Understanding Isaiah
- Warnings from God (2 Nephi 20:1-4)
- Assyria, the Rod of the Lord (2 Nephi 20:5-11)
- God’s Judgment on the King of Assyria (2 Nephi 20:12-19)
- A Remnant of Israel to Return (2 Nephi 20:20-23)
- The Destruction of the Assyrian Army (2 Nephi 20: 24-34)
- A Prophecy against Babylon (2 Nephi 23)
- Mercy for Israel (2 Nephi 24:1-3)
- God’s Judgment on the King of Babylon (2 Nephi 24: 4-21)
- A Prophecy against Assyria (2 Nephi 24: 24-27)
- A Prophecy against the Philistines (2 Nephi 24: 28-32)
- The Coming Messianic Age (2 Nephi 21:1-9)
- The Gathering of Israel (2 Nephi 21:10-16)
- Two Hymns of Praise (2 Nephi 22)
“Because God is all-knowing, He can give prophecy that applies to many different people, time periods, and circumstances. Dualistic prophecy is abundant in the writings of Isaiah. This dualism is discussed by many scholars, especially Latter-day Saints, and is enhanced by the aid of modern prophetic commentary on Isaiah’s record. Unfortunately, some who study Isaiah get overly obsessed with identifying a single specific event Isaiah is foretelling, and, as a result, may miss one of his purposes for prophesying in the first place. Each individual event in a prophecy fits into an overall message that Isaiah, or the Lord through Isaiah, wants the reader to understand. The events Isaiah describes are intended to help the reader understand and put the message in context. Though identifying specific events of which Isaiah prophesied can be exciting and faith-building, we must remember that the wider application of principles in the book has as much and perhaps more value.”
“Compare Isaiah’s writings to an algebraic equation with multiple variables, with the variables representing the different events Isaiah seems to be describing. At first glance the mathematician may want to solve the equation, or in other words, find definite values for each variable or event in the prophetic equation. Often in Isaiah’s prophetic equations, however, the variables or events may have more than one “value” that would work in the equation. Thus, while there may be merit in assigning specific “values” or events to each of Isaiah’s various prophecies, one should not overlook the overall message and purpose to the equation. It may be that at times Isaiah provides a formula that may lead the reader to powerful solutions with many different variables. The value of a formula is that it does not provide just one answer, but it has the ability to provide answers in many varying situations. Once one has the formula, it is easy to apply it according to need. Accordingly, the value in Isaiah’s writings may not only be found in his descriptions of individual events, but in the prophetic formulas he provides. These formulas provide a blueprint for solving problems in many different times and circumstances.”
“In Isaiah 13, 14, and 21, the downfall of Babylon and her king are described with prophetic accuracy. In each chapter, Isaiah echoes the surprise that such a great and powerful empire could fall so quickly and without warning. The pride upon which the entire civilization was built is the very thing that blinds the rulers of Babylon to the impending destruction. They are so certain that they are secure and that they would remain in power forever that they could not see the end approaching. So it is also with those who are of spiritual Babylon. They follow the pomp and glory and lifestyle of worldliness and sin and are blind to the consequences and “burdens” which they are heaping upon themselves. Such, Isaiah warns, is the burden of those who seek after the great and spacious buildings of Babylon. They like Babylon may flourish in sin and worldliness for a season but in the end will find that their lives are left desolate.
There are at least three important levels upon which these prophecies can be understood and Isaiah’s formulas applied. First, they speak of the fall of ancient Babylon to the Persians. Secondly, they symbolize the destruction of the wicked at the Second Coming of Christ. Finally, they symbolize the spiritual consequences of those in any age who commit the sins of Babylon.”
Isaiah's Burden Prophecies As Spiritual Formulas, Justin Brent Top, Brigham Young University - Provo, 2007
First Presidency Statement--Temple Changes
"Whenever the Lord has had a people on the earth who will obey His word, they have been commanded to build temples. Scriptures document patterns of temple worship from the times of Adam and Eve, Moses, Solomon, Nephi, and others.
With the restoration of the gospel in these latter days, temple worship has also been restored to bless the lives of people across the world and on the other side of the veil as well.
Over these many centuries, details associated with temple work have been adjusted periodically, including language, methods of construction, communication, and record-keeping. Prophets have taught that there will be no end to such adjustments as directed by the Lord to His servants.
A dedicated temple is the most holy of any place of worship on the earth. Its ordinances are sacred and are not discussed outside a holy temple."
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