“Isaiah 1: Isaiah Calls Israel to Repentence,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide (2002), 138–39
“Isaiah 1,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide, 138–39
Isaiah Calls Israel to Repentance
We are not sure if Isaiah wrote the chapters in his book in the order they appear in the Bible. It seems, however, that the chapters were carefully ordered to best communicate Isaiah’s full message. Isaiah 1 is like a preface to the book of Isaiah that previews and summarizes the entire book by telling: (1) what the people have done that is offensive to the Lord (vv. 1–9), (2) why they thought they did not need to repent (vv. 10–15), (3) what the Lord promised if they would repent (vv. 16–19, 25–27), and (4) what would happen if they did not repent (vv. 20–24, 28–31).
As you read, remember Nephi’s and Jacob’s counsel: Because we are of the house of Israel, we should liken these words to ourselves (see 1 Nephi 19:23; 2 Nephi 6:5). Many of Isaiah’s teachings and prophecies apply to us as if he spoke them today.
Studying the Scriptures
Do activities A and B as you study Isaiah 1.
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Israel Is Like a …
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Read Isaiah 1:2–9, 21–22, 30–31 and list all of the images, or symbols, Isaiah used to describe the people of Judah and their sins.
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Which of the sins of Judah are sins of people today?
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Scripture Mastery—Isaiah 1:18
Although the Lord was stern and used strong language with the Israelites, we can sense His love in the way He invited them to repent. The Lord’s solutions to our sins and problems may not always be quick or easy, but they will give us a lasting solution.
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Summarize the Lord’s solution for Judah’s troubles (see Isaiah 1:16–19).
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Read Doctrine and Covenants 58:42–43 and tell how the Lord made the same promise in these verses as He did in Isaiah 1:18 and what we must do to fulfill that promise.
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