Scripture Helps

Isaiah 50–57

Through Isaiah the Lord assured the Israelites that He had not forsaken them. He invited them to repent, and He would once again bless them. He promised that Jerusalem would be made clean and glorious. He also prophesied of a day when the Lord’s messengers would be empowered to share the good news of the gathering and redemption of Israel. The world will one day recognize and worship the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah taught that the Savior would be despised, rejected, smitten, and afflicted. He would carry our sorrows and be wounded for our transgressions. The Lord promised captive Israel that their scattering would be temporary and taught that His covenant love for them is eternal. He invited them to return to their covenant relationship with Him and trust in His higher ways.

Resources

• Background and Context

• Learn More

• Media

Note: The citation of a source not published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not imply that it or its author is endorsed by the Church or represents the official position of the Church.

Background and Context

Isaiah 50:1

Why did the Lord ask about a “bill of … divorcement” and “creditors”?

The Lord used the imagery of divorce and the sale of a slave to teach that although Israel’s past apostasy had led to scattering and captivity, He had not set aside the original covenant He made with His people. Under the law of Moses, a man who divorced his wife was required to issue a written bill of divorce for it to be valid. Likewise, individuals in ancient times could sell themselves or their children into slavery to repay their debts. But the Lord had no creditors, nor had He issued Israel a bill of divorce. Rather, it was Israel who had separated herself from the Lord through sin.

Isaiah 52:1–2

What does it mean to put on “beautiful garments”?

After describing the physical and spiritual captivity that Israel would experience because of sin, Isaiah called for the Lord’s covenant people to “awake,” “loose … the bands” from their necks, and leave captivity behind. One fulfillment of this prophecy occurred when the Jews were freed from captivity in Babylon by King Cyrus and allowed to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. In our day, Israel is being spiritually awakened and gathered from among the nations. Isaiah’s invitation to put on “beautiful garments” was likely a symbolic call to remove the clothes of sin and bondage and replace them with the clothes of righteousness and priesthood authority.

Isaiah 52:7–10

What is the meaning of the phrase “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings”?

In ancient times, runners were used to deliver messages. Isaiah used this familiar image of messengers bringing good tidings to symbolize the beauty of receiving good news—and the gratitude felt for those who bring the message. One example of the good tidings that Isaiah may have been prophesying of was the announcement that the exiled Jews would be allowed to return to Jerusalem. In our dispensation, the Lord has used this same imagery to describe missionaries who are called to share the good news of His gospel.

Isaiah 52:8–10 is quoted four times in the Book of Mormon, including twice by the Savior. When the wicked priests of King Noah challenged Abinadi to explain the meaning of these verses, Abinadi taught that the “holy prophets … are they who have published peace, who have brought good tidings of good.” He went on to testify that the most beautiful messenger of all is Jesus Christ. Abinadi declared, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that is the founder of peace, yea, even the Lord, who has redeemed his people.”

Image courtesy of Havenlight

All His Majesty, by Yongsung Kim

Isaiah 52:11

What are the vessels of the Lord?

When King Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians attacked Jerusalem, they took “all the treasures of the house of the Lord.” This included anything made of gold, silver, or bronze—like the candlesticks, basins, and other vessels used for temple worship. President Jeffrey R. Holland taught that the command for those who bear the vessels of the Lord to be clean “refers to the recovery and return to Jerusalem of various temple implements that had been carried into Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. In physically handling the return of these items, those early brethren were reminded by the Lord of the sanctity of anything related to the temple. Therefore, as they carried back to their homeland these various bowls, basins, cups, and other vessels, they themselves were to be as clean as the ceremonial instruments they bore.”

Isaiah 52:13–15

Who is the servant who would astonish kings and others?

