Chapters 15-20 - Warnings to the neighbors of Judah

                                                           ISAIAH 15

Moab was named after the 1stborn son of Lot's eldest daughter (Gen. 19:37). It bordered the Dead Sea on the east. They are promised destruction and will mourn. The Moabites were constant enemies of Israel. 16 cities and places are mentioned in this short chapter. This indicates a total destruction. They are a type of the wicked today who are enemies of Zion.

ISAIAH 16

Isaiah 15-16 speak of the destruction of Moab in the historic past and the prophetic future. Isaiah paints a woeful scene of devastation throughout Israel's neighbor to the east. At least 20 places are mentioned along with pertinent circumstances in and around the land of Moab, suggesting that Isaiah was well versed in geography, history, and current events." (Ogden p. 230)

Vs. 5-6 testifies of the throne of David being established through Christ. This verse may also be a plea for King Hezekiah to show mercy on the Moabites in their hour of distress in spite of their prideful past.

Vs. 14- The 3 years are believed to have commenced about 727 BC during the reign of Hezekiah. The next 3 years the Assyrians devastated the region east of the Jordan River and the Dead Sea. Then Samaria and finally carried the remnants of northern Israel in 721 BC.

ISAIAH 17

Vs. 1-3 The destruction of Damascus, capital of Syria, in the historic past and the prophetic future

Vs. 3 - Note footnote

Vs. 4-5- Israel is also in for terrible times

Vs. 7- 8 - After the humbling, some will return to God abandoning the sins of idolatry.

Vs. 12-14 - The "rolling thing" in vs. 13 should be translated a "galgal plant" which begins rapid growth in March, first as an innocent looking flower, then a thorny monster with leaves covered with sharp thorns, and when it seems to be at its menacing peak, it dries up and a summer wind blows away the whole galgal plant. So it will be with Israel's enemies.

ISAIAH 18

Translators have had many difficulties with this short chapter, and their translations differ considerably.

Vs. 1 - "Hail" Better Than "Woe" - Hyrum Smith identified this winged land as America.

"beyond the rivers of Ethiopia" because there is no word for ocean in Hebrew, this could be referring to the "many waters."

Vs. 2- The latter-day missionaries!

"This chapter is clearly a reference to the sending forth of the missionaries to the nations of the earth to gather again this people who are scattered and peeled (vs. 7). The ensign has been lifted upon the mountain, and the work of fathering has been going on for over 100 years. (JFS, Signs of the Times p. 54-5)

              ISAIAH 19

A ch. against (vs. 1-18), in the 1st 1/2, and in favor of (vs. 19-25), in the 2nd half about Egypt.

Review Ludlow p. 213-216 and then read vs. 5-10.

Read Ludlow p. 217-218- "In short, as shown in verses 16-18, one important sign concerning Egypt in the last days will be her greatly improved relationship with Judah. Vs. 19-21 describe a new Egyptian relationship with the Lord.)

Isaiah 20

A short historical chapter. Tartan= Assyrian general. Vs. 2 - Isaiah walks as if her were a slave.

Vs. 5 - Those afraid = Judah-Why did we trust Egypt?

Isaiah 13 & 14

ISAIAH 13 (2 NEPHI 23)

 

A chapter foretelling the destruction of ancient Babylon and of a modern day spiritual Babylon. Scholars say that Isaiah could not have written this because the destruction of Babylon took place so many years after his death. (That's what Korihor, Nehor and Sherem said also-No man can know the future)

Vs. 1 -A burden is a prophecy of doom against a people.  Babylon was the capital of ancient Babylonia, a society that was so wicked that its name became synonymous with wickedness. The ancient city had walls said to be 56 miles in circumference, 335 feet high, and 85 feet wide. Babylon is a symbol of the whole wicked world. (Rev. 14:8; 16:19; 17:5; 18:2-4;, 10, 21; D&C 133:14, 5, 6; 1:16; 35:11; 64:24; 86:3)  Babylon is not to be converted, but destroyed. (Draper, 7 Seals p. 189-90; 204-5)

Verses 2-5  - tell of the Lord gathering together his host of gatherers of Israel.

