What Was Going On in the Time of Isaiah?

Nephi felt inspired to share many of the words of the prophet Isaiah. Understanding the geographical and political context behind Isaiah’s prophecies can help you navigate the symbols he used to prophesy about his day and ours.

This map shows the kingdoms in Isaiah’s day. You can use it to follow along as Nephi quotes Isaiah. Isaiah may refer to a place in various ways: by its name, capital city, primary tribe of Israel, political leader, or other symbols. Check the footnotes in the scriptures for more insights.

1. Syria

Capital: Damascus
Helped Israel attack Judah for not joining an alliance against Assyria
Leader: Rezin (see 2 Nephi 17:1, 4, 8)

2. Israel

Northern Kingdom
Capital: Samaria
Primary tribe: Ephraim (see 2 Nephi 17:8–9) or the “lost tribes”
Leader: Pekah, son of Remaliah (see 2 Nephi 17:1, 4, 9)

3. Judah

Southern Kingdom
Capital: Jerusalem
Primary tribe: Judah (see 2 Nephi 13:1, 8; 15:3, 7)
Leader: Ahaz, the “house of David” (2 Nephi 17:1–3)

4. Assyria

Military power in Isaiah’s day
Conquered Syria, Israel, and eventually all of Judah except Jerusalem
Scattered the ten tribes
Later conquered by Babylon
Symbolic of pride and the destruction of the wicked at the Second Coming (see 2 Nephi 20)

5. Babylon

Conquered Assyria and Judah
Exiled the Jews from Jerusalem
Symbolic of the world and its wickedness