Isaiah 18

As Isaiah saw the great missionary effort that would administered from this land, Isaiah recorded -

"WOE [hark or greetings] to the land shadowing with wings, which is beyond the rivers of Ethiopia:
2 That sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters, saying, Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 18:1 - 2)

Per the footnote, I understand that the word "WOE" was a mistranslation and I inserted proper interpretations.  One would have to believe that this land is protected by "wings" or the hand of the Lord and is far from the rivers of Ethiopia.  Missionaries or "messengers" in the latter day have traveled swiftly to scattered Israel.

And in these last days, all of scattered Israel and -

"All ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see ye, when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains; and when he bloweth a trumpet, hear ye."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 18:3)

In our day, the trumpet soundeth in the form of missionary voices that is distinct and clear to all that will hear.  And in Holy Temples -

"...I will take my rest, and I will consider in my dwelling place like a clear heat upon herbs, and like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 18:4)

"Clear heat" in my mind would be symbolic of  rays of enlightenment.  For it is in the temples or mount Zion that -

"In that time shall the present be brought unto the LORD of hosts of a people scattered and peeled, and from a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden under foot, whose land the rivers have spoiled, to the place of the name of the LORD of hosts, the mount Zion."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 18:7)

All the righteous will be gathers to mount Zion or its stakes.

 

Isaiah 17

In Zenos's allegory of the tame and wild olive trees, as the Lord sent his servant for the last time -

"...the servant went and did as the Lord had commanded him, and brought other servants; and they were few."  (Book of Mormon | Jacob 5:70)

I believe this is what Isaiah saw that -

"...in that day it shall come to pass, that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 17:4)

That is that when the wicked are destroyed and only the righteous remain, there will be few left just as -

"...gleaning grapes shall be left in it, as the shaking of an olive tree, two or three berries in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outmost fruitful branches thereof, saith the LORD God of Israel."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 17:6)

And at the time these righteous servants remain -

"...shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel.
8 And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect that which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 17:7 - 8)

 

Isaiah 16

In follow up to my blog yesterday, Moab struggled with much the same temptations as Israel for Isaiah explains -

"We have heard of the pride of Moab; he is very proud: even of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: but his lies shall not be so."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 16:6)

For -

"...it shall come to pass, when it is seen that Moab is weary on the high place, that he shall come to his sanctuary to pray; but he shall not prevail."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 16:12)

Again, "high place" is the groves of immorality and idol worship.  It becomes apparent that prophets had warned them previously as I wrote yesterday where -

"This is the word that the LORD hath spoken concerning Moab since that time."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 16:13)

Where prophets had also testified to Moab of the coming of Christ where -

"...in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 16:5)

Isaiah 15

Having already addressed the "burden" or destruction of the kingdom of Israel, Babylon, Assyria, and then Syria and others, Isaiah now addresses Moab. 

It is my understanding that the people of Moab are descendents of Moab and descendant of Lot, the nephew of Abraham.  Herein Isaiah declares -

"...Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence;
2 He is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Medeba: on all their heads shall be baldness, and every beard cut off."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 15:1 - 2)

Noting the "high places" suggests that Moab was wrapped in the iniquity of Idol worship and immoraility, thus they would become slaves (baldness).

The thoughts that seemed to come to me this morning is that the Lord is holding all these other nations accountable.  This would suggest to me that these nations must have had prophets come amongst them, preaching the doctrine of Christ and calling the people of these nations to repentance.  It is apparent to me that the Lord loved all the children on earth and at different times -

"...sent angels to minister unto the children of men, to make manifest concerning the coming of Christ; and in Christ there should come every good thing.
23 And God also declared unto prophets, by his own mouth, that Christ should come."  (Book of Mormon | Moroni 7:22 - 23)

Where much of Jewish and Christendom focus on the history of the Bible, it is hard for me to believe that there are not records of all these nations where righteous prophets have declared repentance, keeping a record of their ministry.  In my mind it is foolishness to believe that the Bible is the only record and the Lord only prefers Israel and Judah.