Vs. 2 - The banner (Heb. nes)is the ensign or standard or battle flag which shows Israel where to gather. The high mountain is a symbol for the temple.  “Shake the hand” means to wave the hand with invitation. Entering the gates of the nobles may refer to the status the Lord gives to those who live in Zion rather than Babylon. Those who enter Zion become the nobility of the Lord. The gates of a city are a symbol of the city itself.

Vs. 3 - Sanctified ones and mighty ones are the temple worthy gatherers. The Book of Mormon verse is more clear than the KJV. "mine anger is not upon them that rejoice in my highness."

Vs. 4 - The gatherers appear to be numerous. The noise of the great multitude in the mountains is an obvious reference to the fireworks at the Olympics closing ceremonies or a group of missionaries from all over the world in the MTC or the Harlem Young Single Adult ward last Sunday or General Conference translated into 94 languages.

Vs. 5 - The gatherers appear to come from both side of the veil and from every nation.

Verses 6-9 tell of destruction of the wicked before Christ comes again.

Vs. 6 - The “Day of the Lord” (Isaiah 2:12; Amos 5:18) is elsewhere referred to as the “Great and Dreadful Day of the Lord” (Malachi 4:5-6), the “Day of visitation and of judgment, and of indignation” (D&C 56:16). It will be great for the righteous and dreadful for the wicked. This does not mean that the righteous will escape all of the dreadful.

Vs. 7 - The melting hearts may have reference to failing hearts or to despairing hearts.

Vs. 8 - “Pangs” refers to short, sharp emotional or physical pain. Sorrow is the same only lasting longer.  Their faces as flames could refer to major embarrassment for sin and getting caught at it.

Vs. 10 - Similar to the prophecy of Samuel the Lamanite in Helaman 14:20. The prophecy of Isaiah will be fulfilled world-wide as opposed to only in America. See also Joel 2:10 and Matthew 24:29.

Vs. 11 - Bad things happening to bad people.

Vs. 12 - Seems to indicate a population depletion. Ophir was probably a port of South Arabia noted for its high quality of gold.

Vs. 13 - The earth removing out of her place could refer to the reuniting of the continents or any thing preparatory to the earth returning to it Garden of Eden - Terrestrial state or to any of the upheavals associated with the 2^nd coming. "Remove out of her place" may be translated as "quake."

Verses 14-18 are commentary on the destruction of ancient Babylon. A foreshadowing of modern Babylon.                            

Vs. 14 - roe=deer, “ sheep that no man taketh” seems to refer to Babylon not having anyone to rescue them like a shepherd would his sheep.

Vs.  15-  "Every one that is proud shall be thrust through; and ever one that is joined to the wicked shall fall by the sword.  (Book of Mormon)

Vs. 17 - The “Medes”, under the leadership of Darius the Mede, joined with the Persians, led by Cyrus, came from Persia and destroyed Babylon in 538-9 BC. Historians say they dammed the Euphrates River, marching through its riverbed, going under the city walls, and subsequently captured Babylon. Isaiah says that they will not take bribes, their motivation was killing and power.

Vs. 18 - Fruit of the womb is a Biblical phrase for children. Not to be confused with Fruit of the Loom.

Verses 19-22 foretell the future of Babylon. It was not only to be totally destroyed, but never rebuilt.

Vs. 19 - Chaldean is often used as a synonym for Babylonian. The Chaldeans were a group of tribes in the lower delta of the twin rivers below the most southerly Babylonian cities who had gained a leading position within Babylonia by the time of Isaiah; Merodachbaladan and Nebuchadrezzar were both Chaldeans. It was under Nebuchadrezzar (605-562 BC) that Babylon reached its zenith of power, pomp and splendor, but his empire fell only a generation after his death. (Parry p. 138)

Vs. 22 - "For I will destroy her speedily; yea, for I will be merciful unto my people, but the wicked shall perish. (BoM)  Satryrs are in mythology half man and half goat. Dragons are jackals or wild dogs.