These verses are part of one of Isaiah’s “servant songs.” The servant in this song is described as prudent, meaning wise and influential—someone whose actions would astonish many, including kings. The phrase “his visage was so marred more than any man” suggests that the servant would experience intense suffering that would disfigure his appearance. The King James Version states that this servant would “sprinkle many nations.” Other translations use the words “startle” or “astound” instead of “sprinkle.” The Joseph Smith Translation replaces “sprinkle” with “gather.”

In the Book of Mormon, the Savior taught that Isaiah 52:13 also refers to a servant involved in the “great and … marvelous work” that the Father would perform in the last days. This was likely a reference to the Prophet Joseph Smith. As with the other servant songs, the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy is Jesus Christ. A suffering Savior of all humankind is generally not what the people of the world would expect.

Isaiah 53

How does Jesus Christ fulfill Isaiah’s description of the suffering servant?

Isaiah 53 is one of the most powerful and well-known prophecies fulfilled by Jesus Christ. It is a continuation of the servant song that begins near the end of Isaiah 52. This portion of Isaiah’s song focuses on the “suffering servant,” who can symbolize the Savior. Isaiah 53 is one of the most frequently quoted prophecies about Jesus Christ in the New Testament. Abinadi also quoted and elaborated on this prophecy in the Book of Mormon.

The following table illustrates possible ways that Jesus Christ fulfilled some of the prophecies in this chapter.

Phrase from Isaiah 53	Possible Fulfillment
Phrase from Isaiah 53 “He shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground” (Isaiah 53:2)	Possible Fulfillment The Messiah came in a way that no one anticipated. “Dry ground” may also symbolize the spiritual drought or apostasy that existed in Jesus’s day.
Phrase from Isaiah 53 “There is no beauty that we should desire him” (Isaiah 53:2)	Possible Fulfillment There was nothing in the Savior’s physical appearance during mortality that distinguished Him or set Him apart from others.
Phrase from Isaiah 53 “He is despised and rejected of men” (Isaiah 53:3)	Possible Fulfillment Jesus Christ was rejected by His own people and was spat upon, smitten, scourged, and mocked throughout His trials and Crucifixion.
Phrase from Isaiah 53 “He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:4)	Possible Fulfillment As part of His atoning sacrifice, the Savior took upon Himself our pains, afflictions, sicknesses, and infirmities.
Phrase from Isaiah 53 “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5)	Possible Fulfillment Jesus Christ suffered for our sins so that we can receive forgiveness, peace, and spiritual healing.
Phrase from Isaiah 53 “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7)	Possible Fulfillment Jesus remained silent during His trial before Herod. He was also quiet at times during His examinations by the chief priests and Pilate.
Phrase from Isaiah 53 “He made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death” (Isaiah 53:9)	Possible Fulfillment Jesus was crucified between two thieves and was buried in the tomb of a rich man.
Phrase from Isaiah 53 “It pleased the Lord to bruise him” (Isaiah 53:10)	Possible Fulfillment This could mean that Heavenly Father was pleased that Jesus willingly offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins.
Phrase from Isaiah 53 “He shall see his seed” (Isaiah 53:10)	Possible Fulfillment Abinadi taught that the “seed” in this verse refers to those who believe the prophets’ testimony of Jesus Christ.

Gethsemane, by J. Kirk Richards

Isaiah 54:1–3

What does it mean to “enlarge the place of thy tent … and strengthen thy stakes”?

Isaiah compared Zion to a tent or a tabernacle secured by stakes. He prophesied of a time when so many righteous people would be gathered to Zion that the tent would need to be enlarged and secured with additional, stronger stakes.

The Savior quoted this prophecy in the Book of Mormon and explained that one fulfillment would occur when Israel is gathered in the last days. Today, the Church is organized into “stakes of Zion,” a term drawn from Isaiah’s analogy. “Each stake of Zion supports and helps to hold up the Church the way a tent or tabernacle is held up by its stakes. A stake is a gathering place for the remnants of scattered Israel.”

Isaiah 54:6–10

What does it mean that the Lord would gather His people with “mercy” and “everlasting kindness”?

