more powerful than Satan “Dragon” and he cast him out of Heaven down to the earth.  Agency is important, and the dragon wanted to take away our ability to make choices.)

 10 Art thou not he who hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over? (Past evidence the Lord has the power he parted the sea for Moses and Israelites to cross over.  Savior can help the righteous, the repentant those he has ransomed through his atonement to live again with him.  Nephi’s family celebrates the Passover and knows the history of Moses well.  Nephi is teaching family from past events their scriptural past)

 11 Therefore, the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; (Nephi family was redeemed for believing in prophecy and leaving Jerusalem.  The righteous will be gathered in happiness and will join the Church of Jesus Christ) and everlasting joy and holiness shall be upon their heads; (The gospel provides the best way to live in joy and happiness, obedience doesn’t create problems and when problems come the knowledge and wisdom generated from living the law provides a greater ability to handle life’s issues.) and they shall obtain gladness and joy; sorrow and mourning shall flee away. (A complete understanding the plan of salvation helps reduce sadness when we lose loved ones to death.  Nephi has lost his dad his wife has lost her Dad and we know the trials were great coming to the promised land these scriptures fit the story line.)

 12 I am he; yea, I am he that comforteth you. (The Lord wants us to worship him and know He has the power for Salvation, there is solace in believing in our Savior and his work.) Behold, who art thou, that thou shouldst be afraid of man, who shall die, and of the son of man, who shall be made like unto grass?  (Nephi to get the brass plates from Laban had faith and believed in this scripture.  This scripture and his personal experiences living the gospel gave him his courage and drive to get the plates.  All men die even the most powerful and rich will die and go before the judgement of the Savior.  We need to have the courage and faith to not be ashamed of the Lord because someone may point fingers and mock as we live the Gospel.  Men will die and Satan will be conquered totally. The wicked will vanish, like the grass.  Nephi’s life a great example of believing in the Lord and not fearing man.  I am sure Nephi read and understood this scripture well and lived his life accordingly.)

13 And forgettest the Lord thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth, and hast feared continually every day, because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? And where is the fury of the oppressor? (The priests in Jerusalem had forgotten the Savior and were having the people worship idols when Nephi lived in Jerusalem.  Remember the Lord our maker who has the power and created Heaven and Earth and we will not fear man or Satan that attempt to oppress us. Laban tried to oppress Nephi from getting the plates but Nephi’s faith in the Lord was able to complete his task to obtain the plates.)

 14 The captive exile hasteneth, that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail. (Israel hastened out of the captivity of Egypt, the Lord fed them with manna from heaven, Jacob knows Jesus is the living bread that following the Savior we will not die in the pit.  Jacob also knows Jerusalem is now captive of the Babylonians because of the Jews wickedness, and that the family escaped captivity because of a righteous father prophet who led them.  Even though the Jews have been taken captive the Savior or living bread will not forget them he fed Israel mana in the desert and he will deliver the Jews again.  Most important of all is the understanding explained in, “ 2 Nephi 9:12 And this death of which I have spoken, which is the spiritual death, shall deliver up its dead; which spiritual death is hell; wherefore, death and hell must deliver up their dead, and hell must deliver up its captive spirits, and the grave must deliver up its captive bodies, and the bodies and the spirits of men will be restored one to the other; and it is by the power of the resurrection of the Holy One of Israel.”  Jacob explains simply what this verse means.  Jesus was yet future to them and they were trying to understand life and death and Jesus Great role in the plan of salvation.)

 15 But I am the Lord thy God, whose waves roared; the Lord of Hosts is my name. (Speaking to the righteous telling them He is our God who opened the ocean and then closed them on the Egyptians.  Nephi and Jacob teaching family of the protection of God when we live righteously.)

 16 And I have put my words in thy mouth, and have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion: Behold, thou art my people. (Nephi family “God’s people” have the scriptures God’s words because Nephi’s efforts to obtain the brass plates they have a new land or foundation or Zion place on earth to live and will be protected if they live righteously.)

 17 Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the Lord the cup of his fury—thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling wrung out—(Refers to Tribe of Juda and latter day Jerusalem.  The tribe of Juda specifically has been hated and persecuted because of disobedience but after the trials and scattering will be brought to salvation.  Both Nephi and Jacob have told us they have witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem because of the peoples continued wickedness they have seen the Lords fury see 2 Nephi 6 for explanations of this Isaiah scripture.  From our perspective and history, we have seen and know how Juda, or the Jews have been hated the Romans killed at least a million after the Saviors death, the Nazi’s put them in concentration camps and killed thousands, thousands were killed in turkey.  Yet the Jews maintain their identity and we will witness the fulfillment of all prophecies concerning them.)

 18 And none to guide her among all the sons she hath brought forth; neither that taketh her by the hand, of all the sons she hath brought up. (Juda will have no prophets to lead them until just before the return of the Savior?)

 19 These two sons are come unto thee, who shall be sorry for thee—thy desolation and destruction, and the famine and the sword—and by whom shall I comfort thee? (Jerusalem in the last days great battle will be protected by two prophets who hold great power will come to Jerusalem. John the Revelator gave the most detailed picture of these two participants. They are called the “two witnesses,” the “two olive trees” and the “two candlesticks” (Revelation 11:3–4). Latter-day revelation teaches that they are “two prophets . . . raised up to the Jewish nation” who will “prophesy to [them] after they are gathered and have built . . . Jerusalem” (Doctrine and Covenants 77:15). Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote, Interesting that the name of one of the Prophets is David and in the last days there will be a righteous King that takes King David’s place who’s, name will be David.  The family name Bednar is a Jewish name and his first name is David just an interesting fact to consider and watch.)

 20 Thy sons have fainted, save these two; they lie at the head of all the streets; as a wild bull in a net, they are full of the fury of the Lord, the rebuke of thy God.  (These two Prophets will be from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. These prophets will have power to pronounce great judgments upon the earth (see Revelation 11:5–6). They shall have power like Elijah who called down fire from heaven to consume his enemies, and who sealed the heavens that it rained not in all Israel for the space of three and a half years.)

 21 Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken, and not with wine  (Juda hear the message you have been afflicted and in a stupor not knowing the true God.)

 22 Thus saith thy Lord, the Lord and thy God pleadeth the cause of his people; behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again. (The Lord will help in the gathering of Juda.  The gathering of the Jews is apparent with current news of what is happening in modern day Israel.  The Lords hand is apparent in the protection of Juda or what we know as Israel today. For all repentant people the Lord Jesus Christ is our advocate with the Father as he has satisfied the law of Justice and taken our sins on him.)

 23 But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict; who have said to thy soul: Bow down, that we may go over—and thou hast laid thy body as the ground and as the street to them that went over.  (Through history the Jews have been hated and walked on and have not been strong enough to resist.  German holocaust.  Roman occupation.  Persian conquest.  Syrian conquest)

 24 Awake, awake, put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city; for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.  (Build the new temple, worship the true God Jesus Christ and I will protect you.)

 25 Shake thyself from the dust; arise, sit down, O Jerusalem; loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion. (Change learn of ME, repent.  Lehi’s family came out of Jerusalem and I am sure they were interested in the prophecies concerning the city.)

Chapter 9 Jacob explains Isaiah Prophecy

Jacob explains that the Jews will be gathered in all their lands of promise—The Atonement ransoms man from the Fall—The bodies of the dead will come forth from the grave, and their spirits from hell and from paradise—They will be judged—The Atonement saves from death, hell, the devil, and endless torment—The righteous are to be saved in the kingdom of God—Penalties for sins are set forth—The Holy One of Israel is the keeper of the gate. About 559–545 B.C

Isaiah 53 would fit following 52 and Isaiah 53 is the prophecy Abinidi quotes to King Noah concerning the atonement of Jesus.  Jacob is clarifying the Isaiah prophecies concerning Jesus and his purpose relative to us and how his suffering was required.  Jacob sermon helps tremendously with the understanding of the symbols and words of Isaiah especially the Savior’s roll in our lives.  Jacob is adding flesh to the bones of Isaiah symbols.

 1 And now, my beloved brethren, I have read these things that ye might know concerning the covenants of the Lord that he has covenanted with all the house of Israel—(Jacob is explaining the covenant with the house of Israel and will use Isaiah prophecies to show the meaning of the covenant.  Isaiah prophecies to be taught the people and now recorded as 2 Nephi 12-24.)

 2 That he has spoken unto the Jews, by the mouth of his holy prophets, even from the beginning down, from generation to generation, until the time comes that they shall be restored to the true church and fold of God; when they shall be gathered home to the lands of their inheritance, and shall be established in all their lands of promise.  (Confirms the prophecy in Isaiah 48 and 1 Nephi 20 of the Lords ability to prophecy unto the Jews past and future events so they may know of Gods workings among them.)

 3 Behold, my beloved brethren, I speak unto you these things that ye may rejoice, and lift up your heads forever, because of the blessings which the Lord God shall bestow upon your children.  (Jacob is referencing that there is prophecy of the Savior coming to their promised land after his atonement.)

 4 For I know that ye have searched much, many of you, to know of things to come; wherefore I know that ye know that our flesh must waste away and die; nevertheless, in our bodies we shall see God.  (This references that the people are reading the scriptures to learn of future and past events.  Isaiah 48 and 1 Nephi 20 tell us that the Lord is able to tell us of where we came and where things are going if we search and understand the scriptures of prophecies.)

 5 Yea, I know that ye know that in the body he shall show himself unto those at Jerusalem, from whence we came; for it is expedient that it should be among them; for it behooveth the great Creator that he suffereth himself to become subject unto man in the flesh, and die for all men, that all men might become subject unto him.  (Isaiah 53, 8-9 and 2 Nephi 18-19 concerning the Saviors role prophecies of future events Jacobs people want to know concerning their lives and how the atonement which is yet future to them works.  Isaiah 53 is one of the best descriptions of what the Savior was to experience going through the atonement and Jacob is teaching much of Isaiah 53 knowledge is his sermon given here.)

 6 For as death hath passed upon all men, to fulfil the merciful plan of the great Creator, there must needs be a power of resurrection, and the resurrection must needs come unto man by reason of the fall; and the fall came by reason of transgression; and because man became fallen they were cut off from the presence of the Lord.  (Isaiah 50, 8, and 9 and 2 Nephi 7, 18, and 19 Our Savior roll in satisfying the law of justice by being sacrificed for us.  The Lords government will be established on judgement and justice Isaiah 9:7 with emphasis on Justice that we must rely on the sacrifice of the Savior to satisfy the demands of justice.)

 7 Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement—save it should be an infinite atonement this corruption could not put on incorruption. Wherefore, the first judgment which came upon man must needs have remained to an endless duration. And if so, this flesh must have laid down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth, to rise no more.  (Isaiah 50, 8, and 9 and 2 Nephi 7, 18, and 19 concerning the Lords atonement or sacrifice for us.)

 8 O the wisdom of God, his mercy and grace! For behold, if the flesh should rise no more our spirits must become subject to that angel who fell from before the presence of the Eternal God, and became the devil, to rise no more. (Isaiah 50 and 2 Nephi 7 Messiah will have the tongue of the learned to teach us of his grace.  See Isaiah 14 or 2 Nephi 24 concerning knowledge of Lucifer or the devil.)

 9 And our spirits must have become like unto him, and we become devils, angels to a devil, to be shut out from the presence of our God, and to remain with the father of lies, in misery, like unto himself; yea, to that being who beguiled our first parents, who transformeth himself nigh unto an angel of light, and stirreth up the children of men unto secret combinations of murder and all manner of secret works of darkness.  (Isaiah 14 and 2 Nephi 24 concerning knowledge of Lucifer.  Gadianton robbers and secret works are part of storyline in Book of Mormon.)

 10 O how great the goodness of our God, who prepareth a way for our escape from the grasp of this awful monster; yea, that monster, death and hell, which I call the death of the body, and also the death of the spirit.  (Isaiah 9 goodness of Savior increased our joy, broken the yoke of his oppressor.)

 11 And because of the way of deliverance of our God, the Holy One of Israel, this death, of which I have spoken, which is the temporal, shall deliver up its dead; which death is the grave. (Isaiah 46 the Lord will deliver you.  Not quoted by Nephi or Jacob but they have access to this scripture for additional knowledge.)

 12 And this death of which I have spoken, which is the spiritual death, shall deliver up its dead; which spiritual death is hell; wherefore, death and hell must deliver up their dead, and hell must deliver up its captive spirits, and the grave must deliver up its captive bodies, and the bodies and the spirits of men will be restored one to the other; and it is by the power of the resurrection of the Holy One of Israel.   (Isaiah 61:1 proclaim liberty to the captives.)

 13 O how great the plan of our God! For on the other hand, the paradise of God must deliver up the spirits of the righteous, and the grave deliver up the body of the righteous; and the spirit and the body is restored to itself again, and all men become incorruptible, and immortal, and they are living souls, having a perfect knowledge like unto us in the flesh, save it be that our knowledge shall be perfect.

 14 Wherefore, we shall have a perfect knowledge of all our guilt, and our uncleanness, and our nakedness; and the righteous shall have a perfect knowledge of their enjoyment, and their righteousness, being clothed with purity, yea, even with the robe of righteousness.  (Isaiah 59:12 we shall know our iniquities:  Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever.)

 15 And it shall come to pass that when all men shall have passed from this first death unto life, insomuch as they have become immortal, they must appear before the judgment-seat of the Holy One of Israel; and then cometh the judgment, and then must they be judged according to the holy judgment of God. (Isaiah 9 and second Nephi 19:7 enlarges the understanding of judgments.  The Lord will perform Judgement with justice for the wicked and mercy for the righteous henceforth and forever.)

 16 And assuredly, as the Lord liveth, for the Lord God hath spoken it, and it is his eternal word, which cannot pass away, that they who are righteous shall be righteous still, and they who are filthy shall be filthy still; wherefore, they who are filthy are the devil and his angels; and they shall go away into everlasting fire, prepared for them; and their torment is as a lake of fire and brimstone, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever and has no end.  (Isaiah 9 and 2 Nephi 19 explaining how justice and mercy are obtained. The Lord is the Judge, and we are rewarded according to our righteousness or iniquity.)

 17 O the greatness and the justice of our God! For He executeth all his words, and they have gone forth out of His mouth, and His law must be fulfilled. (Isaiah 9 and 2 Nephi 19:7 Explaining that justice must be satisfied, and the Lord’s infinite atonement satisfies the law of justice in that an innocent was punished for the deeds of those who repent of their iniquity.)

 18 But, behold, the righteous, the saints of the Holy One of Israel, they who have believed in the Holy One of Israel, they who have endured the crosses of the world, and despised the shame of it, they shall inherit the kingdom of God, which was prepared for them from the foundation of the world, and their joy shall be full forever. (Isaiah 11:4 with righteousness shall he judge the poor. Isaiah 32:17 work of righteous shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever.)

 19 O the greatness of the mercy of our God, the Holy One of Israel! For he delivereth his saints from that awful monster the devil, and death, and hell, and that lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment.  (Isaiah 49:15 and 1 Nephi 21 Lord has more love for us than even our mothers.)

 20 O how great the holiness of our God! For he knoweth all things, and there is not anything save he knows it. (Isaiah 66:18 I know their works and their thoughts.)

 21 And he cometh into the world that he may save all men if they will hearken unto his voice; for behold, he suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam. (Isaiah 50:6 savior gave his back to the smitters.  Isaiah 45:2 look unto me and be saved)

 22 And he suffereth this that the resurrection might pass upon all men, that all might stand before him at the great and judgment day.  (Isaiah 26:19 together with my dead body shall they arise.)

 23 And he commandeth all men that they must repent, and be baptized in his name, having perfect faith in the Holy One of Israel, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.  (Isaiah 1 wash you, make you clean, put away evil of your doings from before mine eyes: cease to do evil; learn to do well seek judgement, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.)

 24 And if they will not repent and believe in his name, and be baptized in his name, and endure to the end, they must be damned; for the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has spoken it. (Isaiah 1: 20 but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword)

 25 Wherefore, he has given a law; and where there is no law given there is no punishment; and where there is no punishment there is no condemnation; and where there is no condemnation the mercies of the Holy One of Israel have claim upon them, because of the atonement; for they are delivered by the power of him.  (Isaiah 11: 4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth)

 26 For the atonement satisfieth the demands of his justice upon all those who have not the law given to them, that they are delivered from that awful monster, death and hell, and the devil, and the lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment; and they are restored to that God who gave them breath, which is the Holy One of Israel.  (Isaiah 53 Saviors suffering and offering to make intercession for transgressors.)

 27 But wo unto him that has the law given, yea, that has all the commandments of God, like unto us, and that transgresseth them, and that wasteth the days of his probation, for awful is his state! (Isaiah 24:5-6 The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.  Therefore hath the curse devored the earth and they that dwell therein are desolate; therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men are left.)

 28 O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.  (Isaiah 5:21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight.)

 29 But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God. (Isaiah 33:6 And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times and strength of salvation; the fear of the Lord is his treasure.)

 30 But wo unto the rich, who are rich as to the things of the world. For because they are rich they despise the poor, and they persecute the meek, and their hearts are upon their treasures; wherefore, their treasure is their god. And behold, their treasure shall perish with them also.  (See Isaiah 5 the hedge of protection taken away because of sin. Isaiah 5 covers 30-38.)

 31 And wo unto the deaf that will not hear; for they shall perish.

 32 Wo unto the blind that will not see; for they shall perish also.

 33 Wo unto the uncircumcised of heart, for a knowledge of their iniquities shall smite them at the last day.

 34 Wo unto the liar, for he shall be thrust down to hell.

 35 Wo unto the murderer who deliberately killeth, for he shall die.

 36 Wo unto them who commit whoredoms, for they shall be thrust down to hell.

 37 Yea, wo unto those that worship idols, for the devil of all devils delighteth in them.

 38 And, in fine, wo unto all those who die in their sins; for they shall return to God, and behold his face, and remain in their sins.

 39 O, my beloved brethren, remember the awfulness in transgressing against that Holy God, and also the awfulness of yielding to the enticings of that cunning one. Remember, to be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal.

 40 O, my beloved brethren, give ear to my words. Remember the greatness of the Holy One of Israel. Do not say that I have spoken hard things against you; for if ye do, ye will revile against the truth; for I have spoken the words of your Maker. I know that the words of truth are hard against all uncleanness; but the righteous fear them not, for they love the truth and are not shaken.

 41 O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name.

 42 And whoso knocketh, to him will he open; and the wise, and the learned, and they that are rich, who are puffed up because of their learning, and their wisdom, and their riches—yea, they are they whom he despiseth; and save they shall cast these things away, and consider themselves fools before God, and come down in the depths of humility, he will not open unto them.  (Jacob is referencing the scriptures in general those who seek, and study will gain wisdom, knowledge and truth that makes us free.)

 43 But the things of the wise and the prudent shall be hid from them forever—yea, that happiness which is prepared for the saints.  (Isaiah 29:14 Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among the people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for wisdom of their wise men shall parish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.  This references the coming forth of Book of Mormon and establishment of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Religion and worship of the true and living God.)

 44 O, my beloved brethren, remember my words. Behold, I take off my garments, and I shake them before you; I pray the God of my salvation that he view me with his all-searching eye; wherefore, ye shall know at the last day, when all men shall be judged of their works, that the God of Israel did witness that I shook your iniquities from my soul, and that I stand with brightness before him, and am rid of your blood.

 45 O, my beloved brethren, turn away from your sins; shake off the chains of him that would bind you fast; come unto that God who is the rock of your salvation.

 46 Prepare your souls for that glorious day when justice shall be administered unto the righteous, even the day of judgment, that ye may not shrink with awful fear; that ye may not remember your awful guilt in perfectness, and be constrained to exclaim: Holy, holy are thy judgments, O Lord God Almighty—but I know my guilt; I transgressed thy law, and my transgressions are mine; and the devil hath obtained me, that I am a prey to his awful misery.

 47 But behold, my brethren, is it expedient that I should awake you to an awful reality of these things? Would I harrow up your souls if your minds were pure? Would I be plain unto you according to the plainness of the truth if ye were freed from sin?

 48 Behold, if ye were holy I would speak unto you of holiness; but as ye are not holy, and ye look upon me as a teacher, it must needs be expedient that I teach you the consequences of sin.

 49 Behold, my soul abhorreth sin, and my heart delighteth in righteousness; and I will praise the holy name of my God.

 50 Come, my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price.  (Isaiah 55: 1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money: come ye, buy, and eat: yea come, buy wine and milk without money and without price)

 51 Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness. (Isaiah 55: 2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? And your labour for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.)

 52 Behold, my beloved brethren, remember the words of your God; pray unto him continually by day, and give thanks unto his holy name by night. Let your hearts rejoice.

 53 And behold how great the covenants of the Lord, and how great his condescensions unto the children of men; and because of his greatness, and his grace and mercy, he has promised unto us that our seed shall not utterly be destroyed, according to the flesh, but that he would preserve them; and in future generations they shall become a righteous branch unto the house of Israel. (Isaiah 4:2 In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel. Reference last days righteous house of Israel will do good works teach truth, testify of the Lord and his goodness.)

 54 And now, my brethren, I would speak unto you more; but on the morrow I will declare unto you the remainder of my words. Amen.

Chapter 10 Jacob explains Isaiah prophecy

Jacob explains that the Jews will crucify their God—They will be scattered until they begin to believe in Him—America will be a land of liberty where no king will rule—Reconcile yourselves to God and gain salvation through His grace. About 559–545 B.C. 

Jacob is explaining in this chapter the prophecies of Isaiah and providing a plain explanation of Isaiah words.  This chapter is of great help in the interpretation of Isaiah.  Both Jacob and Nephi have a great understanding of their scripture which includes the prophecies of Isaiah.  The scripture is so applicable to the story line and how Lehi family fits in the great history of the house of Israel.  This scripture in the book of Mormon provides evidence that all of Isaiah was written by the great prophet and his prophecies provided direction and guidance to the Nephites.

 1 And now I, Jacob, speak unto you again, my beloved brethren, concerning this righteous branch of which I have spoken.  (Branch broken off is Jacobs (Lehi) family Isaiah prophecy explained again this is the question Laman and Lemuel didn’t understand, and Jacob is making the answer crystal clear that the branch is their family.)

 2 For behold, the ^apromises which we have obtained are promises unto us according to the flesh; wherefore, as it has been shown unto me that many of our children shall perish in the flesh because of unbelief, nevertheless, God will be merciful unto many; and our children shall be restored, that they may come to that which will give them the true knowledge of their Redeemer.  (Jacob is explaining that there will be period on the American continent that there will be no prophets, but that there will be a restoration which he knows the gold plates will be a key and that is the history of his family.  Jacob knows this from reading and understanding the Isaiah scriptures.)

 3 Wherefore, as I said unto you, it must needs be expedient that Christ—for in the last night the angel spake unto me that this should be his name—should come among the Jews, among those who are the more wicked part of the world; and they shall crucify him—for thus it behooveth our God, and there is none other nation on earth that would crucify their God.  (Jacob is explaining the Isaiah history of Jews the pleasant plant the Jews must maintain identity for Jesus to come through that lineage, when he returns will be king of Jews)

 4 For should the mighty miracles be wrought among other nations they would repent, and know that he be their God.

 5 But because of priestcrafts and iniquities, they at Jerusalem will stiffen their necks against him, that he be crucified.  (Isaiah 48:4 discussing the wickedness of the Jews quoted by Nephi see 1 Nephi 20:4, wickedness of Jews caused their conquering at Lehi’s time and allowed them to crucify the Savior.)

 6 Wherefore, because of their iniquities, destructions, famines, pestilences, and bloodshed shall come upon them; and they who shall not be destroyed shall be scattered among all nations.  (Isaiah prophecy of Babylonian, Roman and other nations conquering Jewish people and scattering them see Isaiah 3, and 2 Nephi 13.)

 7 But behold, thus saith the Lord God: When the day cometh that they shall believe in me, that I am Christ, then have I covenanted with their fathers that they shall be restored in the flesh, upon the earth, unto the lands of their inheritance.  (Explaining Isaiah 2 and 2 Nephi 12 concerning gathering of Israel.)

 8 And it shall come to pass that they shall be gathered in from their long dispersion, from the isles of the sea, and from the four parts of the earth; and the nations of the Gentiles shall be great in the eyes of me, saith God, in carrying them forth to the lands of their inheritance. (Jacob explaining Isaiah 49 and 1 Nephi 21.)

 9 Yea, the kings of the Gentiles shall be nursing fathers unto them, and their queens shall become nursing mothers; wherefore, the promises of the Lord are great unto the Gentiles, for he hath spoken it, and who can dispute?  (Explanation of Isaiah 49 and 1 Nephi 21 makes clear promised land is United States.)

 10 But behold, this land, said God, shall be a land of thine inheritance, and the Gentiles shall be blessed upon the land. (Explaining Isaiah 49 and 1 Nephi 21 United States will be a blessed land.  Blessed for all who keep their covenants with the Lord.)

 11 And this land shall be a land of liberty unto the Gentiles, and there shall be no kings upon the land, who shall raise up unto the Gentiles. (Making it clear Isaiah 49 and 1 Nephi 21 are prophesying of United States clear in our day we have no King)

 12 And I will fortify this land against all other nations.  (Isaiah 11 and 2 Nephi 21 discuss Juda and Ephraim combining against enemies.  This land the land of Nephi is the United States.)

13 And he that fighteth against Zion shall perish, saith God.  (Isaiah 11 and 2 Nephi 21 clarification.)

 14 For he that raiseth up a king against me shall perish, for I, the Lord, the king of heaven, will be their king, and I will be a light unto them forever, that hear my words.  (Isaiah 12 and 2 Nephi 22 Lord will rule on earth millennium.  Jesus will be King.)

 15 Wherefore, for this cause, that my covenants may be fulfilled which I have made unto the children of men, that I will do unto them while they are in the flesh, I must needs destroy the secret works of darkness, and of murders, and of abominations.  (Explanation of Isaiah 13 and 2 Nephi 23 destruction of Babylon type of second coming.  Lord explaining his covenants to us.)

 16 Wherefore, he that fighteth against Zion, both Jew and Gentile, both bond and free, both male and female, shall perish; for they are they who are the whore of all the earth; for they who are not for me are against me, saith our God.  (Isaiah 29 and 2 Nephi 27 coming forth of Book of Mormon and establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ)

 17 For I will fulfil my promises which I have made unto the children of men, that I will do unto them while they are in the flesh—(Isaiah 29 and 2 Nephi 27 establishment of Church of Jesus Christ and coming forth of Book of Mormon.)