 

Isaiah 14 (2 Nephi 24)

Verses 1-12 talk about Millennial rest

Vs. 1 – Strangers are converts to the gospel (see Gal. 3:29 and 2 Nephi 30 and Ephesians 2:19-20) - This is a chapter about the Gathering of Israel.

Vs. 2 – The people taking them and bringing them to their place may refer to rulers of foreign nations assisting in the Jewish return to Israel.  It may also refer to heads of state opening doors to latter-day missionaries.  This verse also talks about a role reversal.  Israel who had been servants to Babylon will now be leaders.

Vs. 3 – Millennium for Israel.

Vs. 4-21 – is a proverb or song telling of the powerless position of their former rulers (Babylon).  It is called a taunt song.  The King of Babylon represents Satan. Great pleasure is expressed for this reversal of fortune.

Vs. 7 – the earth being at rest is in great contrast to the earthquakes and upheaval before the millennium.

Vs. 8 – The Assyrians had not only conquered the people, but also destroyed natural resources such as trees.

Vs. 9 – Could this verse refer to the previous occupants of Hell being stirred up at the arrival of Babylonian kings?

Vs. 10-11 – The grave is the great equalizer.  You can’t take it with you.

Verses 12-17 – These verses talk about the King of Babylon being compared to Lucifer.

Vs. 12 – In Hebrew means morning star or son of dawn.  It refers to Satan’s pre-mortal stature. See also Rev.12:7-9 and Moses 4:1-4.

Vs. 13 – among Babylonians and other ancient people the north was the location of the home of deity.

Vs. 15 – The sides of the pit is a reference to the most remote part of hell.  Does hell have a Ghetto?

Vs. 16 – There will come a time when people will look upon Satan and those he has used as generals on earth and wonder why we feared them.

Vs. 17 – Neal A. Maxwell said, “Satan is permissive on most things, but not on granting passports for citizens to leave his realm.” (Deposition of a Disciple, p. 12)

Verses 18-32 talk about the triumph over Babylon.

Vs. 18 – Speaking of the glorious burial places for kings.

Vs. 19 – Where will Satan be buried?  This verse describes the great curse of not having a burial.

Vs. 20 – The honor of a glorious burial will be denied the King of Babylon and Lucifer.

Vs. 21 – It appears that the King of Babylon will not have seed.  How about Satan?

Vs. 23 – besom = broom

Verses 24-27 are about the Assyrians, who send a delegation to Jersalem trying to arrange an anti-Assyrian alllisance. Isaiah warns against it.

Vs. 25 – Appears to have reference to the destruction of the Assyrian army led by Sennacherib as shown in Isaiah 36-37 and also to the army of nations lead by God in the last days.

Vs. 26 – All of the wicked on the earth will be destroyed.  God is the God of the whole earth.

Vs. 28 – about 720 - 715 BC

Vs. 29 – The country of Philistia consisted of 5 city-states, each with their own ruler.  This was the home of the Philistines, enemies of the Israelites.  They were conquered by the Assyrians in 734 BC.  Palestine has become the name for the whole Holy Land.  The message is a warning just when Philistia is rejoicing over the death of one of their oppressors, another will take his place with greater problems for their people.  Possible persons referred to could be Sargon (Assyrian king from 722-705 BC) and Sennacherib (705-681)

Vs. 30 – A promise that eventually the poor spiritually and physically will have the gospel blessings, but the nation of Philistia will perish.

Vs. 31 – Look out Philistia – An army is coming from the north and there will be none missing in its formation.

Vs. 32 – When messengers from nations report on what has happened, what will they say?  The Lord has taken care of His people.

