Seminaries and Institutes
Isaiah 29: A Marvelous Work and a Wonder

“Isaiah 29: A Marvelous Work and a Wonder,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide (2002), 145–46

“Isaiah 29,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide, 145–46

Isaiah 29

A Marvelous Work and a Wonder

Sometimes people who are familiar with the Bible and are not members of the Church will ask us something like “If the Book of Mormon is such an important part of the work of God, why is it not mentioned in the Bible?” There are several answers to that question, and one of them is “It is!” Isaiah 29 is one place in the Bible where the Book of Mormon is referred to, even though it is not mentioned by name. As you read this chapter, look for prophecies of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and the impact this book will have on the world.

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study Isaiah 29.

  1. Prophecy Fulfilled

    1. Isaiah 29:1–6 tells about a group of people who “speak out of the ground” after the destruction of Jerusalem. Isaiah said they would be “visited … with earthquakes, and great noise, with storm, and tempest, and the flame of devouring fire” (Isaiah 29:6). Read 2 Nephi 26:15–17; 33:13; 3 Nephi 8:2–19; and Mormon 8:23, 26, 34–35, and write about ways the Book of Mormon fulfills the prophecy in Isaiah 29:1–6.

    2. Read Joseph Smith—History 1:61–65 and tell how the event recorded was a fulfillment of Isaiah 29:11–12. You may also want to read 2 Nephi 26:9–22 and see how these verses explain more about this prophecy.

  2. Scripture Mastery—Isaiah 29:13–14

    Apostasy means “a falling away,” and we refer to “the Apostasy” as the time when the fulness of the gospel and the priesthood authority to administer the ordinances of the gospel was taken from among men on the earth. “The Restoration” refers to the fulness of the gospel and priesthood authority being brought back to the earth.

    1. Read the following verses in Isaiah 29 and tell whether they are about the Apostasy or the Restoration, then explain what the verses teach about the Apostasy or the Restoration: vv. 9–10, 13–14, 15, 18–21, 24.

    2. Compare Isaiah 29:13–14 to Joseph Smith—History 1:18–19. What do you think the “marvellous work and a wonder” is? (see also vv. 33–34).

    3. Isaiah 29:11–12, 18–24 tell about a book that will play an important role in the “marvellous work and a wonder.” List the truths those verses say this book will do, and then tell what book you think it refers to.