Book of Mormon- Week 17
Thought: I have a vision
of homes alerted, of classes alive, and of pulpits aflame with the spirit of
the Book of Mormon messages. I have a vision of home teachers and visiting
teachers, ward and branch officers, and stake and mission leaders counseling
our people out of the most correct of any book on earth, the Book of Mormon. I
have a vision of artists putting into film, drama, literature, music, and
paintings great themes and great characters from the Book of Mormon. I have a vision
of thousands of missionaries going into the mission field with hundreds of
passages memorized from the Book of Mormon so that they might feed the needs of
a spiritually famished world. I have a vision of the whole Church getting
nearer to God by abiding by the precepts of the Book of Mormon. Indeed, I have
a vision of flooding the earth with the Book of Mormon. (Ezra Taft Benson,
Ensign, Nov. 1988, p. 6)
Gary's
Green Verses
Date
|
Chapter
|
Verse
|
Comments
|
May
10
|
Alma
36
|
3
|
Notice
that Alma is teaching Helaman while Helaman is young.
|
May
11
|
Alma
37
|
6,7,
11, 35
|
Make
a list of small things that have made a big difference in your world.
We
need to learn to forbear. We need to form habits we don't want to break.
|
May
12
|
Alma
38
|
12
|
Can
we truly love if we cannot bridle our passions?
|
May
13
|
Alma
39
|
9
|
A
great verse on pornography!
|
May
14
|
Alma
40
|
23
|
This
is a good verse & chapter to read when our bodies are hurting.
|
May
15
|
Alma
41
|
8,
14
|
Will=May.
I love the idea of mercy being restored to us.
|
May
16
|
Alma
42
|
24-25
|
Define
a truly penitent person.
|
May
17
|
Alma
43
|
45-46
|
Homes,
Liberties, Wives, Children, Rites of Worship, Duty to God & Fathers.
|
2 NEPHI 7
(Isaiah 50)
The
account of a sermon that Jacob gave to the Nephites is recorded in 2 Nephi
6-10. At the beginning of this sermon Jacob quoted from Isaiah 49 concerning
the Gentiles assistance in gathering of Israel (2 Nephi 6:6-7 from Isaiah
49:22-23). Jacob described the
Babylonian captivity of Judah and the return to Jerusalem. He told of the
coming of Jesus and his rejection and crucifixion. Because the Jews rejected
Jesus they would be scattered but would be gathered again. Jacob then taught of
the 2nd coming of the Savior/ (2 Nephi 6:8-18). In 2 Nephi 7 Jacob
quoted all of Isaiah 50, which begins with the Lord’s clarification to Israel
that he had not put them away, but that they had put themselves away through
their transgressions.
Vs. 1 – Bill of Divorcement- see Dt. 24:1-2; Jer. 3:8;
D&C 133:63-64. Rhetorical questioning
Vs. 2 – a reference to the Savior’s first coming. The Lord’s
hand is neither lengthened or shortened.
Vs. 2-3 – See D&C 133:71 and D&C 1:14- "Indeed, vesrses 2 & 3 indicte that
at any time, the Lord could have returned and redeemed Israel is she had just
called for his help. the same invitation to call upon God and receive his
strength is repeated in modern scripture: (D&C 133:66-69)." (Ludlow p.
420)
Vs. 4-9 – “These verses are known among biblical scholars as
a ‘servant song.’ This is a major poetic passage wherein a servant of the Lord
is described, although not specifically identified. There are differences of
opinion among commentaries regarding the identity of this Servant. While there
may be dual meaning to these verses,…the song in Isaiah 50 refers primarily to
the Messiah. He will be treated despicably, but the power of God will be
manifest in Him. Those who oppose Him will be destroyed.” (Brewster, p. 209)
Vs. 4 – The tongue of the learned- a reference to the
12 year old Christ, the 14 year old Joseph and to 19 year old missionaries.
