Isaiah 61

Speaking for the Savior, Isaiah testified concerning the Messiah -

"THE Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD..."  (Pld Testament | Isaiah 61:1 - 2)

The Savior would later declare His divinity, mission, and who he really was by quoting these words which brought declaration of blasphemy.  Isaiah continued concerning the mission of the Savior -

"to comfort all that mourn;
3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 61:2 - 3)

Again, Isaiah refers to people as an analogy of planting and trees.  Again, the House of Israel or his chosen people that will bring Him great glory.  We even see insight of His great endowment that may be had -

"...for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 61:10)

...referring to that which we receive in His holy temples.

Isaiah 60

Isaiah counseled Israel in the last days -

"ARISE, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 60:1)

Which is much like the Lord's counsel in latter days -

"Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 115:5)

Isaiah tells Israel what will happen if they do -

"For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
4 Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side.
5 Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 60:2 - 5)

In modern day -

"...that the gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 115:6)

And of those who won't come out of darkness, Isaiah prophecies -

"For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 60:12)

In previous blogs, I have written much that I think the basic theme of Isaiah's writings is that from the beginning of "Israel" to the end.  The final "House of Israel" or His chosen people will be His seed, His children, and He will be the Father of the House of Israel.  It is understandable why the Lord has demonstrated much patience with Israel through the years and His very purpose for Isaiah writes -

"Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 60:21)

Isaiah 59

As I read Isaiah, it appears that much of ancient Israel seems to blame God in that they thought He had forsaken them.  But it is always the other way around as the Lord tells them (and us) -

"BEHOLD, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 59:1 - 2)

Thus -

"...we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness.
10 We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes: we stumble at noonday as in the night; we are in desolate places as dead men.
11 We roar all like bears, and mourn sore like doves..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 59:9 - 11)

And we blame God, that He doesn't hear or save us in our troubles.  But the promises continue as we repent that  -

"...the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD.
21 As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 59:20 - 21)

What greater blessing than to have His Spirit upon us and upon our posterity.

Isaiah 58

Herein, the Lord chastises Israel because all they do is according to the letter of the law, but their hearts and desires are far from God.  It is those that seem to display outward worship but do not do so in private or in their hearts.  Of such the Lord describes -

"...they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 58:2)

But are knowingly are not fully committed but yet want to demand and debate that God should bless them.

The Lord chastises -

"Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours.
4 Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 58:3 - 4)

To such the Lord  asks as if to teach -

"Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?"  (Old Testament | Isaiah 58:5)

The Lord then teaches not only the letter but the spirit and intention of the law of the fast -

"Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
7 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?"  (Old Testament | Isaiah 58:6 - 7)

This is the purpose or the fast.  But with every commandment comes great blessings for as we properly fast and bless the poor and the needy -

"Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.
9 Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;
10 And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday:
11 And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.
12 And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 58:8 - 12)

This not only seems as a significant law of health but a promise to one's posterity.  The same is had of the Sabbath day -

"If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:
14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 58:13 - 14)

Obviously, great blessings come as we come to understand the purpose of his commandments and obey in the spirit of his laws.

Isaiah 57

It brings a great deal of comfort as the Lord says -

"THE righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.
2 He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 57:1 - 2)

It seems no matter how hard we strive to do what is right and keep the commandments, society does not care and sometimes walks all over us.  Herein the Lord promise peace and rest to the righteous as we pass on declaring -

"For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 57:15)

Isaiah 56

In Isaiah's day as is very similar in our day, there were individuals that did not necessarily meet the typical standard of the people and were seemingly persecuted such as strangers (gentiles) and eunuchs.  Isaiah made it clear that in the Lord's eyes, that did not matter as long as they kept the commandments, where Isaiah wrote -

"THUS saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.
2 Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 56:1 - 2)

He follows -

"Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.
4 For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant..." (Old Testament | Isaiah 56:3 - 4)

To these and those that are different, the promises are -

"Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.
6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;
7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
8 The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 56:5 - 8)

I recently gave the following talk in several wards that is much on the same topic:

In a great revelation, Abraham learned that in our pre-mortal existence –

"…there stood one among [us] that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell…"

And of the making of this earth, Lehi taught his sons that in order –

"…to bring about his eternal purposes in the end of man…[of] all things which [were] created, it must needs be that there was an opposition…" (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 2:15)

"For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 2:11)

Thus in the planning and creation of this world, to fulfill its purpose, opposition was necessary and essential in all things. That means there must be opposites such as virtue and vice, health and sickness, pleasure and pain…even opposites such as rich and poor, tall and short, large and small, beautiful and ugly… there must be opposites in all thing. This would also suggest there would be opposition in our abilities, talents, interests, and even in attractions.

We could go on and on with lists of oppositions. Obviously then, with "opposition in all things", life would not be and never was intended to be fair. And under these opposing and unfair conditions, the Lord made it clear -

"…we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them;
26 And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon…and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever." (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 3:24 - 26)

Therefore, knowing that there would be the opposition of good and evil, giving mankind their agency, their capacity to choose good and evil, which would allow individuals to transgress and sin –

"…the Lord said: Whom shall I send? And one answered like unto the Son of Man: Here am I, send me. And another answered and said: Here am I, send me. And the Lord said: I will send the first." (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 3:27)

We understand that -

"…the second was angry, and kept not his first estate; and, at that day, many followed after him." (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 3:28)

Why was he so angry?

"…because…[He], Satan …sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him, and also, that I should give unto him mine own power…" (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 4:3)

In other words, Satan desired to take away the very plan of "opposition in all things", providing a world where all things would be "fair" and so-called "equal" and thus allowing no agency or choice.

And because of that desire to destroy the agency of man –

"…there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world:" (New Testament | Revelation 12:7 - 9)

The fallacy that is sometimes taught in Church lessons is that the Savior presented His plan and then Satan presented his plan. The Savior did not present His own plan. The plan of salvation and exaltation has always existed before the foundations of the earth and throughout the eternities. That plan is eternal. The Savior, knowing his obligation as the Firstborn, stepped forward to accept His role as Savior of the world. It was Satan’s desire and objective to destroy that eternal plan for his own personal gain.

I am sure we understood in this pre-mortal existence, that entering into this second estate that this world would be a world of opposites. We even understood that in order to have opposition in all things that each of us might therefore acquire weaknesses. The Savior even told Moroni –

"…I give unto men weakness…" (Book of Mormon | Ether 12:27)

…Suggesting that opposites or our weaknesses are God given. With opposition in all things, obviously these weaknesses would not necessarily be the same, equal or fair. Yet, even knowing this, we looked forward to the opportunity for –

"…the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy…" (Old Testament | Job 38:7)

Let me reiterate again that even living in a world of opposites, weaknesses, and unfairness, it was still made clear –

"…we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them…" (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 3:25)

These words suggest individual responsibility in this second estate, no matter what our weaknesses or conditions might be.

Equality is an interesting word. It is used quite often in the scriptures. The question is – what is the difference between the Lord’s definition of equality and that of Satan’s. Obviously, Satan would have all things the same, equal, fair, which would limit agency, choice and differentiation. But king Mosiah taught the Lord’s definition of equality teaching –

"…that there should be an equality among all men…" (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 27:3)

And –

"…that every man should have an equal chance throughout all the land…" (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 29:38)

Where –

"…every man [would] express a willingness to answer for his own sins." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 29:38)

Or as we read in modern revelation –

"…that every man may have an equal privilege…" (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:122)

We see this in the parable of the talents where –

"…unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability..." (New Testament | Matthew 25:15)

Yet each had an equal opportunity or privilege in how they used those talents.

It is apparent then that the Lord’s definition of equality is then equality in agency, choice, chances, privileges and individual responsibility in keeping the commandments. It has never been an issue or plan of fairness in all things.

I find it interesting that even in the United Order or law of consecration given in the early days of the Church, equality is defined as –

"…every man equal according to his family, according to his circumstances and his wants and needs." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 51:3)

Which again suggests an issue of agency and individual responsibility not necessarily fairness. Which also suggests, that though God’s commandments are equal, they may not seem necessarily fair?