Isaiah 14

Continuing from yesterday's blog concerning the "burden of Babylon" being a symbol of Satan's worldly kingdom, and this destruction in the last days., obviously this includes wicked kings and leaders for  -

"The LORD hath broken the staff of the wicked, and the sceptre of the rulers."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 14:5)

And of these symbolic wicked and corrupt leaders of "spiritual Babylon", the Lord continues -

"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.
10 All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us?
11 Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 14:9 - 11)

Obviously, consequence spoken here is not of Satan, because he never had a body.  But then the focus turns to Satan, being the ultimate ruler of "spiritual Babylon" -

"How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I 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:
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;
17 That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?"  (Old Testament | Isaiah 14:12 - 17)

Of all Babylon, both city and in the end, the Lord declares a painful and sad end result that is a very important
doctrine -

"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."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 14:22)

In my mind, of spiritual Babylon, the Lord is saying to the wicked and corrupt, I will cut off your eternal family, offspring, and relationships forever.

Isaiah 13

Isaiah was blessed to foresee the destruction of several nations, in each case, Isaiah begins with -

"THE burden of..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 13:1)

He begins with Babylon which was so wicked for many years that it became synonymous with Satan's kingdom where Nimrod -

"...began to be a mighty one in the earth.
9 He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD.
10 And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar."  (Old Testament | Genesis 10:8 - 10)

I know of no record that suggests that the people of Babel or Babylon ever repented.  Isaiah's vision of Babylon seems to have duel meaning - the destruction of the City of Babylon and the destruction of Satan's kingdom in the last days before the millennium.  But before this destruction the righteous will be gathered where they will -

"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.
3 I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, even them that rejoice in my highness.
4 The noise of a 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 host of the battle.
5 They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the LORD, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 13:2 - 5)

And then comes the burden of Babylon where the Lord  -

"...will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 13:11)

Isaiah graphically describes this destruction both of the city and the kingdom of Satan which I won't list.  But in summary -

"....Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew 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."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 13:19 - 20)

Of the city, that prophecy has been fulfilled.  Of Satan's kingdom, that is yet to come.

Isaiah 12

Whether I live to the millenium or not, these words of Isaiah seem to be mine own -

"...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.
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 is become my salvation."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 12:1 - 2)

I find much comfort with those words " thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away".

Isaiah 11

The prophet Moroni, quoted these words of Isaiah to the Prophet Joseph Smith telling him they would shortly be fulfilled saying -

"...there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 11:1 - 3)

I understand this stem to be the Prophet Joseph Smith.  And of this work and with the restoration of all the keys of all dispensations that -

"...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.
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.
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.
13 The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 11:10 - 13)

It is under these restored keys that all Israel shall be gathered to the Savior.

Isaiah 10

As counseled by Nephi, I couldn't help but compare this chapter this morning to our day and  as Isaiah says to Judah (which I see as our country) -

"WOE unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 10:1)

Many of the decrees of judges in are day in the name of political correctness and fairness are grievous and unrighteous contrary to the commandments of God.  So Isaiah asks -

"...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?"  (Old Testament | Isaiah 10:3)

For without the Lord -

"...they shall fall under the slain..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 10:4)

And how will this happen in our day?  It will be a "type" of Assyria -

"...the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 10:5)

The fact that the type of Assyria will be tool in the hands of the Lord does not mean that Assyria is more righteous for -

"I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.
7 Howbeit he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so; but it is in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 10:6 - 7)

The type of Assyria or its king or leader may think he is great and personally did this -

"For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 10:13)

But the Lord makes it clear that wickedness is never justified for -

"...when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 10:12)

For -

"Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or 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."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 10:15)

I note that this is one of my favorite scriptures suggesting without the Lord, I am nothing.  With Him, I may be an instrument in His hands.  But the promise is as it was in the day of Isaiah -

"...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.
21 The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.
22 For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 10:20 - 22)

For -

"...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."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 10:27)

I continue to find that Isaiah has great application in our day.

Isaiah 9

As two of the tribes of Israel are presently prideful and wicked (dimness) and will be attacked and  carried away, Isaiah prophecies concerning the coming of Christ saying -

"NEVERTHELESS the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.
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.
3 Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
4 For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 9:1 - 4)

Some matter of notes.  In the first verse, where "grievously afflict" is used, the German Bible uses the term "bring honor to".  This makes much more sense.  Also in verse three, the word "not" before increased the joy is not included in the Book of Mormon translation.  Again, making more sense.  In a spiritual sense, this is clearly a Messianic prophecy.

It is then that Isaiah looks to the second coming of the Savior comparing -

"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.
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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be 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 for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 9:5 - 7)

This prophecy will be fulfilled in its time.

