Old Testament Study and Teaching Helps — Lesson 38

Isaiah 13-35 “Blessed Are All They That Wait for Him”

As we watch the signs of the times and participate in the ongoing Restoration, we can rest assured that the prophecies related to our days will be fulfilled. The prophet Isaiah wrote, “The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand” (Isaiah 14:24; see also D&C 1:37-38). Isaiah 13-35 offers many teachings and prophecies regarding the last days, the Second Coming, and the Millennium. Read the following verses, highlighting those that have the most meaning for you:

The Last Days

- Isaiah 18:3

- Isaiah 19:19-25

- Isaiah 30:8-13

- Isaiah 31:1, 3

The Second Coming

- Isaiah 13:4-11, 19

- Isaiah 14:4-6, 15-17, 21-24

- Isaiah 21:9

- Isaiah 24:1-6, 17-21

- Isaiah 26:5, 20-21

- Isaiah 28:21-22

- Isaiah 30:1, 27-28, 30

- Isaiah 34:1-2, 5, 8

The Millennium

- Isaiah 14:1, 3, 7, 32

- Isaiah 26:1-4, 8-9, 12-14

- Isaiah 27:6, 13

- Isaiah 30:19, 23-26

- Isaiah 32:1-4, 16-18

- Isaiah 33:5, 20-22

—Did you learn anything new or different about the last days, the Second Coming, or the Millennium?

—Which verses stood out most for you, and why?

—Read and ponder the words to the hymns “Come, O Thou King of Kings” (Hymns, #59) and “Rejoice, the Lord Is King!” (Hymns, #66).

Isaiah 14:4-6, 10-19 “Thy Pomp Is Brought Down”

The chapter heading helps us understand that these verses pertain to Lucifer being cast out of the pre-mortal heaven:

- Verses 4-6 speak of the king of Babylon (perhaps Nebuchadnezzar), whose behavior was a type for Satan. Lucifer sought in the pre-mortal life (and continues during our mortal life on earth) to “rule,” to “oppress,” and to “smite.”

- In verses 12-14 it is shown that Lucifer was rejected in the pre-mortal council (see also Revelation 12:6-9; 2 Nephi 2:17-18; D&C 29:36-38; D&C 76:25-28).

- And Satan’s destructive work on earth will eventually cease, as described in Isaiah 14:10-11, 15-19, where we see his ultimate defeat. He becomes weak, is brought down, becomes as dead and covered with worms, and as a carcass trodden under feet. Read also Revelation 20:1-3, 10.

Isaiah 22; 25; 28; 29-30; 35 Our Loving Lord

Isaiah teaches us about the majesty and the goodness of God. Read the following references and compile a list of things they teach about Him:

—Isaiah 22:21-25

—Isaiah 25:1, 4, 6-9

—Isaiah 28:5, 16

—Isaiah 29:18-19, 24

—Isaiah 30:18-21

—Isaiah 35:4-7, 10

Which of these Godly attributes have blessed your life, and in what ways?

Isaiah 29 The Restoration Foretold

Isaiah 29 has many similarities to 2 Nephi 27 in the Book of Mormon (although each has a number of unique elements). Consider the following:

- Isaiah 29:1-10 addresses the woes upon wicked Jerusalem (“Ariel”) and her enemies.

- The chapter heading identifies verse 4 as also pertaining to the Nephites, whose record (the Book of Mormon) would “speak out of the ground” and be “out of the dust,” speaking with a “familiar spirit.”

- Verses 11-12 loosely match 2 Nephi 27:15-18, and are interpreted to be a prophecy of the February 1828 visit of Martin Harris to New York City, when he met with Charles Anthon, professor of classical studies at Columbia College (see Joseph Smith—History 1:63-65).

- A composite look at Isaiah/2 Nephi/Martin Harris reveals the following:

- “The learned” (Anthon) examined the sample characters copied from the Book of Mormon plates, along with Joseph’s translation, and declared the characters and translation to be “true” and “correct.”

- Anthon then wrote a certificate attesting to his findings and gave it to Harris. But when Harris mentioned that “an angel of God” had a hand in the work, Anthon balked, asked for the certificate, and “tore it to pieces.”

- Anthon then asked Harris to bring the plates to him so that he could translate them, but Harris declined.

- We learn from the prophecy of Nephi that Anthon would make this request “because of the glory of the world and to get gain” (2 Nephi 27:16).

- But Moroni wrote that the record was written in “reformed Egyptian” and that “none other people knoweth our language,” thus necessitating the Lord to provide “means for the interpretation thereof” (Mormon 9:32, 34).

- Anthon’s motivation was self-serving, but he would have failed anyway.

- Isaiah 29:13, 15 describes the apostasy from God’s truth (the Savior quoted verse 13 to Joseph Smith during the First Vision; see Joseph Smith—History 1:19).

- Isaiah 29:14 is the great prophecy regarding the latter-day restoration of the gospel (see also 1 Nephi 14:7; 22:7-12; D&C 18:44).

- What things does Isaiah 29:18-24 add, regarding the latter-day restoration?

Isaiah 33:14-17 Who Can Dwell with God?

At the end of verse 14, the question is asked, “Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?” This can be taken to refer to those who will be spared destruction at the Second Coming, as well as those who may enter eternally into the kingdom of God. What are the answers to this question, as given in verse 15? What are some of the rewards, found in verses 16-17?

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