To Cain and Abel, the Lord commanded -

"that they should worship the Lord their God, and should offer the firstlings of their flocks, for an offering unto the Lord." (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 5:5)

It was even taught to them why, for –

"This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth." (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 5:7)

We also know that –

"…Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground." (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 5:17)

Obviously for Abel, being a keeper of sheep, it must have been much easier for him to sacrifice the firstling of the flocks than it was for Cain, he being a tiller of the ground. Obviously, Cain would then have to trade his "fruit" for flocks to keep this commandment.

It may have even appeared to some that a keeper of the sheep may have seemed more prestigious than that of a tiller of the ground because the Lord specifically chose the offering of the flock not fruit of the ground.

We now clearly understand why the Lord commanded a sacrifice of the firstling of the flock, for it was literally to be a sacrifice of blood, a similitude of the Savior’s atonement with –

"…every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice…[of] the Son of God…" (Book of Mormon | Alma 34:14)

But this commandment may not have seemed necessarily fair for Satan suggested or put it in the heart of Cain to –

"…Make an offering unto the Lord.

19 And in process of time it came to pass that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord." (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 5:18 - 19)

And thus we read that –

"…the Lord had respect unto Abel, and to his offering;
21 But unto Cain, and to his offering, he had not respect…" (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 5:20 - 21)

Now I want to speak a little bit more directly to the youth who sometimes are mislead with arguments of fairness by society. As you hear this story, you may be thinking, "Hey, wait a minute, that’s not fair". And you may justify in your own mind that Cain should have been treated just the same as Abel…for that would only be fair! You may reason "Hey, Abel got to sacrifice his own source of livelihood, why couldn’t Cain?" But to you young people, I want you to listen very carefully what the Lord said concerning the matter –

"… we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them…" (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 3:25)

Cain’s sacrifice of the fruit of the ground, which was not blood, was a mockery to God and to the remembering ordinance of the excruciating sacrifice of the Son of God. The fact that the Lord did not respect Cain was because it was an issue about obedience not fairness…individual responsibility, not that which is popular or fair. Fairness was always Satan’s plan to lead Cain away from obedience to God’s commandments for we read –

"…Now Satan knew this, and it pleased him." (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 5:21)

"…for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 2:27)

And as a result of his disobedience, because it may not have been necessarily fair –

"…Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell." (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 5:21)

And even worse, because of his anger, we know that it eventually lead to murder and perdition.

This story has great application in our day. Society is constantly promoting doctrines of fairness, equal rights, and tolerance that are in direct violation to the commandments of God concerning all that which is holy and sacred.

Understanding that, I would like to look back at another Old Testament story. While in the wilderness –

"…Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God;
24 But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence…" (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:23 - 24)

For, while communicating with the Lord on the mount for forty days, as –

"…the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us…" (Old Testament | Exodus 32:1)

These are the very same people that had not long before covenanted where –

"…all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do…" (Old Testament | Exodus 19:8)

Sounds like the covenant we made at baptism and in partaking of the sacrament.

But then, while their spiritual leader was absent, the people, because of their weaknesses, lacking faith, returned again to the gods of pleasure they had come to know so well in Egypt.

As members of the Church, we always seem to express amazement how quickly these people resorted back to this worldly worship. It doesn’t quite make sense. But don’t we see much the same reasoning today…and how quickly we begin to rationalize the commandments of God in lieu of fairness and tolerance.

But what I think what was more egregious in the event was that Aaron, one that should have known better, a priesthood leader, chose to follow the pressure of the people and –

"…Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which
are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me…
4 And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt." (Old Testament | Exodus 32:2 - 4)

As parents and leaders, do we change, or justify our attitudes to the opinions of the world in much the same quick manner as did Aaron and his people.

I find it interesting that after Moses’s return, Aaron tries to excuse himself by blaming society by saying, but –

"…they said unto me, Make us gods, which shall go before us…" (Old Testament | Exodus 32:23)

Really? Just because society "said this unto me"…so I quickly followed?

