Seminary
Isaiah 50–57: Overview

“Isaiah 50–57: Overview,’” Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual (2026)

“Isaiah 50–57: Overview,’” Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual

Isaiah 50–57

Isaiah 50–57

Overview

One of the reasons Isaiah’s words are so powerful is his testimony of Jesus Christ. Isaiah’s message to ancient and modern Israel is one of “joy and gladness” (Isaiah 51:3). Through the words of Isaiah, the Savior repeated the invitation to “hearken unto me” (Isaiah 51:1,4,7) and promised to comfort His covenant people (Isaiah 51:3,12; 52:9). Isaiah prophesied of “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3) who was “wounded for our transgressions” and “bruised for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:5). Yet, “with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). To those who feel “forsaken and grieved” (Isaiah 54:6), the Redeemer promises “everlasting kindness,” “mercy,” and “the covenant of [His] peace” (Isaiah 54:8,10). As the Savior himself testified, “Great are the words of Isaiah” (3 Nephi 23:1).

seminary iconHelp learners take responsibility for their learning. Sometimes, teachers feel a need to tell students what they should know. However, one of the most impactful things a teacher can do is to help students take responsibility for their learning. The Savior always looked for ways to do this by asking those He taught questions and inviting them to act. For more on how the Savior did this, see “The Savior Helped Others Take Responsibility for Their Learning” (Teaching in the Savior’s Way [2022], 24–25).

For an example of how you can help your students accept responsibility for their learning, see Lesson 123 “Isaiah 51–52.”

Prepare to teach

The following information provides you with ideas of what you may need to prepare in advance for each lesson.

Isaiah 51–52

Lesson purpose: To help students hearken unto the Savior’s invitations.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to ponder when they or someone they know obeyed one of the Lord’s invitations or commandments and were blessed. The lesson will provide an opportunity for willing students to share.

  • Content to display: A list of individuals students may listen to; the chart about the Savior’s invitations and promises to His covenant people

  • Handout: “The Lord’s Invitations and Promises to His Covenant People”

Isaiah 53

Lesson purpose: To help students feel gratitude for what the Savior has done for them through His Atonement.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to work on memorizing the doctrinal mastery reference Isaiah 53:3–5 and the key scripture phrase “Surely [Jesus Christ] hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows.”

  • Handout: “Understanding Isaiah 53”

  • Content to display: reflective prompt and questions at the beginning of the lesson; a statement from Elder David A. Bednar

  • Videos: “Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease” (16:23) from time code 12:15 to 13:22, “He Will Give You Help” (4:43)

Isaiah 54

Lesson purpose: To help students feel the Savior’s love and commitment to them.