 

Isaiah 11 & 12

ISAIAH 11 (2 NEPHI 21)

 

Isaiah 11 was quoted by Moroni to Joseph Smith in September 1823. He told Joseph it was about to be fulfilled.  This chapter is referenced in all four standard works. Besides the Old Testament and Book of Mormon accounts, portions are found in Revelation 2:16(11:4); 5:5 (11:10); 19:15 (11:4)and in Romans 15:12 (11:1). In the Doctrine and Covenants 19:15 (11:4); 113:1-6 and 133:26-29 (11:16). Also in the Pearl of Great Price, JSH 1:40. Additionally, the prophet Joseph Smith gave additional commentary as seen in TPJS p. 14-15 (gathering), 71 (vs. 7-8), 93 (gathering), 316 (vs. 6-9). This chapter talks about events leading up to and during the Millennium. D&C 113 contains the Lord’s commentary on this chapter.

 

Vs. 1 - The discussion of the tree 1. rod or branch (khoter)=Joseph Smith 2. stem or trunk of Jesse=Jesus; 3. Branch or shoot (netzer); 4. Roots=Joseph Smith khoter and netzer can be used interchangeably, though in this case khoter is a branch or shoot from the trunk whereas netzer is a shoot from the root system. This is a continuation of the prophecy regarding the cutting down of the forest from the previous two verses. (Isaiah 10:33-34). The stump of Jesse is Jesus.  (See D&C 113:1-2) The message is that after the branches have been cut out (20:33-34) all that is left is the stump and/or the roots. The olive tree is one of the few trees that can have apparently dead branches and even a dead trunk and still produce, Sometime later, new life from the root. From that life-giving stump comes a shoot who is partly a descendant of Jesse (King David’s father) and partly from Joseph. That rod may be Joseph Smith or another prophet yet to come. The life-giving roots are part of the stump, that is Jesus Christ. The branch is also Jesus (see Jeremiah 23:5) Bruce R. McConkie, “A New Witness for the Articles of Faith” p. 518.

The Hebrew netzer=branch and the Hebrew nozri=Nazarene come from the same root. See Matt. 2:23

Vs. 2-5 - all refer to the Savior.

Vs. 2 - the fear mentioned is synonymous with respect and reverence.

Vs. 3 - Jesus does not have to judge only based upon what he sees and hears.

Vs. 5 - This verse could end with “faithfulness the sash around his waist. Reins are kidneys. In Biblical times the kidneys were considered the seat of our feelings or affections. Loins symbolize the creative powers.

Vs. 6-10 talk of conditions during the Millennium.

Vs. 6 - “ Six animals are listed (not counting the fatling, see below); three are wild carnivores (wolf, leopard, lion) that feed on the three tame animals (lamb, kid, calf), The wild animals, which are ferocious, aggressive, and vicious, are a threat to mankind; the tame animals are docile, submissive, and useful to man. This passage may be taken literally; or the wolf, leopard, land lion may represent those who foment war and murder; the lamb, kid, and calf may symbolize meek and peaceful people.

VS. 9 - "There will be no place of ignorance, no place of darkness, no place for those thata will not serve God. Why/ Because Jesus will be himself on the earth, and his holy angels will be on the earth and all the resurrected Saints that have died in former dispensations will all come forth, and they will be on the earth. What a happy earth this creation will be." (Orson Pratt, JD 21:324-25)

The KJV translation of fatling is probably incorrect. The Jerusalem Bible suggests “calf and lion cub feed together,” replacing fatling with the verb feed.” (Parry, Understanding Revelation, p. 119.)

Vs. 10 - The root of Jesse appears to Joseph Smith, see D&C 113:5-6

Vs. 11-16 are about our day and the gathering of Israel. It will be with the keys of the gathering restored by Moses (see D&C 110) and will accomplish a Moses like gathering of God’s people.