Vs. 8 – When the Lord is near, I have nothing to fear.
Vs. 9 – There is permanence in following the Lord.
Vs. 10 – This verse is a question. The answer is nobody.
Vs. 11 – A verse of warning to those who make their own
light rather than follow the Light of the World.
2ND
NEPHI 8
Notice the calls to hearken or look or awake or shake
yourself (1,2,4,6,7,9,17, 24,25) Also the numerous references to salvation i.e.
deliverance from the enemy and righteousness i.e. choosing a godly life
(1,5,6,7)
Look for four major sections in this chapter
1.
(1-8) A reminder to Israel of her heritage and
the Lord’s work
2.
(9-16) A promise that the righteous will enjoy
the blessings of Zion.
3.
(17-23) A warning and a promise to the Jews in
the last days
4.
(24-25) A brief vision of Zion and Jerusalem
restored to their full priesthood power.
At the end of these quotations,
Jacob builds upon the words of Isaiah with his wonderful sermon on the
Atonement (ch. 9) Toward the end of his sermon Jacob uses Isaiah 55:1-2 (2
Nephi 9:50-51) as his invitation for all to partake of the blessings of the
salvation.
Vs. 1 – Jesus is called the “Rock” at least 34 times in
scripture. Consider your origins as children of Christ as well as children of
Abraham. Remember who you are and whose you are.
Vs. 2 – Just like Abraham and Sarah received blessings-which
seemed to be beyond hope, so will we. For Abraham’s call and covenant see
Genesis 12:1-5 and 17:1-22.
Vs. 3 – Refers to the millennial restoration. How does the
Lord take a person who would be represented by a wilderness and make him a
garden?
Vs. 4 – The Book of Mormon serves as a judgment in our day.
See 2 Nephi 25:22 and D&C 20:13-15 The law mentioned in this verse may also
refer to the law that will go forth from Jerusalem during the Millennium.
Vs. 5 – The arm of the Lord is often used as a symbol of his
power. His arm of mercy and of justice is the same arm. Isles
is generally a reference to scattered Israel.
Vs. 6 – notes changes in the earth when the Savior comes and
reminds us to notice the signs when they come.
Vs. 7 – Cross-reference this verse with D&C 3:7. Other
verses? See verse 12
Vs. 8 – The earth and things on it are temporary, but
righteousness is forever.
Vs. 9– Rahab is an ancient Near Eastern name for a monster
of chaos closely related to Leviathan (Is. 27:1). In the Old Testament the
power of God is explained in the imagery of Jehovah conquering Rahab, or chaos,
through creation (Job 26:12). The imagery of God’s power in conquering chaos
through creation is also applied in the Old Testament to the Lord’s mastery
over the sea and to the destruction of Rahab as a personification of the host
of Pharaoh in the Exodus story (Ps. 89:9-10; Is. 51:9). Thus Rahab is a poetic
synonym for Egypt. (Ps. 87:4). In a more general way, Rahab may be interpreted
as a representation of Satan. In any case the point of the imagery is that the
Lord has power over all of the elements and all of his enemies. (Largey, p.
355).
Vs. 10 – A little reminder that God made the sea and
controls it.
Vs. 11 – See D&C 45:71; 66:11; 101:18. Holiness upon
their heads appears to be a reference to those who have had hands laid upon
their heads and received the blessings of the priesthood and the temple.
Vs. 12 – Grass dies out quickly
Vs. 17 – the dregs are the sediment in the bottom of the
cup. The cup referred to is the cup of
the Lord’s wrath. It will all be poured out.
Vs. 18 – Apostasy
Vs. 19-20 – See Revelation 11:3
Vs. 21 – Are they drunken with the contents of the cup of
the Lord’s fury?
Vs. 25 – The bands of the bondage of apostasy are loosed
when latter-day Israel accepts the restored gospel.