Isaiah 8

As Isaiah counseled Judah to rely upon the Lord and not to rely upon alliance for their defense, he prophesied -

"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.
10 Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 8:9 - 10)

In fact Isaiah shares this personal instruction to rely upon the Lords which would apply to all  -

"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,
12 Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.
13 Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.
14 And he shall be for a sanctuary..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 8:11 - 14)

And of this instruction, Isaiah was to -

"Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 8:16)

That is, to those that would hear.

As Isaiah expected that Ahaz and Judah would not repent and turn to the Lord, he thought that they would turn to wicked sorcerers, wizards, and those that were corrupt for counsel, he said -

"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 8:20)

And thus destruction would follow for -

"...hey shall be driven to darkness."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 8:22)

 

Isaiah 7

As Syria and Israel plotted to overthrow Judah, Isaiah was sent to prophecy to Ahaz -

"Thus saith the Lord GOD, It shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 7:7)

He found Ahaz hiding -

"...at the end of the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 7:3)

...which I believe was where the women washed their clothes.

It is there Ahaz is warned -

"...If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 7:9)

Suggesting he or his people will be taken away or destroyed for disobedience and belief if they do not repent and follow the instructions of Isaiah.  But, in my mind, to verify to Ahaz that Isaiah was speaking the truth -

"Moreover the LORD spake again unto Ahaz, saying,
11 Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 7:10 - 11)

Ahaz was given an opportunity that few have ever been given, to ask for any kind of sign he wanted -

"But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 7:12)

Ahaz did not want any evidence to believe.  He did not want to trust the Lord.  So Isaiah gives a prophetic sign -

"Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?
14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
15 Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.
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."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 7:13 - 16)

Not only did he prophecy concerning the coming of the Savior, but he also said that within the time frame, or the length of time the Savior (which obviously would be only a few years) would come to know good and evil from a babe, both kings of Syria and Israel lose their crowns.  He also prophecies of the coming of Assyria and that they will be so many that  -

"...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."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 7:19)

And as a result, many of Judah and Israel will become slaves.

Isaiah 6

As Isaiah saw the Lord and was called on a "mission", we receive some sound counsel for all that are called into the service of the Lord.  Isaiah, having seen the Lord, His throne and habitation declares -

"...Woe is 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."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 6:5)

Being overwhelmed (undone), I see the words "unclean lips" to represent  a feeling of being unqualified to speak the words of the Lord, more than one that is imperfect...which would also apply.  Under these conditions -

"...flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:
7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 6:6 - 7)

It is through the atonement of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Ghost we are made clean and  qualified for the Savior said-

"Yea, blessed are they who shall believe in your words, and come down into the depths of humility and be baptized, for they shall be visited with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and shall receive a remission of their sins."  (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 12:2)

The live coal on his lips was symbolic of this process for Isaiah.  And it was then, having faith in the atonement that Isaiah says -

"...I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 6:8)

And thus Isaiah accepted the call in the work of salvation.  As he does he is counseled -

"...Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but [they] understand not; and see ye indeed, but [they]perceive not.
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 convert, and be healed.
11 Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 6:9 - 11)

I added "they" to match the writings in 2nd Nephi.  To help Isaiah understand what he is up against in his mission, I believe it would have been more understandable in our day had Isaiah could have used "Imagine in your mind" in lieu of "make" suggesting this is what you are up against.  And obviously, "how long?"...This work will continue until the end.

I love the promise after utter desolation -

"But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 6:13)

This may have reference to return of Judah from Babylon, but I wonder if it symbolic of those that will qualify for exaltation.

Isaiah 5

As Isaiah sings, what I consider an analogy of Israel, he begins with the Savior saying  -

"...My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill:

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 winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 5:1 - 2)

Having setup Israel to be prosperous, he reveals -

"...and it brought forth wild grapes."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 5:2)

And then the master of the vineyard asks -

"What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it?..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 5:4)

That very question reminds of Zenos's "Allegory of the Olive Tree" where the Lord wept saying -

 "What could I have done more for my vineyard?"  (Book of Mormon | Jacob 5:41)

Isaiah interprets the analogy explaining -

"For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 5:7)

Because the "pleasant plant" brought forth wild fruit, the Master declares -

"...I will lay it waste..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 5:6)

Upon completing his song, Isaiah chastises men of Judah as well as all men that do as the men of Judah had done -

"Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth!"  (Old Testament | Isaiah 5:8)

This is a warning to a society that does not allow self-reliance. I believe this verse is all about self-reliance.

"Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!
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."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 5:11 - 12)

These are they that indulge themselves, claiming to be "church goers", but do nothing about keeping the commandments.  Because of that -

"...my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 5:13)

Without the Holy Ghost and the priesthood, the mysteries of God are withheld.

"Woe 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!

21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!"  (Old Testament | Isaiah 5:20 - 21)

We see much this way today in society and government in being politically correct.  Those in government want to dominate and control so much, they will -

"...justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!"  (Old Testament | Isaiah 5:23)

In other words, they will destroy any man of character to win...the end justifies the means.  Also -

"Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 5:18)

And finally, these are they -

"That say, Let him make speed, and 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!"  (Old Testament | Isaiah 5:19)

We see all of this so prevalent in our day!  Because of all of this -

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 carcases were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 5:25)

But even so Isaiah concludes that we can change.  We can repent for  -

"...his hand is stretched out still."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 5:25)


 

Isaiah 4

Isaiah saw the immodest and non-virtuous women of our day declaring -

"...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:
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.
18 In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon,
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 earrings,
21 The rings, and nose jewels,
22 The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins,
23 The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the vails.
24 And it shall come to pass, that 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; and burning instead of beauty."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 3:16 - 24)

The footnote for "glasses" suggests transparent clothing.  And it is my understand that "baldness" was the appearance or symbol of slaves. 

And under these conditions -

"...she being desolate shall sit upon the ground."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 3:26)

In my mind, being desolate means and nothing and no where to go.

But the Lord counters with the daughters of Zion who repent and become righteous women, for -

"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.
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 shall be a defence.
6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 4:4 - 6)

That is that there will be no desolation, but protection and His Spirit in the homes and families of righteous women where they will be protected from the wicked storms of the adversary.

Isaiah 3

As we liken the scriptures unto ourselves, Isaiah explains what will eventually happen to any nation, particularly our own, as we fail to keep the Lord's commandments and fall into inquity -

FOR, behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, doth take away from [any wicked nation] the stay and the staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water,
2 The mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, and the prophet, and the prudent, and the ancient,
3 The captain of fifty, and the honourable man, and the counsellor, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator.
4 And I will give children to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them.
5 And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbour: the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable.
6 When a man shall take hold of his brother of the house of his father, saying, Thou hast clothing, be thou our ruler, and let this ruin be under thy hand:
7 In that day shall he swear, saying, I will not be an healer; for in my house is neither bread nor clothing: make me not a ruler of the people.
8 For [that nation] is ruined, and ... is fallen: because their tongue and their doings are against the LORD, to provoke the eyes of his glory."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 3:1 - 8)

I truly believe this and concerns me greatly as our nations continues to move farther and farther away from His teachings and standards.

Isaiah even comments on a current example -

"The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not...."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 3:9)

And as a result of their wickedness -

"...children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 3:12)

In my mind, "women rule over them" does not suggest that women cannot be effective leaders.  I think is is more in line with wicked women such as celebrities or pornagraphy that leads the into forbidden paths.

Isaiah 2

As a reminder concerning the words of Isaiah, Nephi counseled his people to -

"...liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 19:23)

And thus we are counseled in our day.  Though Isaiah may have been speaking to his people, in a duel manner, he was also speaking to us warning the Lord -

"...hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob, because they be replenished from the east, and are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers.
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:
8 Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 2:6 - 8)

Where (using the writings of Nephi) -

"...the mean man boweth not down, and the great man humbleth himself not..."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 12:9)

Are these not the conditions of our day?  Where we are following false religions, scientific projections that are contrary to the teachings of God, and pleasing and pleasureful relationships only for that purpose.  We see great wealth and armies.  The population generally worship that which they have acquired by their own hands.  And more and more move away from worshipping diety.  They even fight against such.

Under these conditions, because of no humility or repentance, under the Spirit of Prophecy, Isaiah promised that the day would come (I have inserted some words for my own use) -

"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.
12 For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low:
13 And upon all the cedars (the people) of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks (the people) of Bashan,
14 And upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills that are lifted up,
15 And upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall,
16 And upon all the ships of Tarshish (materialism), and upon all pleasant pictures.
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.
18 And the idols he shall utterly abolish.
19 And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.
20 In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats (note the dark places) ;
21 To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 2:11 - 21)

I truly believe that day will come, therefore -

"Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?"  (Old Testament | Isaiah 2:22)

In other words, cease trusting man...since when has the natural man been accountable or right?