Vs. 11 - The first time was Moses. The 2^nd time began with the restoration of the gospel. The nations listed represent all the people of the world.

Vs. 13 - The separation which began with the death of Solomon will come to an end.

Vs. 14 - The Shoulders of the Philistines represent the Gentiles helping in the gathering of Israel.

“Seven hundred years before the birth of the Savior, the Prophet Isaiah, looking down the vista of time, saw the Latter-day gathering of the scattered House of Israel, and said concerning them; ‘They shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines toward the West.’ We recognize the fulfillment of that prophecy in the founding of this Church by Joseph Smith, a lineal descendant of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who thus lifted the Ensign for the gathering of their descendants from their long dispersion among the nations. But a part of the fulfillment rests with Gentiles. Their steamships, their railroads, their means of rapid transit and communication-these are ‘the shoulders of the Philistines,’ upon which the children of Ephraim have been and are being brought to the West, to the land of Zion, where the New Jerusalem is to rise, where the pure in heart will assemble, and the necessary preparation be made for the coming of the Lord in his glory. God works outside as well as inside his Church, and uses big things and little things for the accomplishment of his purposes.” (Orson F. Whitney, CR, Oct. 1919, p. 69. Also in BOM Student Manual, p. 34)

The countries listed represent enemies of the Jews in Isaiah’s day and those who fight against Zion in our day.

Vs. 15 - The tongue of the Egyptian could be translated the gulf of the Egyptian Sea. LDS scholars are not in agreement about this passage. (See 2 Nephi 25:7) It may be a metaphor comparing how the Lord saved Moses people with how he will gather Israel in our day. (See Brewster p. 118.) Seven Streams. The Living Bible translation provides a possible interpretation: "The Lord will wave his hand over the Euphrates, sending a mighty wind to divide it into 7 streams that can easily be crossed. (Parry p. 124) See footnote 15b.

Vs. 16 - The highway may be a literal road for the return of Israel or it may be a “highway of holiness” a strait and narrow path used only by the righteous. (See D&C 133:27)

 

Isaiah 12 (2 NEPHI 22)

 

This is a nice little chapter consisting of two psalms that we will apparently sing in the Millennium. (and in that day) The first is verses 1-3 and the second, 4-6.

 

Vs. 2 - Jehovah is the premortal name of the Savior. The usual rendering of this name in the Old Testament is LORD. Read “Adonai” in Hebrew. There are only four times in the Old Testament where the KJV scholars used the word Jehovah. (Isaiah 12:2; 26:4; Exodus 6:3 and Psalm 83:18)

“Salvation” appears twice in this verse. The Lectures of Faith definition of salvation is, “Salvation consists in gaining the glory, authority, majesty, power and dominion which Jehovah possesses and in nothing else; and no being can possess it but himself or one like him.” (Lectures of Faith, 76.)

Vs. 3 - An invitation to accept the gospel of the “Living Water.”

“In part, the expression “wells of salvation” refers to the great privilege the righteous have to partake of the blessings connected with the First and Second Comforters (John 7:38-39; 14:16-26; D&C 88:3-4), but more fully the expression pertains to those who will receive exaltation in the celestial kingdom and will drink eternally from the wells of salvation. (Parry, p. 128)

 

Vs. 5 - Singing is an important part of worship in all dispensations.

 

Vs. 6 - The terms “cry out,” “shout,” “inhabitant” and “thee” are feminine forms in the Hebrew and represent Christ’s bride, the Church. Having the “Holy One of Israel” in our midst will be the high light of the millennium.