Note 2 Nephi 9:1-3
2 Nephi 12
(ISAIAH 2)
Vs. 1 - Judah
and Jerusalem
Vs. 2 - Mountain of the Lord’s house
established in the top of the mountains refers to A. Salt Lake Temple-Wilford Woodruff at
dedication, LeGrande Richards B. Other temples in Rocky Mountains (BRM) C. Jackson County Temple D. Temple in Old
Jerusalem (Zech. 6:12-15) E. Mountain in scriptures is a place God meets his
servants. During the Millennium, this will be the whole earth.
“Let Israel gather to the stakes of Zion in all nations. Let
every land be a Zion to those appointed to dwell there. Let the fullness of the
gospel be for all the saints in all nations. Let temples arise wherein the
fullness of the ordinances of the Lord’s house may be administered. But still
there is a center place, a place to which the Lord shall come, a place whence
the law shall go forth to govern all the earth in that day when the Second
David reigns personally upon the earth. And that center place is what men now
call Independence in Jackson County, Missouri, but which in a day to come will
be the Zion of our God and the City of Holiness of his people. The site is
selected; the place is known; the decree has gone forth; and the promised
destiny is assured” (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, p. 595). This
temple will be a complex of 24 buildings, built before and during the
millennium.
Vs. 3 - Out of Zion
shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem
Vs. 4 - the millennial government will be
Christ as Judge and King and war implements will no longer be necessary
Vs. 5 - second half of verse is not in the
Bible. Too clear of a prophecy on the apostasy
Vs. 6 - Replenished from the east. -
Supplied with teachings from apostate religions like those in Assyria. Soothsayers (persons who attempt or pretend
to predict the future) like the Philistines- May have reference to 2 Kings 1,
when the Israelite King Ahaziah sought help from Baal-zebub, the false god of
the Philistine town of Ekron. Elijah intercepted the King’s messengers and told
of the King’s death. Three captains of 50 were sent, two of who were killed at
Elijah’s word. Finally Elijah went with the 3rd captain and talked to the King
who died as Elijah had said.
Please themselves in the children of strangers. - Means to
shake hands with or make a covenant with. Their business arrangements were more
important to them than their covenants with God. May also refer to marriage
outside of the covenant.
Vs. 7 - Israel
Vs. 8 - cars, houses, clothes etc.
Vs. 9 - mean man=common man - the first
two nots are not in the OT- The sin of pride is identified by both Isaiah and
Nephi as the common dominator in the fall, destruction and scattering of all
the nations and peoples discussed in Isaiah’s prophecies. As a prophet and
representative of the Lord, Isaiah prays that the Lord will not pardon Israel
Vs. 10 - “O ye wicked ones” is not in the
OT When Christ comes again, the wicked will try to hide.
Vs. 11 - When Christ comes; people and
things, which have been highly esteemed, will not seem like much.
Vs. 12 - “the day of the Lord, in that day,
day of visitation, day of his fierce anger, and day of the Lord’s vengeance are
found more than 55 times. All refer to 2nd coming. D&C 64:23 says that now
is called today, until the coming of the Son of Man.
Vs. 13 - “Symbolically, the scriptures
consistently use trees to represent men. Green trees are righteous people (Ps.
1:3; D&C 135:6) and dry trees represent the wicked (Luke 23:31: 3 Nephi
14:17-18. In the context of 2 Nephi 2:11-21, oaks and cedars are like proud people,
who Isaiah informs us, are high and lifted up, and the day of the Lord shall
come upon them too.” (Parry, p. 34)
Bashan is north of Gilead. Its forests produced rare
hardwood, Lebanon is a mountain range in Syria known for its fine cedars, used
because of its fragrance & in building fancy places.
Vs. 14 - these mountains and hills may
represent false temples. Hills, mountains, towers and walls are all
representative of protection that will not abide the coming of the Lord.