 18 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, thus saith our God: I will afflict thy seed by the hand of the Gentiles; nevertheless, I will soften the hearts of the Gentiles, that they shall be like unto a father to them; wherefore, the Gentiles shall be blessed and numbered among the house of Israel.  (Isaiah 29 and 2 Nephi 27 prophecies of Lamanites with the coming of the English)

 19 Wherefore, I will consecrate this land unto thy seed, and them who shall be numbered among thy seed, forever, for the land of their inheritance; for it is a choice land, saith God unto me, above all other lands, wherefore I will have all men that dwell thereon that they shall worship me, saith God.  (Isaiah 49 and 1 Nephi 21 branch broken off promised land Nephi family and land of Ephraim or the United States)

 20 And now, my beloved brethren, seeing that our merciful God has given us so great knowledge concerning these things, let us remember him, and lay aside our sins, and not hang down our heads, for we are not cast off; nevertheless, we have been driven out of the land of our inheritance; but we have been led to a better land, for the Lord has made the sea our path, and we are upon an isle of the sea.  (Isaiah 48-49 and 1 Nephi 20-21 clarifies that God has given Lehi family knowledge of the future and preserved them with a new promised land.  The family of Lehi are the preserved Israel and the plates of Nephi that become the Book of Mormon are the good fruits.)

 21 But great are the promises of the Lord unto them who are upon the isles of the sea; wherefore as it says isles, there must needs be more than this, and they are inhabited also by our brethren.  (We know that Mulek and his people were also led to this land.  Adds additional information to the prophecies of Isaiah.)

 22 For behold, the Lord God has led away from time to time from the house of Israel, according to his will and pleasure. And now behold, the Lord remembereth all them who have been broken off, wherefore he remembereth us also.  (Isaiah 49 and 2 Nephi 21 concerning branch broken off family is the other sheep referred to by Savior.)

 23 Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves—to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life.  (Isaiah 9 and 2 Nephi 19 people see great light able to act for ourselves.)

 24 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, reconcile yourselves to the will of God, and not to the will of the devil and the flesh; and remember, after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved.  (Isaiah 9 and 2 Nephi 19 concerning the Savior)

 25 Wherefore, may God raise you from death by the power of the resurrection, and also from everlasting death by the power of the atonement, that ye may be received into the eternal kingdom of God, that ye may praise him through grace divine. Amen.  (Isaiah 9 and 2 Nephi 19 concerning Lord’s atonement.)

Chapter 11 Nephi delights in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ! – Mosaic law and sacrifice typify Savior

Jacob saw his Redeemer—The law of Moses typifies Christ and proves He will come. About 559–545 B.C.

 1 And now, Jacob spake many more things to my people at that time; nevertheless only these things have I caused to be written, for the things which I have written sufficeth me.

 2 And now I, Nephi, write more of the words of Isaiah, for my soul delighteth in his words. For I will liken his words unto my people, and I will send them forth unto all my children, for he verily saw my Redeemer, even as I have seen him.  (This is my thesis in that I have looked at the Isaiah scriptures Nephi added to his plates to determine how they fit the storyline of the Book of Mormon and I have been amazed by how well the Isaiah scriptures fit the storyline.  Much of the Isaiah prophecy had to do directly with the family of Lehi and by looking at the fulfillments and understanding the meanings my testimony has grown of Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon and God’s power to enlighten us.  There is real history, fulfilments of prophecy and enlightenment of the soul in this study or proof of Christ.)

 3 And my brother, Jacob, also has seen him as I have seen him; wherefore, I will send their words forth unto my children to prove unto them that my words are true. Wherefore, by the words of three, God hath said, I will establish my word. Nevertheless, God sendeth more witnesses, and he proveth all his words.

 4 Behold, my soul delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ; for, for this end hath the law of Moses been given; and all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him.

 5 And also my soul delighteth in the covenants of the Lord which he hath made to our fathers; yea, my soul delighteth in his grace, and in his justice, and power, and mercy in the great and eternal plan of deliverance from death.

 6 And my soul delighteth in proving unto my people that save Christ should come all men must perish.

 7 For if there be no Christ there be no God; and if there be no God we are not, for there could have been no creation. But there is a God, and he is Christ, and he cometh in the fulness of his own time.

 8 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. Now these are the words, and ye may liken them unto you and unto all men.

2 Nephi 12 Isaiah 2 Chronicles sins of Jews in Jerusalem

Isaiah 2 is a prophecy that chronicles the sins of the Jews in Jerusalem at the time of Lehi family.  Prophecy that the Lords judgement will come upon the nations and specifically wicked Juda at Jerusalem.  The Lord has forsaken the house of Jacob and is going to remove his protections.  Juda shall be humbled. Prophecies concerning temples as a place God can teach us of his ways and laws.  Nephi has guided his people to build a temple.  The storyline in the book of Mormon we know that Lehi family is leaving Jerusalem because of the wickedness of the Jews and we see the relevance of the prophecy of Isaiah as to the wickedness of those at Jerusalem.  Additionally, we know in the story line Nephi has guided his people in the construction of a temple in their new promised land.  Just as today the prophets instruct us from the scriptures, we see Nephi reading the words of Isaiah to his family as instruction and guidance.

Historical

Prophecy to the Jews last days or our day that the temple of the Lord will be in Salt Lake City or the top of the mountains not in Jerusalem because of Juda’s iniquity.  Nephi is teaching his family the temple will be destroyed and Jerusalem will not be center of worship. The Savior will rebuke all nations and humble them.   Under the Saviors direction the nations will not be able to wage war.  People from the rich to the poor will need to wordship the Savior and not the work of their hand’s idols.

Archeology

Isaiah the Son of Amoz wrote the Book of Isaiah prophecies between 740 BC and 686 BC In February 2018 archaeologist Eilat Mazar announced that she and her team had discovered a small seal impression which reads “[belonging] to Isaiah nvy” (could be reconstructed and read as “[belonging] to Isaiah the prophet”) during the Ophel excavations, just south of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.^[35] The tiny bulla was found “only 10 feet away” from where an intact bulla bearing the inscription “[belonging] to King Hezekiah of Judah” was discovered in 2015 by the same team.^[36] Although the name “Isaiah” in Paleo-Hebrew alphabet is unmistakable, the damage on the bottom left part of the seal causes difficulties in confirming the word “prophet” or a common Hebrew name “Navi”, casting some doubts whether this seal really belongs to the prophet Isaiah.

The bullae of King Hezekiah (left) and of Isaiah (right). Photo: Courtesy Dr. Eilat Mazar.  Isaiah is a true historical figure.

 1 The word that Isaiah, the son of Amoz, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: (This is specifically about Judah and Jerusalem. They will be scattered and Juda will not have a temple.)

 2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, when the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it.  (The Mormon Pioneers or house of Ephraim moving to western America in the tops of the mountains is a fulfillment of this prophecy.  The Mountain of the Lords house is the nation of Israel “Ephraim”. Direct reference to the Salt Lake Temple built primarily by the house of Ephraim. Ephraim in the last days will take gospel to the entire world.)

 3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the ^bmountain of the Lord, to the ^chouse of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will ^dwalk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. (President Hinckley has stated that this prophecy concerns that the Church of Jesus Christ will be an Ensign to the nations and a light to the world.  The Lords standards are upheld and preached throughout the world by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints.)

 4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plow-shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks—nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. (Glorious day foretold when men will not build weapons of war the world will have universal peace and will turn to gardening and food production to feed the earth.  The Savior will reign on the Earth.  Just as we do Nephi teaches about the Millennium and ultimate when men no longer conduct war.)

 5 O house of Jacob, come ye and let us walk in the light of the Lord (Light of the Lord are his commandments and covenants by living them we gain knowledge and wisdom from the Lord through revelation); yea, come, for ye have all gone astray, everyone to his wicked ways. (Repent and come to the Lord, recognize our imperfections, be humble and move away from wicked ways.)

 6 Therefore, O Lord, thou hast forsaken thy people, the house of Jacob, because they be replenished from the east (Lehi left Jerusalem because of the wickedness in Jerusalem.  The Lord had removed his hedge of protection because of the worship of false Gods in Jerusalem. The people of Jerusalem sought the Gods of the Assyrians false Gods people had apostatized), and hearken unto soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers. (The people were believing in fortune tellers similar to the non-covenant people around them.)

 7 Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots. (The family of Lehi was a wealthy family and they had gold and other precious items.  Lehi knew that Jerusalem at the time was a rich city and was apostatizing.  Nephi knew how to work metal the family was probably involved in working with precious metals.  We know Laban was envious of the Wealth of Nephi family.  Laman and Lemuel did not want to leave their wealth.  Jerusalem was a wealthy city. The average person was able to read and write making scripture available to them.)

 8 Their land is also full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made.  (Nephi is telling his family that Jerusalem was and is wicked not worshipping the true God a fulfillment of Isaiah prophecy.  In Jerusalem at the time the Jews were worshiping idols built with man’s hands.)

 9 And the mean man boweth not down, and the great man humbleth himself not, therefore, forgive him not. (Whether an average or a powerful person the people were not being humble.  In Jerusalem, the average man and the rich and powerful men would not humble themselves to the teachings of the prophets.)

 10 O ye wicked ones, enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for the fear of the Lord and the glory of his majesty shall smite thee. (Nephi has seen in vision the destruction of Jerusalem” 2 Nephi 25” by the Babylonians.)

 11 And it shall come to pass that the lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.  (That day refers to the day of judgement specifically the Lord had found the people of Jerusalem as wicked and not observing the covenant he made with them.  The Babylonians were the tool the Lord used to humble Juda in their day of judgement. Nephi is teaching his people to be righteous or the Lord will humble them.  Over the centuries there have been many days of judgement where the Lord humbles his people. The second coming of the Lord will be a day of judgement and the wicked will be punished.  The Savior will conquer all the nations alone at his second coming just as he submitted and accomplished the atonement alone.  Men will realize who the Savior is and his power and be humbled if they do not humble themselves.  Jacob has been pleading for his people to be righteous, he has shaken his garment to rid of the blood of his people, Jacob has told them plainly to repent.)

 12 For the day of the Lord of Hosts soon cometh upon all nations, yea, upon every one; yea, upon the proud and lofty, and upon everyone who is lifted up, and he shall be brought low.  (There is and always has been a day of judgement for wicked nations.  The great day of the Lord when the Savior returns in power and might to cleans the Earth for his Millennial reign will also be a day of judgement. Nephi teaching family of power of the Savior over wickedness.  Family has been split with those that follow Laman and Lemuel and those that followed Nephi.  Nephi built temple to teach people more about God and his power.  Uses the prophecies of Isaiah to prove Savior’s power and ability, his people recognize the fulfillments.)

 13 Yea, and the day of the Lord shall come upon all the cedars of Lebanon (refers to the nation of Juda), for they are high and lifted up (Jewish nation extremely prideful); and upon all the oaks of Bashan; (Oaks of Bashan are the house of Joseph or tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh directly relatable to Nephi family.)

 14 And upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills, and upon all the nations which are lifted up, and upon every people; (High mountains refer to the other tribes and hill refer to other nations thus we see the Lord will judge all nations.)

 15 And upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall; (Mans protections towers to watch surveil, fences to keep out will not work against the Lord power.)

 16 And upon all the ships of the sea, and upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures. (Military power naval power will not protect against the Saviors judgements only living righteously will.  Pleasant picture probably refers to places of retreat out of the cities if you are wicked no hiding or getting away from judgement.)

 17 And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low; and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.  (The prideful will lose their pride even if forced.  Jesus conquers the world by himself like he did the atonement alone.)

 18 And the idols he shall utterly abolish. (When the Savior returns all will worship him there will not be any false gods then.)

 19 And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for the fear of the Lord shall come upon them and the glory of his majesty shall smite them, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.  (The wicked will attempt to flee the judgements but will not be able to avoid their punishments or earned consequences.)

 20 In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which he hath made for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; (Money will not buy your way out of the judgements it will be worthless only your righteousness will count.  Nephi teaching lesson of humility through the words of Isaiah.)

 21 To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for the fear of the Lord shall come upon them and the majesty of his glory shall smite them, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.  (All will be judged by the Savior it will be unavoidable and the wicked will try to escape but none will.  The Savior will have all power.  Nephi knows the power of the Lord and is using the scripture available to him to teach his family of the Savior’s power.)

 22 Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils; for wherein is he to be accounted of?  (We are not to worship men as all are flawed.  People look to the strong athletes, rich business people, or a religious leader, we are not to worship any of these as they all have flaws.  Worship the Savior who is perfect, lived a perfect life accomplished the atonement for us.)

2 Nephi 13 Isaiah 3 Destruction of Jerusalem

The destruction of Jerusalem and the removal of Juda’s leadership prophesied in Isaiah 3 is the premise for the family leaving Jerusalem.  “For Jerusalem is ruined and Judah is fallen, because their tongues and their doings have been against the Lord, to provoke the eyes of his glory.”  The prophecy is plain and easy to comprehend, Nephi and Father Lehi used prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem to persuade his family to leave Jerusalem and go to the new promised land.  We know historically the Babylonians conquered Juda took King Zedekiah and his family captive. The King was made to the watch the killing of his son’s and then put King’s eyes out.  The relevance of Isaiah 3 prophecy to the Book of Mormon story line is obvious.  Amazing and there is no way that Joseph Smith wrote his book and included the Isaiah prophecies to coincide and perfectly fit the story line.  Nephi was including the scripture off the brass plates onto his gold plates that are relevant to them.

Historical

The Bible and the Babylonian Chronicles both record the destruction of Jerusalem around 600 BC.  The King in Jerusalem at the time is King Zedekiah.  The Book of Mormon records that one of his sons Mulek escape Jerusalem with a group and make their way to the promised land America and establish a civilization.

Archeology

 1 For behold, the Lord, the Lord of Hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem, and from Judah, the stay and the staff, the whole staff of bread, and the whole stay of water—(Juda had the temple, prophets and the scriptures, because of Juda’s wickedness their prophets, temple, continuing revelation, new scriptural guidance were all taken from Juda.  Today we are aware of how the Jewish people have lost their prophets.  Specifically, the Jewish people do not worship Jesus Christ who is the whole staff of bread and stay of water.)

 2 The mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, and the prophet, and the prudent, and the ancient; (The powerful man political leader, the military men, the judicial, the religious, the good and the old.)

 3 The captain of fifty, and the honorable man, and the counselor, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator. (The leaders, the respected, the craftsmen, and the congressmen and senators are all taken away.  King Zedekiah his family and all the rulers were killed and captured.)

 4 And I will give children unto them to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them.  (Juda all of their men from greatest to least will not rule in Jerusalem they will be ruled by other nations that have no understanding of their God.  The rulers will be like babies in the knowledge of the Lord, they will have very little understanding of God and his works.)

 5 And the people shall be oppressed, (Juda will be scourged because of iniquity both after Lehi left and after the Savior and in our day.  However Juda will maintain her identity the Jews will know they are Jews and as a nation not be lost) every one by another, (Jewish people hated 1 Nephi 19 The Jews will be despised and scattered until the latter …and become a hiss and a byword, and be hated among all nations.) and every one by his neighbor (Jews will keep identity and be oppressed all of them even those trying to be good); the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient (Jewish people will be proud and maintain their identity and remember the feasts of ancient time but not worship the true and living God Jesus the Christ.), and the base against the honorable (The priests Sadducees, Pharisee or Juda rulers will attack their God Jehovah the old testament God who is Jesus Christ their Savior.)

 6 When a man shall take hold of his brother of the house of his father, and shall say: Thou hast clothing, be thou our ruler, and let not this ruin come under thy hand—(Juda will be conquered and the people stripped of clothing and food will look for leaders to help them.)

 7 In that day shall he swear, saying: I will not be a healer; for in my house there is neither bread nor clothing; make me not a ruler of the people. (Juda will not have rulers until the gathering begins.  No one wants to be head of the nation until the last days when Israel gathers back to their promised lands and they need a government for the people.)

 8 For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen, because their tongues and their doings have been against the Lord, to provoke the eyes of his glory. (Nephi leaving Jerusalem specifically because Jerusalem was to be ruined.  Juda was conquered by the Persians, Assyrians, and Romans and Jerusalem was destroyed because of their sinful nature even killing of their own Messiah.  Isaiah prophecy are so accurate.  God is able to show future things and we need to recognize that the revelations were given prior and fulfilled.  We have the perspective to comprehend, understand and grow our faith in the Lord and his power.  Nephi was verifying to the people that Jerusalem had fallen, people killed and taken into captivity.  Nephi could emphasize the importance of obeying the Lord as the family had been spared.  They were the broken off branch.)

 9 The show of their countenance doth witness against them, and doth declare their sin to be even as Sodom, and they cannot hide it. Wo unto their souls, for they have rewarded evil unto themselves! (Immorality was rampant among the Jews one of the main reasons Lehi was commanded to leave,)

 10 Say unto the righteous that it is well with them; for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. (Nephi family was in new promised land with rich soil, precious minerals, a great new land because they were obedient in leaving Jerusalem.  We are rewarded for being righteous no matter our bloodline.)

 11 Wo unto the wicked, for they shall perish; for the reward of their hands shall be upon them! (The Jews at Jerusalem perished or were taken captive.  We are accountable for our actions and our reward depends on what we do.  We are placed on earth to act and not be acted upon.)

 12 And my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they who lead thee cause thee to err and destroy the way of thy paths. (Juda was led by false priests, Jerusalem was conquered by other nations “children” that knew not God and the Jews were put in slavery after Lehi family left Jerusalem.)

 13 The Lord standeth up to plead, and standeth to judge the people.  (The Lord pleads for us to be righteous which is to love like He does, and He is our righteous judge.  The Lord works in his vineyard with great effort, we are responsible for our works.)

 14 The Lord will enter into judgment with the ancients of his people and the princes thereof; for ye have eaten up the vineyard and the spoil of the poor in your houses.  (The Lord is our judge along with the ancients Adam, Noah, Abraham, and Jacob.  The vineyard is the house of Israel specifically Juda in this case and the leaders have led the people astray destroyed the righteousness of the nation spoiled the vineyard.  A major sin was that they were not taking care of the poor.  Israel was even enslaving their own people at Nephi’s time.)

 15 What mean ye? Ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor, saith the Lord God of Hosts. (Continued reference to the fact we need to have mercy on the poor and feed them and assist them to be self-reliant rather than keeping them in poverty.)

 16 Moreover, the Lord saith: Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched-forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet—(This has reference to some of the women of Juda who became immoral.  Haughty equals pride, vanity and conceit believing they were better than others because of the rich life style.) 

 17 Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the Lord will discover their secret parts.  (With sin especially, immorality comes disease and the Lord has indicated our sins will be revealed),

 18 In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments, and cauls, and round tires like the moon; (Clothes and Jewelry do not make the person, the rich women will lose their possessions and will lose the bravery of having worldly wealth.  When the women of a nation become wicked the nation has gone very far in removing themselves from God.)

 19 The chains and the bracelets, and the mufflers;

 20 The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the ear-rings;

 21 The rings, and nose jewels;

 22 The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping-pins; (Book of Mormon talks of pride and wearing of fine apparel.  Pride proceeds the fall in all generations.)

 23 The glasses, and the fine linen, and hoods, and the veils. (all the above are symbols of pride.  Prophet quoting these verses indicate it will happen in the last days, as we look at ourselves do, we see this happening in our society.)

 24 And it shall come to pass, instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle, a rent; and instead of well-set hair, baldness; and instead of a stomacher, a girding of sackcloth; burning instead of beauty.  (When the women in a society fall, the society is ripe for judgement.  Wealth will be gone and new clothes do not exist and possibly clean water to bathe.  When Juda was taken into slavery conquerors shaved the heads of slaves to get rid of lice and other problems.)

 25 Thy men shall fall by the sword and thy mighty in the war. (Nations combined against Juda there were wars and wars kill men, specifically the valiant who go into battle.)

 26 And her gates shall lament and mourn; and she shall be desolate, and shall sit upon the ground.  (The Jews were taken captive, Jerusalem and the temple destroyed and to this day have never become a great nation.  The Jews have suffered persecution throughout the remainder of time until today.  Nephi and his people would have been curious about the Jews from whence they came.)

2 Nephi 14 Isaiah 4 Escaped of Israel Lehi family

Prophecy concerning the escaped of Israel, that become excellent fruit of the earth is meaning of Isaiah 4.  Lehi family are the escaped of Jerusalem the broken off branch that is beautiful and glorious.  Their history the Book of Mormon is the excellent fruit.  Nephi is able with prophecy to show his family the promises of the Lord if they escape.  These prophecies and Nephi’s placement on the gold plates help us to know their meaning.  Teaching that there will be “a cloud …by day, and …a flaming fire by night” when the spirit of God will abide in the homes of his people continually.  I see this as the” come follow me” where we learn in our homes and Nephi was teaching his people to study the words of Isaiah their scripture.  We see these prophecies concerning Nephi’s family in the bible and comprehend Isaiah’s meanings.  So very relevant to our faith how Isaiah prophecies concern the family of Lehi.

Historical

Archeological evidence

1 And in that day, seven women shall take hold of one man, saying: We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel; only let us be called by thy name to take away our reproach. (Many men will be killed in the war more men than women. This scripture could be some of the justification the men of the Nephites were taking additional wives.  Early apostles of our era referenced this as a justification for Polygamy.  And possibly the end of times wars will create this same situation of multiple women per man.)

 2 In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious; the fruit of the earth excellent and comely to them that are escaped of Israel.  (We know that Nephi’s family is a branch broken off escaped from Jerusalem and currently as Nephi writes and talks with his people, they are righteous producing good fruit.  Isaiah prophecies that there will be branch of Israel survive the destruction and slavery period of Jerusalem Nephi family is one of the branches. Jacob in just a few chapters ahead provides us with the parable of the olive orchard describing branches grafted in at other locations that create good fruit the Nephites are a branch that was moved and grafted in and for a time had good fruit.  Nephi is able to liken this verse of Isaiah to him and his people. This chapters fits the Book of Mormon storyline perfectly.) 

 3 And it shall come to pass, they that are left in Zion and remain in Jerusalem shall be called holy, every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem—(The future for Jerusalem is that Jews will return and the Savior will rule from Jerusalem.  Book of Mormon written for our day Jews have returned to Jerusalem in our day and have not yet been converted to the Savior but there will be a conversion and the righteous will be saved as war rages against Juda and modern Israel.  Jewish people will become converted as prophets and missionaries teach them of their God Jesus Christ.)

 4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment and by the spirit of burning. (For the Lord is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap will wash the wicked they will repent and take advantage of atonement or be purged removed from Jerusalem even if by fire or burning.  Even though the Jews crucified the Lord his atonement is able to wash away the sins as people truly repent.)

 5 And the Lord will create upon every dwelling-place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for upon all the glory of Zion shall be a defense. (There is real safety in believing in the Lord, studying the scriptures in our homes provides a defense to evil.  Nephi teaching his people how to fortify their homes by reading the scripture available to them specifically the Isaiah scriptures.)

 6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and a covert from storm and from rain.  (The Lords temples provide a place of protection, a sense of peace, a place of learning great wisdom and knowledge that if covenants are kept there will be very real protection from all the evils coming in the last days.  Nephites have built temples to offer animal sacrifice which teaches the people of the Saviors mission.  Nephi and his people have built temple to worship the Lord and the temple is a place of refuge a way to learn of the Lord and his covenants that will keep us safe.)

2 Nephi 15 Isaiah 5 Israel the Lords vineyard

Isaiah 5 is a prophecy that compares Israel as the Lords vineyard.  The prophecy discusses vines producing good and wild fruit.  Good Fruit are righteous people and wild fruit are those who leave the covenant path.  Juda the pleasant plant left the covenant path.  Their hedge of protection was removed, and Jerusalem was destroyed.  This prophecy contains much of the history of Israel with the Lord as owner of vineyard which represents Israel.  The Lord waters, fertilizes, weeds and protects the vineyard.  The Lord will provide for the vines producing good fruit but will remove his assistance for those providing wild fruit.  Lord provides hedge of protection and rain for the vines with good fruit.  This prophecy provides us with knowledge of the difference between how the Lord protects and provides blessings to the righteous and removes his protections when we are not righteous.  The Lord is the judge and will judge righteously his peoples.  Prophecy is relevant to all people but fits the story line in Book of Mormon and easy to see why Nephi includes this prophecy on his gold plates.

Symbolism

Well beloved is owner of the vineyard and that is the Savior.

The Vineyard is the Lords people Israel.

Fruitful hill is the promised lands given Israel.

Fenced the vineyard is the Lords protection for Israel.

The stones are the people that are non-believing in the Lord.

The Choicest vine are the Jewish people of Israel Juda the line the Savior comes through.

The tower is for the watchmen the prophets he placed to help Israel know the truth to provide warning of impending danger, or the need to repent and be obedient.

Winepress represents the temple and ability to provide the tools to extract the fruits or good works.

Grapes- Good works of the vine or people.

Wild Grapes- Evil works of the people.

1 And then will I sing to my well-beloved a song of my beloved, touching his vineyard. My well-beloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill.  (The Lords vineyard on the earth is his people Israel and they are the very elect of our Heavenly Father and were chosen to be his people so that they would take his law to all the earth.  The Lord gave them promised lands the best of the earth to help them with their covenants. Juda’s promised land is the area around Jerusalem, Joseph who was sold into Egypt’s promised land is the United States the land of Ephraim and Manasseh.)

 2 And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a wine-press therein; and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes. (The Lord kept Israel a pure people and provided a fence or hedge of protection for them. He removed the idol worshippers out of the land.  The choicest vine the lineage which the Savior comes through is the Jewish people.  The Jewish people have maintained identity throughout history a miracle in its self that they did not assimilate into other cultures.   The choicest spirits of heaven were called to be Israelites and covenanted to take the knowledge of the Lord to all the people of the earth.  Prophets are the tower in the midst Israel were sent to provide them the knowledge and commandments of the Lord.  The Lord placed a temple in the midst of the people to teach Israel of Him and his mission.  The Lord expected his people to take the knowledge of their God to the rest of the world, yet after doing all doing all this the people went astray and worshiped idols, committing numerous sins and not worshipping the living God who would atone for them.  Their fruit was wild or evil works.)

 3 And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard. (The Lord is asking the Jewish people who has kept the covenant between them.  The Lord has done his part, yet Israel has not kept the covenant and worshiped God.  Juda continues to be wayward right up to the very last of days before the judgement and millennium.)

 4 What could have been done more to my vineyard that I have not done in it? (With Israel what more could the Lord God have done and still let them have their agency which is the way we progress.) Wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes it brought forth wild grapes.  (The grapes are good works and worshipping the Lord our God that brings salvation, the wild grapes are evil works, immorality, taking advantage of the poor, greed, and idol worship.)

 5 And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard—I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and I will break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down; (Take away hedge or the protection the Lord provided Israel, invaders will come and defeat Israel and take them captive, and life will be miserable instead of pleasant.  Nephi and his people left the vineyard because they were told by prophet their Father that the hedge of protection was removed, and Jerusalem would be conquered.)

 6 And I will lay it waste; it shall not be pruned nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns; I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. (Jerusalem was destroyed.  The prophecy of apostasy by Israel and the Lords response. The prophets were no longer sent to teach the people, revelation from heaven stopped, the Lords protection was removed.  The House of Israel was an apostate nation and probably worse than neighboring nations because they had the light and lost it.)