Old Testament 302 Day 10

Thought: Today I come to that part of Christian morals where they differ most sharply from all other morals. There is one vice of which no man in the world is free; which everyone loathes when he sees it in someone else; and of which hardly any people, except Christians, ever imagine that they are guilty them- selves. I have heard people admit that they are bad-tempered, or that they cannot keep their heads about girls or drink, or even that they are cowards. I do not think I have ever heard anyone who was not a Christian accuse himself of this vice. And at the same time I have very seldom met anyone, who was not a Christian,

who showed the slightest mercy to it in others. There is no fault that makes a man more unpopular, and no fault which we are more unconscious of in ourselves. And the more we have it ourselves, the more we dislike it in others. The vice I am talking of is Pride or Self-Conceit: and the virtue opposite to it, in Christian morals, is called Humility. You may remember, when I was talking about sexual morality, I warned you that the centre of Christian morals did not lie there. Well, now, we have come to the centre. According to Christian teachers, the essential vice, the utmost evil, is Pride. Unchastity, anger, greed, drunkenness, and all that, are mere fleabites in comparison: it was through Pride that the devil became the devil: Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind. Does this seem to you exaggerated? If so, think it over. I pointed out a moment ago that the more pride one had, the more one disliked pride in others. In fact, if you want to find out how proud you are the easiest way is to ask yourself, “How much do I dislike it when other people snub me, or refuse to take any notice of me, or shove their oar in, or patronize me, or show off?” The point is that each person’s pride is in competition with everyone else’s pride. (The Great Sin, C. S. Lewis, from Mere Christianity)

Books of the Week: House of Glory, S. Michael Wilcox and Feed My Sheep, Alexander B. Morrison

EZEKIEL - 601-574 - God Is Strong or God Strengthens

   "With the exception of the Savior, with his miracles, no prophet used more dramatic or unusual teaching devices than Ezekiel. A prophet of the Babylonian captivity, he by revelation kept his people informed as to the status and destiny of those still in Jerusalem." (McConkie, Gospel Symbolism p. 165-8) 26th book of the Old Testament - Ezekiel was a priest - His plans for religious organization to develop an independent ecclesiastical power within the state contributed greatly to the recovery and growth of Judaism after the exile; for this he has been called the "Father of Judaism." He belonged to the aristocracy of Jerusalem - Raised in Judah.  Taken with Jehoiachin and 10,000 others to Babylon in 597 BC or 601 BC Book of Mormon time where he served as a prophet priest in a kind of house arrest situation. When 30 years old he received his first vision? (1:1) A contemporary of Jeremiah (in Judah) and Daniel (in the Babylonian court) - For a time, the authority of the Book of Ezekiel was questioned by Jewish teachers. One objection they had was that the visions in Ch. 1 and Ch. 40-48 were too obscure. For a time Jews under 30 yrs. of age were forbidden to read these obscure passages.

One

V. 1- 30th year may have reference to Ezekiel's age?  Brother Sperry says that he thinks that this was in all probability a concentration camp, with the deported Jews furnishing the forced labor in the Babylonian irrigation system.

Vs. 2 - 4-5 yrs. After Lehi left Jerusalem and nearly 6 years before the fall of the city of Jerusalem.

"It is very difficult, if not impossible, for a mortal to convey in writing the message and spirit of a vision or other revelation from God so that the reader will have a complete understanding of what took place and what was communicated. Such was the challenge of Ezekiel in describing his transcendent visions of heaven. Others, too, have faced the same challenge (see 2 Corinthians 12:4; 3 Nephi 28:12–14; D&C 76:114–17). Joseph Smith said that “could you gaze into heaven five minutes, you would know more than you would by reading all that ever was written on the subject” (History of the Church, 6:50). One must experience revelation to understand it fully. Those, including Ezekiel, who have had visitations or visions from the eternal worlds have often used symbolism, metaphor, simile, comparisons, and other kinds of figurative language to try to convey the experience they had and the message they received (see D&C 110:2–3; JS—H 1:32; Daniel 10:5–9; Revelation 1:12–18; 12:1–6). Therefore, everything Ezekiel said need not be taken literally, for he used many figurative expressions to try to tell that which was far beyond mortal experience. Many times, for example, he used words like as, likeness, and appearance (see Ezekiel 1:4–5, 7, 10, 13–14, 16, 24, 26–28).