Vs. 16 - Tarshish was a wealthy seaport,
possibly from Spain
Vs. 17 - see vs 12 above. Repetition for
emphasis
Vs. 19 - see vs. 10
Vs. 20 - bats and moles are animals that
cannot see. The very items that were prized because of their beauty will be
tossed to animals that cannot see them! The wicked go to dark places when the
God of Light appears.
Vs. 21 - in times of trouble, the sinners
go to the wrong Rock.
2 NEPHI
13-14 (ISAIAH 3-4)
“JUST AS A CONTINUING REVELATION
ENLARGES AND ILLUMINATES THE SCRIPTURES, SO ALSO A STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES
ENABLES MEN AND WOMEN TO RECEIVE REVELATIONS. ELDER BRUCE R. MCCONKIE SAID, ‘I
SOMETIMES THINK THAT ONE OF THE BEST-KEPT SECRETS OF THE KINGDOM IS THAT THE
SCRIPTURES OPEN THE DOOR TO THE RECEIPT OF REVELATION’. THIS HAPPENS BECAUSE
SCRIPTURE READING PUTS US IN TUNE WITH THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD.
THE IDEA THAT SCRIPTURE READING CAN
LEAD TO INSPIRATION AND REVELATION OPENS THE DOOR TO THE TRUTH THAT A SCRIPTURE
IS NOT LIMITED TO WHAT IS MEANT WHEN IT WAS WRITTEN BUT MAY ALSO INCLUDE WHAT
THAT SCRIPTURE MEANS TO A READER TODAY. EVEN MORE, SCRIPTURE READING MAY ALSO
LEAD TO CURRENT REVELATION ON WHATEVER ELSE THE LORD WISHES TO COMMUNICATE TO
THE READER AT THAT TIME. WE DO NOT OVERSTATE THE POINT WHEN WE SAY THAT THE
SCRIPTURES CAN BE A URIM AND THUMMIM TO ASSIST EACH OF US TO RECEIVE PERSONAL
REVELATION.” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Scripture Reading and Revelation”, Ensign,
Jan, 1985, p. 8)
This chapter is a great example of Dualism. The verses are
obviously pointing to the conditions in Jerusalem in 587 BC. They also portray
the conditions of the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. However, they would
not be in the Book of Mormon without relevance for our day.
Vs. 1 - When the bread and water are taken
away from a people, they not only experience famine, they may also forfeit the
help of the Bread of Life and the Living Water. “One meaning of the word “stay”
is support. “Staff also bears the connotation of support. In Hebrew, staff is
the feminine form of the masculine stay. Using both terms may indicate complete
withdrawal of support.
Vs. 2,3 - Eleven types of leaders. All
leaders are taken away.
Vs. 4 - This verse may refer to the reign
of young leaders like Jehoiachin who ruled Judah
Vs. 5 - Disrespect of the elderly was
probably a bigger surprise in their day than it has become in ours.
Vs. 6 - With a lack of leadership in the
form of kings or the patriarchal order, a brother with only a “simlah” a cloak,
which is not a rich man’s robe, but is itself a sign of poverty, is called to
lead. The bad situation is again emphasized.
Vs. 7 - the word “healer” refers to one who
binds up wounds and the message is, “I have problems enough of my own, I won’t
lead.”
Vs. 8 - Both the words and deeds of Judah
Vs. 9, 11- The men of Sodom
Vs. 10 - Remember that trees often represent
people and their good fruit represent good works.
Yet another reminder that the righteous need not fear.
Vs. 12 - Being led by a woman was in insult
in the ancient Israelite culture. It is also an indication of the breakdown in
the power and influence of the Priesthood. President Benson said,
“And so today, the undermining of the
home and family is on the increase, with the devil anxiously working to
displace the father as the head of the home and create rebellion among the
children. The Book of Mormon describes the condition when it states, And my
people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them, And then these
words follow-and consider these words seriously when you think of those
political leaders who are promoting birth control and abortion; O my people,
they who lead thee cause thee to err and destroy the way of thy paths.” (CR,
Oct. 1970 p. 21.)
