“Nephi’s Four Keys for Understanding Isaiah,” For the Strength of Youth, Sept. 2022.
Come, Follow Me
Isaiah
Nephi’s Four Keys for Understanding Isaiah
Having trouble reading Isaiah? Nephi’s here to help!
Illustrations by Kevin Keele
It’s obvious that the prophet Isaiah’s writings in the Old Testament are important because they are quoted so often in the New Testament and the Book of Mormon. The Savior Himself said, “Great are the words of Isaiah” (3 Nephi 23:1).
Still, why do they have to be so hard to understand?
Don’t be discouraged! Nephi knew our struggle. He agreed that “Isaiah spake many things which were hard … to understand” (2 Nephi 25:1). Thankfully, Nephi has given us four keys that can help us unlock the meaning of Isaiah’s words.
Key One: Live in the Last Days
Nephi wrote that those living in the “last days” would be able to “understand” Isaiah’s words (2 Nephi 25:8). Perhaps that is because people in the last days would have a perspective that people in Isaiah’s day didn’t have. Long ago, people may not have understood how people could “call evil good, and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20) and yet we see this happening all around us.
Also, people in the past may not have understood what the Lord meant when He said, “I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder” (Isaiah 29:14).
Modern prophets have told us this “marvellous work and a wonder” refers to the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and the ongoing Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. You are blessed to live in a time when you can witness the fulfillment of many of Isaiah’s prophecies.
Key Two: Have the Spirit of Prophecy
Nephi said Isaiah’s words can be “plain unto all those that are filled with the spirit of prophecy” (2 Nephi 25:4). That might sound intimidating at first, but this doesn’t mean that only prophets can understand Isaiah. The scriptures teach that “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10). In other words, if you believe in Jesus Christ, you already have the beginning of what it takes to understand Isaiah!
Isaiah’s writings testify of Jesus Christ and His Atonement. Even his name testifies of the Savior! Isaiah’s name means “the Lord is Salvation,” or “Jesus saves.”
Key Three: Understand Poetry and Symbols
Nephi explained that Isaiah’s words are difficult for those not familiar with “the manner of prophesying among the Jews” (2 Nephi 25:1). Isaiah’s words are easier to understand as we learn more about the Eastern writing traditions of Isaiah’s day, such as poetry and symbols. Isaiah most often used complex symbols in his writings.
For example, Isaiah wrote about those who are “high and lifted up” as being like the “cedars of Lebanon” and the “oaks of Bashan [Syria]” (2 Nephi 12:13). Cedars and oaks are hardwood trees. Isaiah used a poetic way to say that proud and lofty people are like tall trees because they have hardened their hearts and think that they are better than others. Reading Isaiah like poetry can help us better understand what he taught.
Key Four: Know the Geography
Isaiah names 108 different places in his writings. This can be quite confusing to keep track of, especially if you’ve never lived there! Nephi’s fourth key is to know the “regions round about” Jerusalem (2 Nephi 25:6).
Jerusalem is in the same place it has always been, but anciently it was at the center of three competing world powers. To the east was Babylon, a center of arts and fashion. To the north was Assyria, the military power in Isaiah’s day. To the southwest was Egypt, a trade center. Just knowing this much can help us keep track of who was threatening to attack Israel and carry away captives. Symbolically, Babylon represents worldliness, Assyria pride, and Egypt wealth.
Isaiah’s Words Are for You
Isaiah taught many other things that are important for us to understand. He testified of the scattering and gathering of Israel, which President Russell M. Nelson has said “is the most important thing taking place on earth today. … And if you choose to, if you want to, you can be a big part of it” (“Hope of Israel” [worldwide youth devotional, June 3, 2018], 8, HopeofIsrael.ChurchofJesusChrist.org; see Isaiah 49:13–23).
Isaiah also testified of the building of Zion in preparation for the Savior’s Second Coming and millennial reign (see, for example, Isaiah 51–52). With a testimony of Jesus Christ, the Spirit can testify to you of the importance of Isaiah’s words and how they can help and bless your life today.