 7 For the vineyard of the Lord of Hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant; (Isaiah now explains the imagery clearly the vineyard the Lord is talking about and caring for is the nations of Israel and the tribe of Juda his vine or his lineage in which he will come through, atone for their sins and be their King in the last days.  Prophecy Juda must maintain identity through the generations, and we have seen that fulfillment.  It is a miracle the Jewish people are still a people with all they have been subjected.  Prophecy there will be no righteousness in Jerusalem and Jerusalem is ripe for judgement and destruction.  Nephi family leaving Jerusalem because of the wickedness.) and he looked for judgment, and behold, oppression; (Israel was to teach Love and kindness and good judgement but he found them oppressing the poor, immoral, unrepentant, disobedient and generally not living in righteousness.)  for righteousness, but behold, a cry. (Claimed to be the Lords people but did not the actions words only.)

 8 Wo unto them that join house to house, till there can be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth! (Juda will be scattered and hated in all the earth made to live in ghetto’s house to house.)

 9 In mine ears, said the Lord of Hosts, of a truth many houses shall be desolate, and great and fair cities without inhabitant. (Nephi and Lehi knew of the great cities that had already been captured and left desolate in the Northern Kingdom.  The great city of Jerusalem was destroyed left empty as well as other Israelite cities. Nephi was able to teach his family of the History and had seen that Jerusalem was conquered in vision and told his people of the fulfillment.  There are great wars yet to happen and we are being warned.  The wars will happen we can see the beginning of this with the rise of Islamists and the hatred toward all who do not believe as they believe.  We also see the hatred for the Jewish people in most of the nations of the earth.)

 10 Yea, ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath, and the seed of a homer shall yield an ephah. (There are many descendants of Israel but very few righteous souls.  You plant the seed and the result is the planning or harvest returns only 1/10 of what was planted.  The vineyard is Israel and the Lord has few righteous people coming from the lineage.  There will be a righteous group in the last days.)

 11 Wo unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink, that continue until night, and wine inflame them! (Alcohol has always been an issue for humans and those that abuse the use of alcohol will not be productive.  Drunkenness removes the ability to feel the spirit. An obvious problem for Juda.)

 12 And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine are in their feasts; but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the operation of his hands. (The people are celebrating the national feasts such as Passover, Yom Kippur and others, but do not comprehend the true meaning of feasts. The Lords Church would send missionaries to the Jewish people, but the Jews have prohibited the preaching of Jesus.  People become secular and do not worship Deity.  They Party on irreverently.)

 13 Therefore, my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge; and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. (The Jewish people are taken into captivity because they have lost the meaning in their feasts.  The honorable men have no knowledge of Jehovah they are worshiping false Gods.)

 14 Therefore, hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure; and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it. (The Jews killed the Savior and the prophets. Opening the dark ages, a time when there were no prophets on the earth.  The people because of wickedness were unable to receive knowledge and wisdom from the Lord.  Hell was able to enlarge because of wickedness.)

 15 And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled. (The average man and the powerful men and those that believe they are elite shall all be humbled before the Lord.)

 16 But the Lord of Hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness. (Isaiah, Nephi want their people to know that there is a judgement coming this is the plan of salvation and we must be obedient the Lord will judge righteously, and we will recognize his judgements as righteous.  God will remain Holy in all his judgements.  All Nations will be judged and as democratic nations we must pick righteous leaders.)

 17 Then shall the lambs feed after their manner, and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat.  (Lambs usually symbolize innocence after the judgement those left will be able to feed on gospel knowledge, the judgement will remove the wicked, greedy, immoral people and the innocent will be able to move into inhabit the best places.)

 18 Wo unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope; (We become chained to our sins unable to see our vanity and unable to help those in need.  Today we see all those who are captured by their addictions to drugs, pornography, alcohol and can realize the strength of the cords.)

 19 That say: Let him make speed, hasten his work, that we may see it; and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it. (The wicked always want a sign from the Lord.  This life requires we live by faith.  The wicked want to see the fulfillments of prophecy yet do not recognize the fulfillments when they happen.  Nephi is teaching his people that they are a fulfillment of prophecy and should recognize the Lords hand in their new land and his purpose to raise a righteous generation.)

 20 Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Laman and Lemuel lament leaving Jerusalem stating that they know the people were good even when told by their father Lehi and Nephi they must leave because of the wickedness in Jerusalem.  So much can be said of this in 2017 we have seen that immorality is rampant and justified, religion is maligned for believing in the commandments, the constitution is under attack.  We hear that the bible has hate speech and should be prohibited.  I am sure similar things have gone on through the ages.)

 21 Wo unto the wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight! (Laman and Lemuel want to be the rulers of the people.  They believe in their own wisdom.  Verse seems very plain and understandable we see all too often in our day those who are highly educated that don’t believe in God, and those who look at the world through glasses that everything must have a proof and because they are unable to see, taste or feel God believe he does not exist.)

 22 Wo unto the mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink; (Alcohol has been a problem throughout the ages.  During the overseas travel of Nephi’s family Laman and Lemuel partied and when counseled by Nephi to be obedient they tied him up.  We have all seen what this addiction can do to a person.  Alcohol should be avoided, and we now have the word of wisdom or word to the wise stay away from alcohol.)

 23 Who justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! (This references corruption and bribery that take place to let wicked go and punish a righteous man.  Our society has so much corruption in government we know of the bail out to the banks on the backs of the average man.  Politian’s who become wealthy after being elected.  Laman and Lemuel had plotted to kill Nephi to gain leadership or be the King of the people.)

 24 Therefore, as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, their root shall be rottenness, and their blossoms shall go up as dust; because they have cast away the law of the Lord of Hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. (The judgement on those committing the sins listed above.  ALL those who go against the Lord will fail.  There will be judgements from now through the end of the world.  The Lord has the means of humbling people to help keep them learning and being obedient.)

 25 Therefore, is the anger of the Lord kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them; and the hills did tremble, and their carcasses were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, (This is prophecy of the apostasy a key event in history of the earth.  Our actions always will yield consequences it may not be immediate but there will be consequences the Lord removes his protections from the wicked.  We know of the horrors of war.) but his hand is stretched out still. (Yet if we repent his hand is extended in Love his atonement covers those who chose to repent no matter the previous sins.  His hand of Justice is also extended, and should we choose not to repent there will be a judgement.)

 26 And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth; and behold, they shall come with speed swiftly; none shall be weary nor among them.  (This is prophecy of the restoration a key event in history of the earth.  Nephi I am sure knowing because of his seer ship the ensign would be the Church of Jesus Christ with the Book of Mormon his plates as a scriptural base.  The stick of Juda and stick of Joseph in the hands of Ephraim and Ezekiel prophecy concerning the Book of Mormon and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The prophecy is important to Nephi he has skin in this game the golden plates are his and a big reason he chooses to put these scriptures on the plates.  Isaiah prophecy has been fulfilled and is recognizable to us in the church today.  The summit where Brigham Young stood coming into the valley was named Ensign Peak by the Prophets.  In seeing our day, he describes the speed at which the Gospel is going to all the earth.)

 27 None shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken; (Because of the speed of our travel we cross the world without sleeping and having to remove our clothing.)

 28 Whose arrows shall be sharp, and all their bows bent, and their horses’ hoofs shall be counted like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind, their roaring like a lion. (I believe Isaiah seen people coming to Salt Lake City to gather to Zion by airplane “arrows” trains “hoofs like flint” automobiles “wheels whirlwind” as Salt Lake was being established as the head of the Church.  All the inventions brought about to help speed the spread of the Gospel.) 

 29 They shall roar like young lions; yea, they shall roar, and lay hold of the prey, and shall carry away safe, and none shall deliver. (Prophecy of restoration and the travel in our day.  Trains running sounds like a lion roaring.  Passengers “prey” load trains, planes, and cars then travel safely to the destination.)

 30 And in that day they shall roar against them like the roaring of the sea; and if they look unto the land, behold, darkness and sorrow, and the light is darkened in the heavens thereof. (In the Day of the Lord prior to the second coming the World will attack Christianity.  The Ensign “the Church” will be attacked by the world at large, our testimonies will need to be very strong.)

2 Nephi 16 Isaiah 6 Isaiah calling as prophet

Isaiah 6 prophecy is personal to Isaiah as it concerns his calling as a prophet.  Nephi includes this prophecy as he tells his people of the importance of Isaiah prophecies. Isaiah is cleansed through the atonement referenced in the imagery of the hot coal Saviors suffering an innocent satisfying justice and providing mercy to the sinner.  Lord provides council to Isaiah concerning his calling.  Nephi has told us how important the words of Isaiah are to his people and us.  Prophecy fits the story line concerning Isaiah and his prophecies being important.

History

The Isaiah Scroll, designated 1Qlsa^a and also known as the Great Isaiah Scroll, is one of the seven Dead Sea Scrolls that were first discovered by Bedouin shepherds in 1946 from Qumran Cave 1.^[1] The scroll is written in Hebrew and contains the entire Book of Isaiah from beginning to end, apart from a few small damaged portions.^[2] It is the oldest complete copy of the Book of Isaiah, being approximately 1000 years older than the oldest Hebrew manuscripts known before the scrolls’ discovery.^[2] 1QIsa^a is also notable in being the only scroll from the Qumran Caves to be preserved almost in its entirety.^[3]

The scroll is written on 17 sheets of parchment. It is particularly large, being about 734 cm (24 feet) long and ranges from 25.3 to 27 cm high (10 to 10.6 inches) with 54 columns of text.^[4]

Archeology

1 In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. (Isaiah vision of God our Savior Jesus the Christ.)

 2 Above it stood the seraphim; each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.  (reference to angels)

 3 And one cried unto another, and said: Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of Hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory. (The angels recognize the Holiness of the Savior. Joseph Smith said the earth would be rolled back into the presence of the God and crowned with celestial glory.)

 4 And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. (The Lord controls the elements with his voice.)

 5 Then said I: Wo is unto me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips; and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts. (Isaiah recognize his not perfect life and his need for the atonement of the savior.)

 6 Then flew one of the seraphim unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar; (The alter represent sacrifice and specifically the Savior’s atonement sacrifice to heal us and answer for our sins if we repent.  The atonement or Saviors suffering innocent suffering justifies our forgiveness or mercy and our lack of suffering.)

 7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said: Lo, this has touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. (The atonement takes away Isaiah sins he claimed to have unclean lips, live coal purges, cleanses him, and the atonement will clean our sins also.)

 8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said: Here am I; send me. (Isaiah accepts his prophetic callings.)

 9 And he said: Go and tell this people—Hear ye indeed, but they understood not; and see ye indeed, but they perceived not. (Isaiah is commanded to take the Gospel to all the world.  The world in general will not here and accept the work of the Lord.)

 10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes—lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and be converted and be healed. (The Lord is giving Isaiah guidance in how he is to do his calling.  His words are to be symbolic meaning plain to those that have a knowledge of God, yet unclear to those of the world this is merciful to the general public as we are judged according to our knowledge.)

 11 Then said I: Lord, how long? And he said: Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate; (Isaiah is wanting to know for how long he has been called.  The answer is forever until the end of the earth.)

 12 And the Lord have removed men far away, for there shall be a great forsaking in the midst of the land. (Isaiah is being counseled to understand that most of the people will reject his message.)

 13 But yet there shall be a tenth, and they shall return, and shall be eaten, as a teil tree, and as an oak whose substance is in them when they cast their leaves; so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof. (The Lord is counselling Isaiah; his work and words will be effective or eaten by a portion of the house of Israel. The people will understand the message of the atonement and take the message internally just as eating the nuts of the teil tree a pistachio nut or the fruit of the oak an acorn.  The nuts ripen and are eatable as the trees cast their leaves.  Very symbolic of Savior’s atonement for us.  The Holy seed or the savior is our substance of salvation.)

2 Nephi 17 Isaiah 7 Prophecy to King Ahaz

 Isaiah 7 is a prophecy given to King Ahaz that lived contemporarily with Isaiah.   The prophecy has been fulfilled at the time Lehi family leaving Jerusalem and the family would see this as prophecy with fulfillment.  The prophecy concerns Ephraim and Syria combining to wage war against Juda and Jerusalem.  Nephi and his family look and see the exact fulfillment of the Lords words through Isaiah.  Proof to the family of prophetic fulfillments they have both the prophecy and the history of the events to give them evidence and knowledge of Gods ability to show future events.   Ahaz the King of Juda is given a sign that Isaiah prophecy that Ephraim and Syria will not attack Jerusalem is true.  The sign that the Savior will be born to a virgin is that the Savior is our salvation and trusting in the Lord will be the salvation of Ahaz kingdom.  Very relevant to the storyline of Book of Mormon we see why Nephi included this prophecy it just enlarges on what Nephi was doing to instruct his family using scripture relevant to them.  Nephi wants family to trust in lord and believe that Jerusalem is about to be destroyed.

Historical

Ahaz was an evil king of Judah who became king at the age of 20 and reigned for 4 years with his father, Jotham, from 735 to 731 BC, and 16 years on his own, from 731 to 715 BC. Second Kings 16 and 2 Chronicles 28 record King Ahaz’s destructive practices, such as idol worship and sacrilege against the temple of the Lord.  Ahaz was King approximately 100 years prior Lehi’s family living in Jerusalem and the family would have known this history.

Archeological

1 And it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin, king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up toward Jerusalem to war against it, but could not prevail against it. (This takes place 120 – 130 years before Lehi leaves Jerusalem and is a historical fact for Lehi family and Nephi uses this as example of Prophecy fulfillments.  This is future to Isaiah, and he is prophesying to the King Ahaz about future events.)

 2 And it was told the house of David, saying: Syria is confederate with Ephraim. And his heart was moved, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind. (Someone has told Ahaz king of Juda that Ephraim has joined Syria in planning an attack on Juda.  Ahaz became afraid as well as the people of Jerusalem there was no foundation of knowledge of Lord’s power to protect them.  People are moved to fear just hearing of the confederacy between Syria and Ephraim.)

 3 Then said the Lord unto Isaiah: Go forth now to meet Ahaz, thou and Shearjashub thy son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller’s field; (Lord gives Isaiah instruction to take his son and meet with the King.)  

 4 And say unto him: Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be faint-hearted for the two tails of these smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah. (The Lord tells Isaiah to talk with the King Ahaz, tell him Syria and Ephraim are plotting against the Kingdom.  King should trust in the lord and not fear these nations attack.  Rezin is King of Syria and Pekah son of Remalliah is King of the Israel northern ten tribes.)

 5 Because Syria, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah, have taken evil counsel against thee, saying: (Isaiah tells Ahaz of the plot against him and who is plotting confirms previous rumors that frightened King Ahaz.)

 6 Let us go up against Judah and vex it, and let us make a breach therein for us, and set a king in the midst of it, yea, the son of Tabeal. (Isaiah tells Ahaz his enemies are planning to remove him as King and setup the son of Tabeal as new King.)

 7 Thus saith the Lord God: It shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass. (Firm direct guidance to Ahaz directly from God.  Isaiah tells Ahaz the plot will not work if Ahaz trusts in the Lord.)

 8 For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus, Rezin; and within threescore and five years shall Ephraim be broken that it be not a people.  (Prophecy of Ephraim being conquered and taken captive to no longer have identity.  Direct prophecy of ten tribes being dispersed.)

 9 And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah’s son. If ye will not believe surely ye shall not be established. (Specific Prophecy with names and places and King Ahaz does not believe that Isaiah has been shown by the Lord the future.)

 10 Moreover, the Lord spake again unto Ahaz, saying: (Lord prophesying to King Ahaz.)

 11 Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God; ask it either in the depths, or in the heights above. (Ahaz is struggling to believe Isaiah and Isaiah is telling the King that the Lord will give him a sign.  Ahaz just needs to ask for a sign that Jerusalem will be spared.)

 12 But Ahaz said: I will not ask, neither will I tempt the Lord.  (The prophet Isaiah has told Ahaz to ask for a sign so that he will believe the prophecy concerning destruction of Ephraim, Syria and Assyrian.  Ahaz is refusing the direction of the Lord saying he will not tempt the Lord and ask for a sign.)

 13 And he said: Hear ye now, O house of David; is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? (Isaiah tells King Ahaz he is being stupid and that he should do as Lord has directed.)

 14 Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign (Sign or symbolistic events the entire prophecy concerning the salvation of Jerusalem from the armies of Ephraim, Syria, and Assyria is wrapped in the symbolism of the Savior and his mission—Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and shall bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.  (Isaiah tells Ahaz a prophecy concerning the Savior Jesus Christ and his Mother Mary given 700 years prior to the event and we from our perspective know it was fulfilled. Nephi wanted this information to his family.  Prophecy and historical events fulfilled.  Shows the power of God verses idols, Immanuel means God with us.)

 15 Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil and to choose the good. (Isaiah continues his prophecy about Saviors life.  Refuse evil and choose the good if you do the same you will be protected.)

 16 For before the child shall know to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings. (Both Ephraim and Syria will be conquered by the Assyrians within a few years before a small child knows the difference between good and evil.)

 17 The Lord shall bring upon thee, and upon thy people, and upon thy father’s house, days that have not come from the day that Ephraim departed from Judah, the king of Assyria. (Ahaz being told that trials are coming to the kingdom of Juda.  The very powerful nation of Assyria is going to attack Juda.)

 18 And it shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall hiss for the fly that is in the uttermost part of Egypt, and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria.  (Reference to the armies of Egypt and Assyria that are attacking forces. These forces neutralize Syria and Ephraim to provide salvation to Jerusalem.)

 19 And they shall come and shall rest all of them in the desolate valleys, and in the holes of the rocks, and upon all thorns, and upon all bushes. (The armies of Egypt and Assyria will be numerous and will come against Ephraim and Syria.)

 20 In the same day shall the Lord shave with a razor that is hired, by them beyond the river, by the king of Assyria, the head, and the hair of the feet; and it shall also consume the beard.  (The Kings of Ephraim and Syria their armies will totally be defeated by the Assyrians and Egyptians.)

 21 And it shall come to pass in that day, a man shall nourish a young cow and two sheep; (Pastures will not be over grazed as most of the people have been captured and taken.)

 22 And it shall come to pass, for the abundance of milk they shall give he shall eat butter; for butter and honey shall everyone eat that is left in the land.  (Those left in the land will have plenty because there are so few people and animals will thrive.)

 23 And it shall come to pass in that day, every place shall be, where there were a thousand vines at a thousand silverlings, which shall be for briers and thorns.  (No one left in the Kingdoms of Syria and Ephraim as Assyrian King has captured them and taken them as slaves the land is no longer farmed.)

 24 With arrows and with bows shall men come thither, because all the land shall become briers and thorns. (If the vineyards are not tended, they become overrun and wild animals will move in for men to hunt.)

 25 And all hills that shall be digged with the mattock, there shall not come thither the fear of briers and thorns; but it shall be for the sending forth of oxen, and the treading of lesser cattle.  (The kingdoms of Syria and Ephraim are destroyed, and Ahaz can trust in the Lord’s capability to protect Juda from the conspiring kings.  Archeology and historians have now documented that these events  took place.  We are able to note the prophecy and see the fulfillment.)

2 Nephi 18 Isaiah 8 Prophecy Assyrian conquest of ten Northern tribes taking them to Nineveh Isaiah 8 is a prophecy to King Ahaz that the Assyrians will attack Ephraim, and Syria prohibiting Ephraim and Syria from attacking Jerusalem.  Ahaz is promised the Lord will defend Jerusalem.  This is historical to Nephi’s family and they know that the Assyrians attacked Ephraim and Syria took them captive miraculously preserving Jerusalem.  The emphasis again is that relying on the Lord is better than having a great army.  Nephi’s family are able to know both the prophecy and the fulfillment.  Extremely important and relevant for us and Nephi’s family to know the scriptures, be able to see prophecies and fulfillment to strengthen our faith.  Nephi was able to rely on the Lord and gain the brass plates even when Laban was more powerful.

Historical

The tributary nations of Syria (often called Aram) and the Kingdom of Israel (often called Ephraim because of the main tribe) decided to break away. The Kingdom of Judah, ruled by King Ahaz, refused to join the coalition. In 735 BC Syria, under Rezin, and Israel, under Pekah, attempted to depose Ahaz through an invasion.

Archeological

 1 Moreover, the word of the Lord said unto me: Take thee a great roll, and write in it with a man’s pen, concerning Maher-shalal-hash-baz. (Lord is telling Isaiah to write down his prophecy for us to read as the sign foretells of the Savior and his mission.)

 2 And I took unto me faithful witnesses to record, Uriah the priest, and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah. (Prophecy witness of Isaiah prophecy about Syria and Ephraim being defeated by Assyrian King symbolic of salvation coming from the Lord.)

 3 And I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived and bare a son. Then said the Lord to me: Call his name, Maher-shalal-hash-baz. (Sets timeline of Prophecy using the birth and age of Isaiah’s son. Documents timing of prophecy or witness to when prophecy occurred.)

 4 For behold, the child shall not have knowledge to cry, My father, and my mother, before the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria shall be taken away before the king of Assyria. (Isaiah is telling Ahaz his child named Maher-shala-hash-baz will not be even two, young children begin to talk and say mama and dada around two, before the King of Assyria conquers Syria and Ephraim and take them captive.)

 5 The Lord spake also unto me again, saying:

 6 Forasmuch as this people refuseth the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah’s son; (The Ephramites were refusing their God represented by waters of Shiloah and following Apostate Kings of Syria and Ephraim.)

 7 Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, even the king of Assyria and all his glory; and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks. (Assyrian King comes with large armies well equipped in tools of warfare and conquers Ephraim takes the people captive.  This is how the 10 tribes go missing in scripture and become lost as to identity.)

 8 And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach even to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel. (Assyrian King conquers most of Juda only Jerusalem left unconquered.)

 9 Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear all ye of far countries; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces. (If The King and his people are choosing to trust in alliances with other Nations “associate yourselves” rather than the Lord they will be broken.  If they grid themselves for war and trust in their military, they will be broken.  The King and his people must trust in the Lord.)

 10 Take counsel together, and it shall come to naught; speak the word, and it shall not stand; for God is with us. (Ephraim partnership with Syria does not succeed as history shows that before they can conquer Juda the Assyrian army comes and conquers Ephraim and takes them captive.  Ephraim is an evil nation worshiping idols they speak the words God is with us, but their actions have shown they apostatized and God is not with them.)

 11 For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying: (The Lord is being direct and telling Isaiah the prophecy and what is to be written that the King is to trust in the Lord.)

 12 Say ye not, A confederacy, to all to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. (The people of King Ahaz “Juda” became aware of the plans of Syria and Ephraim to conquer them and the Lord said do not fear these conspiring nations put your trust in me.)

 13 Sanctify the Lord of Hosts himself, and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. (Know the Lords power, respect him, be obedient to the commandments.)

 14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling, and for a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. (If we fear or respect and worship the Lord, He will be a sanctuary to us or a protection.  At the time Isaiah is prophesying both the houses of Israel Northern Kingdom “Ephraim” and Juda are being corrupted and the Savior who wants to help them has become an impediment to their continued corruption.  The people of Israel are offended by their God.  Gin and snare represent traps that the northern tribes will fall into because of their wickedness.)

 15 And many among them shall stumble and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken. (Those who reject Isaiah’s prophecy to return and worship the Lord will stumble and fall.   The 10 tribes led by Ephraim have stumbled in their faith are worshiping idols mixed with Jehovah worship.  They along with Syria will be taken captive by the Assyrians.)

 16 Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples. (Isaiah provide the prophecy and instructions to Ahaz.  He wrote down the prophecy for documentation to Juda.  We as well as Nephi family have the prophecy and fulfillments to build testimony and strength of faith.)

17 And I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him. (Isaiah has provided the Lord’s message to Ahaz the King and he will wait and watch the fulfilments as the Lord withdraws from protecting Israel.)

18 Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of Hosts, which dwelleth in Mount Zion. (Isaiah and his son born and named as prophesied are part of the prophetic evidence to Juda.  I told you before the events happened and then the events happened the Prophesies were fulfilled.  Isaiah -I am here to testify to the truths and facts.  We are given the scriptures to understand and gain knowledge of our God.)

 19 And when they shall say unto you: Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep and mutter should not a people seek unto their God for the living to hear from the dead? (Isaiah prophecy is that rather than going to fortune tellers, magicians we as a people should seek the true and living God for light and knowledge concerning the purpose of life.)

 20 To the law and to the testimony; and if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.  (The prophets teach the law and bear testimony of its truthfulness, if men teach incorrect principles, it is because they do not have spirit of God with them.)

 21 And they shall pass through it hardly bestead and hungry; and it shall come to pass that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their God, and look upward. (Those who have not faith will go through life not understanding the great purpose of life unable to understand why there is misery and trials.  To those who do not know God when trials come will not understand the purpose and will be afraid and fret over what is going to happen the faithful will be able to continue moving forward getting stronger with experience.)

 22 And they shall look unto the earth and behold trouble, and darkness, dimness of anguish, and shall be driven to darkness. (When we are left to our own resources and not understanding the help and knowledge that is available there is dimness and remorse, hatred and other dark emotions.)

2 Nephi 19 Isaiah 9 Prophecy Jesus King of Jews

The Book of Mormon is another witness of Jesus Christ and Isaiah 9 is a great prophecy concerning our Lord Jesus Christ.  The prophecy adds to the sign given Ahaz that Jesus will be born as a child lineage of David or Juda that his government will be a government of peace and that relying on him provides salvation both for our souls and at this time Jerusalem against the Northern tribes combined with Syria.  Jesus will be the mighty God and there will be no end to his throne and his name will be called wonderful, counselor.  If Ahaz and his son Hezekiah rely on the Lord that Jerusalem and their kingdoms will be protected.  Historically we know that Ephraim was planning on combining and attacking Jerusalem.  Ephraim’s plan was stopped because the greater army of the Assyrians conquers Ephraim and takes them captive.   Ephraim or Israel, and the other northern tribes become the lost ten tribes.  Nephi states in the book of Mormon that he lived in Jerusalem and new the regions round about.  He would have had personal knowledge of the fulfillment of this prophecy and could testify of the fulfillment.  Provides additional credence to the prophecy concerning the destruction of Jerusalem.  This prophecy with Isaiah 8 is providing background to the storyline of why Lehi family should trust in the Lord and leave Jerusalem as there are prophets prophesying of Jerusalem’s destruction.  Very easy to understand the relevance of this prophecy and understand why it has place on Nephi’s Gold plates and is in Book of Mormon.

History

I

This gypsum relief is from the ancient Assyrian palace at Nimrud (Calah), the capital city. It depicts Tiglath-pilesar III’s mighty Assyrian warriors leading the inhabitants of a city near the Sea of Galilee (Astartu or Ashtaroth) and their sheep into captivity. It is now at the British Museum. Notice the city built on a mound.

