Gospel Doctrine Commentary
Lesson No. Ten
Why the Book of Mormon is the Greatest Commentary on Isaiah
Nephi applies the teachings of Isaiah to the latter days – A very important aspect of understanding Isaiah is to realize that whenever a Book of Mormon prophet quotes Isaiah he then explains in plainness the doctrine that Isaiah is teaching. Elder McConkie said it best:
“The Book of Mormon prophets – note this carefully and let its significance dawn upon you – the Book of Mormon prophets interpreted the passages they used, with the result that this volume of latter-day scripture becomes the witness for and the revealer of the truths of this chief book of Old Testament prophecies. The Book of Mormon is the world’s greatest commentary on the book of Isaiah” (Bruce R. McConkie, Ten Keys to Understanding Isaiah, Ensign, October 1973).
We should liken the teaching of Isaiah to ourselves. (See 1 Nephi 19:24, 2 Nephi 11:8) Nephi helps us to do this when he quotes from Isaiah in 2 Nephi 12-24 and then in the next six chapters he interprets Isaiah’s teachings and for our benefit he applies them to the latter days.
2 Nephi 25 – Nephi is determined to explain the teachings of Isaiah in plainness so then no one in the last days can err (Vs 7, 20, 28). Isaiah’s prophecies will be of great worth and will be understood in the latter days (Vs 8). Christ will be born six hundred years after Lehi left Jerusalem; he will be rejected, crucified, and resurrected (Vs 12-13, 19). The Jews will be scattered and scourged for many generations (Vs 15-16).
The Lord will do a marvelous work and a wonder by restoring the gospel in the last days (Vs 17). Nephi testifies of Jesus Christ, and that the things he has written are true, and they will be preserved in the Book of Mormon (Vs 21-22). Like Nephi we should talk of Christ, rejoice in Christ, preach and prophecy of Christ so that our children might know where to look for a remission of their sins (Vs 26). We must bow down before Christ and worship him with all our might, mind and strength; if we do this we will in no wise be cast out (Vs 29).
2 Nephi 26 – Nephi speaks of the signs to be given in the Americas at the death of Christ when the wicked will be destroyed and the righteous will be preserved. Jesus will appear to the Nephites and righteousness will prevail for three generations. Then because of wickedness they will be destroyed (Vs 1-13).
Nephi prophesies of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon in the last days (Vs 14-17). The gentiles will smite the Lamanites who live in the land of promise. These gentiles will be lifted up in pride and will put down the power and miracles of God. Many false churches and secret combinations will be built up (Vs 14-22). Nevertheless, the Lord loveth the world and laid down his life that he may draw all men to him. The Lord invites all to come unto him and partake of his goodness (Vs 24-33).
2 Nephi 27 – In the last days there will be great iniquity and all manner of abominations (Vs 1). Appetites of the flesh dominate in the lives of many people, but nothing satisfies them. Spiritual darkness prevails (Vs 2-5). The Book of Mormon will be attested to by three witness, by a few (eight) others, and by the mouth of many other witnesses the Lord will raise up (Vs 6-14). Martin Harris’ dealings with Professor Anthon is described (Vs 15-18).
The Lord will do a marvelous work and a wonder by the hand of Joseph Smith, an unlearned man the Lord will raise up (Vs 19-26). Those who heed the teachings of the Book of Mormon will see out of darkness and their joy in the Lord will increase (Vs 27-35).
2 Nephi 28 – The Book of Mormon will be of great worth in the last days when there are many who deny that God hears and answers prayers (Vs 1-6). Many people in the last days will believe in easy salvation. This false doctrine of easy salvation is described that because God loves all people he will justify sin, and we can live any life style we choose. In the end all will be saved in the kingdom of God (Vs 7-8). Many who teach such false doctrine are puffed up with pride (Vs 9-15). They revile against that which is good, and the devil rages in their hearts (Vs 16-20).
In the last days the devil will pacify some by saying don’t worry all is well in your life. Others will accept the devil’s lie that there is no absolute good or evil, but everything is relative to everyone’s desires. In this way the devil leads people carefully down to hell (Vs 2-23).
Those who receive latter day scripture and revelation stand on a sure foundation. However, some will tremble and be angry because more truth is revealed and they don’t want more truth (Vs 24-29). However, for those who accept latter day scriptures and revelation more truth will be given to them. Those who reject these things even the truth they have will be lost to them (Vs 30-31). The Lord will be merciful to them who repent and come unto him (Vs 32).
2 Nephi 29 – In the last day the Lord will do a marvelous work as he fulfills his covenants (Vs 1). An important part of the restoration is the coming forth of the Book of Mormon which will go forth to the ends of the earth (Vs 2). Foolish people in the latter days will reject the Book of Mormon because they have the Bible and that is enough for them (Vs 3-6). The Lord speaks to all nations, and they write it, and their writings will all come together in one (Vs 7-14).
2 Nephi 30 – All who repent and join the Church become the covenant people of the Lord (Vs 1-2). Latter day gentiles will take the Book of Mormon to Lehi’s remnant who will then know their family history, and they will be restored to the knowledge of Christ and his gospel (Vs 3-5).
The Lord will commence his work among all people and the gospel will be taken to all the nations of the earth (Vs 6-8). This will be in preparation for the Second Coming when the wicked will be destroyed and the righteous will be preserved (Vs 9-10). The millennium is described where the knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth (Vs 11-18).
Testimony – The breath and the depth and the power of doctrine found in 2 Nephi 25-30 is truly inspired. As I ponder how Nephi expounds on the teachings of Isaiah in these chapters the words of Elder Bruce R. McConkie ring true in my heart and mind:
“And may I be so bold as to affirm that no one, absolutely no one, in this age and dispensation has or does or can understand the writings of Isaiah until he first learns and believes what God has revealed by the mouths of his Nephite witnesses as these truths are found in that volume of holy writ of which he himself swore this oath: ‘…as your Lord and your God liveth it is true’ (D&C 17:6)” (Bruce R. McConkie, Ten Keys to Understanding Isaiah, Ensign, October 1973).
We are very blessed to live in the last days when we can understand Nephi’s and Isaiah’s prophecies, and we see firsthand that they are being fulfilled. (See 2 Nephi 25:8). As these prophecies are fulfilled, if we are righteous, we can have great hope and confidence in the future.