Is this not the same way today as the world tells what is and is not fair and that we should follow the philosophies of the world?

Saul did the same thing when failed to obey the commandments of the Lord in destroying all the livestock of the Amalekites, saving the best for his personal use. When approached by the prophet Samuel, the best excuse he could come up with was that he saved the sheep and oxen to sacrifice to the Lord. To which Samuel famously chastised–

"…Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice…" (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 15:22)

President Joseph Fielding Smith said –

"It is so easy for humankind to blame somebody else for their own mistakes, and so easy for us, because of our human nature, to take credit when the thing that is accomplished is something that pleases and benefits. But we never want to shoulder a responsibility for our mistakes that do not please, and so we endeavor to place that kind of responsibility somewhere else and on others. … Let us shoulder our own responsibilities, and not endeavor to place them somewhere else." (Conference Report, Oct. 1932, 88)

We learn the importance of individual responsibility when after the Lord threatened to destroy the Israelites that Moses returned to the mount and plead on behalf of his people, pleading –

"Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin— (in other words, please forgive them); and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written." (Old Testament | Exodus 32:32)

Moses loved his people enough that he was even willing to be blotted out of the Book of the Lamb for their sake. It was to his pleadings –

"…the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book." (Old Testament | Exodus 32:33)

…which falls in line with our 2nd Article of Faith –?

"We believe that men will be punished for their own sins…" (Pearl of Great Price | Articles of Faith 1:2)

The Lord made it clear, it is all about individual responsibility and keeping his commandments, no matter what weaknesses, conditions, tribulations, oppositions, unfairness that we experience in our lives.

The Lord said to Isaiah –

"Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever..." (Old Testament | Isaiah 30:8)

What was so important that Isaiah was to write it down to be had forever and ever? The Lord followed –

"…this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:
10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:
11 Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us." (Old Testament | Isaiah 30:9 - 11)

The Lord saw the day that the world would challenge His Prophets, Seers, and Revelators desiring that which was smooth, easy, and false, all in the name of tolerance and fairness.

Though we may strive to teach fairness in this life, which in many cases is a good thing, we must understand that all things are not fair nor should they be, emphasizing again, the Lord said –

"…we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them…" (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 3:25)

I would like to conclude with the final words of Moses as he was about to leave the Israelites on the banks of the Jordan Rivers. As he recounts concerning the oppositions and tribulations that they had experienced in the wilderness, and how it applied to their life, which also has great application in our lives, he said –

"...thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no." (Old Testament | Deuteronomy 8:2)

In my mind, Moses taught the true purpose of oppositions and unfairness of this life. The whole purpose is to come to know what is in our hearts and if we will keep his commandments.

Thus wise king Solomon taught -

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this
is the whole duty of man." (Old Testament | Ecclesiastes 12:13)

Isaiah 55

As Isaiah invites all to come unto Christ, he instructs -

"Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 55:6 - 7)

"While he is near" reminds me of the words of Amulek -

"...I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed."  (Book of Mormon | Alma 34:33)

For the Lord suggests His eternal perspective and how He deals with man, saying -

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 55:8 - 9)

 

Isaiah 54

Again, Isaiah relates the Lord as the husband, Israel or Judah as the married wife, and children as His righteous seed where Israel in the latter days -

"...shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 54:3)

And with the desolate cities being inhabited with righteous seed, Israel is to -

"Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 54:2)

Were some may consider these words to be in regards to the millenium, I believe that Isaiah's description of the latter days in this chapter is in regards to current Zion, stakes of Zion, and families of Zion where the Lord promises -

"...behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.
12 And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.
13 And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.
14 In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee."  Old Testament | Isaiah 54:11 - 14)

Where -

"....whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake." (Old Testament | Isaiah 54:15)

And -

"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 54:17)

I believe that because in modern day, the Lord said -

"...that the gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth."   (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 115:6)

Isaiah 53

This is one of those chapters that I am surprised survived the translations throughout the years.  Where much seemed lost in ancient scripture, this more clear doctrine survived.  Following my thoughts in previous blogs concerning the development and establishment of "Israel", His chosen people, or His seed, I was impressed with -

"Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 53:10)

This was the key to the plan of salvation.  Obviously it would please the Father.  And not only the Father, but the Savior as -

"He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 53:11)

Is there greater love?  And because of the Infinite atonement -

"Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 53:12)

What great love He has for us in the "He shall divide the spoil" with Israel, the faithful and strong.