The Lord explained that Israel’s suffering would be temporary, and His kindness and mercy would be everlasting. He promised that the “covenant of [His] peace” is more permanent than the mountains and hills. The Hebrew word translated as “kindness” in verses 8 and 10 is hesed, which refers to the covenantal love the Lord has for His people.

President Russell M. Nelson explained: “Because God has hesed for those who have covenanted with Him, He will love them. He will continue to work with them and offer them opportunities to change. He will forgive them when they repent. And should they stray, He will help them find their way back to Him.”

Isaiah 56:3–8

What promises did the Lord make to strangers and eunuchs ?

In the King James Version of the Bible, the word “stranger” often refers to non-Israelites living among the covenant people. While these foreigners were granted certain legal protections, they were excluded from participating in some religious practices, such as entering the temple courtyard for worship. Eunuchs were a class of emasculated men who often held trusted positions in royal courts. They were also restricted in their ability to worship among the Israelites.

In Isaiah 56, the Lord made it clear that if eunuchs and strangers would take “hold of [His] covenant,” they would be entitled to the same blessings and privileges as the other Israelites. Extending covenant privileges to these outsiders represented a radical shift from the prevailing attitudes of the time.

Learn More

“Put on thy strength, … thy beautiful garments”

• David A. Bednar, “Put On Thy Strength, O Zion,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 92–95

The suffering and Atonement of Jesus Christ

• Dallin H. Oaks, “Strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 61–63

• “The Suffering Savior,” For the Strength of Youth, Apr. 2022, 32

• Donald W. Parry, “Christ and Culture in the Old Testament,” Ensign, Feb. 2010, 51–57

“Enlarge the place of thy tent, … and strengthen thy stakes”

• “Enlarge the Place of Thy Tent,” Ensign, Apr. 2015, 70–71

Media

Video

“The Savior Understands Me” (3:37)

Music

• “Gethsemane,” Hymns—For Home and Church

• “Isaiah Said,” Hymns—For Home and Church

• “Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise,” Hymns, no. 41

• “Redeemer of Israel,” Hymns, no. 6

Images

an illustration of Elijah running, by Robert T. Barrett

How Beautiful Upon the Mountains, by Eva Timothy

Cyrus Restores the Vessels of the Temple, by Gustave Doré

The Mocking of Christ, by Carl Bloch

Christ and Pilate Behold the Man, by Marcus Vincent

Notes

1. See Kerry Muhlestein, Learning to Love Isaiah (2021), 412–13, notes on Isaiah 50:1; Isaiah 50:2–3.

2. See Deuteronomy 24:1–4.

3. See Exodus 21:7–8; 2 Kings 4:1; Nehemiah 5:1–5. See also “Deuteronomy 15:12–18. What do we know about slavery in Old Testament times?”

4. See Isaiah 48–51.

5. See 3 Nephi 20:11–46; Doctrine and Covenants 113:7–8.

6. See Isaiah 61:10; Doctrine and Covenants 113:7–8. See also 2 Nephi 9:14; Carol F. McConkie, “Courage to Choose Modesty,” Liahona, Oct. 2014, 39. The changing of clothing can represent a change in status and circumstance (see Tremper Longman III and Mark L. Strauss, eds., The Baker Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words [2023], “Clothing, Clothes,” 161).

7. See Muhlestein, Learning to Love Isaiah, 427–28, note on Isaiah 52:7.

8. See Doctrine and Covenants 19:29; 31:3; 79:1.

9. See Mosiah 12:22–24; 15:29–31; 3 Nephi 16:18–20; 20:32–35.

10. Mosiah 15:13–14.

11. Mosiah 15:18.

12. 2 Kings 24:13.

