Isaiah 13–23

Introduction

See the introduction to Isaiah 13–23 in Old Testament Student Manual: 1 Kings–Malachi (p. 153).

Some Important Gospel Principles to Look For

Even though the Lord sometimes uses the wicked to chasten His chosen people, wickedness will ultimately be destroyed among all nations (see Isaiah 13:6–11, 19–22; 14:24–26; see also Isaiah 10:5–27).
Lucifer, a spirit in a position of authority in the premortal life, was cast out of God’s presence and became Satan because he sought to exalt himself above God and rule over Heavenly Father’s other children (see Isaiah 14:12–20; see also D&C 29:36; 76:25–28; Moses 4:1–4).
As the promised Messiah, Christ holds the keys of eternal life for all mankind. His Atonement assures that all mankind will rise from the grave (see Isaiah 22:20–25; see also 1 Corinthians 15:22; Revelation 1:18).

Suggestions for Teaching

Isaiah 13–14. Understanding Satan’s fall and the nature of his “kingdom” (spiritual Babylon) can help us avoid his temptations.

(35–45 minutes)

Ask students to imagine the following situation: You are able to travel into the future. While you are in the future you find a history book that tells about what happened between the time you came from and the time you traveled to. You are able to remember much of what you read when you travel back to your own time.

What would you do with the information?
How could it help you make wise decisions for your future?

Tell students that prophecy is like looking into the future and reading history. Isaiah 13–14, for example, is especially interesting in this regard because it is dualistic—the same verses refer to events that have happened as well as events in our future.

Have students find who Isaiah is prophesying about in Isaiah 13:1 and 14:4 (see the commentary for Isaiah 13:1 in Old Testament Student Manual: 1 Kings–Malachi, p. 153). Write What is Babylon besides an ancient country? on the board and have them read Doctrine and Covenants 133:14 to find the answer. Have one group of students read Isaiah 13:6–22 and another group read Isaiah 14:4–23. Ask:

What did the Lord say would happen to ancient Babylon and its king? Why?
How do those verses apply to spiritual Babylon in our day?
Since Isaiah’s prophecies about historical Babylon were fulfilled, what can we expect about his prophecies concerning our day and spiritual Babylon?

Use the ideas in activity A for Isaiah 13–14 in the student study guide (p. 143) to help you explain the fall of Lucifer (see also the commentary for Isaiah 14:12–15 in Old Testament Student Manual: 1 Kings–Malachi, p. 155). Remind students that Satan is always subject to the power of God. Also remind them that the Lord will always protect those who trust in Him. Read or sing the third verse of the hymn “Abide with Me!” (Hymns, no. 166).