Isaiah 52

As much as Israel continued to rebel throughout he years, Isaiah prophecies in the latter days -

"Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak: behold, it is I."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 52:6)

And they shall acknowledge in righteousness -

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!
8 Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 52:7 - 8)

In my mind, seeing eye to eye would be common understanding of gospel doctrine.  They will possess knowledge or the mysteries of the kingdom.  As they do, they shall -

"Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.
10 The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 52:9 - 10)

I personally believe the hastening of the work or preaching of the gospel is His holy are being made bare in the eyes of all natiaons which the commandment -

"Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD.
12 For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rereward."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 52:11 - 12)

Isaiah 51

Many saints today feel these words spoken by Isaiah -

"Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon?
10 Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?"  (Old Testament | Isaiah 51:9 - 10)

In other words, in little patience we are frustrated with the wickedness of the world and want the Lord to demonstrate His biblical anger.  But to the righteous saints, the Lord reminds -

"Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
12 I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 51:11 - 12)

Therefore -

"Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.
8 For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 51:7 - 8)

In other words, don't worry about it.  He will take care of all things in His own way and time.

Isaiah 50

I was impressed this morning with the great humility and obedience of the Mortal Messiah.  After having described his pre-mortal omnipotence, He says -

"The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 50:4)

The Son of God acknowledges that He received His god-given abilities from the Father and that He learned of Him.  There appears no apparent pride in Him.  What great lesson we are taught that we too receive all our gifts and abilities from God.  And even having the great burden placed on Him of the Infinite atonement, He shares -

"The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 50:5)

As difficult as it was, he obeyed the will of the Father.  Thus -

"I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.
7 ¶ For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 50:6 - 7)

The Lord did not fail in His mission.  How grateful we are!

Isaiah 49

My thoughts are a little bit different than that which is noted in the summary of the chapter.  In my mind, much of these words are in regards to Israel just as Isaiah has spoke of earlier, where the Lord speaks to His chosen people -

"LISTEN, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.
2 And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;
3 And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 49:1 - 3)

I believe Isaiah is refering to Israel where he speaks for Israel throughout the years and their effort to bring forth Zion saying -

"Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the LORD, and my work with my God."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 49:4)

Obviously, Israel seem discouraged as they continue to poor success even their responsibility has been considered -

"...a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 49:6)

But even as Israel is discouraged saying -

"The LORD hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 49:14)

But the Lord answers -

"Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.
16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 49:15 - 16)

Thus Isaiah prophecies that in the latter days -

"...because of the LORD that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.
8 Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;
9 That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places.
10 They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.
11 And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 49:7 - 11)

And -

"Thy children shall make haste..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 49:17)

"...Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 49:25)

Isaiah 48

The next two chapters found in Isaiah were the first that Nephi records that he taught to his family...especially brothers, Laman and Lemuel.  It seems to me that they had great application to Laman and Lemuel.  I would assume that Nephi felt the same way as he likened the words of Isaiah concerning a not-so-obedient Israel saying -

:...HEAR ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness.
2 For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The LORD of hosts is his name."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 48:1 - 2)

I think these words suggest that they call themselves righteous and pretend to rely upon the Lord. The Lord even warns -

"There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 48:22)

Nephi even seemed to plead with his brothers just as the Lord plead with Israel -

"Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me.
17 Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.
18 O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 48:16 - 18)

It is apparent as we leave wickedness and repent, great blessings and properity is promised as we live righteously.  Thus we are commanded -

"Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter it even to the end of the earth; say ye, The LORD hath redeemed his servant Jacob."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 48:20)

Isaiah 47

In likening the words of Isaiah to our day, He said -

"Therefore hear now this, thou that art given to pleasures, that dwellest carelessly, that sayest in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me; I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 47:8)