13. See Jeremiah 52:17–20; Ezra 1:7–11; 5:14–15.

14. Jeffrey R. Holland, “Sanctify Yourselves,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2000, 39.

15. For more about the servant songs, see “Isaiah 42:1. Who is the servant spoken of by Isaiah?”

16. See Donald W. Parry and others, Understanding Isaiah (1998), 469, note on Isaiah 52:14.

17. Isaiah 52:15.

18. For example, see the New Living Translation, International Standard Version, and New English Translation. See also Robert Alter, The Hebrew Bible: A Translation with Commentary (2019), 2:800, note on Isaiah 52:15.

19. Joseph Smith Translation, Isaiah 52:15 (in Isaiah 52:15, footnote a).

20. 3 Nephi 21:9. See also 3 Nephi 20:43–46; 21:1–11.

21. See Bruce R. McConkie, The Mortal Messiah (1981), 4:354.

22. See Muhlestein, Learning to Love Isaiah, 431, note on Isaiah 52:13.

23. Muhlestein, Learning to Love Isaiah, 433. See also Kenneth L. Barker and others, eds., NIV Study Bible: Fully Revised Edition (2020), 1234–35, note on Isaiah 53:5.

24. See Matthew 8:16–17; Luke 22:37; John 12:37–38; Acts 8:30–35; Romans 10:16; 1 Peter 2:22–25.

25. See Mosiah 14–15.

26. See Terry B. Ball, “Isaiah and the Messiah,” in Jesus Christ: Son of God, Savior, ed. Paul H. Peterson and others (2002), 81–82; Muhlestein, Learning to Love Isaiah, 434, note on Isaiah 53:2. See also John 1:43–46; 6:41–42.

27. See Parry and others, Understanding Isaiah, 473, note on Isaiah 53:2. See also 2 Nephi 10:3–5.

28. See Dennis B. Neuenschwander, “One among the Crowd,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2008, 102–3; Monte S. Nyman, “Abinadi’s Commentary on Isaiah,” in The Book of Mormon: Mosiah, Salvation Only Through Christ, ed. Monte S. Nyman and Charles D. Tate Jr. (1991), 167–68.

29. See Matthew 26:67–68; 27:22–43; Luke 4:16–30; John 1:11; 1 Nephi 19:7–10.

30. See Alma 7:11–12.

31. See Alma 7:13; 3 Nephi 9:13; Doctrine and Covenants 19:16–19. See also Parry and others, Understanding Isaiah, 474–75, note on Isaiah 53:5.

32. See Mark 15:3–5; Luke 23:8–9. See also David Rolph Seely and Jo Ann H. Seely, “Behold the Lamb of God,” Ensign, Apr. 2013, 48.

33. See Matthew 27:38, 57–60. See also Nyman, “Abinadi’s Commentary on Isaiah,” 182.

34. See Parry and others, Understanding Isaiah, 476, note on Isaiah 53:10. See also John 3:16.

35. See Mosiah 15:10–13. See also Mosiah 5:7.

36. The family of Abraham was nomadic and dwelt in tents. As nomadic families grew, the tent was enlarged (see “Enlarge the Place of Thy Tent,” Ensign, Apr. 2015, 71).

37. See Muhlestein, Learning to Love Isaiah, 440–41, notes on Isaiah 54:2; 54:3.

38. See 3 Nephi 21:28–29; 22:1–2. See also 3 Nephi 20–22.

39. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson (2014), 290. See also Doctrine and Covenants 82:14.

40. Guide to the Scriptures, “Stake,” Gospel Library.

41. Russell M. Nelson, “The Everlasting Covenant,” Liahona, Oct. 2022, 6.

42. See Bible Dictionary, “Stranger.”

43. See Deuteronomy 23:3.

44. See Bible Dictionary, “Eunuch.”

45. See Leviticus 21:17–23; Deuteronomy 23:1–2. These restrictions were in place because of the commonly held belief that “wholeness of body typified spiritual wholeness” (Victor L. Ludlow, Isaiah: Prophet, Seer, and Poet [1982], 472).

46. See Muhlestein, Learning to Love Isaiah, 456, note on Isaiah 56:3–6.