It is interesting that the prophet Isaiah revealed that the territory surrounding the Sea of Galilee would be among the first to be conquered by the Assyrians and also the first to hear and see the Messiah. Jesus first began minister around the Sea of Galilee. (Isaiah 9)

1 Nevertheless, the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun, and the land of Naphtali, and afterwards did more grievously afflict by the way of the Red Sea beyond Jordan in Galilee of the nations.  (Isaiah prophesying that prior to the major attack of the Assyrians there will be minor attacks against the land of Zebulun and Naphtali two of the more northern tribe’s lands.  Then the Assyrians will come with greater armies and more furiously attack the area by the red sea the land of Ephraim.)

 2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. (Isaiah’s prophecy to King Ahaz of Ephraim and Syria dark works planning to attack Juda has been shown to King Ahaz and that the attack will not be successful. Prophecy is a great light that shines to give us future knowledge.)

 3 Thou hast multiplied the nation, and increased the joy—they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. (Isaiah is using the sign given Ahaz of the Savior and his coming to provide knowledge of the immediate future and Juda’s salvation from the combined armies of Ephraim and Syria.)

 4 For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor. (Isaiah is declaring that the Armies of Ephraim and Syria will be broken by a tool of the Lord the nation of Assyria.  Savior with the atonement will break our yoke of sin, and with his death on the cross and resurrection releases us from Satan our oppressor. Isaiah is prophesying of the events and likening them to the Savior’s mission)

 5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. (Prophecy concerning the viciousness of the Assyrian army as it conquers Ephraim.  Isaiah sees the battles of the last days when the Lord returns with his red garments symbol of his blood shed for us.  The Lord he will burn the wicked at his coming in the last days.  Isaiah is using the sign of the Savior to unfold what will happen between Juda, Ephraim, Syria and the Assyrian’s)

 6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (This is continuation of the sign given King Ahaz concerning the Savior and his mission.  In the millennium the Savior as defined by the child is born and son is given will have the government on his shoulders will be King of all the earth, and will be called wonderful, counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the prince of peace as he rules the earth.)

 7 Of the increase of government and peace there is no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this. (The Savior is rightful heir to the throne of David and will reign as King of the earth during the millennium.  There will be no end to the Saviors Throne.  Justice will be properly administered during Saviors reign.  The Lord will work tirelessly to make sure government works properly.) 

 8 The Lord sent his word unto Jacob and it hath lighted upon Israel.  (The scriptures “word” both Bible and Book of Mormon have come through Israel or House of Jacob and much of the prophecy is about them.  The word includes this prophecy to King Ahaz tribe of Juda.  Worship Jehovah and he will provide protection.  Ahaz will be given great evidence that the Lord can and will fight our battles.)

 9 And all the people shall know, even Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria, that say in the pride and stoutness of heart: (Isaiah prophecy concerning the land of Ephraim and Samaria.  Even though the Assyrians have already been sending in smaller armies and attacking the northern tribes “10 tribes” the people were very stubborn and prideful.)

 10 The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones; the sycamores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars.  (The Lord has removed his protection and there was a minor or light attack that destroyed some of the infrastructure of Ephraim the people in their pride say we are going to rebuild what was destroyed and make it better stronger.  The people did not take this as prophetic warning to return to their God.  Interesting that Tom Daschle and John Edwards quoted this verse right after the 9/11 events with similar pride.  President Hinckley spoke about the event and indicated we need to repent as a nation and return to worshipping God of our nation.  President Hinckley also indicated that this was the first time we have been attacked on our soil by foreign power.  This could be a harbinger of events to come!)

 11 Therefore the Lord shall set up the adversaries of Rezin against him, and join his enemies together; (Rezin was King of Syria that combined with Pekah the King of Ephraim and now their enemies the Assyrians are set for complete all-out war against them.)

 12 The Syrians before and the Philistines behind; and they shall devour Israel with open mouth. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. (The Lord is both just and merciful this is justice being administered for outright wickedness by those who are supposed to be teaching of God.  Ephraim has turned away to worship idols.  This is where the ten tribes become lost because of their wickedness they are conquered and taken into slavery and lose their identity.)

 13 For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the Lord of Hosts. (Even after the minor attacks the people do not turn to God for protection.  They rely on their own abilities.)

 14 Therefore will the Lord cut off from Israel head and tail, branch and rush in one day. (The Lord will use Assyria as tool to conquer the promised people from the promised land.  History has shown the prophecy to be fulfilled.)

 15 The ancient, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail. (Satan has his prophets that teach lies.  Satan has an organization to accomplish his goals.)

 16 For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed. (The leaders are evil and teaching people to error and the nation was conquered.)

 17 Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men, neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows; for every one of them is a hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh folly. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. (The hand of justice is now being administered after the people have refused to repent. The young, the old, orphans all are doing evil because the leaders have led them astray.)

 18 For wickedness burneth as the fire; it shall devour the briers and thorns, and shall kindle in the thickets of the forests, and they shall mount up like the lifting up of smoke. (There is great wickedness in Israel and the only way to stop its rampant expansion is for the Lord to remove it by the humbling of the people by force.)

 19 Through the wrath of the Lord of Hosts is the land darkened, and the people shall be as the fuel of the fire; no man shall spare his brother. (The land of Ephraim is wicked or darkened they are not teaching the knowledge of God they have.  The Lord’s wrath is kindled because there are no righteous in the land.  Justice to be handed out just as it will be in the last days when wickedness abounds.)

 20 And he shall snatch on the right hand and be hungry; and he shall eat on the left hand and they shall not be satisfied; they shall eat every man the flesh of his own arm—(The wickedness is so advanced that there is cannibalism among the people.  Lord is justified in removing this people out of the land.)

 21 Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh; they together shall be against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. (Ephraim and Manasseh have combined with Syria to try and conquer Juda.  Note: Juda maintains identity and the 10 tribes are lost and will need to be gathered.  Nephi sees the importance of this knows the prophecies for the future and includes the prophecy relating to the ten tribes becoming lost.  for his family and use this scripture to help them maintain their righteousness.)

2 Nephi 20 Isaiah 10 Prophecy destruction of Assyrian Army.

Prophecy in Isaiah 10 concerns the destruction of the Assyrian army that has conquered the Northern tribes now wants to conquer Jerusalem.  The Assyrian King boasts that he is more powerful than Israel God because he has conquered the Northern tribes who have the same God.  The King does not realize that he was a tool the Lord used to humble the people because of their wickedness.  When attacking Jerusalem, the Lord causes the Assyrian army to die one evening prior to the attack on Jerusalem.  Isaiah 8-10 are several prophecies relating to different events concerning the house of Israel.  The Northern tribes are conquered and captured but Jerusalem is saved by the miraculous power of God.  Isaiah was able to see and prophecy the future and yet this is historical to Nephi family which has been able to see the fulfillments.  Provides great knowledge about trusting in Lord and living the covenant path.  Nephi’s family would have been familiar with the prophecy and the fulfillments as this would have been very much in the Jewish culture and possible a reason the Jews felt they were unconquerable.   Again, we see the relevance to Nephi in teaching his family from the scripture on the brass plates which contained the prophecies of Isaiah.

History

That very night, the angel of the LORD went out to the camp of the Assyrian army and killed 185,000 men. Early the next morning, when the army of Israel arose, all 185,000 soldiers were dead. That very night the LORD’s messenger went out and killed 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp.

2 Kings 19:35 And that very night the angel of the LORD …

Archeological evidence

The Sennacherib Prism, University of Chicago Oriental Institute

Not surprisingly, the Assyrian account of the invasion paints a different a picture of the invasion. One of the treasures of the University of Chicago Oriental Institute (a wonderful museum for those interested in Biblical history) is the Sennacherib Prism, an official Assyrian account of Sennacherib’s military campaigns. This is how it describes the invasion of Judah:

“As for Hezekiah the Judahite, who did not submit to my yoke: forty-six of his strong, walled cities, as well as the small towns in their area, which were without number, by levelling with battering-rams and by bringing up seige-engines, and by attacking and storming on foot, by mines, tunnels, and breeches, I besieged and took them. 200,150 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. (Hezekiah) himself, like a caged bird I shut up in Jerusalem, his royal city.“

 1 Wo unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed; (King of Assyria has decreed that the God of Juda is weak and the king and his princess will be able to conquer Juda easily taking all the spoils for themselves.)

 2 To turn away the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless! (The very wealthy Assyrian empire wants to rob the wealth of Juda.)

 3 And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory? (The Assyrians are the desolation coming from afar.  Who will Ahaz turn to for help the Lord or the Egyptians?)

 4 Without me they shall bow down under the prisoners, and they shall fall under the slain. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.  (Without the Lord King Ahaz and his people would be overwhelmed by the strength of the Assyrian King taken prisoners and slain.  Ahaz has not been the most faithful servant; however the Lord is still stretching out his hand to help Juda.)

 5 O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is their indignation. (The Assyrian King is prideful and believes it was by his power he conquered the northern tribes does not realize he was only a tool in the hands of the Lord.  The Lord will take the side of Juda and be the protection they need.)

 7 Howbeit he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so; but in his heart it is to destroy and cut off nations not a few.  (Prophecy about Assyrian Kings the Lord knows their mind and intent.  Their heart is set on conquering nations and taking the wealth of those nations.  King of Assyrians is a wicked man very proud and takes delight in destruction of other nations.)

 8 For he saith: Are not my princes altogether kings?  (The Assyrian King sets up rulers in the nations he conquers.   King is bragging about his power.  Refers to King Tiglath-Pileser III which much has been written in history.)

 9 Is not Calno as Carchemish? Is not Hamath as Arpad? Is not Samaria as Damascus?  (Prophecy the King will brag about the nations he has conquered and that the Israelite nations are weaker than those he has already conquered.)

 10 As my hand hath founded the kingdoms of the idols, and whose graven images did excel them of Jerusalem and of Samaria;  (Prophecy King will brag that he has conquered nations who’s idol gods are greater than the God of Jerusalem and Ephraim. He will not realize he is a tool used to humble God’s covenant people because of their wickedness.)

 11 Shall I not, as I have done unto Samaria and her idols, so do to Jerusalem and to her idols?  (The Assyrian King is bragging that if he can conquer Samaria “Ephraim” then he can also conquer Jerusalem as they have the same God.)

 12 Wherefore it shall come to pass that when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon Mount Zion and upon Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks.  (Isaiah prophecy that when the Lord has completed the punishment of Ephraim and Juda The Lord will also hold the Assyrian King accountable.)

 13 For he saith: By the strength of my hand and by my wisdom I have done these things; for I am prudent; and I have moved the borders of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man;  (Prophecy concerning the boasting and pride of the King of Assyria. King is claiming that the conquerqing of Ephraim was because of his wisdom and strength. This allowed him to rob or take their treasures and the deportation of the people out of the land. These are now historical facts concerning how the 10 tribes became lost. Nephi points out the fulfillments as these events are historical to Nephi he can show the prophecy and the fulfilment to instruct his people.)

 14 And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people; and as one gathereth eggs that are left have I gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped.  (Prophecy Assyrian King will take the spoils or riches and claim he did that with his might, knowledge and strength no one helped him and no one stopped him especially not the weak God of Israel.)

 15 Shall the ax boast itself against him that heweth therewith? Shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? As if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself as if it were no wood!  (Very Poetic in the symbolism that tools are worthless without the person behind them.  An ax cannot cut a tree without a person to swing the ax.  The King of Assyria was a tool for the Lord to humble his people and had the people been righteous he would have been ineffective. Nephi has seen in vision the Lamanites will also be used as a tool to humble his people.)

 16 Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of Hosts, send among his fat ones, leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire.  (The Assyrian King is going to be undone.  The Lord is more powerful than any army or human individual.  There will be an accounting by all of us to the Lord for our doings.)

 17 And the light of Israel shall be for a fire, and his Holy One for a flame, and shall burn and shall devour his thorns and his briers in one day;  (The King of Assyria is going to attack Juda and Jerusalem but will be defeated in one day by the Lord.)

 18 And shall consume the glory of his forest, and of his fruitful field, both soul and body; and they shall be as when a standard-bearer fainteth.  (Poetic the forest is the Assyrian kings’ army will be consumed by the Power of God.)

 19 And the rest of the trees of his forest shall be few, that a child may write them.  (The remnant of his army will be very few in that a small child could right all the names.  Would not be big task.)

 20 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them, but shall stay upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.  (This Prophecy is the Assyrian King Sennacherib had conquered most of Israel and Juda with his confidence high he planned to attack Jerusalem and King Hezekiah who had turned to the Lord for help.)

 21 The remnant shall return, yea, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God. (The night before the Assyrian army was to attack Jerusalem 185,000 soldiers died. These events occurred 701 BC and are historical to Nephi but were futuristic to Isaiah. Hezekiah trusted in the Lord and the Lord fought his battle. Nephi is using this scripture to teach his people to trust and rely on the Lord, be obedient, that all the Lords words will be fulfilled.)

 22 For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return; the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness.  (Isaiah prophesying that the people of Israel are the Lords resource for teaching knowledge of Him to the world.  The Lord has decreed that Israel is the covenant nation and even though much has been wasted by people being wicked there is a righteous remnant and the Lord will use them.)

 23 For the Lord God of Hosts shall make a consumption, even determined in all the land. (Isaiah is prophesying that God will make use of his covenant people the House of Israel, He has given them the promised land.)

 24 Therefore, thus saith the Lord God of Hosts: O my people that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian; he shall smite thee with a rod, and shall lift up his staff against thee, after the manner of Egypt.  (The Lord is declaring to Hezekiah and the people in Jerusalem to not be afraid of the great army of Assyrians.  The Assyrians are mighty and have the weapons to defeat the promised people, but Lord is going to fight the battle the same as he did for Moses and the people when they left Egypt and the Egyptian army was drowned in the Red Sea.)

 25 For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction. (The Lord’s anger or annoyance caused by the people’s wickedness will cease as they turn to the Lord and worship him, and their destruction shall cease.)

 26 And the Lord of Hosts shall stir up a scourge for him according to the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb; and as his rod was upon the sea so shall he lift it up after the manner of Egypt. (Isaiah prophecy references historical events when the Lord previously helped Israel the stories of Gideon and Moses. The Assyrians will be defeated.)

 27 And it shall come to pass in that day that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing. (Israel’s heavy load will be taken off their shoulders they will not have to fight the superior army of the Assyrian King. The yoke will be destroyed because Israel has been anointed to take the knowledge of God to the world.  The Lord will use his resource the Israelites for his purpose!)

 28 He is come to Aiath, he is passed to Migron; at Michmash he hath laid up his carriages.  (Places Assyria is conquering on way to Jerusalem it will take faith in the Lord as the people see the cities falling.)

 29 They are gone over the passage; they have taken up their lodging at Geba; Ramath is afraid; Gibeah of Saul is fled. (Additional cities King of Assyria has affected.)

 30 Lift up the voice, O daughter of Gallim; cause it to be heard unto Laish, O poor Anathoth. (More cities affected by Assyrian King on way to Jerusalem.)

 31 Madmenah is removed; the inhabitants of Gebim gather themselves to flee. (More cities conquered as Assyria has very powerful army.)

 32 As yet shall he remain at Nob that day; he shall shake his hand against the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem. (King of Assyria is working his way to Jerusalem.)

 33 Behold, the Lord, the Lord of Hosts shall lop the bough with terror; and the high ones of stature shall be hewn down; and the haughty shall be humbled.  (The King of Assyria will be cut down and defeated by the Lord himself as he attacks Jerusalem.  This is real example of Lords power and salvation the symbol given Ahaz is the power of the Lord to save.)

 34 And he shall cut down the thickets of the forests with iron, and Lebanon shall fall by a mighty one. (Thickets and forests are the Armies that will be cut down by the Lord.  The Lord saves Jerusalem, and we have that as a sign the Lord is able to save us.)

Isaiah prophecy the Lord is the man wielding the ax the Assyrian King is the ax in the prophetic imagery.  The Lord used Assyria after he dropped the protective hedge around Israel “vineyard” to humble his people.   

2 Nephi 25:9 And as one generation hath been destroyed among the Jews because of iniquity, even so have they been destroyed from generation to generation according to their iniquities; and never hath any of them been destroyed save it were foretold them by the prophets of the Lord.

 10 Wherefore, it hath been told them concerning the destruction which should come upon them, immediately after my father left Jerusalem; nevertheless, they hardened their hearts; and according to my prophecy they have been destroyed, save it be those which are away captive into Babylon.

2 Nephi 21 Isaiah 11 prophecy of Joseph Smith a servant of the Lord.

Isaiah 11 is a fascinating prophecy about the last days.  The prophecy concerns a rod that comes out of the stem of Jessie.  The stem of Jessie is defined in section 113 as the Savior. The Rod is defined as partly a descendent of Jessie as well as Ephraim or the house of Joseph.  Nephi on his plates 2 Nephi 3 provides the genealogy of a prophet in the last days that matches the genealogy but gives us greater information that his name will be Joseph who would be named after his father and would be a descendent of Joseph sold into Egypt.  Moroni quotes Isaiah 11 to Joseph Smith the night he comes to give Joseph his calling to translate the gold plates.  Joseph Smith in his personal history makes sure we know that Moroni quoted the Isaiah 11 scripture prophecy would be very personal to him.  There is no question that the Rod is a prophecy concerning Joseph Smith and his calling in the last days to translate the gold plates to the Book of Mormon.  The branch referred is concerned with Joseph work to gather Israel in the last days the members of the church are this righteous branch.  We can see the personal nature of this scripture to both Nephi and Joseph as Nephi is writing the gold plates and Joseph will bring them forth in the last days as another witness of Jesus Christ.  No can doubt the relevance of this Isaiah scripture to the Book of Mormon story line when we understand how relevant this is to Nephi himself the Lord has told him that he is writing the plates for a wise purpose and now this prophecy is about Nephi and Joseph and their relationship in bring about the gathering of Israel in the last days.

History

Isaiah wrote his Prophecy around 730 BC concerning the restoration in the last days.  Nephi wrote his 2 Nephi 21 chapters around 545 BC that was Isaiah 11 as a relevant revelation to him and placed on the valuable space of the gold plates.  The angel Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith September 21,1823 and quoted Isaiah 11 to Joseph Smith as relevant to the work he was about to do.  Joseph Smith wrote his personal history around May 1829 and included the fact that the angel had quoted Isaiah 11 to him as a special event to him.  Joseph wrote section 113 of the Doctrine and covenants in March of 1838 that provides insight on the interpretation of Isaiah 11 and clarification that ties Isaiah, Nephi, Moroni, and Joseph Smith together.

The revelation relates to a servant in the hands of the Savior with a specific lineage.

Alexander W. Baugh, professor of Church history and doctrine at BYU commented, “On Dec. 9, 1834, Joseph Smith Sr. pronounced a patriarchal blessing on Joseph Smith Jr. wherein he declared that the Prophet was a lineal descendant and birthright heir to the patriarchal fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, but more particularly Joseph of Egypt. Furthermore, Brigham Young declared that Joseph Smith was a descendant of Joseph through Ephraim (Journal of Discourses 2:269).

Brigham Young, who wrote in 1859, “Hidden in the blood of many LDS runs the blood of Israel from numerous directions, including that of the Savior. But it is specifically through the divine blood-right of Christ through Joseph Smith Jr. that all members of the Church are lawful heirs of the promise.”

In 1899, LDS Church apostle George Q. Cannon reportedly told a Salt Lake Temple assembly, “There are those in this audience who are descendants of the old Twelve Apostles – and shall I say it, yes, descendants of the Savior himself. His seed is represented in this body of men.”

 1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.  (“Stem of Jesse” is the Savior who is a descendent of Jesse through King David, Savior is rightful heir to the throne of King David.  The Rod is a servant in the hands of the Savior who should come of the Stem of Jesse or the Savior and as well Ephraim we know from Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 3 servant in last days will have name of Joseph after name of father.  Obvious from D&C 113 that the rod has reference to Joseph Smith. Branch also refers to Savior.  Moroni quoted Isaiah 11 to Joseph and said this scripture was not yet fulfilled but I can envision him saying Joseph this scripture is about you and the work you will do.  Joseph Smith includes Isaiah 11 reference in his personal history because the prophecy is personal to him and is about him.)

 2 And the Spirit of the Lord (Christ) shall rest upon him (Joseph Smith), the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord (Christ); (Joseph was given the spirit of understanding, knowledge, wisdom and fear of the Lord. The pronouns for him, he and his that are not capitalized refer to a man and that man is Joseph Smith.)

 3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord (Christ); and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears. (Joseph was given quick understanding of things of the spirit that he had an extra sense beyond what he saw and heard.)

 4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. (Joseph was given power as a prophet and he used his power in love same as Savior did while on earth.  Joseph just as the apostles of Jesus Christ has been given a role as judge.)

 5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. (Joseph was obedient and faithful to his calling to the end of his life.  In the verse his is not capitalized so his refers to a man not a God.)

 6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the young lion and fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. (The days of Joseph are close to the millennial days and Isaiah has provided us a description of millennial day animals.)

 7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. (Additional description of millennial day changes in animal kingdom those that eat meat to vegetarian.)

 8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’s den. (Animals are symbolic of the way the earth will be during the millennium no more bloodshed)

 9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. (Isaiah is prophesying that there will be an end to people hurting other people and destroying the things of the earth.  There will be great wisdom and knowledge on the earth.  Technological advances will be faster and greater than any other time on the earth. Great advance in communications, travel, medicine, power all occurring now to assist the Lord in the millennium with his great work.  The Gospel of the Lord will be preached throughout the world bringing increased understanding and knowledge of God and his purposes.  The vision of Joel which was also given to the prophet Joseph Smith stated the spirit of the Lord will be on all the earth and the prophets have defined that to mean all the great technologies that are coming about.  Joseph would know that from his day to the millennium there would be a great advancement in knowledge and the use of technology in our lives.)

 10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek; and his rest shall be glorious. (D&C 113:6 defines the root of Jesse as servant who is a descendant of Jessie as well as of Joseph (sold into Egypt) unto who rightly belongs the priesthood and the keys of the Kingdom what better describes Joseph Smith.  Joseph work to bring about the book of Mormon or the plates of Nephi you can see why Nephi included this scripture on his plates.)

 11 And it shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. (We believe in literal gathering of Israel.  Note the Jewish people returning to the Middle East Israel the land God gave them.  A true miracle considering all that the Jewish people have gone through to have maintained racial identity after 2000 years of persecution.  All the nations around them continue to be at war with them why would anyone move to Israel.  We know Ephraim is being gathered as patriarchal blessing identify many of us as the descendants of Ephraim.  Plus, the other tribes being gathered to the Church of Jesus Christ Latter day saints.  The gathering both of Juda and the 10 tribes are taking place.  Another Prophecy of why Juda must maintain its identity.)

 12 And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth. (Brigham Young led a group of priesthood leaders to a peak above the Salt Lake valley and called it Ensign peak a significant fulfillment. This scripture was quoted by Moroni to Joseph and Moroni stated this prophecy was yet to be fulfilled but shortly would be.  The establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints by Joseph Smith and the Church’s continuing mission are fulfillment of this prophecy.  The gospel is going forth from the Salt Lake Valley an ensign to the Nations.  Juda is being gathered to their land in the Middle East which can be seen in the news daily.  Juda own the city of Jerusalem home of their temple.  We watch for the construction of their new temple.

 13 The envy of Ephraim also shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off; Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim.  (The tribes of Ephraim “United States” and Juda “Jewish state of Israel” will not vex each other but combine to bring democracy to the world and establish a government that has freedom for their peoples.  We as the people of Ephraim will need to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Juda in a friendly way.  The sticks of Juda “Bible” and Joseph “Book of Mormon” will combine to testify of Christ.  Another reason Nephi would include this scripture on his plates.  Book of Mormon is the stick of Joseph which is in the hands of Ephraim as Joseph Smith was a descendant of Ephraim.)

 14 But they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines towards the west; they shall spoil them of the east together; they shall lay their hand upon Edom and Moab; and the children of Ammon shall obey them. (Philistines today would be Gaza strip.  Edom is Jordan today.  Moab is also Jordan today.  Mainly descendants of Lot Abrahams brother mostly of the religion of Islam.  Islam seems to have a hatred towards Juda.  There is a miracle alliance between the US and Israel which I believe to be a fulfillment of this prophecy.  The Jewish state has become a military power primarily with the backing of the United States with Israel being Juda and the United State the nation of Ephraim.  In the end the Lord fights all the battles.) 

 15 And the Lord shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with his mighty wind he shall shake his hand over the river, and shall smite it in the seven streams, and make men go over dry shod.  (The Lord will do mighty miracles to save Juda in the last days he is their King.)

 16 And there shall be a highway for the remnant of his people which shall be left, from Assyria, like as it was to Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt. (The tribe of Ephraim was taken to Assyria when they were captured.  After that they left Assyria crossed the Caucus mountains and went to England.  From England they left with the pilgrims and went to America to establish a new Jerusalem.  Joseph Smith an Ephraimite established the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints.  The highway is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with the temples and organizations of stakes and wards. The church provides a way for people on highway to return to the Lord. Just as Moses the prophet organized the people so also is the organization of the church today. Isaiah 35 :8 And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called the way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err there in.  The church is the path, the gospel is way, for people to travel this earth on our way back to God or Holiness.)

Prophecy given to Joseph sold into Egypt recorded 2 Nephi 3: 5-16 matches description given in D&C 113:  1-6 as explanation of Isaiah 11.

1 Who is the Stem of Jesse spoken of in the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, and 5th verses of the 11th chapter of Isaiah?

2 Verily thus saith the Lord: It is Christ.

3 What is the rod spoken of in the first verse of the 11th chapter of Isaiah, that should come of the Stem of Jesse?

4 Behold, thus saith the Lord: It is a servant in the hands of Christ, who is partly a descendant of Jesse as well as of Ephraim, or of the house of Joseph, on whom there is laid much power.

5 What is the root of Jesse spoken of in the 10th verse of the 11th chapter?

6 Behold, thus saith the Lord, it is a descendant of Jesse, as well as of Joseph, unto whom rightly belongs the priesthood, and the keys of the kingdom, for an ensign, and for the gathering of my people in the last days.

Doctrine and Covenants 113:1-6

Doctrine and Covenants

Scriptures

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/113?lang=eng&verse=1&context=1-6#p1

5 Wherefore, Joseph truly saw our day. And he obtained a promise of the Lord, that out of the fruit of his loins the Lord God would raise up a righteous branch unto the house of Israel; not the Messiah, but a branch which was to be broken off, nevertheless, to be remembered in the covenants of the Lord that the Messiah should be made manifest unto them in the latter days, in the spirit of power, unto the bringing of them out of darkness unto light—yea, out of hidden darkness and out of captivity unto freedom.

6 For Joseph truly testified, saying: A seer shall the Lord my God raise up, who shall be a choice seer unto the fruit of my loins.

7 Yea, Joseph truly said: Thus saith the Lord unto me: A choice seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and he shall be esteemed highly among the fruit of thy loins. And unto him will I give commandment that he shall do a work for the fruit of thy loins, his brethren, which shall be of great worth unto them, even to the bringing of them to the knowledge of the covenants which I have made with thy fathers.