These words would suggest that people of our day seem to focus on individual pleasure and power, thinking that they are secure, and family, lifestyle, freedoms will never be taken from them.  But Isaiah prophecies -


"But these two things shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, and for the great abundance of thine enchantments.
10  For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me.
11 Therefore shall evil come upon thee; thou shalt not know from whence it riseth: and mischief shall fall upon thee; thou shalt not be able to put it off: and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly, which thou shalt not know." (Old Testament | Isaiah 47:9 - 11)

I believe this prophecy has great application to us and our day all evidenced as the Lord declared -

"I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 48:3)

These things will come to pass.

Isaiah 46

I find Isaiah's mockery of man-made idols somewhat entertaining as he mocks -

"BEL boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your carriages were heavy loaden; they are a burden to the weary beast.
2 They stoop, they bow down together, they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 46:1 - 2)

Obviously, Isaiah is explaining that these man-made idols are heavy burden.  They have to be carried wherever.   That cannot walk or move on their own and somehow they are to deliver their worshipers.  And what is funny is when the people are captured, so are the idols who have no defense adding -

"They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, and hire a goldsmith; and he maketh it a god: they fall down, yea, they worship.
7 They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he standeth; from his place shall he not remove: yea, one shall cry unto him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 46:6 - 7)

Isaiah then compares this foolishness to the True and Living God saying -

"Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb:
4 And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 46:3 - 4)

Where idols have to be carried, it is the Lord that carries us throughout our lives.  It reminds me that carrying sin is a burden, but repentance brings great freedom and liberty.

 

 

Isaiah 45

I want to first follow up to my blogs the last two days, I would add the Lord's words -

"...Israel mine elect..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 45:4)

As well as -

"In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 45:25)

Can you imagine the thoughts of Cyrus of Persia when he is presented the words of Isaiah, where a hundred and sixty years before, a prophet of God writes the words of the Lord directly to Cyrus, even calling him by name saying -

"THUS saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;
2 I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:
3 And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 45:1 - 3)

Could there being any doubt by Cyrus of the only true God and his living prophet.  He continues to speak to Cyrus -

"I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:
6 That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.
7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.
8 Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 45:5 - 8)

"I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 45:12)

And then directing Cyrus -

"I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 45:13)

Of which Cyrus did.

The Lord then provides this truth to all nations -

"...there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.
22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 45:21 - 23)

The Lord finishes with a comment to all self-appointed or assumed religious leaders on the earth -

"Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 45:24)

As I read that, I cannot help but remember the testimony of Joseph Smith concerning the ministers of his day as he recalls -

"...there was in the place where we lived an unusual excitement on the subject of religion. It commenced with the Methodists, but soon became general among all the sects in that region of country. Indeed, the whole district of country seemed affected by it, and great multitudes united themselves to the different religious parties, which created no small stir and division amongst the people, some crying, "Lo, here!" and others, "Lo, there!" Some were contending for the Methodist faith, some for the Presbyterian, and some for the Baptist.
6 For, notwithstanding the great love which the converts to these different faiths expressed at the time of their conversion, and the great zeal manifested by the respective clergy, who were active in getting up and promoting this extraordinary scene of religious feeling, in order to have everybody converted, as they were pleased to call it, let them join what sect they pleased; yet when the converts began to file off, some to one party and some to another, it was seen that the seemingly good feelings of both the priests and the converts were more pretended than real; for a scene of great confusion and bad feeling ensued—priest contending against priest, and convert against convert; so that all their good feelings one for another, if they ever had any, were entirely lost in a strife of words and a contest about opinions."  (Pearl of Great Price | JS-History 1:5 - 6)



























 

Isaiah 44

In follow up to my thoughts on Friday, in this chapter, Isaiah again supports the idea that Israel (His chosen people) are not necessarily the posterity of Jacob, but the righteous of whom He becomes the Father and Savior and they are His seed.  Isaiah again says -

"...now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen:
2 Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 44:1 - 2)

Where I understand that Jesurun is Hebres for the upright and righteous.  For it is upon Jesurun that

"...I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 44:3)

For of the chosen or family of Israel -

"One shall say, I am the LORD's; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel.
6 Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 44:5 - 6)

His chosen are those that take upon them the name of Christ, make and keep sacred covenants, and always remember Him for -

"Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me.
22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 44:21 - 22)

 

Isaiah 43

I believe that "Israel" means or refers to God's chosen people.  Thus the house of Israel would be the family of those chosen.  And being the family chosen, Christ would be its head or "Father".