Vs. 13 - Standing was important in the
ancient Israel
Vs. 14 - The Lord will judge those who
should have been leading, but instead have consumed through taxation and
misuse, the food and sustenance of the poor.
Vs. 15 - May refer to taxation, physical
punishment and attitude of rulers.
Vs. 16 - Daughter of Zion
in the singular usually refers to Jerusalem
Vs. 17 - smite with a scab the crown of the
head - may refer to a Babylonian custom of shaving the front part of the head
of captives. In addition, since the Hebrew word for atonement means “covering”
an uncovered head may point to one who has lost some of the privileges of the
Atonement. Discover their secret parts-put them to shame.
Vs. 18 - bravery of their tinkling
ornaments- Have you ever seen a proud person who was forced to make a public
appearance without their makeup and worldly clothing? Cauls-possible hairnets
or headbands. Round tires like the moon-crescent shaped ornaments
Vs. 19 - Chains-pendants or earrings - mufflers-veils
Vs. 20 - tablets-perfume boxes?
Vs. 22 -Changeable suits of apparel=Festival
robes or resplendent garments? In our day the contents of the walk in closets.
How many pair of shoes? 69 coats.
Wimples-cloaks or shawls Crisping ping-purses or satchels
Vs. 23 - Glasses-Two possible meanings are
considered. 1. Polished metal mirrors or looking glasses. 2. Footnote of Is.
3:23 states that they are transparent garments. Hoods - Women’s turbans.
The last three verses + one of chapter four portray a time of
war and its results
Vs. 24 - the stink may have reference to the
stench of dead bodies or festering wounds. (Ground zero) instead of a girdle a rent- rent=torn
clothing, from riches to rags. Some translations replace the word girdle with
rope, indicating that a fine sash or expensive belt will be replaced with a
rope by which he will be led as a slave. Baldness- self-imposed baldness,
sitting on the ground (vs. 26) and wearing sackcloth are all symbols of
mourning. Burning-Branding, once a mark of captivity and slavery
Vs. 26 - her gates shall lament - the gates
of a city were the public thoroughfares. Here is where public displays of
lamenting and mourning were exhibited.
4:1- JST places this verse as the last verse of 3 in
Isaiah. It talks not of a time of plural marriage but of a time
when, because of war, women will be without husbands and will be willing to
assume a non-female assignment to go out and earn a living for herself. Seven
women will take a hold of one man. Kind of like a 25-30 year old young adult
activity. Seven is here, most probably symbolic of simply a lot or a fullness
of women. Reproach-disgrace caused by barrenness of the womb. A result of not
having a husband. Victor Ludlow suggests the possibility of sterility in that
day because of radiation related to war!
Isaiah chapter four (2 Nephi 14) focuses on the hope and
holiness of the millennial day.
4:2 - In Hebrew “branch” was symbolic of the Messiah.
Branch may also represent a broken off remnant of the House of Israel. Fruit may refer to the abundance of millennial
life or the spiritual food of the restored gospel. The escaped of Israel would have reference to those who
trusted in the Lord rather than their former captors.
4:3 - Written among the living - may have reference to
those whose names are written in the lamb’s book of life.
4:4 - The wicked will be judged and destroyed from off the
earth for the millennium.
4:5 - The Lord compares all homes to the Temple
on Mount Zion
4:6 - the Lord promises millennial protection. “If one assumes that the Hebrew is correct,
then the passage seems to be highlighting very worldly women in a
pre-millennial era who will do anything physically to attract men. If the
context is the Millennium, then a literal reading of the verse would suggest a
possible restoration of plural marriage. However, noting Isaiah’s employment of
the symbolic number seven, an alternate millennial reading may be drawn. As a
possible suggestion, note the following rendering of the verse: In the
Millennium seven women [the entire church] will lay hold of one man [Christ]
and say to him, We will eat our own bread and wear our own clothes: but let us
be called after thy name [through covenants, also associated with the number
seven] that we might have our shame removed.”(Alonzo Gaskill, The Lost
Language of Symbolism, p. 127.)