8 And I will give unto him a commandment that he shall do none other work, save the work which I shall command him. And I will make him great in mine eyes; for he shall do my work.

9 And he shall be great like unto Moses, whom I have said I would raise up unto you, to deliver my people, O house of Israel.

10 And Moses will I raise up, to deliver thy people out of the land of Egypt.

11 But a seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and unto him will I give power to bring forth my word unto the seed of thy loins—and not to the bringing forth my word only, saith the Lord, but to the convincing them of my word, which shall have already gone forth among them.

12 Wherefore, the fruit of thy loins shall write; and the fruit of the loins of Judah shall write; and that which shall be written by the fruit of thy loins, and also that which shall be written by the fruit of the loins of Judah, shall grow together, unto the confounding of false doctrines and laying down of contentions, and establishing peace among the fruit of thy loins, and bringing them to the knowledge of their fathers in the latter days, and also to the knowledge of my covenants, saith the Lord.

13 And out of weakness he shall be made strong, in that day when my work shall commence among all my people, unto the restoring thee, O house of Israel, saith the Lord.

14 And thus prophesied Joseph, saying: Behold, that seer will the Lord bless; and they that seek to destroy him shall be confounded; for this promise, which I have obtained of the Lord, of the fruit of my loins, shall be fulfilled. Behold, I am sure of the fulfilling of this promise;

15 And his name shall be called after me; and it shall be after the name of his father. And he shall be like unto me; for the thing, which the Lord shall bring forth by his hand, by the power of the Lord shall bring my people unto salvation.

16 Yea, thus prophesied Joseph: I am sure of this thing, even as I am sure of the promise of Moses; for the Lord hath said unto me, I will preserve thy seed forever.

2 Nephi 3:5-16

Book of Mormon

Scriptures

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/3?lang=eng&verse=5&context=5-16#p5

2 Nephi 22 Isaiah 12 Prophecy of Righteous branch of Israel last days

Summary

Isaiah 22 is a prophecy concerning the righteous branch spoken of in Isaiah 11 that will trust and worship Lord.  This branch or people will not be afraid and will worship Jesus and rely on the Savior’s strength to be their strength.  The will praise the Lord and make him known throughout the earth.  This people will take the Book of Mormon another witness of Jesus Christ to all the World.

History

President Hinckley stated in his October 2001 Conference talk: “We have seen only the foreshadowing of the mighty force for good that this Church will become. And yet I marvel at what has been accomplished.”

 1 And in that day thou shalt say: O Lord, I will praise thee; though thou wast angry with me thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. (Last days Ephraim will be righteous and work to take the word of the Lord to all nations including Juda who has not accepted the new testament portion of the gospel.  The Anger of the Lord will turn as Israel becomes righteous and take the word of the Lord to all the nations.  The Lord will again protect his people.)

 2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation. (A righteous branch of the house of Israel will believe in, trust, and worship the Lord.  The Lord will strengthen this people and provide a hedge of protection around them.)

 3 Therefore, with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. (The water out of wells is our good works to help those that need help.)

 4 And in that day shall ye say: Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. (Isaiah emphasizes that there will be great missionary effort to take the message of God to all the world including the knowledge of Isaiah scripture.)

 5 Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things; this is known in all the earth. (Song is part of worshiping, the hymns are prayers unto the Lord and provide truths and knowledge of God.  Make known the works of the Lord for our salvation.)

 6 Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion; for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee. (The Savior will be in the midst of Zion and great will be the gathering of Israel.)

2 Nephi 23 Isaiah 13 Prophecy destruction of Babylon

The Prophecy in Isaiah 13 concerns the destruction of Babylon who were the people who destroyed Jerusalem.  Isaiah prophecy of the destruction of Babylon by the Medes came true 200 years after Isaiah prophecy and 70 years after the conquering of Juda by Babylon.  Today Babylon is still not inhabited fulfilling Isaiah prophecy.  Nephi would include this prophecy as the country that conquered Jerusalem around 597 BC would then be punished by Persians.  Babylon was evil nation represents Satan’s Kingdom and the Lord will defeat Satan’s kingdom in the last days.  History is specific on the destruction Jerusalem by the Babylonians and the conquering of Babylon by King Cyrus.  For us we are able to see the fulfillment of prophecy and know the Lord is able to show past as well as future events to prophets.

History

In 539 BC, the Neo-Babylonian Empire fell to Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, with a military engagement known as the Battle of Opis. Babylon’s walls were considered impenetrable. The only way into the city was through one of its many gates or through the Euphrates River. Metal grates were installed underwater, allowing the river to flow through the city walls while preventing intrusion. The Persians devised a plan to enter the city via the river. During a Babylonian national feast, Cyrus’ troops diverted the Euphrates River upstream, allowing Cyrus’ soldiers to enter the city through the lowered water. The Persian army conquered the outlying areas of the city while the majority of Babylonians at the city center were unaware of the breach. The account was elaborated upon by Herodotus^[35][20] and is also mentioned in parts of the Hebrew Bible.^[36][37] (Herodotus also described a moat, an enormously tall and broad wall cemented with bitumen and with buildings on top, and a hundred gates to the city. He also writes that the Babylonians wear turbans and perfume and bury their dead in honey, that they practice ritual prostitution, and that three tribes among them eat nothing but fish. The hundred gates can be considered a reference to Homer, and following the pronouncement of Archibald Henry Sayce in 1883, Herodotus’ account of Babylon has largely been considered to represent Greek folklore rather than an authentic voyage to Babylon. However, recently, Dalley and others have suggested taking Herodotus’ account seriously.)^[35][38]

Archeology

 1 The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see. (Juda has been conquered by Babylon were enslaved by the Babylonians and taken back to the land of the Babylon.  The Babylonians were a wicked nation practicing Pagan rituals.)

 2 Lift ye up a banner upon the high mountain, exalt the voice unto them shake the hand, that they may go into the gates of the nobles.  (This prophecy is fulfilled when Cyrus the Great King of Persia diverts the Euphrates River upstream to allow his army to enter Babylon through the river gates.)

 3 I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones, for mine anger is not upon them that rejoice in my highness. (King Cyrus is the mighty one.  He knew of Jeremiah’s Prophecy that he would conquer Babylon and believed in the prophecy.)

 4 The noise of the multitude in the mountains like as of a great people, a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together, the Lord of Hosts mustereth the hosts of the battle. (The Lord stirred King Cyrus to conquer the Pagan nations of the earth.  King Cyrus honored Jehovah as God.)

 5 They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, yea, the Lord, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land. (Babylon was completely destroyed to the point that the city has not been inhabited since the destruction.)

 6 Howl ye, for the day of the Lord is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty. (Babylon must have seen the Persians coming and know their days were numbered.  The same in Nephites time and in the Last days the Lord will put down all wickedness.)

 7 Therefore shall all hands be faint, every man’s heart shall melt; (Fear will come on the wicked as judgement is administered.  The Babylonians must have had great fear as the Medes fell on them and destroyed the powerful nation.)

 8 And they shall be afraid; pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames. (The wicked will be amazed at the strength of the Lord and will be sorry for their wicked deeds all their combined influences will not be able to stop the judgements.)

 9 Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate; and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.  (The Lord knows what is best for the people of the earth and what needs to be done.  The justice that takes place may seem to us humans as fierce anger and wrath, yet all are alive unto the Lord.  The world needs to be cleansed from wickedness and sin, after words the people are taught true religion of peace, chastity, love neighbor that brings them back to God. This scenario repeats throughout the Book of Mormon the destruction of Babylon great symbol of Lords power and righteous judgements.  Justice will be administered.)

 10 For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light; the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine. (Stars, sun and moon often are symbols of nations, Ephraim “Sun” had stopped giving the light of the gospel and was wicked then conquered and taken captive, stars are lesser nations such as Syria that was also conquered, Juda represented by moon was also conquered and taken captive with no Nation now to spread the gospel there is no light of Gospel being spread on the earth.  President Hinckley in October conference 2001 told the Prophecy of Joel was fulfilled and quoted the entire Prophecy for us.  The Prophecy state the sun will be darkened and the moon turn to blood.  I believe this had reference to the 911 attack on the twin towers and that the light of Untied States would be darkened.  The moon would be turned to blood in that possible has reference to radical Islam which has the symbol of the crescent moon and if you replace the word Moon with radical Islam has turned to blood the prophecy makes sense with respect to what is happening in our world today.)

 11 And I will punish the world for evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay down the haughtiness of the terrible. (Ephraim, Juda, and King of Babylon were prideful and wicked.  They were all proud, haughty and arrogant.  The Lord ended each of these nations as they were all conquered.)

 12 I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir. (With war comes the killing of men and therefore fewer men make them more valuable to the societies they live in.)

 13 Therefore, I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the Lord of Hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger. (The Lords voice will shake the heavens when a people need to be humbled and he may do that personally or with a tool such as another nation.  The people will be removed off the promised lands if they do not repent. The Babylonians were wicked, and the Lord prophesied through Isaiah they would be removed, and the prophecy has been fulfilled.)

 14 And it shall be as the chased roe, and as a sheep that no man taketh up; and they shall every man turn to his own people, and flee every one into his own land. (The wicked will be like hunted deer and as a sheep that has no Sheppard to protect them.  Every man will flee to his own people in hopes of protection and there will be none.)

 15 Every one that is proud shall be thrust through; yea, and every one that is joined to the wicked shall fall by the sword. (Babylon was wicked city with the people very prideful.  They thought that nothing could destroy them, but the Lord allowed the Medes or Persians to come and destroy Babylon.  This is future to Isaiah, but we have seen the fulfillment historically.)

 16 Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses shall be spoiled and their wives ravished. (The Medes were extremely violent in their conquest of Babylon similar or worse than when Babylon conquered other nations.  Prophecy was fulfilled anciently still a type of what will yet happen last days.)

 17 Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, which shall not regard silver and gold, nor shall they delight in it.  (The Medes will be stirred up against Babylon. Cyrus a Medes King named specifically by Isaiah over a hundred twenty years earlier will come and go against the Babylonians.  Nephi would have wanted to explain what happened to the nation that conquered Jerusalem where the family lived.  The Medes are more about conquering the people and care little about the wealth of the nation and are willing to just destroy everything.  Iran or the Medes of today seeks nuclear weapon now not to be a wealthy nation but to conquer people.  Iran is a state of terrorist today which hates the Jews and wants to attack Jerusalem.)

 18 Their bows shall also dash the young men to pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eyes shall not spare children. (Medes or Iranians have no empathy for life they are cruel and violent both historically and currently.  City and people of Babylon are destroyed.)

 19 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees’ excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. (The great city of Babylon the most powerful nation at the time with its hanging gardens and great buildings will be totally destroyed never to be inhabited again like the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.)

 20 It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there. (Today the place where the city of Babylon once stood is still vacant and a place for wild animals.  The US army placed a base on top of Babylon during the Iraq war.  The base has been removed and there is no city still only ruins of the once mighty city of Babylon.)

 21 But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there; and their houses shall be full of doleful creatures; and owls shall dwell there, and satyrs shall dance there. (Babylon inhabitants today are the wild beasts of the desert. Prophecy fulfilled.)

 22 And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in their pleasant palaces; and her time is near to come, and her day shall not be prolonged. For I will destroy her speedily; yea, for I will be merciful unto my people, but the wicked shall perish. (The wicked will be destroyed whether then or now in the Lords own time the wicked get the justice arm of the Savior. The righteous will receive his mercy.  The picture below shows the desolate area of where Babylon once stood complete fulfillment of the prophecy.)

2 Nephi 25;6 But behold, I, Nephi, have not taught my children after the manner of the Jews; but behold, I, of myself, have dwelt at Jerusalem, wherefore I know concerning the regions round about; and I have made mention unto my children concerning the judgments of God, which hath come to pass among the Jews, unto my children, according to all that which Isaiah hath spoken, and I do not write them.

2 Nephi 24 Isaiah 14 Juda restored to the lands

This is a unique prophecy in Isaiah 14 as we are told the prophecy was given in the year King Ahaz died.  The prophecy includes several elements.  First that Juda will be restored to their lands freed from the enslavement of Babylon.   The Assyrians will come and conquer the great Babylonian empire destroying the land.  The Babylonian King was a wicked King.  The Assyrian King will then allow Juda to return to their lands.  That the Savior will be born in the promised land as a descendent of King David fulfilling prophecy and purpose.  The purpose is that the Savior will be born and complete the atonement which is the stretched-out hand of love for all nations.  The Jews who crucify the Savior will be hated through generations of time because of the iniquity of their fathers.  The Jews will not have or possess a land of their own.  Second the prophecy provides us knowledge of Lucifer.  We are unable to know the past or before creation of earth except the Lord reveals this knowledge.  Lucifer role in heaven that he seen narrowly and didn’t comprehend the great plan of happiness.  Lucifer wanted to exalt himself above God’s throne.  Lucifer is the seed of evil-doers here on the earth.  Lucifer is the encourager of iniquities on the earth of greed and lust for power.  The Lord in the last days will have mercy on Juda and set them in their own land.  This prophecy we see coming true today.  Nephi would want to teach his people the future of the Jews as they were leaving the wicked Jewish people who were about to be destroyed to know of their future and how the Savior would be born of Juda’s lineage.  In 2 Nephi 25 Nephi interrupts Isaiah 14 prophecy in plainness for us all to understand.  Nephi is plain in answering the question why this Isaiah prophecy is included that the people “may know the judgements of God”.   Nephi himself make it clear why he recorded this Isaiah prophecy on the Gold plates, and we know the relevance to the storyline as Nephi states his purpose.

 1 For the Lord will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land; and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.  (Juda has kept their identification while in Babylon and King Cyrus allows them to return to Jerusalem their own land and rebuild the temple.)

 2 And the people shall take them and bring them to their place; yea, from far unto the ends of the earth; and they shall return to their lands of promise. And the house of Israel shall possess them, and the land of the Lord shall be for servants and handmaids; and they shall take them captives unto whom they were captives; and they shall rule over their oppressors. (Throughout history the House of Jacob was conquered many times the conquerors took them to their lands to the ends of the earth the House of Jacob has been scattered. We can recognize that Juda is restored to their lands in what we call Israel. The whole world sees the return happening.  The house of Joseph is being gathered to America or the United States.  Joseph son of Jacob was a branch broken off and given America as their promised land.  Isaiah sees in the last days the house of Juda and the House of Ephraim will be strong nations.  Last days Israel will have more power than the nations that once conquered them.)

 3 And it shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall give thee ^arest, from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve. (Israel will be free.  Our constitution as established by the founding fathers has given us great freedom and strength that we are not in bondage.  Israel or Juda is also a free land with its citizens able to choose what they do with their lives.  Neither nation is ruled by another nation.  Nations freedom symbolic of freedom from sin the Savior has provided with his atonement.)

 4 And it shall come to pass in that day, that thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say: How hath the oppressor ceased, the golden city ceased! (Direct prophecy by Isaiah concerning day of Judgement for King and people of Babylon.  The Jews were no longer oppressed and allowed to return to their land and rebuild Solomon temple.  Babylon is a symbol of worldly wickedness that the Lord or Savior will conquer.)

 5 The Lord hath broken the staff of the wicked, the scepters of the rulers. (The Lord God as broken the control of Babylon over Israel, He has removed the King as the ruler.  Symbolism that the Lord will cleanse the earth all wickedness there is no army he cannot defeat.  Most important the Savior’s atonement has given us hope as we apply and receive forgiveness on repentance, we are able to break Satan’s bonds.)

 6 He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted, and none hindereth. (The great Kings who conquered, were violent to the people, and ruled the people in anger will be judged by the Lord and there is nothing they can do about the judgement.)

 7 The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet; they break forth into singing. (The millennium will be a time of rest for the earth and those on the earth.  Righteousness and what results from that will cause the people to sing and there will be great joy in all the earth.)

 8 Yea, the fir trees rejoice at thee, and also the cedars of Lebanon, saying: Since thou art laid down no feller is come up against us. (Fir trees represent smaller or weaker nations and the cedars represent the great nations of the earth.  The term “thee” represents Satan.  When the Savior defeats Satan or lays him down no more war exists.)

 9 Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming; it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations. (the term “thee” here refers to Satan.  In the end all the powerful of the earth Kings, dictators, tyrants will view Satan very limited power compared to the Lords unlimited power.)

 10 All they shall speak and say unto thee: Art thou also become weak as we? Art thou become like unto us? (In Hell all the tyrants and kings have no power.  Satan will be seen by them as weak with no power.)

 11 Thy pomp is brought down to the grave; the noise of thy viols is not heard; the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee. (There will be no great parties in hell for the wicked and the bodies of the great Kings and wicked will be eaten by worms.)

 12 How art fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! Art thou cut down to the ground, which did weaken the nations! (Satan or Lucifer how is possible that in the presence of God thou could fall, being one of the Lords noble spirits, just doesn’t seem possible, thou were a great son and leader among the souls.  Lucifer tempted man and brought down nations and has ruled on the earth with violence through pride and other measures.  Yet in the end Satan will be humbled as all wicked.  Satan will have no power against priesthood.)

 13 For thou hast said in thy heart: ^aI will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north; (We get an understanding of why Satan was cast out of Heaven he had great pride and wanted to exalt himself above all people while the Lords plan was for man to gain experience and grow Satan wanted all the glory for himself and said he would do all the work and make sure everyone was saved.  Satan plan was for his growth and not for the growth of all the other children of Heavenly Father Satan wanted to destroy the agency of man.  If we look at some political plans with all the entitlements that destroy self-reliance, we see Satan still putting forth his plan of dependence.)

 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High. (Satan’s pride and reason for his fall and to be cast out.  Wanted to exceed the power of God.)

 15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. (Satan’s progress was stopped “dammed” and he was not allowed to gain a body a process in our continued development he was cast out of Heaven and to our earth in spiritual form never to gain a body.)

 16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and shall consider thee, and shall say: Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms? (Those who see Satan shall have questions about his power and abilities. Is this the man that made the earthly kingdoms to tremble with fear.  Is this the man that ruled violently and caused horror on the earth?)

 17 And made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof, and opened not the house of his prisoners? (Both Satan and the great wicked kings as they conquered would leave the conquered lands as wilderness taking prisoners and making them slaves.  Satan could not and would not have opened spirit prison he would hold them prisoners forever.)

 18 All the kings of the nations, yea, all of them, lie in glory, every one of them in his own house. (The kings and pharaohs have memorial sites for their graves even some of the wicked kings have massive grave sites.  Their earthly followers are able to go to the graves and see the worldly glory.)

 19 But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and the remnant of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcass trodden under feet. (Satan has no body and will have no temporal grave, and many of the wicked will not have graves but rot on the ground after the wars.)

 20 Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land and slain thy people; the seed of evil-doers shall never be renowned. (Satan will have no grave.  He through influence has destroyed nations and encourage the wicked to slay people.  In the end and when the souls are judged of the Savior the evil doers will not have any glory it will be the opposite they will be despised and be obscure.)

 21 Prepare slaughter for his children for the iniquities of their fathers, that they do not rise, nor possess the land, nor fill the face of the world with cities. (Satan’s followers will not rise in the resurrection with bodies nor will they possess any land either in life or death.  Satan’s followers are judged for their iniquities and will never gain a body and therefore even before their soul could be born, they were slaughtered by following Satan’s plan no mortal life.)

 22 For I will rise up against them, saith the Lord of Hosts, and cut off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew, saith the Lord. (The Lord will go against the evil doers and cut them off they will become obscure even the name of the great city will become obscure.  The children and relatives of the King will have no glory or Kingdom.)

 23 I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water; and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the Lord of Hosts. (A besom is a broom of branches and twigs used to sweep clean.  The Lord will cleanse the earth similar to that of cleansing of Babylon so that it would never rise again as a great city.  Bittern is a bird that wades in pools of water signifying Babylon will be swept clean and be a place for wild birds and animals.  We see the fulfillment of the prophecy.  The Lord at his second coming will also sweep the entire earth clean.)

 24 The Lord of Hosts hath sworn, saying: Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand (The Lord will make all prophecies concerning him come to pass He has all power.  What the Lord has said through his prophets will come to pass and we can look back and see the many fulfillments of the Isaiah prophecies.)

 25 That I will bring the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountains tread him under foot; then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders. (The Assyrians came and conquered Israel both Juda and the 10 tribes in their promised lands.  The Medes will conquer the Babylonians and King Cyrus will release the Jews to return to Jerusalem.  Cyrus releases them to go back and build up Jerusalem.  The Savior will be born in the promised land.  In the last days when Israel is righteous the yoke will be removed from the house of Jacob.)

 26 This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth; and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all nations. (The Lord has foreseen all the events of the earth.  He knows how the continental drift will cause earthquakes and oil reserves will cause contention among the peoples of the earth.  The Lord is in control and allows all that happens on the earth.  All are alive unto the Lord the unborn, the born and living and those that have died.  The Lord had a purpose for us on earth to grow and gain wisdom and knowledge to learn to love as he loves unconditionally.)

 27 For the Lord of Hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul? And his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back? (What the Lord planned will happen and There is no one who can stop the Lords actions and plans.)

 28 In the year that king Ahaz died was this burden. (Before any of the events listed happened it was prophesied by the Lord through the prophet Isaiah.  Nephi used to teach his family historically and futuristically about the Lords prophesies Great that Isaiah gives us the time reference so that we are able to see the prophecy and fulfillment this is important for testimony of the Lord’s power and abilities.)

 29 Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken; for out of the serpent’s root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent. (A prophecy concerning the Philistines the nation next to Juda even though the Philistines seen the defeat of the Assyrians attacking Juda they should not rejoice because the Son of Nabopolassar who Nebuchadnezzar was would return and conquer them. Historical facts show fulfillment of Isaiah prophecy concerning Palestina.)

 30 And the firstborn of the poor shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in safety; and I will kill thy root with famine, and he shall slay thy remnant. (The Lord has the power to save weaker nations if they worship him and are humble.)

 31 Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, art dissolved; for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none shall be alone in his appointed times. (Nebuchadnezzar also conquered Palestina like he conquered Juda and took them captive.  This was at the time Lehi was telling his family they must leave Jerusalem because it would be conquered because of their wickedness.  Daniel was taken to Babylon during this conquest of Juda.  I believe Nephi probably knew Daniel as they were both in Jerusalem at this time.)

 32 What shall then answer the messengers of the nations? That the Lord hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it. (The prophets are the messengers of the nation’s specifically the land of Israel.  The fulfillments of the Prophecies show that we should trust in the Lord against all earthly powers.  Plenty of evidence here to anyone who reads and understands.)

Chapter 25 Nephi glories in plainness-Isaiah’s Prophecies will be understood in the last days

Nephi glories in plainness—Isaiah’s prophecies will be understood in the last days—The Jews will return from Babylon, crucify the Messiah, and be scattered and scourged—They will be restored when they believe in the Messiah—He will first come six hundred years after Lehi left Jerusalem—The Nephites keep the law of Moses and believe in Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel. About 559–545 B.C.

 1 Now I, Nephi, do speak somewhat concerning the words which I have written, which have been spoken by the mouth of Isaiah. For behold, Isaiah spake many things which were hard for many of my people to understand; for they know not concerning the manner of prophesying among the Jews.

 2 For I, Nephi, have not taught them many things concerning the manner of the Jews; for their works were works of darkness, and their doings were doings of abominations.

 3 Wherefore, I write unto my people, unto all those that shall receive hereafter these things which I write, that they may know the judgments of God, that they come upon all nations, according to the word which he hath spoken.

 4 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. But I give unto you a prophecy, according to the spirit which is in me; wherefore I shall prophesy according to the plainness which hath been with me from the time that I came out from Jerusalem with my father; for behold, my soul delighteth in plainness unto my people, that they may learn.

 5 Yea, and my soul delighteth in the words of Isaiah, for I came out from Jerusalem, and mine eyes hath beheld the things of the Jews, and I know that the Jews do understand the things of the prophets, and there is none other people that understand the things which were spoken unto the Jews like unto them, save it be that they are taught after the manner of the things of the Jews.

 6 But behold, I, Nephi, have not taught my children after the manner of the Jews; but behold, I, of myself, have dwelt at Jerusalem, wherefore I know concerning the regions round about; and I have made mention unto my children concerning the judgments of God, which hath come to pass among the Jews, unto my children, according to all that which Isaiah hath spoken, and I do not write them.

 7 But behold, I proceed with mine own prophecy, according to my plainness; in the which I know that no man can err; nevertheless, 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.

 8 Wherefore, they are of worth unto the children of men, and he that supposeth that they are not, unto them will I speak particularly, and confine the words unto mine own people; 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.

 9 And as one generation hath been destroyed among the Jews because of iniquity, even so have they been destroyed from generation to generation according to their iniquities; and never hath any of them been destroyed save it were foretold them by the prophets of the Lord.

 10 Wherefore, it hath been told them concerning the destruction which should come upon them, immediately after my father left Jerusalem; nevertheless, they hardened their hearts; and according to my prophecy they have been destroyed, save it be those which are carried away^dcaptive into Babylon.

 11 And now this I speak because of the spirit which is in me. And notwithstanding they have been carried away they shall return again, and possess the land of Jerusalem; wherefore, they shall be restored again to the ^cland of their inheritance.

 12 But, behold, they shall have wars, and rumors of wars; and when the day cometh that the Only Begotten of the Father, yea, even the Father of heaven and of earth, shall manifest himself unto them in the flesh, behold, they will reject him, because of their iniquities, and the hardness of their hearts, and the stiffness of their necks.

 13 Behold, they will crucify him; and after he is laid in a sepulchre for the space of three days he shall rise from the dead, with healing in his wings; and all those who shall believe on his name shall be saved in the kingdom of God. Wherefore, my soul delighteth to prophesy concerning him, for I have seen his day, and my heart doth magnify his holy name.

 14 And behold it shall come to pass that after the Messiah hath risen from the dead, and hath manifested himself unto his people, unto as many as will believe on his name, behold, Jerusalem shall be destroyed again; for wo unto them that fight against God and the people of his church.

 15 Wherefore, the Jews shall be scattered among all nations; yea, and also Babylon shall be destroyed; wherefore, the Jews shall be scattered by other nations.

 16 And after they have been scattered, and the Lord God hath scourged them by other nations for the space of many generations, yea, even down from generation to generation until they shall be persuaded to believe in Christ, the Son of God, and the atonement, which is infinite for all mankind—and when that day shall come that they shall believe in Christ, and worship the Father in his name, with pure hearts and clean hands, and look not forward any more for another Messiah, then, at that time, the day will come that it must needs be expedient that they should believe these things.

 17 And the Lord will set his hand again the second time to restore his people from their lost and fallen state. Wherefore, he will proceed to do a marvelous work and a wonder among the children of men.  (Nephi prophesy of the coming forth of the book of Mormon as prophesied by Isaiah.  Next chapter will have very specific prophesies.)

 18 Wherefore, he shall bring forth his words unto them, which words shall judge them at the last day, for they shall be given them for the purpose of convincing them of the true Messiah, who was rejected by them; and unto the convincing of them that they need not look forward any more for a Messiah to come, for there should not any come, save it should be a false Messiah which should deceive the people; for there is save one Messiah spoken of by the prophets, and that Messiah is he who should be rejected of the Jews.