Isaiah 1

It seems apparent to me that the writings of Isaiah may not have been organized necessarily chronologically.  The first chapter appears to me as Isaiah's inpired introduction to his writings or preface which he obviously wrote much later as he begins with -

"THE vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 1:1)

Having now served under these four kings, he can't help but ask Israel having fallen away from God -

"Why should ye be stricken any more?..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 1:5)

Or in other words, why do you bring such punishment upon you, for

"...ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.
6 From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 1:5 - 6)

In my mind, the head would be leadership and the whole heart all the people.  Nephi wrote -

"...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."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 19:23)

These writings had great application in the days of Isaiah.  They had great application in the days of Nephi.  And definitely, they have great application today.  The consequence is if we continue in this same manner today, the warnign and results will be -

"Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 1:7)

The people of our day speak the talk but do not do the walk.  Many -

"...call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"  (Old Testament | Isaiah 5:20)

And in their worship -

"...this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 29:13)

Thus -

"Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.
11 To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.
12 When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts?
13 Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting.
14 Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them.
15 And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 1:10 - 15)

The Lord is sick as we confess faith in Him but do not keep His commandments...it is mockery.   But nonetheless, He loves us and still extend His hand saying -

"Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;
17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 1:16 - 20)

I may not understand all the words of Isaiah but I definitely feel the Spirit as I read his words.

Isaiah

There must be doctrine and prophecies of great importance provided in the writings of Isaiah for the Savior, not only quoted this prophet's words more than any other during His mortal ministry but He also said -

"...behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah.
2 For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel; therefore it must needs be that he must speak also to the Gentiles.
3 And all things that he spake have been and shall be, even according to the words which he spake."  (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 23:1 - 3)

Nephi explains why he wrote the words of Isaiah for his people for -

"...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."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 19:23 - 24)

Nephi suggests that the words of Isaiah will "fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer" that they "may have hope".  This is significant.  Nephi also explains -

"...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."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:1)

Which I also add, the history and geography of Israel. I have found in the past, that the more I read the Old Testament, the more I better understand Isaiah's words.

Over the next few days, I am going to read and re-read the words of Isaiah.  Hopefully, by the gift of the Spirit, I will come to a better understanding of his words.

Ecclesiastes 5

Much like I commented yesterday, I see the Ecclesiastes generally as a comparison of typical mankind or the natural man about life and the man that have an eternal perspective.  Some words of wisdom that caught my attention were -

"KEEP thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil."  (Old Testament | Ecclesiastes 5:1)

I interpret that to me that we should be willing to receive counsel from our leaders.  I think there is a tendency that many think they are fine and the counsel applies to everyone else.

"When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed."  (Old Testament | Ecclesiastes 5:4)

I believe covenants with God or serious and God will not be mocked.

The preacher observes then asks a very important question -

"All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness."  (Old Testament | Ecclesiastes 7:15)

In other words, why to some of the righteous suffer when many times the wicked seem blessed.  He answers -

"It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all."  (Old Testament | Ecclesiastes 7:18)

Ine my mind, he is saying, in the eternities, the righteous will be blessed above all.  In conclusion, the preacher summarizes -

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil."  (Old Testament | Ecclesiastes 12:13 - 14)

 

Ecclesiastes 1

It is my understanding that the word "vanity" referred to by the "preacher" is not the vanity we typically think of but "fleeting or temporary".  This makes sense as the initial writings seem to be about life in general as the natural man sees life for -

"...What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?
4 One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.
5 The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose.
6 The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.
7 All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again."  (Old Testament | Ecclesiastes 1:3 - 7)

In other words, life roles on and much of what the natural man sees is to work, eat, find pleasure meaning, and enjoyment until the end, where -

"...every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God."  (Old Testament | Ecclesiastes 3:13)

Because -

"TO every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven..."  (Old Testament | Ecclesiastes 3:1)

This is the perspective of the natural man.  But the truth is that there is a higher purpose for this life and it has to do with agency and seeking God and His mind and will for -

"...God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work."  (Old Testament | Ecclesiastes 3:17)

I was particularly touched this morning with the wisdom that life just goes on.  We are born, we will die.  It is if we choose to keep this second estate that great blessings follow.