2 NEPHI 15
(ISAIAH 5)
This chapter contains
a parable (vs. 1-7) a simplified Jacob 5, 6 woes (8-25) and future promises of
hope (26-30).
Vs. 1 - Well
beloved=Savior Vineyard=Israel Fruitful Hill=The promised land =Israel , Judah ,
Jerusalem
Vs. 2 - Developed
the promised land for Israel Built a
tower=Solomon’s temple or anything else that prophets can use to help them warn
their people of coming problems Wine
press would be there in anticipation of a great harvest Wild grapes=Israel
The comparison
between this parable and D&C 101:43-62 and 2. The winepress, the fertile
hill and the grapes are all symbols of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice.
Vs. 3,4 - You be
the judge, what more could God have done.
Vs. 5 - the wall,
hedge and watch tower-three elements to protect Israel
Vs. 6 - Rain
represents life and revelation and the word of God.
Vs. 7 - a little
poetic thing we miss out on when we read this verse in English rather than
Hebrew.
Mis’pach=bloodshed mishpat=judgment ts’aqah=crying ts’daqah=righteousness
Vs. 8 – Wo means
severe anguish and distress resulting from God’s judgment on the guilty
First wo goes to those who join house to house
or those wealthy landowners or governments who covet and buy up or take
property, thus depriving the poor of their heritage. The law of ancient Israel
“It is frequently astounding to see
the dereliction of people in keeping the standards of ordinary fairness and
justice…It is sometimes evident in commercial transactions, as well as in
private contacts…This unfairness and injustice results principally from one
person seeking an advantage or an edge over another. Those who follow such a
practice demean themselves greatly. How can those of us who do not practice ordinary
fairness and justice have serious claim on the blessings of a just and a fair
God? Do some of us seek to justify our taking of shortcuts and advantage of
others by indulging in the twin sophistries, “There isn’t any justice and
everybody does it?”
Vs. 9 - Those who
took will lose what they took
Vs. 10 - The
lands of those wealthy will become extremely unproductive. 10 acres reps. what
a yoke of oxen can plow in a day, or the equiv. of 5 acres today. From this
acreage, the yield will only be one bath (4-8 gallons of win). One homer (6
bushels) will yield only on ephah of produce (4-6 gal.of dry measure).
Wo Two
Vs. 11,12,13 -The
people party and become spiritually in bondage
Vs. 14 - a
population boom in hell. Hell opens her mouth just like the wicked opened their
mouths to partake of the wine and food.
Vs. 15 -
mean=common man. In other words all the wicked the common and the mighty will
be humbled.
Vs. 17 - the
former habitations of the wealthy will be given to strangers and animals.
Wo Three
Vs. 18 - The
image is of a sinner dragging a cart filled with sins that they won’t let go of
and the cord is as hard to cut as a thick rope.
Vs. 19 - These
same people ask for signs and want them now.
Wo Four
Vs. 20 -This wo is
pronounced upon those who would pervert standards of morality and decency. They
seek man’s approval of that which God has condemned and disdain that which is
good. They have been successful in getting legislation passed to make such
perversion legal and acceptable by society. Immoral practices are called
alternate lifestyles by those who practice them, and they label those who
courageously speak against them as radicals or narrow-minded bigots.
Wo Five
Vs. 21- See what
Jacob said about this in 2 Nephi 9:28-29
Wo Six
Vs. 22,23 - They
take bribes by saying that something is true for money and in so doing they
mislead righteous people into committing sin. (People who would advertise bad
products for money, or promote wicked things for fame or promote sin as
acceptable; movie stars, athletes etc.