 19 For according to the words of the prophets, the Messiah cometh in six hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem; and according to the words of the prophets, and also the word of the angel of God, his name shall be Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

 20 And now, my brethren, I have spoken plainly that ye cannot err. And as the Lord God liveth that brought Israel up out of the land of Egypt, and gave unto Moses power that he should heal the nations after they had been bitten by the poisonous serpents, if they would cast their eyes unto the serpent which he did raise up before them, and also gave him power that he should smite the rock and the water should come forth; yea, behold I say unto you, that as these things are true, and as the Lord God liveth, there is none other name given under heaven save it be this Jesus Christ, of which I have spoken, whereby man can be saved.

 21 Wherefore, for this cause hath the Lord God promised unto me that these things which I write shall be kept and preserved, and handed down unto my seed, from generation to generation, that the promise may be fulfilled unto Joseph, that his seed should never perish as long as the earth should stand.

 22 Wherefore, these things shall go from generation to generation as long as the earth shall stand; and they shall go according to the will and pleasure of God; and the nations who shall possess them shall be judged of them according to the words which are written.

 23 For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.

 24 And, notwithstanding we believe in Christ, we keep the law of Moses, and look forward with steadfastness unto Christ, until the law shall be fulfilled.

 25 For, for this end was the law given; wherefore the law hath become dead unto us, and we are made alive in Christ because of our faith; yet we keep the law because of the commandments.

 26 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our ^cchildren may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

 27 Wherefore, we speak concerning the law that our children may know the deadness of the law; and they, by knowing the deadness of the law, may look forward unto that life which is in Christ, and know for what end the law was given. And after the law is fulfilled in Christ, that they need not harden their hearts against him when the law ought to be done away.

 28 And now behold, my people, ye are a stiffnecked people; wherefore, I have spoken plainly unto you, that ye cannot misunderstand. And the words which I have spoken shall stand as a testimony against you; for they are sufficient to teach any man the right way; for the right way is to believe in Christ and deny him not; for by denying him ye also deny the prophets and the law.

 29 And now behold, I say unto you that the right way is to believe in Christ, and deny him not; and Christ is the Holy One of Israel; wherefore ye must bow down before him, and worship him with all your might, mind, and strength, and your whole soul; and if ye do this ye shall in nowise be cast out.

 30 And, inasmuch as it shall be expedient, ye must keep the performances and ordinances of God until the law shall be fulfilled which was given unto Moses.

2 Nephi 27 Isaiah 29 Prophecy of the restoration and coming forth Book of Mormon

Of all of Isaiah prophecies Isaiah 29 would have been most personal to Nephi himself as the prophecy concerns the Plates of Nephi his writings coming forth as the Book of Mormon a “marvelous work and wonder”.  Nephi adds to the Isaiah scripture additional prophetic knowledge concerning the last days and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon including Joseph Smith the servant in the Lords hands.   Joseph Smith as he records his personal history which becomes scripture, documents the fulfillments of those things prophesied by Isaiah and Nephi.  One of the best methods to understand 2 Nephi 27 is to read Joseph Smith’s personal history and then read Nephi 27 and much of the prophecy comes to life with details of the events of the restoration.  We know that one of the scriptures quoted by Moroni to Joseph Smith was Isaiah 29 when Moroni was giving Joseph additional information on his calling. 

History

The Joseph Smith history recorded in the Pearl of Great Price is confirmation of this prophecy.  The Joseph Smith history parallels this prophecy.  I believe Joseph Smith purposely wrote his history to enable us to see the fulfillments of this prophecy through his documentation of his personal history and the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints.

1 But, behold, in the last days, or in the days of the Gentiles—yea, behold all the nations of the Gentiles and also the Jews, both those who shall come upon this land and those who shall be upon other lands, yea, even upon all the lands of the earth, behold, they will be drunken with iniquity and all manner of abominations— (These are the conditions just prior to the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and are described in Joseph Smith history.  The Jews have lost their prophets because of wickedness, Nephites and Lamanites also have lost their prophets because of wickedness, the gentiles have an incorrect knowledge of God, there is a lack of knowledge of God on all the earth.  Slavery was in America and the world in general.  The American Indians were being slaughtered as Savages.  In Joseph Smith History 5 the different religions were contending with each other Methodist, Presbyterian and Baptists.)

 2 And when that day shall come they shall be visited of the Lord of Hosts, with thunder and with earthquake, and with a great noise, and with storm, and with tempest, and with the flame of devouring fire. (Prophesies of our day and time just prior to millennium and up to the Lords judgement.  Our day will have great thunder storms with hail that destroys crops, earthquakes with their destruction, large storms hurricanes and tornadoes with great wind that produces great noise.)

 3 And all the nations that fight against Zion, and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a night vision; yea, it shall be unto them, even as unto a hungry man which dreameth, and behold he eateth but he awaketh and his soul is empty; or like unto a thirsty man which dreameth, and behold he drinketh but he awaketh and behold he is faint, and his soul hath appetite; yea, even so shall the multitude of all the nations be that fight against Mount Zion. (Prophecy of the revolutionary war and the establishment of the United States as Christian nation house of Ephraim.  English and French nation’s trying to destroy the young nation of the United States will not succeed.  The freedoms of the United States are needed to bring forth the Book of Mormon.)

 4 For behold, all ye that doeth iniquity, stay yourselves and wonder, for ye shall cry out, and cry; yea, ye shall be drunken but not with wine, ye shall stagger but not with strong drink. (The religions of the day will preach the words of man and not of God.  People will stagger trying to find true religion they will interpret the bible or the words of God to mean many different things. JS history 6 great confusion, bad feelings ensued-priest contending against priest, strife of words and contest of opinions.)

 5 For behold, the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep. For behold, ye have closed your eyes, and ye have rejected the prophets; and your rulers, and the seers hath he covered because of your iniquity. (The apostles were killed after Jesus and the world was left without guidance from the prophets.  Scriptures were misinterpreted the world had lost belief in the power of God to reveal knowledge.  This was the period of dark ages prior to Joseph Smith’s time.  Joseph Smith History is confirmation of these prophecies of Isaiah concerning the first revelation and how the Church is reestablished on the earth being fulfilled. Joseph Smith History 1: 18-19 My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)—and which I should join.

19 I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: “they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power )

6 And it shall come to pass that the Lord God shall bring forth unto you the words of a book, and they shall be the words of them which have slumbered. (This is a prophesy of the coming forth of a Book of Mormon primarily a history of the family of Lehi and his descendants.  Those people the Book of Mormon concerns have been dead for hundreds of years these are they who slumbered.  As Nephi indicated we are able to recognize Isaiah prophecy “ 2 Nephi 25:7 But behold, I proceed with mine own prophecy, according to my plainness; in the which I know that no man can err; nevertheless, 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.” The prophecy meaning is obvious because we have seen the fulfillment.  Joseph Smit History 1:

33 He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people.

34 He said there was a book deposited, written upon gold plates, giving an account of the former inhabitants of this continent, and the source from whence they sprang. He also said that the fulness of the everlasting Gospel was contained in it, as delivered by the Savior to the ancient inhabitants;)

 7 And behold the book shall be sealed; and in the book shall be a revelation from God, from the beginning of the world to the ending thereof. (Prophecy concerning the sealed portion of the book of Mormon as told by Joseph Smith.  Joseph Smith in his history records the fulfillments so we are able to understand the prophecy and how it was fulfilled.

Joseph Smith History 1: 65 “He then said to me, ‘Let me see that certificate.’ I accordingly took it out of my pocket and gave it to him, when he took it and tore it to pieces, saying that there was no such thing now as ministering of angels, and 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.”)

 8 Wherefore, because of the things which are sealed up, the things which are sealed shall not be delivered in the day of the wickedness and abominations of the people. Wherefore the book shall be kept from them. (A portion of the Book of Mormon was sealed, and Joseph was told not to translate the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon.  The sealed portion contains history of the Earth from beginning to end.  When the world is ready to receive the sealed portion then that knowledge will be provided.  JS history 65 Martin Harris informs Charles Anthon part of Book was sealed.)

 9 But the book shall be delivered unto a man, and he shall deliver the words of the book, which are the words of those who have slumbered in the dust, and he shall deliver these words unto another; (Prophesy gold plates given to Joseph Smith who translates them, and Joseph giving the translated part to Martin Harris the another.  We know the history of coming forth of Book of Mormon and can recognize the fulfillment of Isaiah prophecy.  Again, we recognize the fulfillment in the Joseph Smith History.  Joseph Smith new the Prophecies of Isaiah and has provided us with their fulfillment in his history.)

 10 But the words which are sealed he shall not deliver, neither shall he deliver the book. For the book shall be sealed by the power of God, and the revelation which was sealed shall be kept in the book until the own due time of the Lord, that they may come forth; for behold, they reveal all things from the foundation of the world unto the end thereof. (This prophecy tells us what is in the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon.)

 11 And the day cometh that the words of the book which were sealed shall be read upon the house tops; and they shall be read by the power of Christ; and all things shall be revealed unto the children of men which ever have been among the children of men, and which ever will be even unto the end of the earth. (There will come a day that the sealed portion will come forth and be read for anyone who wants to listen may learn the truth about the earth and its purpose.)

 12 Wherefore, at that day when the book shall be delivered unto the man of whom I have spoken, the book shall be hid from the eyes of the world, that the eyes of none shall behold it save it be that three^b witnesses shall behold it, by the power of God, besides him to whom the book shall be delivered; and they shall testify to the truth of the book and the things therein. (Prophesy that Gold Plates will be shown to three witnesses as well as Joseph, three witnesses will testify of the truth of the things that are in the Book of Mormon. See Intro Book of Mormon and testimonies of the three witnesses and eight witnesses who were allowed to see and hold the golden plates of the Book of Mormon. 

The Testimony of Three Witnesses

Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come: That we, through the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, have seen the plates which contain this record, which is a record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites, their brethren, and also of the people of Jared, who came from the tower of which hath been spoken. And we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice hath declared it unto us; wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true. And we also testify that we have seen the engravings which are upon the plates; and they have been shown unto us by the power of God, and not of man. And we declare with words of soberness, that an angel of God came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that it is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, that we beheld and bear record that these things are true. And it is marvelous in our eyes. Nevertheless, the voice of the Lord commanded us that we should bear record of it; wherefore, to be obedient unto the commandments of God, we bear testimony of these things. And we know that if we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men, and be found spotless before the judgment-seat of Christ, and shall dwell with him eternally in the heavens. And the honor be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen.

Oliver Cowdery

David Whitmer

Martin Harris)

 13 And there is none other which shall view it, save it be a few according to the will of God, to bear testimony of his word unto the children of men; for the Lord God hath said that the words of the faithful should speak as if it were from the dead. (Nephi using Isaiah prophecy concerning his plates of gold.  Nephi completely understands the prophecies of Isaiah on the brass plates and is including the relevant scriptures on his plates.  These Isaiah prophecies must have been very interesting to Joseph as he translated them, he was living this prophecy, about him, The Lord allowing the three witnesses and then the eight witnesses to see and hold the gold plates.  The Testimony of Eight Witnesses

Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come: That Joseph Smith, Jun., the translator of this work, has shown unto us the plates of which hath been spoken, which have the appearance of gold; and as many of the leaves as the said Smith has translated we did handle with our hands; and we also saw the engravings thereon, all of which has the appearance of ancient work, and of curious workmanship. And this we bear record with words of soberness, that the said Smith has shown unto us, for we have seen and hefted, and know of a surety that the said Smith has got the plates of which we have spoken. And we give our names unto the world, to witness unto the world that which we have seen. And we lie not, God bearing witness of it.

Christian Whitmer

Jacob Whitmer

Peter Whitmer, Jun.

John Whitmer

Hiram Page

Joseph Smith, Sen.

Hyrum Smith

Samuel H. Smith)

 14 Wherefore, the Lord God will proceed to bring forth the words of the book; and in the mouth of as many witnesses as seemeth him good will he establish his word; and wo be unto him that ^arejecteth the word of God! (The Lord will bring for the Book of Mormon and have missionaries and witnesses to the world of the words of the book that testify of Jesus Christ.)

 15 But behold, it shall come to pass that the Lord God shall say unto him to whom he shall deliver the book: Take these words which are not sealed and deliver them to another, that he may show them unto the learned, saying: Read this, I pray thee. And the learned shall say: Bring hither the book, and I will read them. (Isaiah’s prophesy of Joseph Smith giving the translated pages to Martin Harris who took them to New York and showed them to Charles Anthon a scholar who said bring the book to him and he would translate the pages.  JS history confirms the fulfillment of this prophecy.)

 16 And now, because of the glory of the world and to get ^again will they say this, and not for the glory of God. (Fascinating to me how accurate are the prophecies of Isaiah who lived 720 BC of events that occurred in the early 1800’s AD. The Lord knows and is capable of telling future things such as the motive of Charles Anthon that he wanted the book to get wealthy and not for bringing about God’s purpose.)

 17 And the man shall say: I cannot bring the book, for it is sealed. (Nephi is including the Isaiah prophecies of the coming forth of Book of Mormon so we are able to see that the Lord was and is capable of telling future things.  The coming forth of Book of Mormon would have been very important to Nephi and this chapter fits the story line of Book of Mormon well.)

 18 Then shall the learned say: I cannot read it. (Prophecy of the words of Charles Anthon and the documents in the Joseph Smith history show the exact fulfillment of the Nephi prophecy.)

 19 Wherefore it shall come to pass, that the Lord God will deliver again the book and the words thereof to him that is not learned; and the man that is not learned shall say: I am not learned. (Prophecy of the Plates being given back to Joseph the not learned and him saying I am not learned but being able to translate them.  Again, and to emphasize the Joseph Smith has included this information in his personal history so we may witness the fulfillment of prophecy.)

* 20 Then shall the Lord God say unto him: The learned shall not read them, for they have rejected them, and I am able to do mine own work; wherefore thou shalt read the words which I shall give unto thee. (The Lord issues Joseph Smith his calling that he Joseph was the unlearned and the Lord would do his work though him.  Moroni quoted Isaiah 29 this prophecy of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon to Joseph the night he appeared in Joseph room the first time.  This was part of the instruction given to Joseph Smith History 1 63-65 63 Sometime in this month of February, the aforementioned Mr. Martin Harris came to our place, got the characters which I had drawn off the plates, and started with them to the city of New York. For what took place relative to him and the characters, I refer to his own account of the circumstances, as he related them to me after his return, which was as follows:

64 “I went to the city of New York, and presented the characters which had been translated, with the translation thereof, to Professor Charles Anthon, a gentleman celebrated for his literary attainments. Professor Anthon stated that the translation was correct, more so than any he had before seen translated from the Egyptian. I then showed him those which were not yet translated, and he said that they were Egyptian, Chaldaic, Assyriac, and Arabic; and he said they were true characters. He gave me a certificate, certifying to the people of Palmyra that they were true characters, and that the translation of such of them as had been translated was also correct. I took the certificate and put it into my pocket, and was just leaving the house, when Mr. Anthon called me back, and asked me how the young man found out that there were gold plates in the place where he found them. I answered that an angel of God had revealed it unto him.

65 “He then said to me, ‘Let me see that certificate.’ I accordingly took it out of my pocket and gave it to him, when he took it and tore it to pieces, saying that there was no such thing now as ministering of angels, and 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.”)

 21 Touch not the things which are sealed, for I will bring them forth in mine own due time; for I will show unto the children of men that I am able to do mine own work. (Joseph was instructed by prophecy not look at the sealed portion of the golden plates.)

 22 Wherefore, when thou hast read the words which I have commanded thee, and obtained the witnesses which I have promised unto thee, then shalt thou seal up the book again, and hide it up unto me, that I may preserve the words which thou hast not read, until I shall see fit in mine own wisdom to reveal all things unto the children of men. (Joseph returned the plates to Moroni the angel who again hid the plates with the sealed portion until the time should come for them to be revealed.  See Joseph Smith’s history for fulfillment.)

 23 For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith. (Joseph is a modern-day prophet and the Lord is providing direction through prophets today just as he did in ancient times.  This verse should be quoted whenever someone indicates that there are no more prophets.)

 24 And again it shall come to pass that the Lord shall say unto him that shall read the words that shall be delivered him: (What the Lord says to Joseph Smith)

 25 Forasmuch as this people draw near unto me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their hearts far from me, and their fear towards me is taught by the precepts of men—(These are the words the Savior spoke to Joseph in the grove when he prayed for wisdom.  This a prophecy of the first vision.  Nephi has highlighted much that is about Joseph Smith in the words of Isaiah.)

 26 Therefore, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, yea, a marvelous work and a wonder, for the wisdom of their wise and learned shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent shall be hid. (Some 2700 years ago Isaiah looked through time and seen Nephi’s time 2600 years ago with him writing his peoples history on the gold plates, Joseph Smith’s time 200 years ago translating Nephi’s plates.  Then looked at our time and prophesied of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints coming forth which is the Marvelous work and wonder.)

 27 And wo unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the Lord! And their works are in the dark; and they say: Who seeth us, and who knoweth us? And they also say: Surely, your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter’s clay. But behold, I will show unto them, saith the Lord of Hosts, that I know all their works. For shall the work say of him that made it, he made me not? Or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, he had no understanding? (Prophecy of the secret combinations that will exist among us in the last days.  The Lord knows their works and will triumph over all the secret combinations. The Lord called men to frame our constitution to provide the freedoms needed to bring about the restoration.  The Gospel will be taken to all the earth and it will go forth form the United States.)

 28 But behold, saith the Lord of Hosts: I will show unto the children of men that it is yet a very little while and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field; and the ^afruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest. (Lebanon represents the Gentiles and the gentiles will assist in spreading the gospel in the last days.  Specifically, lost Israel of Ephraim will take gospel to Lamanites and Juda.  Assist in bringing about the Book of Mormon.)

 29 ^aAnd in that day shall the ^bdeaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity and out of darkness. (The words and prophecies of Isaiah will become very clear.  The Book of Mormon will be evidence of the accuracies of Isaiah’s words for those that see and hear of the Book of Mormon.  The house of Jacob will repent and hear the words of the Lord and see or understand there calling.  The Jews will repent and join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints.)

 30 And the meek also shall increase, and their joy shall be in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. (Last days the saints are persecuted and become humble but increase in the Joy of the Lord as their knowledge and understanding increases.  Isaiah is seeing the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and the Saints struggle against all the resistance Satan can muster.  The growth of the Church has been miraculous and each conference we learn of the additional growth.)

 31 For assuredly as the Lord liveth they shall see that the terrible one is brought to naught, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off;  (The Lords power is greater than Satan’s and Joseph and the other saints succeed in bringing back the priesthood and establishing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the Church will roll forth.)

 32 And they that make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of naught. (These are the men trying to take the plates from Joseph and those that stole the pages and had plans to change them and create problems for the prophet.  It is amazing to how accurate Isaiah vision was of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and all that happened.)

 33 Therefore, thus saith the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob: Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale. (Fathers Abraham and Jacob will be pleased with their descendants how they work to bring about the gathering of Israel and establish the Gospel in the last days.  There will be righteous descendants of Abraham and Jacob in the last days who do the work they were called to do.)

 34 But when he seeth his children, the work of my hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel. (He “Jacob” sees his descendants and how the Lord works with them “Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of great Price” all of which concern Israel and additional work of the Savior the people of the Church of Jesus Christ will worship the one and only true God and trust in him.)

 35 They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine. (The house of Israel erred had great pride and lost the spirit but will come to the true understanding and will learn true doctrine in these the last days.)

Joseph Smith the unlearned man.

Speaking from the dust the plates of Nephi.  

2 Nephi 25:21 Wherefore, for this cause hath the Lord God promised unto me that these things which I write shall be kept and preserved, and handed down unto my seed, from generation to generation, that the promise may be fulfilled unto Joseph, that his seed should never perish as long as the earth should stand. 

Today we have the Joseph Smith history that parallels this Nephi sermon that quotes much from Isaiah.  Combining these together we are able to see the fulfillments of the prophecies plainly.  

2 Nephi 25:7 But behold, I proceed with mine own prophecy, according to my plainness; in the which I know that no man can err; nevertheless, 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.

Moroni in tutoring Joseph Smith conderning his calling quoted multiple scriptures to teach him of his calling.  Below is a reference to those scriptures quoted to Joseph Smith.

As stated earlier, in 1835 Oliver Cowdery wrote three articles in the Messenger and Advocate regarding the appearance of Moroni to Joseph Smith.  All of the articles were written in the form of epistles addressed to W. W. Phelps, and they are characterized by Elder Cowdery’s rich literary style. The letters contain lengthy discourses on the restoration of the gospel and the message conveyed to the Prophet by Moroni. In writing them, Elder Cowdery apparently used the opportunity to present to the Church some expositions on several gospel subjects, based on the things Moroni communicated to Joseph Smith. In two of the articles, appearing in February and April, he included scriptures that presumably were quoted or paraphrased by Moroni. The following compilation lists them in the order in which they appear in the narrative.

Messenger and Advocate 1.5 (Feb. 1835), p. 77–80:
1 Cor. 1:27–29	Isa. 29:13
Isa. 29:14	Isa. 29:11

1.  

Messenger and Advocate 1.7 (Apr. 1835), p. 108–12:
Ps. 100:1–2	Isa. 1:25–26	Isa. 43:6
Ps. 107:1–7	Ps. 107:7	Jer. 50:4–5
Ps. 144:11–12	Isa. 2:1–4	Jer. 31:9
Joel 2:28	Isa. 4:5–6	Jer. 31:9
Ps. 144:13	Jer. 31:27–28	Isa. 2:3
Ps. 146:10	Jer. 31:32–33	Isa. 11:15–16
Isa. 1:7	Jer. 30:18–21	Jer. 16:16
Isa. 1:23–24	Jer. 31:1	Deut. 32:43
Deut. 32:23–24	Jer. 31:8

Nephi views the future and adds his prophecy to that of Isaiah 29 on the coming forth of the Book of Mormon another testament of Jesus Christ.  Moroni a book of Mormon character and the angle that gave Joseph Smith his calling to translate the gold plates taught joseph with scripture relative to his calling or prophecies of ancient prophets about his work.  Joseph Smith in his personal account provided detailed events that confirmed the prophecies fulfillments.

Summary

Many have commented that Joseph Smith plagiarized Isaiah and just copied the bible scriptures of Isaiah into the Book of Mormon.   Joseph was only in his early twenties when the Book of Mormon was written, and it takes Bible scholars years to comprehend the meaning of Isaiah.  Joseph would need to fully understand the history of nations of Israel and Juda to really comprehend the meaning in the Isaiah prophecies.  Joseph education wasn’t sophisticated enough for him to have all the understanding of the history of the Jews and Israel to fit the Isaiah prophecies into the story line of the Book of Mormon.  Isaiah chapters and verses in the Book of Mormon are strategically located within the story line of the Book of Mormon to match the storyline with the events and meaning of the Isaiah scriptures.  Nephi tells us that the Bible is the history of Juda or the Jews.  Ephraim and the ten tribes were captured by the Assyrians around 743 BC and became known as the lost ten tribes with the bible mentioning them very little after the Assyrian capture.

The Isaiah scriptures that are enclosed within the scripture of the Book of Mormon have a very relevant purpose to Lehi’s family.  Lehi and his family are a fulfillment of some of Isaiah prophesies and the Isaiah prophecies within the Book of Mormon are relevant to the story and add meaning and purpose to the scripture.  Some of the Isaiah prophesies have been fulfilled and the prophecy and fulfillment are history to Lehi’s family.  Nephi and Jacob teach the family of these prophesies and their fulfilments to provide faith and testimony of the prophets and their ability to see the future by showing the family that Isaiah prophesied, and the prophecies were fulfilled exactly.  Yet other Isaiah prophesies are concerned with Nephi’s golden plates and how in the future a later day prophet brings these scriptures to be a second testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ.  As all prophets, have done since the beginning from Adam to our President Neilsen, Nephi includes the Isaiah prophesies of the Savior both his earthly ministry in the meridian of time and his yet future reign as King of Israel.  The Isaiah prophesies show the vision of Abrahams family from 2000 BC through our day and the relevance of the house of Israel.   The Isaiah prophesies explain why the Jews, or the house of Juda has maintained their identity through all the centuries even when conquered by numerous other nations.  There is a connection between Isaiah, Nephi, Moroni and Joseph Smith and when looked at carefully increases belief in these men as Prophets with the ability to see the future.   The relation is interesting as Isaiah prophesied of Nephi’s family, which included the record Nephi was keeping on the gold plates, how the record would come forth in the last days with specific prophecies of Joseph Smith and his work to bring the records of Nephi to light in last days.  Moroni used the Isaiah scriptures to teach Joseph of his calling.  Joseph Smith in his history documented the events that fulfilled these prophesies and we understand why Joseph Smith said that Isaiah scriptures were easy for him to understand because some of them are very personal to him.

The first two Isaiah prophecies are direct answers to Laman and Lemuel questions about why the family is leaving Jerusalem.  Nephi uses fulfilled Isaiah prophecies of Ephraim or the ten tribes being conquered and taken into captivity as proof of the Lords ability to tell future events as this event is historical to the family but futuristic to Isaiah time.  Then presents the prophecies of Jews wickedness and the capture of Jerusalem their home as reason to leave Jerusalem.  Nephi teaches of the Savior’s coming and uses the Isaiah prophecies to give meaning to the law of sacrifice that the family is practicing.  Nephi persuades family to build temple by using the Isaiah prophecies and teachings of the temple.   Nephi through Isaiah teaches his people that the Lord uses tools such as other people to punish the house of Israel for wickedness and to humble them and bring them back to worshipping the true God.  Nephi has seen the cycles of righteous living followed by prosperity, then pride and wickedness in Isaiah prophecies and provides his family with this knowledge.  Nephi uses Isaiah imagery of Lords Vineyard to teach his people of scattering of Israel of which they have been a part and the gathering of which his writings on the gold plates will play a major roll in the latter day.  Isaiah prophecy provides great knowledge of the Savior, his birth, life, death, resurrection reign on David’s throne as King in the millennium which Nephi glories in teaching of Jesus Christ.  Uses the Summaries of each Isaiah Prophecies included by Nephi in Book of Mormon and how the prophecies are relevant to the story line on his Gold plates.

Included in this section is a brief summary of each Isaiah prophecy Nephi copied from the Brass plates to his gold plates.  The summary provides explanation of the prophetic events and their relevance to the Book of Mormon storyline.