Vs. 4 The words wind, tempest, or storm would better fit the meaning intended in Ezekiel 1:4. A wind that revolves on its own axis with great rapidity is not what is meant by the Hebrew word translated “whirlwind”; rather, the idea of a furious or powerful wind is what was intended (see Merrill F. Unger, Unger’s Bible Dictionary, s.v. “whirlwind”). The metaphor signifies the power of God.

Cloud, Fire, Brightness, Color of Amber, Lamps, Lightning - These figures are used throughout the scriptures in association with the glory, power, and majesty of God’s presence or that of His messengers. (See “cloud” and “fire” in Exodus 13:21–22; 16:10; 19:9–16; 24:16; Leviticus 16:2; Matthew 17:5; D&C 34:7. See “fire,” “brightness,” “color of amber,” “lamps,” and “lightning” in Exodus 3:2; Hebrews 12:29; 1 Nephi 1:6; D&C 29:12; 110:2–3; 133:41; Habakkuk 3:3–4; Acts 26:13; 2 Thessalonians 2:8; JS—H 1:16–17, 30–32; Daniel 10:6.)

Vs. 5-6 Four Creatures with Four Faces - In his vision, Ezekiel saw four creatures, each of which had four faces. “They four had the face of a man, … a lion, … an ox … [and] the face of an eagle” (Ezekiel 1:10). The Apostle John had a similar vision. In his vision, the creatures were described as being “like a lion, … like a calf, … [having] a face as a man, and … like a flying eagle” (Revelation 4:7). The Prophet Joseph explained that the four beasts in John’s vision were representative of classes of beings (see D&C 77:3). The faces of the creatures in Ezekiel’s vision seem to represent the same thing. The following interpretation, from an ancient Jewish commentary, is in harmony with that view: “Man is exalted among creatures; the eagle is exalted among birds; the ox is exalted among domestic animals; the lion is exalted among wild beasts; and all of them have received dominion, and greatness has been given them, yet they are stationed below the chariot of the Holy One” (Midrash Shemoth Rabbah 23; in D. Guthrie and J. A. Motyer, eds., The New Bible Commentary: Revised, p. 667).

Vs. 8 - The Lord taught Joseph Smith that the wings of the beasts John saw in his revelation (see Revelation 4:8) “are a representation of power, to move, to act, etc.” (D&C 77:4). That interpretation also seems to apply to the creatures in Ezekiel’s vision.

Vs. 9 Their Wings Were Joined Together- The creatures of Ezekiel’s vision were in complete harmony and unity. They moved as one, symbolizing the total unity that exists among all living things who submit to God’s will.

Vs. 15-21. Because Joseph Smith received from the Lord some keys for interpreting the meaning of the beasts in John’s vision (see D&C 77:2–4), the parallels between John’s vision and Ezekiel’s give some clues to the meaning of the beasts Ezekiel saw. There is, however, no parallel in John’s vision to the wheels seen by Ezekiel. The Prophet Joseph Smith said: “I make this broad declaration, that whenever God gives a vision of an image, or beast, or figure of any kind, He always holds Himself responsible to give a revelation or interpretation of the meaning thereof, otherwise we are not responsible or accountable for our belief in it. Don’t be afraid of being damned for not knowing the meaning of a vision or figure, if God has not given a revelation or interpretation of the subject.” (TPJS p. 291.)" OTSM p. 266-7

After Ch. 1 - Ezekiel is much easier to understand

Two

What Ezekiel is being asked to do vs. 1-3, 5 and 8-10

Three

Vs. 1-4 and 17-21 - See Jacob 1:19

Four

Ezekiel does a pre-enactment of the destruction of Jerusalem

Five

Vs. 1-5 - A close shave for Ezekiel.

Vs. 10- As low as you go.

Ten

The Spirit of the Lord leaves the Jerusalem temple- See Ezek. 40 for the good news.