Vs. 24,25 -
Describes what happens to those upon whom the woes are cast. The end of verse
25 appears to be an appeal, still, to repent and the Lord will still accept
you. I see it as a transition verse to the rest of the chapter and its
invitation to come to Zion
Vs. 26-29 -
LeGrand Richards says this is the return to Zion
Vs. 30 - See my
text. “They” seems to symbolize the Children of Zion roaring against the wicked
of the earth and there will not be light from God upon the land of those they
prophecy against because the light of the Lord will focus on Zion
2 NEPHI 16 (ISAIAH 6)
This chapter is Isaiah’s call to the ministry. It reminds us
of other calls to the ministry including: Moses in Moses 1; Amos in Amos 7:1-9;
Ezekiel in Ezekiel 1; John in Revelation 1:10-19, Lehi in 1 Nephi 1:6-11, and Joseph Smith in JSH, D&C 76,110.
Joseph Smith indicated that in this or a similar vision, Isaiah had his calling
and election made sure. (TPJS p. 151)
Vs. 1 - King Uzziah died in 740 BC cross reference with Revelation 4:2,8. Train=Hems
or skirts
Vs. 2 - Seraphim is the plural of seraph
which comes from the Hebrew “sarap” which means to burn. They are attendants in
Jehovah’s court, the ministers of the heavenly sanctuary, joining in adoration
before the throne. They appear similar to those seen by John in Rev. 4:8 and Ezekiel
in Ezekiel 1:9-11. D&C 77:4 seems to indicate that the wings are not
literal but are a representation of their ability to move, to act, etc. The seraphim may have covered their faces to
protect themselves from the glory of God.
Vs. 3 - Holy, holy, holy are only used in
reference to God. He is the holiest of holies.
Vs. 4 - That
there is a door into the presence of God is often mentioned in scripture. (John
10; 2 Nephi 9:41; Isaiah 22:22. The
presence of smoke was symbolic of the presence and glory of God (See Ex. 19:18;
Rev. 15:8.) Prayer also represents prayer ascending into heaven, especially
when it comes from the altar of incense. See also TPJS p. 367 where the Prophet
talks about God living in everlasting burnings.
Vs. 5 - Prophets never seem to feel
prepared or worthy of their callings. (See Moses 6:31; Spencer W. Kimball). Isaiah was not only aware of his own
imperfections, but also of his environment being a bad influence upon him.
Vs. 6 - The burning coal from the altar of
sacrifice outside the temple or the altar of incense inside the temple
represents the Holy Ghost who is able to purify us because of the Atonement of
Jesus Christ.
Vs. 7 - Isaiah is now able to use his clean
mouth and lips to share his testimony of the Savior.
Vs. 8 - As Isaiah accepts the call to
serve, he becomes a type of the Savior and a fellow citizen with other
prophets. (See Abraham 3:27; Gen. 22:1; Exodus 3:4; I Samuel 3:4-8).
Vs. 9 - The Lord made reference to this
passage when he was asked why he taught in Parables in Matt. 13:12-17. See also
JST Matt. 13:12. Also Luke 8:10.
Vs. 10 - Heart of the people fat. Matt:
13:15 calls their hearts gross. It refers to hard hearted or insensitive. Heavy ears are those that will not hear and
therefore will not understand.
Vs. 11- How long will it be until people
will all repent and the Lord answers that the problem will continue as long as
the earth is in its current status.
Vs. 12 - refers to deporting people to other
lands as was the custom of the Assyrians and the Babylonians.
Vs. 13 - 1/10 refers to the Lord’s portion
or to a small portion who will return. This
verse records the prophecy that the house of Israel would survive the coming
devastation as does a tree that is stripped of its leaves in winter but still
remains alive. (OTSM p. 144). Once again the word of the Lord ends with a
promise of the ultimate triumph of God and His people!