1 Nephi 20 Isaiah 48 Lord tells future events

The first Isaiah prophecy included as 1 Nephi 20 is about the “Power of God, “and his ability to tell us of things past, present, future and his great abilities to create the heavens and earth.  In general, this Isaiah prophecy is about trusting and relying on the Lord.  Laman and Lemuel have stated that the Lord doesn’t reveal to them.  Nephi has read from the brass plates this specific Isaiah prophecy to help his brethren comprehend and believe in the power of God.  It is very important that the family understand that Lehi their father a visionary man has been instructed of the Lord.  That the Lord has the power to see the future, supply that knowledge to the family and the power to protect them.  They must believe and comprehend as they have been asked to leave their home and go out into the wilderness. Father Lehi has prophesied that Jerusalem and all those in the city will be destroyed and the family must leave to keep from being destroyed.  This prophecy fits the story line because Laman and Lemuel are questioning the power of God and do not trust in the Lord.  Nephi uses this Isaiah prophecy about God’s power to tell the future.  Jerusalem is about to be destroyed, Laman and Lemuel need to be on board with the decision to leave as the journey will be difficult and their capabilities will be needed for the family to endure.  Nephi is using the Isaiah scripture to teach his brethren to trust in the Lord.  Nephi has displayed his trust in the Lord in obtaining the plates and following his father’s guidance.  This Isaiah prophecy should be cross referenced with a statement from the Savior given by John in chapter 14 verse 29 “29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.”

I Nephi 21 Isaiah 49 Lehi family is the branch broken off Israel prophesied.

The next Isaiah prophecy I Nephi 21 included is about the branches of Israel broken off and scattered of which Lehi’s family is one of the scattered and broken off branches.  The prophecy is a direct answer to Laman and Lemuel question we do not understand what Father means about the branch broken off.  Had Laman and Lemuel read the scriptures, prayed to understand then the events happening to them would have been obvious that leaving Jerusalem was to preserve them as a branch of Israel.  Their Father has told them they are leaving their home because of the wickedness in Jerusalem and Jerusalem is about to be destroyed.  The family will be one of the preserved of Israel because the family has believed and followed their father.  Nephi and Lehi comprehend this Isaiah prophecy that the family is being preserved and will be blest and have a land of promise.  This prophecy of a branch of Israel being broken off is relevant to the storyline as entire Book of Mormon is about what happens to the family after they leave Jerusalem and specifically testifies of Jesus Christs visit to their promised land.

2 Nephi 7 Isaiah 50 Prophecy that Jews will have time periods of wickedness divorce themselves from the protection of God.

The Isaiah 50 prophecy concerns the history of Israel primarily the Jews who divorce themselves from their God.  Prophecies of how wicked the Jews will be as they are the only nation wicked enough to crucify their God.  This prophecy displays the love God has for his people that Jesus will endure his whiskers pulled, be spit upon, give his back to the smitters yet he will complete the atonement for all.  I am sure Nephi is making the case that the Jews in Jerusalem are wicked and has looked forward at how evil they will be in killing the Savior.  Totally relevant to the story line in that the family is leaving Jerusalem because the Jews living in Jerusalem 600 years before the Savior was born are wicked.

2 Nephi 8 Isaiah 51 and 52: 1-2 Righteous are promised prosperity and lands.

Isaiah 51 and 52 1-2 is a great prophecy for the righteous covenant peoples as the righteous are promised prosperity, lands to live, be safe and live-in joy and happiness.  I see Nephi using this to teach his family about their new land and future life.  The prophecy has an example how the Lord provided miracles to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and Nephi’s family will be going through the desert guided by the Liahona very similar to Israel leaving Egypt.  Looking from our perspective and knowing the complete storyline throughout the Book of Mormon and the cycles of righteousness and pride and the families struggles in the desert we see how the prophecy is relevant and why Nephi would include the prophecy.

2 Nephi 12 Isaiah 2 Prophecy wickedness of Jews in Jerusalem.

Isaiah 2 is a prophecy that chronicles the sins of the Jews in Jerusalem at the time of Lehi family.  Prophecy that the Lord’s judgement will come upon the nations and specifically wicked Juda at Jerusalem.  The Lord has forsaken the house of Jacob and is going to remove his protections.  Juda shall be humbled. Prophecies concerning temples as a place God can teach us of his ways and laws.  Nephi has guided his people to build a temple.  The storyline in the book of Mormon we know that Lehi family is leaving Jerusalem because of the wickedness of the Jews, and we see the relevance of the prophecy of Isaiah as to the wickedness of those at Jerusalem.  Additionally, we know in the story line Nephi has guided his people in the construction of a temple in their new promised land.  Just as today the prophets instruct us from the scriptures, we see Nephi reading the words of Isaiah to his family as instruction and guidance.

2 Nephi 13 Isaiah 3 prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem removal of leadership or King.

The destruction of Jerusalem and the removal of Juda’s leadership prophesied in Isaiah 3 is the premise for the family leaving Jerusalem.  “For Jerusalem is ruined and Judah is fallen, because their tongues and their doings have been against the Lord, to provoke the eyes of his glory.”  The prophecy is plain and easy to comprehend, and Nephi used to persuade his family along with his father to leave Jerusalem and go to the new promised land.  We know historically the Babylonians conquered Juda took King Hezekiah and his family captive made him watch the killing of his son’s and then put his eyes out.  The relevance of Isaiah 3 prophecy to the Book of Mormon story line is obvious.  Amazing and there is no way that Joseph Smith wrote his book and included the Isaiah prophecies to coincide and perfectly fit the story line.  Nephi was including the scripture off the brass plates onto his gold plates that are relevant to them.

2 Nephi 14 Isaiah 4 Prophecy of Lehi family escaping Jerusalem.

Prophecy concerning the escaped of Israel, that become excellent fruit of the earth is meaning of Isaiah 4.  Lehi family are the escaped of Jerusalem the broken off branch that is beautiful and glorious.  Their history the Book of Mormon is the excellent fruit.  Nephi is able with prophecy to show his family the promises of the Lord if they escape.  These prophecies and Nephi’s placement on the gold plates help us to know their meaning.  We see these prophecies concerning Nephi’s family in the bible and are able to comprehend Isaiah’s meanings.  So very relevant to our faith how Isaiah prophecies concern the family of Lehi.

2 Nephi 15 Isaiah 5 prophecy Israel are the Lord’s people.

Isaiah 5 is a prophecy that compares Israel as the Lord’s vineyard.  The prophecy discusses vines producing good and wild fruit.  Good Fruit are righteous people and wild fruit are those who leave the covenant path.  Juda the pleasant plant left the covenant path.  Their hedge of protection was removed, and Jerusalem was destroyed.  This prophecy contains much of the history of Israel with the Lord as owner of vineyard which represents Israel.  The Lord waters, fertilizes, weeds, and protects the vineyard.  The Lord will provide for the vines producing good fruit but will remove his assistance for those providing wild fruit.  Lord provides hedge of protection and rain for the vines with good fruit.  This prophecy provides us with knowledge of the difference between how the Lord protects and provides blessings to the righteous and removes his protections when we are not righteous.  The Lord is the judge and will judge righteously his peoples.  Prophecy is relevant to all people but fits the story line in Book of Mormon and easy to see why Nephi includes this prophecy on his gold plates.

2 Nephi 16 Isaiah 6 Isaiah calling to be prophet

Isaiah 6 prophecy is personal to Isaiah as it concerns his calling as a prophet.  Nephi includes this prophecy as he tells his people of the importance of Isaiah prophecies.  Isaiah is cleansed through the atonement referenced in the imagery of the hot coal Saviors suffering an innocent satisfying justice and providing mercy to the sinner.  Lord provides council to Isaiah concerning his calling.  Nephi has told us how important the words of Isaiah are to his people and us.  Prophecy fits the story line concerning Isaiah and his prophecies being important.

2 Nephi 17 Isaiah 7 Prophecy to King Ahaz of Juda about Ephraim (Israel) and Syria attacking.  Fulfilled at Lehi’s time.

The majority of Isaiah 7 is a prophecy that was given by Isaiah in his lifetime that has been fulfilled at the time Lehi family leaving Jerusalem.  The prophecy concerns Ephraim and Syria combining to wage war against Juda and Jerusalem.  Nephi and his family look and see the exact fulfillment of the Lords words through Isaiah.  Proof to the family of prophetic fulfillments they have both the prophecy and the history of the events to give them evidence and knowledge of Gods ability to show future events.   Ahaz the King of Juda is given a sign that Isaiah prophecy that Ephraim and Syria will not attack Jerusalem is true.  The sign that the Savior will be born to a virgin is that the Savior is our salvation and trusting in the Lord will be the salvation of Ahaz kingdom.  Very relevant to the storyline of Book of Mormon we see why Nephi included this prophecy it just enlarges on what Nephi was doing to instruct his family using scripture relevant to them.  Nephi wants family to trust in lord and believe that Jerusalem is about to be destroyed.

2 Nephi 18 Isaiah 8 Prophecy Assyrians will be tool of Lord and prevent Ephraim and Syria from attacking.  Ten tribes captured.

Isaiah 8 is a prophecy to King Ahaz that the Assyrians will attack Ephraim, and Syria prohibiting Ephraim and Syria from attacking Jerusalem.  Ahaz is promised the Lord will defend Jerusalem.  This is historical to Nephi’s family, and they know that the Assyrians attacked Ephraim and Syria took them captive miraculously preserving Jerusalem.  The emphasis again is that relying on the Lord is better than having a great army.  Nephi’s family are able to know both the prophecy and the fulfillment.  Extremely important and relevant for us and Nephi’s family to know the scriptures be able to see prophecies and fulfillment to strengthen faith.  Nephi was able to rely on the Lord and gain the brass plates even when Laban was more powerful.

2 Nephi 19 Isaiah 9 Prophecy and sign of Savior given to King Ahaz

The Book of Mormon is another witness of Jesus Christ and Isaiah 9 is a great prophecy concerning our Lord Jesus Christ.  The prophecy adds to the sign given Ahaz that Jesus will be born as a child lineage of David or Juda that his government will be a government of peace and that relying on him provides salvation both for our souls and at this time Jerusalem against the Northern tribes combined with Syria.  Jesus will be the mighty God and there will be no end to his throne and his name will be called wonderful, counselor.  If Ahaz and his son Hezekiah rely on the Lord that Jerusalem and their kingdoms will be protected.  Historically we know that Ephraim was planning on combining and attacking Jerusalem.  Ephraim’s plan was stopped because the greater army of the Assyrians conquers Ephraim and takes them captive.   Ephraim or Israel, and the other northern tribes become the lost ten tribes.  Nephi states in the book of Mormon that he lived in Jerusalem and new the regions round about.  He would have had personal knowledge of the fulfillment of this prophecy and could testify of the fulfillment.  Provides additional credence to the prophecy concerning the destruction of Jerusalem.  This prophecy with Isaiah 8 is providing background to the storyline of why Lehi family should trust in the Lord and leave Jerusalem as there are prophets prophesying of Jerusalem’s destruction.  Very easy to understand the relevance of this prophecy and understand why it has place on Nephi’s Gold plates and is in Book of Mormon.

2 Nephi 20 Isaiah 10 Prophecy of the destruction of Assyrian army prior to attacking Juda.

Prophecy in Isaiah 10 concerns the destruction of the Assyrian army that has conquered the Northern tribes now wants to conquer Jerusalem.  The Assyrian King boasts that he is more powerful than Israel God because he has conquered the Northern tribes who have the same God.  The King does not realize that he was a tool the Lord used to humble the people because of their wickedness.  When attacking Jerusalem, the Lord causes the Assyrian army to die one evening prior to the attack on Jerusalem.  Isaiah 8-10 are several prophecies relating to different events concerning the house of Israel.  The Northern tribes are conquered and captured but Jerusalem is saved by the miraculous power of God.  Isaiah was able to see and prophecy the future and yet this is historical to Nephi family which has been able to see the fulfillments.  Provides great knowledge about trusting in Lord and living the covenant path.  Nephi’s family would have been familiar with the prophecy and the fulfillments as this would have been very much in the Jewish culture and possible a reason the Jews felt they were unconquerable.   Again, we see the relevance to Nephi in teaching his family from the scripture on the brass plates which contained the prophecies of Isaiah.

2 Nephi 21 Isaiah 11 prophecy of Joseph Smith restoration prophet.

Isaiah 11 is a fascinating prophecy about the last days.  The prophecy concerns a rod that comes out of the stem of Jessie.  The stem of Jessie is defined in section 113 as the Savior. The Rod is defined as partly a descendent of Jessie as well as Ephraim or the house of Joseph.  Nephi on his plates 2 Nephi 3 provides the genealogy of a prophet in the last days that matches the genealogy but gives us greater information that his name will be Joseph who would be named after his father and would be a descendent of Joseph sold into Egypt.  Moroni quotes Isaiah 11 to Joseph Smith the night he comes to give Joseph his calling to translate the gold plates.  Joseph Smith in his personal history makes sure we know that Moroni quoted the Isaiah 11 scripture prophecy would be very personal to him.  There is no question that the Rod is a prophecy concerning Joseph Smith and his calling in the last days to translate the gold plates to the Book of Mormon.  The branch referred is concerned with Joseph work to gather Israel in the last days the members of the church are this righteous branch.  We can see the personal nature of this scripture to both Nephi and Joseph as Nephi is writing the gold plates and Joseph will bring them forth in the last days as another witness of Jesus Christ.  No can doubt the relevance of this Isaiah scripture to the Book of Mormon story line when we understand how relevant this is to Nephi himself the Lord has told him that he is writing the plates for a wise purpose and now this prophecy is about Nephi and Joseph and their relationship in bring about the gathering of Israel in the last days.

2 Nephi 22 Isaiah 12 prophecy of righteous branch of Israel last days

Isaiah 22 is a prophecy concerning the righteous branch spoken of in Isaiah 11 that will trust and worship Lord.  This branch or people will not be afraid and will worship Jesus and rely on the Savior’s strength to be their strength.  They will praise the Lord and make him known throughout the earth.

2 Nephi 23 Isaiah 13 Prophecy of the destruction of Babylon

The Prophecy in Isaiah 23 concerns the destruction of Babylon who were the people who destroyed Jerusalem.  Isaiah prophecy of the destruction of Babylon by the Medes came true 200 years after Isaiah prophecy.  Today Babylon is still not inhabited fulfilling Isaiah prophecy.  Nephi would include this prophecy as the country that conquered Jerusalem around 597 BC would then be punished by Persians.  Babylon was evil nation represents Satan’s Kingdom and the Lord will defeat Satan’s kingdom in the last days.  History is specific on the destruction Jerusalem by the Babylonians and the conquering of Babylon by King Cyrus.  For us we are able to see the fulfillment of prophecy and know the Lord is able to show past as well as future events to prophets.

2 Nephi 24 Isaiah 14 Prophecy of Juda returning to promised land

This is a unique prophecy in Isaiah 14 as we are told the prophecy was given in the year King Ahaz died.  The prophecy includes several elements.  First that Juda will be restored to their lands freed from the enslavement of Babylon.   The Assyrians will come and conquer the great Babylonian empire destroying the land.  The Babylonian King was a wicked King.  The Assyrian King will then allow Juda to return to their lands.  That the Savior will be born in the promised land as a descendent of King David fulfilling prophecy and purpose.  The purpose is that the Savior will be born and complete the atonement which is the stretched-out hand of love for all nations.  The Jews who crucify the Savior will be hated through generations of time because of the iniquity of their fathers.  The Jews will not have or possess a land of their own.  Second the prophecy provides us knowledge of Lucifer.  We are unable to know the past or before creation of earth except the Lord reveals this knowledge.  Lucifer role in heaven that he seen narrowly and didn’t comprehend the great plan of happiness.  Lucifer wanted to exalt himself above God’s throne.  Lucifer is the seed of evil doers here on the earth.  Lucifer is the encourager of iniquities on the earth of greed and lust for power.  The Lord in the last will have mercy on Juda and set them in their own land.  This prophecy we see coming true today.  Nephi would want to teach his people the future of the Jews as they were leaving the wicked Jewish people who were about to be destroyed to know of their future and how the Savior would be born of Juda’s lineage.  In 2 Nephi 25 Nephi interrupts Isaiah 14 prophecy in plainness for us all to understand.  Nephi is plain in answering the question why this Isaiah prophecy is included that the people “may know the judgements of God”.   Nephi himself make it clear why he recorded this Isaiah prophecy on the gold plates, and we know the relevance to the storyline as Nephi states his purpose.

2 Nephi 27 Isaiah 29 Prophecy of the restoration

Of all of Isaiah prophecies Isaiah 29 would have been most personal to Nephi himself as the prophecy concerns the Plates of Nephi his writings coming forth as the Book of Mormon a “marvelous work and wonder”.  Nephi adds to the Isaiah scripture additional prophetic knowledge concerning the last days and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon including Joseph Smith the servant in the Lords hands.   Joseph Smith as he records his personal history which becomes scripture documents the fulfillments of those things prophesied by Isaiah and Nephi.  One of the best methods to understand 2 Nephi 27 is to read Joseph Smith’s personal history and then read Nephi 27 and much of the prophecy comes to life with details of the events of the restoration.  We know that one of the scriptures quoted by Moroni to Joseph Smith was Isaiah 29 when Moroni was giving Joseph additional information on his calling. 

We should be convinced of the relevance and importance of the Isaiah verses that Nephi included on his plates.  Each prophecy fits completely with the storyline in the Book of Mormon. The Isaiah verses were for the teaching of his people the workings of God.

Isaiah prophecy of the destruction of Assyria to teach the people about consequences of wickedness of any nation to give them knowledge about what will happen should his people become wicked.  Includes an Isaiah prophecy about Joseph Smith that matches a prophecy of Joseph sold into Egypt because Joseph Smith will translate Nephi’s gold plates.  Uses Isaiah words to emphasize the power of the Lord and that even greatest of nations are subject to the Lord.  That Nephi’s people should trust in the Lord not the strength of their armies.  Nephi enlightens his people on who Satan or Lucifer is by Isaiah prophetic knowledge.  Then uses the Isaiah prophecies concerning the coming forth of his book in the last days.  Joseph Smith then provides perfect verification of the prophecy in his own personal history.  As you go chapter by chapter you will realize the personal nature of the Isaiah prophecies to Nephi, Mormon, Moroni and Joseph Smith and why these Isaiah prophecies made the cut and were included for us to read and understand workings of the Lord.

Summary I Nephi 21

The next Isaiah prophecy I Nephi 21 included is about the branches of Israel broken off and scattered of which Lehi’s family is one of the scattered and broken off branches.  I believe this prophecy is directly about Lehi’s family leaving Jerusalem.  The prophecy is a direct answer to Laman and Lemuel question we do not understand what Father means about the branch broken off.  Had Laman and Lemuel read the scriptures, prayed to understand then the events happening to them would have been obvious that leaving Jerusalem was to preserve them as a branch of Israel.  Their Father has told them they are leaving their home because of the wickedness in Jerusalem and Jerusalem is about to be destroyed.  The family will be one of the preserved of Israel because the family has believed and followed their father.  Nephi and Lehi comprehend this Isaiah prophecy that the family is being preserved and will have a land of promise.  This prophecy of a branch of Israel being broken off is relevant to the storyline as entire Book of Mormon is about what happens to the family after they leave Jerusalem and specifically testifies of Jesus Christs visit to their promised land. 

Historical

Nephi’s brothers Laman and Lemuel did not understand the concept of them being the branch of Israel being broken off.  See Nephi 15: 6-11 for a review.

 6 And it came to pass that after I had received strength I spake unto my brethren, desiring to know of them the cause of their disputations.

7 And they said: Behold, we cannot understand the words which our father hath spoken concerning the natural branches of the olive tree, and also concerning the Gentiles.

8 And I said unto them: Have ye inquired of the Lord?

9 And they said unto me: We have not; for the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us.

Nephi give this explanation 1 Nephi 15:12 Behold, I say unto you, that the house of Israel was compared unto an olive tree, by the Spirit of the Lord which was in our father; and behold are we not broken off from the house of Israel, and are we not a branch of the house of Israel?

Nephi then amplifies the teachings to his brothers that they are the branch broken off by quoting Isaiah 49 a prophesy made of them over a hundred years previously. 

Archeological and other evidence of branch broken off in America

This website provides 5 compelling evidences for the Book of Mormon.  I have chosen to include the Arabian alter at a crossroad called Nahom as it fits the specific narrative of Nephi’s family traveling through Arabian as they left Jerusalem.   https://www.bookofmormoncentral.org/blog/five-compelling-archeological-evidences-for-the-book-of-mormon

An Arabian altar at a crossroad called Nahom

Okay, we admit, this item is on most lists of Book of Mormon evidences—undoubtedly because it’s so spot-on. Not one, but three ancient altars inscribed with the same three Semitic consonants of the place-name, Nahom, as mentioned in 1 Nephi 16:34. Never mind the lack of vowels in the Hebrew alphabet that might alter the pronunciation: “Ni-ham,” “Nu-heem,” “Nehum”. The coincidence remains staggering. Not only are these altars found in the right place, they date to the right time. If that’s not enough, Nahom itself appears associated with the Hebrew word for “mourning”, which is precisely why the Lehites were there. Nahom was one of the largest burial areas in ancient Southwestern Arabia,6 and the travelers were there to mourn the death of their beloved friend, Ishmael.

Joseph Smith simply could not have known this in 1830. Some of the theories proposed to explain away this coincidence have lower odds than Joseph just making a wild and lucky guess. Want to learn more? Visit our KnoWhy here and watch our Evidences Video on Nahom here.

1 ^aAnd again: Hearken, O ye house of Israel, all ye that are broken off and are driven out because of the wickedness of the pastors of my people; (Specifically to Lehi family who left the land of their inheritance area of Jerusalem because the priests had become wicked and then traveled through the desert to the sea and across the sea to America.) yea, all ye that are broken off, that are scattered abroad, who are of my people, O house of Israel. Listen, O ^bisles, unto me (Isaiah prophesying to those who are broken off the house of Israel, which is Lehi’s family.  They have left Jerusalem crossed Ocean entered their own promised land.  The reference to Lehi’s family is clear and Nephi wants to make that clear using Isaiah to teach family about scriptures he is likening the scriptures unto themselves.), and hearken ye people from ^cfar; the Lord hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.  (Isaiah was from different time and different land, yet he is telling those broken off listen to his prophecies.  The Lord hath called Isaiah and Isaiah is testifying of that fact.  The Lord or Savior Jesus mentions Isaiah’s name in Third Nephi and tells us to study his words “for great are the words of Isaiah”.

Jacob in 2 Nephi 10 explains the branch broken off see verses 1 & 2.

1 And now I, Jacob, speak unto you again, my beloved brethren, concerning this righteous ^abranch of which I have spoken.  (Branch broken off is Jacobs (Lehi) family Isaiah prophecy explained again this is the question Laman and Lemuel didn’t understand, and Jacob is making the answer crystal clear that the branch is their family.)

 2 For behold, the ^apromises which we have obtained are promises unto us according to the flesh; wherefore, as it has been shown unto me that many of our children shall perish in the flesh because of ^bunbelief, nevertheless, God will be merciful unto many; and our children shall be ^crestored, that they may come to that which will give them the true knowledge of their Redeemer.

 2 And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me; (Isaiah’s is testifying of his own words that his prophecies are accurate and will be fulfilled.  Isaiah’s words are both great prophesies for the righteous and terrible for the wicked. Isaiah’s words are difficult to comprehend, take real effort to ponder them, and understand.  Therefore, the words are hiding the real meaning from those not yet ready for an understanding of the prophesies.  Isaiah was a polished shaft in the quiver of the Lord.  Isaiah through prophecy lays outs the Lords plan for the house of Israel from Abraham to the second coming provides guidance and counsel for them and the gentiles.  Isaiah testifying of his prophetic calling and Nephi is emphasizing the Isaiah scriptures to his family.)

3 And said unto me (Isaiah): Thou art my servant, O Israel, In whom I will be glorified.  (The Lord is telling Israel “Lords Servant” through Isaiah that through Israel -Lehi family is house of Manasseh or house of Israel- the world will be blessed with temples, missionaries, established churches.  And significantly the Book of Mormon Nephi’s record a marvelous work and wonder will glorify the Lord.  The Book of Mormon concerns the branch that is broken off.)

 4 Then I (Isaiah) said, I have labored in ^avain, (Isaiah has taught repentance and prophesied to the people and Israel harden their hearts and therefore most of Israel, is scattered.)  I have spent my strength for naught and in vain; (Isaiah worked tirelessly to teach Israel of the Savior but few there were that would believe.  Isaiah is a servant in the olive tree vineyard working to produce good fruit.  Laman and Lemuel are example in that they have the words of Isaiah but do not comprehend the prophecies concerning their family and the Lord.) surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God. (Isaiah understands the larger view and leaves judgement to the Lord he has done what he was called to do.  Nephi’s understanding took him through the trials, as well as our understanding can take us through trials.)

 5 And now, saith the Lord—that ^aformed me from the womb that I (Isaiah) should be his servant, (called back to service by God after repenting.) to bring Jacob again to him (Isaiah’s Prophesies concerning the branches of Israel broken off, Nephi family worshiping the true God after leaving Jerusalem.)—though Israel be not gathered (Though Israel is scattered through the world.  Lehi’s family now in America a new promised land.), yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, (Nephites “not gathered” will create new scripture testifying of the Savior.  In third Nephi Jesus testifies of the words and work of Isaiah and how important they are to us, Isaiah was glorious in the eyes of the Lord) and my God shall be my ^bstrength.  (Nephi has already indicated how important are the words of Isaiah and this additional witness from Isaiah himself of his calling are relevant to the Book of Mormon storyline and why the words of Isaiah are included because they concern directly the family of Lehi.)

 6 And he said: It is a light thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the ^atribes of Jacob (The Nephites are the branches grafted in the far reaches of the olive vineyard creating new scripture and good works or good fruit), and to restore the preserved of Israel (Nephi’s family is the preserved by leaving Jerusalem they are now in their own promised land). I will also give thee for a ^blight to the ^cGentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the ends of the earth.  (the Nephite history Book of Mormon scripture testifying of The Savior will be a light to the world a second testimony to the Bible or history of the Jews.)

 7 Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, his Holy One (The Savior speaking), to him whom man despiseth (to Jews who other nations hate we have the history of the Jews in our day and their exterminations. The seed of Lehi’s family Lamanites were hated by the gentiles arriving in the new land America and almost exterminated.), to him whom the nations abhorreth (Juda has gone through several holocausts this is fulfilled prophecy.  Jacob explains next chapter how Juda will be hated by the world.), to servant of rulers (Historically Jewish people for much of its time did not fulfill calling and has been enslaved by other nations or the servant of rulers): Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful. (In the end, all the world will see the salvation of the Lord for Juda.  Israel will fulfill their calling beginning with Ephraim and take gospel to all the earth. Savior will reign as KING of the earth!  Everyone will worship him.  Nephi is teaching family of Savior who has not of yet come to this earth.  Throughout the Book of Mormon, the apostates teach that you cannot know what is to come and how can you know a Savior is coming.  The prophets counter with strong testimony of the Savior.)

