Come, Follow Me: Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 11–25 (February 17–23)

Who Was Isaiah?

Illustration by Allen Garns

The Savior taught, “Great are the words of Isaiah,” and He has commanded us to study them (see 3 Nephi 23:1). Many of Isaiah’s teachings are symbolic of the mortal ministry and Second Coming of Jesus Christ. His words are so valuable that, in 2 Nephi 12–24, Nephi wrote them down so that the people who read them may “lift up their hearts and rejoice” (2 Nephi 11:8).

• Isaiah served as prophet from 740–701 BC, almost 40 years! At the time of his calling, Isaiah might not have been the white-haired old man we often imagine. You can read about his calling in 2 Nephi 16.

• He had a family. You can read about his wife, “the prophetess,” and the naming of his newborn son by the Lord in 2 Nephi 18:3.

• He was chief adviser to King Hezekiah. Isaiah had a lot of influence in Jerusalem. How might that have helped him in his role as prophet?

• Isaiah is the most frequently quoted prophet in scripture. Thirty-two percent of the book of Isaiah is quoted in the Book of Mormon; another three percent is paraphrased. (See Old Testament Student Manual, 3rd ed. [Church Educational System manual, 2003], 131.) What is your favorite verse from Isaiah?

• The name Isaiah means “the Lord is salvation.” Isaiah certainly taught that! How does taking upon you the name of Jesus Christ guide your decisions?