One of the important messages, Abinadi was to deliver was that Jesus Christ was the "Father" and the "Son".  The Father of His chosen family.  Referring to the words of Isaiah, Abinadi taught -

"...who shall declare his generation? Behold, I say unto you, that when his soul has been made an offering for sin he shall see his seed. And now what say ye? And who shall be his seed?
11 Behold I say unto you, that whosoever has heard the words of the prophets, yea, all the holy prophets who have prophesied concerning the coming of the Lord—I say unto you, that all those who have hearkened unto their words, and believed that the Lord would redeem his people, and have looked forward to that day for a remission of their sins, I say unto you, that these are his seed, or they are the heirs of the kingdom of God.
12 For these are they whose sins he has borne; these are they for whom he has died, to redeem them from their transgressions. And now, are they not his seed?"  (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 15:10 - 12)

Understanding this doctrine, Isaiah taught -

"...thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 43:1)

Being the one that created this family, all those that He redeems become chosen and are considered his sons and daughters being spiritually born of him for king Benjamin taught his people  -

"...because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters."  (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 5:7)

For

"....I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 43:3)

And  because He has ransomed us and that -

"Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.
5 Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;
6 I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;
7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 43:4 - 7)

Thus because He is our redeemer, Savior, having ransomed us, it is He that has formed the house of Israel or that family He has chosen for -

"...I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 43:15)

"This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 43:21)

He becomes the Father because -

"...I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 43:11)

And -

"I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 43:25)

Isaiah 42

Though some may assume the "servant" spoken by Isaiah is the Savior, which it may be, I thoughts this morning is the "servant" would be those in the latter days that preach the gospel, for as Isaiah prophecies -

"BEHOLD my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 42:1)

And we learn the manner of this work where -

"He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.
3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 42:2 - 4)

Which suggests -

"...faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 4:6)

For -

"...the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;
7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 42:6 - 7)

I believe he will lead by covenants or "holding the covenant hand" being the right hand.

And thus in this latter day dispensation of the fullness of times -

"Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 42:9)

Thus all this work and restoration is being prophesied by Isaiaih before it happens.

Isaiah 41

After describing that anciently, most of the people chose to be idol worshippers, the Lord tells us -

"But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.
9 Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 41:8 - 9)

Obviously, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob chose God over idols of nothingness.  It is to their righteous posterity the Lord instructs -

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 41:10)

These words remind of a verse in "How Firm a Foundation".

Adding to these words -

"For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee."  Old Testament | Isaiah 41:13)

The right hand is our "covenant" hand.  I believe the Lord is suggesting that He will lead us by covenants.  And thus -

"Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 41:14)

...which teaches that the Savior, "our Redeemer", is the great Jehovah.

Just another thought.  When Isaiah refers to trees such as -

"I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together:"  (Old Testament | Isaiah 41:19)

...I understand he is refering to people.  Thus is the last days, all ethnic people shall be part of the House of Israel.

Isaiah 40

Isaiah prophecied -

"Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 40:10)

Obviously, He will rule with justice and mercy and which reward may be a blessing or a curse (punishment).  Buy even so, there is a great component of love as -

"He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 40:11)

Being a Good Shepherd would suggest that He knows each of his lambs by name.  And He will lead their righteous parents also.

Being the Father of Heaven and Earth, the Creator, the Good Shepherd and Judge -

"Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him?
14 With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding?"  (Old Testament | Isaiah 40:13 - 14)

Obviously, being omniscience and omnipotent, no one.

Today we see society stepping forward, counseling God in that which they think if fair, equal, and right in their owners.  Obviously, they do not have an eternal or Godlike perspective.