 8 Thus saith the Lord: In an acceptable time have I heard thee, (When the time is right for the restoration of the Gospel) O isles of the sea (Nephi knows this refers to his plates and his family’s history or American scripture), and in a day of salvation have I helped thee; (preserved the record Book of Mormon) and I will preserve thee (Book of Mormon preserves record of Nephi people, prophets are taught to preserve the records.), and give thee ^amy servant  (My servant is Joseph Smith a seer will the Lord raise up from Joseph of old to bring forth the word and to convincing them of my word) for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; (the desolate heritages inherited are Nephi’s family record the Book of Mormon.)

 9 That thou mayest to the ^aprisoners: (Salvation for those that lived during the great apostasy and are now dead.  The Book of Mormon, Bible, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price all Scriptures testify of Jesus who will loose the bands of physical death and spiritual death that we prisoners may go forth all who believe living and dead.  This is revelation prophecy of the Saviors mission and power to save us.  Nephi and all the prophets teach of the Savior and temple ordnances for the salvation of the dead.) Go forth; to them that sit in ^bdarkness: (At the time of Joseph Smith there were no prophets and world was in darkness.  The believers are to take the Gospel to all the unbelievers.)  Show yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, (words of Savior and prophets are the food) and their ^cpastures shall be in all high places. (Jesus know all his sheep and their pastures.  He will make sure the Gospel and temple learning are taught to them wherever they are.  Nephi is about to begin first temple in new world.  Temple teaches of the plan of salvation, repentance, baptism, atonement, life after life.  We are all prisoners and need the atonement of the Savior.   Nephi uses this prophecy to teach family and prepare them for temple service as can be seen in the next few chapters Nephi builds a temple very unique how Isaiah scriptures are fitting the Book of Mormon story line.)

 10 They shall not hunger nor thirst, neither shall the heat nor the sun smite them; for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them. (Isaiah repeats thoughts for emphasis if you are founded on the words of God you will be filled with the spirit and the heat of what is coming will not alter the testimony of those with strong spiritual strength. A reference to Moses leading Israel through desert and Lord provided water additionally provided spiritual water a method for living life for happiness.  Nephi wants his family including brothers Laman and Lemuel to study the Brass Plates and scriptures pray about them to gain the knowledge and wisdom necessary to live good lives.  Lehi’s family crossed great desert where we know temperatures exceed 110 degrees, water is in short supply and the family could have easily perished in the desert.  They were led by the Lord through the Liahona to springs for water.  This has significant meaning to Lehi and his family both physically and spiritually.)

 11 And I will make all my mountains a way, and my ^ahighways shall be exalted. (Mountains often refer to Temples where we obtain higher knowledge and wisdom.  If we follow the wisdom and covenants of the temple, live the commandments the highway leads to exaltation.  Nephi loves his Brothers and family trying his hardest to teach them with Isaiah’s words.  Book of Mormon timeline Nephi has just built temple for greater knowledge and wisdom about God.  The family worshiped at Solomon’s temple before it was destroyed by the Babylonians.  Definite fit to Book of Mormon timeline with Nephi building temple similar Solomon’s.)

 12 And then, (Last days scattering done gathering begins) O house of Israel, behold, ^athese shall come from far; and lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim.  (Revelation of Last days Nephi teaching that even though they were broken off and scattered a day would come when a gathering would occur.  Israel will be gathered from all the earth.  Sinim my understanding is southern China.  Juda specifically being gathered to Jerusalem note from after Parley Pratt’s blessing how significant the gathering is and how United States and Great Britain participated the gathering as nursing mothers and fathers. History of modern Israel after world war II. We know form the prophets gathering is taken place in peoples own lands east, west, north south.)

 13 ^aSing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; for the feet of those who are in the east shall be established; and ^bbreak forth into singing, O mountains; for they shall be smitten no more; for the Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his ^cafflicted.  (Isaiah’s revelations allowed him to see the full history of Israel from Abraham through our day.  Whether the Jews or the American Indians descendants of Isreal who became unrighteous we know have been greatly afflicted.  We know in the last days that the gospel will go forth and not stopped by anyone or anything.  The Lord will have mercy and restore the true gospel.  The Book of Mormon is key to this restoration and that is Nephi plates.  This scripture is about the restoration and the final gathering of Israel with the building of temples and the Saints established in the tops of the mountains.  Israel has been afflicted and conquered because of their wickedness but in the end will have a righteous posterity to take the Gospel to all the world.  Nephi will in chapter 29 explain the prophecy and that the gentiles hated Jews.)

 14 But, behold, Zion hath said: The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me—but he will show that he hath not.  (Specific prophecy to the branches that are broken off.  Nephites have left their promised land of Jerusalem and are they now forsaken has the Lord forgotten them?  See John 10: 15-16 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And other Sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice: and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.)

 15 For can a ^awoman forget her child, that should not have ^bcompassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may ^cforget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel.  (Vivid imagery of God’s Love even greater than a Mothers for her new born baby. The Nephites are not a forgotten branch the Lord Jesus Christ will visit them in their promised land after his mortal mission among the Jews. The vast majority of us have felt the Love of a loving caring mother and know how great that love is.  The Lord is telling us his love is greater than the love a mother has for her child.  Lehi family left Jerusalem for the safety of the wilderness and a great new promised land shows the Lord’s love for he will minister among them in their own land.)

 16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the ^apalms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me. (In 3 Nephi 11 this prophecy is fulfilled the Nephites are allowed to thrust your hand in my side and feel the prints of the nails in the Savior hands showing that all people even those broken off are part of the Lord’s flock and He is the shepherd.) 

 17 Thy children shall make haste against thy destroyers; and they that made thee ^awaste shall go forth of thee.  (Children are the seed of Lehi’s family really all the house of Israel and all the kindreds of the earth will be blessed.)

18 Lift up thine eyes round about and behold; (Look and see, read the scriptures know the prophesies) all these ^agather themselves together, and they shall come to thee. (Israel will be gathered in the last days with Ephraim starting and gathering all the other tribes and gentiles.  Isaiah has seen the gathering to the Salt Lake valley the desert blooming) And as I live, saith the Lord, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on even as a bride.  (Choice souls left for these last days to prepare world for second coming.  This is the righteous souls doing good works seed of Abraham fulfilling the covenant.  Israel is now the beautiful bride waiting for the Lord and preparing for his coming.)

 19 For thy waste and thy desolate places, and the land of thy destruction, shall even now be too narrow by reason of the inhabitants; and they that swallowed thee up shall be far away.  (Nephi teaching his people about the return to Jerusalem in last days this is the city they left.  As Juda “Jews” return to Israel the land does not have enough room for them.  They are building new settlements in the area taken during the 1967 war, and more Jewish people are immigrating to the holy land.  Those nations that swallowed up Israel are not capable of stopping the Jewish immigration.  The Venezuelan Jews because of the economic situation are moving to Israel by the thousands to escape deepening poverty.  Nephi let’s his family know the revelations of their land.) 

 20 The children (seed of Abrahm Israel) whom thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the first (after the apostasy), shall ^aagain in thine ears say: The place is too strait for me; give place to me that I may dwell.  (Anciently the land of Israel was given to them by the Lord.  The promised land of America was given to the Nephi’s family.  The growth of the church will be great in last days, numerous wards and stakes specifically Salt Lake valley spreading out.  The immigrants into Israel will ask for room to build settlements.  New stakes will be created for all the saints and the gathering will be to each country of descent so there is room for the people.)

 21 Then shalt thou say in thine heart: Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am ^adesolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? (Israel was defeated, captured, the people taken from the land and the land left desolate a fulfillment we know happened after Lehi’s family left Jerusalem.  This part of the revelation concerning Israel has been fulfilled.  Now in these last days we see Israel now as the beautiful bride is having children the church is growing and expanding.  People are converted and living the Gospel to the best of their ability serving in the church.) And who hath brought up these?  (Joseph Smith restored the gospel and started the gathering a fulfillment of revelation.  Prophets and missionaries are serving and teaching the Gospel.) Behold, I (Jesus left alone to complete the atonement) was left alone; these, where have they been?  (where were all these righteous souls.)

 22 Thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the ^aGentiles, (Gentiles a mighty nation United States on the land of the Nephites a place that the Church of Jesus Christ may be formed because of the freedoms from the constitution.  It’s now time to take the Gospel to all the world same thing as Peter vision) and set up my ^bstandard (Standard is our government with the constitution providing freedom to set up the Lords Church.) to the people; and they shall bring thy sons in their ^carms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.  (Gentiles will first scatter the seed of Nephi but then a marvelous work will be done among them that will be of great worth.  The full restoration of the Gospel that starts with the first vision, Moroni a righteous Nephite visit and the translation of the book of Mormon.)

 23 And ^akings shall be thy ^bnursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers; (Multiple fulfillments of this prophecy are known today.  We are promised to become Kings and Queens if we live the covenants we make in temple.  The family becomes first, and we take care of our children teaching them the doctrine of the kingdom of God.  Anciently King Cyrus 530 BC 70 years after Nephi left Jerusalem made it possible for the Israelites to return to the homeland and build the temple for Jesus coming in the meridian of time.  Queen Ester lived 520 BC 80 years after Nephi left Jerusalem saved the Israelites from death and destruction so they could return to Jerusalem.  Why would these names and deeds be preserved except to verify the fulfillment of prophecy?  England with its Monarchy was the country to help Juda establish Israel as a homeland for the Jews.  Many of the European countries helped and the US has been a major friend of Israel, more about US and Israel in Isaiah 11.) they shall bow down to thee with their face towards the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the Lord; (All people will know the Savior when he returns) for they shall not be ashamed that ^cwait for me.  (The Lord Jesus will fight the battles in the last days for the righteous.  The righteous will look forward to the Saviors return.)

This is archeological evidence of King Cyrus who was prophesied by Isaiah by name in Isaiah 45:1  This prophecy was yet future to Nephi family but we know it was fulfilled perfectly with the Name of the King Cyrus.

 24 For shall the prey be taken from the mighty (prey-Israel taken from the mighty-stronger enemy nations- US war of independence Ephraim defeated Great Britain and War of 1967 Israel wins against multiple nations.), or the ^alawful captives delivered?  (Lords covenant people set free to preach to the nations.)

 25 But thus saith the Lord, even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.  (Isaiah repeats the thought and adds that the Lord will fight battles and delivers physically as well as spiritually.  In the last days Israel will be gathered, and the Lord will protect them as long as they worship him.)

 26 And I will ^afeed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; (1 Nephi 22: 14 “And every nation which shall war against thee , O house of Isreal, shall be turned one against another, and they shall fall into the pit which they digged to ensnare the people of the Lord.”  The enemies of Israel will fight amongst themselves examples are Syria ISIS fighting Bashar al-Assad government destroying Syria and in Iraq the Iraq government fighting the Islamic State.  Iraq and Iran fighting each other.) they shall be drunken with their own blood as with sweet wine; (ISIS fighting other Islamic states and the mind set of brutal ISIS) and all flesh shall ^bknow that I, the Lord, am thy ^cSavior and thy Redeemer, the ^dMighty One of Jacob.  (The Savior will return as King of Kings and rule all the Earth.  The nations will combine against Juda but after the Savior wins the battle the armies that were fighting Israel will turn on themselves.)

Savior with nail prints in the palms of his hand Isaiah 740 years before the crucifixion seen and prophesied concerning the sacrifice the Jesus the Christ would make.

Summary of 1 Nephi 20

The first Isaiah prophecy included as 1 Nephi 20 is about the “Power of God”, and his ability to tell us of things past, present, future and his great abilities to create the heavens and earth.  In general, this Isaiah prophecy is about trusting and relying on the Lord and believing the Lord can tell us past, present and future events and is a direct scriptural answer to Laman and Lemuel who have stated that the Lord doesn’t reveal to them.  Isaiah scriptures are on the Brass Plates that Nephi and his brothers were sent to retrieve.  Nephi is using Isaiah 48 the scripture from the Brass Plates to teach his brothers the Lord does reveal future events.  At this time in the storyline the fact that the Lord revealed to Father Lehi the future destruction Jerusalem and the family needs to leave to be preserved.  The Savior told us: John 14:29 “And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe”.  As we look at the Isaiah prophecies and see the fulfillments we might believe in our God.

Historical Information

To understand how personal and relevant the Isaiah prophecies are let’s get started by reviewing some of the Book of Mormon storyline.  Nephi’s brothers Laman and Lemuel were having issues caused by leaving their home.  See Nephi 15: 6-11 for a review.

 6 And it came to pass that after I had received strength I spake unto my brethren, desiring to know of them the cause of their disputations.

7 And they said: Behold, we cannot understand the words which our father hath spoken concerning the natural branches of the olive tree, and also concerning the Gentiles.

8 And I said unto them: Have ye inquired of the Lord?

9 And they said unto me: We have not; for the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us.

10 Behold, I said unto them: How is it that ye do not keep the commandments of the Lord? How is it that ye will perish, because of the hardness of your hearts?

11 Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?—If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you.

Summarizing then Laman and Lemuel had two major questions first they didn’t comprehend the branches being broken off and second, they did not believe the Lord could make things known to them.  The first two chapters of Isaiah included in the Book of Mormon answer these two questions of Laman and Lemuel.

Archeological evidence of story

Ancient Jewish Seal from the Babylonian Exile period with the crescent moon shown above the alter in this seal is the symbol of the chief Babylonian god “Sin.”  Archeological evidence Israel was not worshipping the true and living God but worshipping the Moon God.  Israel had divorced themselves from God by their wicked and blasphemous actions.

1 ^aHearken and hear this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, (Nephi’s family is of the house of Jacob [Israel] –he wants his family who understand they are descended from Jacob through Joseph to learn of Isaiah prophecies.  This speaks directly to Lehi family who was lineage of Manasseh.) and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, or out of the waters of ^bbaptism, ( Lehi family is a covenant people baptized  by immersion symbolizing death and rebirth, they have been taught about covenants, living law of Moses where animal sacrifice is similitude of Saviors Sacrifice.) who ^cswear by the name the Lord, and make mention of the God of Israel, yet they swear ^dnot in truth nor in righteousness.  (Israel invokes the name of Jehovah as their God but do not live by the covenants required of them.)

 2 Nevertheless, they call themselves of the ^aholy city, (Lehi’s family lived in Jerusalem and knew the priests were teaching and an example of immorality yet told everyone they were holy.  Lehi knew the city was polluted with immorality.) but they do ^bnot stay themselves upon the God of Israel, (Did not keep commandments and were worshiping idols such as the moon god and others making images of the other gods) who is the Lord of Hosts; yea, the Lord of Hosts is his name. (Worship the true God)

 3 Behold, I (the Lord) have declared the ^aformer things from the beginning;       (Nephi wants Laman and Lemuel to know the prophecies in the brass plates specifically Isaiah’s are coming true. The scriptures about Lehi’s family have specifically come true.  Examples show that God has power to tell us of things that will happen in the future.  He has shown that formerly in brass plates are prophesies that have and are coming true.  We should have faith in the words of the prophets. Lehi’s family coming to the new world was prophesied along with many other prophecies) and they went forth out of my mouth, and I showed them. I did show them suddenly.  (All of Gods words through the Prophets will be fulfilled.  Did Lehi family not wander through the desert, cross the sea, and become broken off as prophesied.  In the storyline Laman and Lemuel when asked if they had prayed to know stated the Lord did or could not reveal to them.  Therefore, Nephi teaches from the brass plates to Laman and Lemuel the Isaiah scripture that the Lord has power to reveal to them past and future events.)

 4 And I did it because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy ^aneck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass; (how relatable is this to Laman and Lemuel who throughout this experience have been obstinate and had necks of iron that they won’t bow and pray to know the will of God and thick headed or a brow as brass Nephi has been unable to teach them the knowledge and information from the scriptures. Laman and Lemuel have left Jerusalem traveled through the desert like Moses being led by a miraculous ball, helped Nephi build ship crossed the oceans, seen angels and yet they do not comprehend the prophesies about them as a family being broken off from the house of Israel.)

 5 And I (The Lord) have even from the beginning declared (prophesied of future events-example Isaiah 7 prophecy capture of Israel’s ten tribes by the Assyrians which is history to Lehi family so they know of the prophecy and fulfilment has already happened during the reign of King Ahaz in 763 BC, the destruction to Jerusalem was also prophesied by Isaiah and the family lived in Jerusalem and were given the chance to escape before it was conquered.) to thee; before it came to pass I ^ashowed them thee; (Gods ability to tell us of events before they happen.  Isaiah lived 760 BC prophesies of the destruction of Jerusalem approximately 586 BC in his writings.  Nephi and Lehi were shown the destruction of Jerusalem before it happened and know that it has occurred and have testified to the family.  As we go through these Isaiah verses, we will see many other prophesied events that have come to pass so that we can know of the power of God in knowing the future and letting us know.  Before events happen or come to pass God shows the prophets.) and I showed them for fear lest thou shouldst say—Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image hath commanded them. (People in Jerusalem during time of Lehi were worshiping idols.  The Lord wants us to recognize his power and ability to help us.  This really helps us understand the nature of God that he is powerful and able to help us if we believe.  Idols pieces of wood, metal or stone, money in the bank have no real power to help us reach salvation.  Idols definitely do not have the power to show the future as God does recognizing the fulfillment of prophecy is a key to faith in God.  Nephi is pleading with his brothers to worship the true God who has real power and using the scriptures from the brass plates to prove Nephi’s and their father Lehi’s words.  This verse should be cross referenced with a New Testament verse quoting the Savior concerning prophecy  John 14:29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.)

 6 Thou hast seen and heard all this; and will ye ^anot declare them? (Lehi family have seen all this obvious evidence even to a casual observer it’s obvious that the Prophets have got it right.  Israel in slavery Egypt, freed from slavery given promised land, wickedness of Israel, northern ten tribes captured, branch broken off, promised land to Lehi America have all been fulfilled need to acknowledge.) And that I (the Lord through the prophets) have showed thee new things from this time, (Nephi read to them many things which were upon the brass plates that they might know of the doings of the Lord in other lands among the people of old.  Prophesies that had been fulfilled concerning Lehi family specifically.  Additionally, many prophesies about the Savior and his role as creator, Savior, king have been given both past and future events) even hidden things, and thou didst not know them.  (We are unable to know the future without the help of God, with the help of God we know the future by studying the scriptures, praying and asking for knowledge and wisdom from God who will give us the answers.  Nephi told Laman and Lemuel to pray to know what scriptures mean.)

 7 They are created now, (The prophesied events are happening right now and Lehi’s family are part of them we are part of the prophesied events happening in our day) and not from the beginning, (when the prophesies were made in the beginning before the actual events we could not have predicted them) even before the day when thou heardest them not they were declared unto thee, lest thou shouldst say—Behold I knew them. (It was prophesied that Nephi would be a ruler over his brothers and that has happened.  Laman and Lemuel didn’t understand this in the beginning, yet it was prophesied, and it happened. It is the same in our day until we study the scriptures learn of the Lord and his prophets, we are unable to predict the future hundreds of years in advance.  Knowing the scriptures is knowing the prophecies from the beginning of the world to the end of the world.)

 8 Yea, and thou heardest not; yea, (didn’t listen to the prophesies.  Hey Laman and Lemuel listen to the prophesies I’m trying to teach you.) thou knewest not; (Laman and Lemuel you are not understanding therefore you don’t comprehend what is happening) yea, from that time thine ear was not opened; for I knew that thou wouldst deal very treacherously, and was’t called a ^atransgressor from the womb.  (Nephi is about to leave because Laman and Lemuel are plotting to take his life they are dealing treacherously with the Lords anointed prophet.  Even though they were born in the bloodline still have choice and have chosen to be transgressors.  Nephi is applying the Isaiah scripture to him and his family and the application is very apparent.)

 9 Nevertheless, for my ^aname’s sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain from thee, that I cut thee not off.  (This is the hope Nephi was preaching to his brothers even though they hadn’t been righteous to this point the Lord would forgive them and not cut them off.  They and we just need to repent and obey.)

 10 For, behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of ^aaffliction.  (The family has gone through affliction in the desert and that has strengthened them.  The Lord has chosen them to come to the new Promised Land so that there will be a righteous branch of Israel.  The family of Nephi have worked metal and made tools they understand how the furnace purifies metal.  We will all have trials even the righteous.)

 11 For mine own sake, yea, for mine own sake will I do this, (The Lord loves us but if we are unrepentant he will allow Jerusalem to be destroyed) for I will not suffer my ^aname to be polluted, (The Lord loves us and wants us to love him and worship him.  He will not allow us to pollute where we live with all kinds of sin there will be consequences.) I will ^bnot give my glory unto another.  (There will be a righteous branch of Israel in the end days (Ephraim) that will be a light to the world and take the Lords Gospel to all the earth.  The Lord is the God of this Earth and will work to save the people of this earth in his Fathers kingdom. Satan will not win.  The Lord has integrity. The House of Israel will be key in the last days including Juda in the land of Israel and Ephraim of the United States.)

 12 Hearken unto me, O Jacob, and Israel my called, for I am he; I am the ^afirst, and I am also the last. (Listen and Obey Israel “Lehi Family” I am God I created the Earth and will complete the final judgement.)

 13 Mine hand hath also ^alaid the foundation of the earth, (I God created the earth and have power and ability to save you) and my right hand hath spanned the heavens. (I God control not only the earth but the Heavens. The plan of salvation started before the earth was created and goes on after it’s destruction by fire.  This plan of salvation is for you because I love you.) ^bcall unto them and they stand up together.  (I am calling you Israel to take this gospel to all the earth.  Stand up for what you believe and preach the gospel faithfully.  Lehi family was called, and they stood up and left Jerusalem for a new land.)

 14 All ye, assemble yourselves, (come to church organize yourselves) and hear (listen to the gospel); who among them hath declared these things unto them? The Lord hath loved him; (The Lord loved Nephi and the righteous for standing up and teaching his people and loves all who are willing to serve) yea, and he will ^afulfil his word which he hath declared by them; (The prophesies will be fulfilled.  The Lord himself is promising us his words will be fulfilled) and he will do his pleasure on ^bBabylon, and his arm shall come upon the Chaldeans. (The unrighteous will also be judged and punished by the Lord.  Nephi family know the Babylonians they are coexisting, or contemporary nations and Babylon is the chief idol worshiping nation.  There will be many prophecies concerning Babylon and we will see from our perspective the fulfillments.)

 15 Also, saith the Lord; I the Lord, yea, I have spoken; yea, I have called ^ahim to declare, I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous.  (In addition, I have given my words to the Prophets throughout the ages and those that followed their words prospered.  Nephi’s people prospered when they followed the prophets and we will too.  True principle is that live righteously and you will prosper.  Seen throughout the Book of Mormon when people were righteous they prospered this is a true principle.  Learning the gospel teaches wisdom about self-reliance and true principles that bring wealth to those that live them.)

 16 Come ye near unto me; I have not spoken in ^asecret; from the beginning, from the time that it was declared have I spoken; and the Lord God, and his ^bSpirit, hath sent me.  (Laman and Lemuel have told Nephi the Lord doesn’t make the scriptures clear.  Nephi teaches them from Isaiah that the Lord does not speak in secret, read the scriptures get close to me and I will enlighten your minds.  Again, Nephi loves his family even the straying brothers he is trying to teach them from the scriptures.  Knock, meaning read and pray and I will be there I will give you my knowledge and wisdom from Adam to modern day prophets are providing us with the up to date methods to stay safe and keep our families safe.  The scriptures have always been available we need to find and study the scriptures our not reading and studying the scriptures will hide or keep their wisdom secret.)

 17 And thus saith the Lord, thy ^aRedeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I have sent him, the Lord thy God who teacheth thee to profit, who ^bleadeth thee by the way thou shouldst go, hath done it.  (The Lord has been leading Nephi family given them the ball Liahona as to which way they should go and the ball only worked with righteousness.  The Savior called Isaiah to be prophet.  The Savior tells us to study the words of Isaiah “Yea a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah.”.  The words of Isaiah will teach us about the nature of our Savior and his love for us.  Isaiah in his prophetic method is declaring the Lord God called him and these prophesies are important.)

 18 O that thou hadst hearkened to my ^acommandments—then had thy ^bpeace been as a river (continuously living the gospel brings peace to our lives there is protection in living the gospel and peace in our lives, a river is continuously flowing and brings the life giving moisture needed.  Lehi has already told Laman that he should be like the river continually running into righteousness), and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea. (This is clarion call for us to improve our lives to shake off chains that bind us and live righteously and life will be better. I Nephi 2:9 about Laman Oh that thou mightiest be like unto this river, continually running into the fountain of all righteousness!  Obvious Lehi new the words of Isaiah and understood them and was teaching his sons from the scriptures.  Totally relevant to Nephi family they experienced how a river flows continuously and how the waves just roll on and on we know they lived by the sea shore for years building the boat.)

 19 Thy ^aseed also had been as the sand; the offspring of thy bowels like the gravel thereof; his name should not have been cut off nor destroyed from before me.  (Live righteously and the Lord will put a protection around us we won’t have wars that kill our offspring or posterity.  Book of Mormon is testimony to wars caused by unrighteousness.)

 20 ^aGo ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the ^bChaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter to the end of the earth; say ye: The Lord hath redeemed his ^cservant Jacob. (Lehi family is literally fleeing the Chaldeans a people absorbed by the Babylonians.  Jerusalem was going to be attacked by the Babylonians and Lehi’s family left so they would not be attacked. Lehi family would survive because they left Jerusalem and the Book of Mormon tells or sings their history to the ends of the earth.  Repent and declare the gospel to all the earth that is what Israel calling is. Serve missions, serve in the church to help bring the second coming.  Ephraim called to gather the house of Israel last days and the Lord preserved the blood line.)

 21 And they ^athirsted not; he led them through the deserts; he caused the waters to flow out of the ^brock for them; he clave the rock also and the waters gushed out.  (Lehi was leading his family though the desert like Moses relying on the Lord for directions as it was a non-forgiving desert you could either starve and thirst to death by going the wrong direction.  Moses took direction from the Lord and lead the House of Jacob out of Egypt and the Lord protected them gave them water to survive.  Israel has a purpose to bring God’s children back to him.  If he could lead both Moses the Israelites and Lehi’s family through the deserts, then studying his words can lead us in the right direction.  See how relevant to Lehi’s family the words of Isaiah are and how easy it is for them to liken the words to themselves.  The living waters that we thirst not are the words of the Savior that lead us to salvation.  Example of the Lord telling them former things of Moses water flowing out of a rock which is history to Nephi family but the real known history to the family of Lehi, are relevant to the  words “thirsted not” are reference to the words of the Savior and atonement which is yet future and the Lord is providing knowledge before it comes to pass.)

 22 And notwithstanding he hath done all this, and greater also, there is no ^apeace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked.  (The Lord helped Moses through the desert feeding the people giving them water yet Greater promises of salvation and all the Lord has will go to those who repent and serve the God of Israel.  Nephi’s family had come through the desert just like Moses and this scripture would be very relevant to the family as they lived the prophecy also just like the people of Moses Nephi family able to liken the scripture unto themselves.  Greater than feeding and giving them water is the words and example of the Savior in giving us direction for salvation which is more important than eating and drinking in the eternities.  No peace for the wicked wars and contention when people are wicked no peace.  Book of Mormon testimonial of wars for the wicked.)