Eleven

Vs. 19-20- Our day

Twelve

Vs. 1-6 - Ezekiel is used by the lord as a sign of the scattering of the Jews.

Thirteen

Vs. 3 - Prophets who follow their own whims, but have seen nothing.

Seventeen

Verses 21-23 - Orson Pratt said that these verses refer to the Mulekites. Note footnote on vs. 22.

Eighteen

Read this whole chapter on accountability, repentance and Article of Faith #2.

Twenty

Vs. 12,19,20 - good on why we have the Sabbath

Vs. 49 - Ezekiel was also hard to understand by people of his own time.

Twenty-five to Thirty-two - Prophetic pronouncements on neighboring countries.

Twenty-seven

Probably the most detailed treatise on an ancient world economy that we have in the Bible.

Chapters 33-48 - deal with phases of the great restoration of Israel in the latter days.

Thirty-three

Vs. 15-16 - great repentance verses

Thirty-four

Vs.2-3 - Elder Morrison's book - "Feed My Sheep" p. 75 yellow fever needed!

Thirty-seven

Vs. 1-14- Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones.

16-17 - the only two verses in Ezekiel that most LDS have read- stick = a wooden tablet or sticks the scrolls were wrapped around.

Several years into the project we asked for a report. How were they progressing with the tedious, laborious listing of topics in alphabetical order? They responded, “We have been through Heaven and Hell, past Love and Lust, and now we’re working toward Repentance.” The stick or record of Judah—the Old Testament and the New Testament—and the stick or record of Ephraim—the Book of Mormon, which is another testament of Jesus Christ—are now woven together in such a way that as you pore over one you are drawn to the other; as you learn from one you are enlightened by the other. They are indeed one in our hands. Ezekiel’s prophecy now stands fulfilled. (BKP Ensign Nov. 1982)

Thirty-eight and Thirty-nine

We can summarize the confusion in naming the future battles in the following way. 1. The battle of Armageddon is before the millennial reign of Christ begins, and the battle of Gog and Magog is after the millennial reign; and 2) What Ezekiel here describes is actually the pre-millennial battle of Armageddon, though he (and he only) labels it the battle of Gog and Magog. Keeping tht one difference in mind resolves any confusion about which is which. (Ogden p. 391)

Forty to forty-eight - describe the Lord's temple in the last days and the millennial reign of Christ, as well as the land distribution of the tribes of Israel. See House of Glory Chapter six by S. Michael Wilcox.

Obadiah- Servant of Jehovah - We know almost nothing about this prophet. There are 12 men in the OT called by this name. This one appears to have been a contemporary of Jeremiah. Compare this book with Jeremiah 49:9-10, 14, 15, 16. This story deals with the conflict between Jacob and Esau. Esau=Edom=Idumea=Babylon=Worldliness.)

Vs. 3-9 - The ruins of Petra, were a whole city was carved out of rock cliffs. It could be entered only through a narrow gorge. The Edomites could protect themselves from invading enemies with great success. Many scholars think it was the capital of Idumea.

Vs. 10-15 - Reasons for Edom’s fall: violence shown against their brother Jacob, and their rejoicing at the destruction of the children of Judah in “the day of distress” (v. 12). J. R. Dummelow believed that Edom’s destruction was partly due to their assisting Nebuchadnezzar during his siege and capture of Jerusalem. Vs. 16–21- These verses have a temporal and a spiritual meaning. If Esau (Edom) represents the worldly wicked, these verses may refer to that day when Israel will be completely restored and evil eliminated. Mount Zion, a symbol for deliverance and holiness (v. 17), will be the inheritance of the “house of Jacob,” whereas the “house of Esau” will be stubble, fit only to be burned. The “house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame … and they shall kindle in them [Esau], and devour them; and there shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau” (v. 18). Eventually, “saviors shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the Lord’s” (v. 21). (OTSM p. 259)