2 NEPHI
17 (ISAIAH 7)
Perhaps the main
message of this chapter is that we must trust in the Lord in spite of the
threats of mortals. “The prophecy in this section was delivered on the occasion
of Isaiah’s first interview with King Ahaz, after the first alarm had reached Jerusalem
Rezin king of Syria and Pekah king
of Israel tried to persuade Ahaz king of Judah to ally with them against
Assyria, their neighboring superpower. Meanwhile, Isaiah pleaded with Ahaz to
trust the Lord for deliverance from the invading armies. Ahaz rejected Isaiah’s
spiritual counsel and won the support of Tiglathpilesar III, king of Assyria,
who in 732 B.C. invaded the Northern Kingdom of Israel and captured many cities
(2 Kings 15:29; 16:7-9). Because Ahaz rejected Isaiah’s plan, the armies of
Rezin and Pekah invaded Judah, slew 125,000 warriors, and carried away some
200,000 women and children. Judah was slaughtered, because, in part, of the great
sins of her king and people”. (Parry, p. 68-69.)
Vs. 1 - Ahaz-
King of Judah (735-715 BC) Son of Jotham and father of Hezekiah. Wicked. Rezin-
King of Syria. Together with Pekah rebelled vs. Assyria. Killed in battle with
Assyria. (2 Kings 16:7-9) Pekah- King of Israel. Son of Remaliah. Rebelled vs.,
overthrew and assassinated Pekahiah (King of Israel) Reined for about 5 years
(737-732 BC). Was assassinated by Hosea (not the prophet) who was king when
Israel was taken into bondage by Assyria. (Lost 10 tribes)
Vs. 2 - Ephraim
is the most dominant or leader of the northern tribes of Israel
Vs. 3 -
Shearjashub’s name means a remnant shall return. There is a message of hope in
his name. The king may have been checking the water supply in anticipation of
the upcoming war. Fullers were those who cleansed and whitened garments in
large tubs.
Vs. 4 - A
firebrand is smoldering wood or a torch. The Lord calls those kings, torches
whose flames are gone out.
Vs. 5, 6, 7 - Those
two kings have a plan to dethrone Ahaz and put the son of Tabeal in his stead.
Their plan will not fly.
Vs. 8 - Israel
Vs. 9 - Ahaz’s
disbelief will lead to the end of his dynasty (shall not be established).
Vs. 10-13 - Ahaz
refuses to ask for a sign, either because of a lack of faith or because he had
already put his trust in Assyria . D&C
63:10 says that signs come by the will of God-not man.
Vs. 14 - The point
is that even if Ahaz wouldn’t do what he was supposed to do and the people were
taken into captivity, the Lord would still come! This is a great example of
Dualism in the fulfillment of prophecy. Isaiah’s wife, who as a symbol of the Virgin
Mary, would conceive and have a son who would be a type of the Savior. When the
Savior comes then Immanuel or God would be with us.
Vs. 15 - Butter
and honey are symbolic foods of a people who are not planting crops.
Vs. 16 - Before
Mahershalalhashbaz would arrive at the age of accountability those kings and
their people would be captured by Assyria . (2
Kings 15:29-30; 16:9).
Vs. 17 - The
results of Ahaz’s unbelief are detailed as the worst in the history of the
nation since the division after the death of Solomon.
Vs. 18,19 - Flies and
Bees apparently represent armies of the Assyrians who will take over every
hiding place from Egypt to Assyria .
Vs. 20 - Speaks
of the shame inflicted upon captured people of shaving the hair off their body.
Vs. 21 - Poverty,
no crops, no big herds.
Vs. 22 - no
crops, just dairy and honey from bees.
Vs. 23 -
destroyed vineyards (big ones)
Vs. 24 - no crops
so hunters will be necessary
Vs. 25 -
mattock=hoe Another reference to grazing animals replacing crops. It speaks of a
time when there will not be cities and civilization, but herdsmen of lesser
cattle, i.e., sheep or goats.
