We are currently studying the marvelous teachings of the prophet Isaiah in Sunday School. He appears to be among those prophets who were privileged to have a panoramic vision from the beginning to the end, from our premortal state in the eternal worlds before this earth was framed until after the end thereof, when the earth will be sanctified in celestial glory.
As I contemplate the teachings of Isaiah, it appears there are two major themes that run through the 66 chapters of his book: (1) a witness of the Lord Jesus Christ and (2) a focus on the apostasy, dispersion, gathering, and healing of the house of Israel in the last days.
The Book of Mormon seems to bear this out. Concerning the first theme, the prophet Nephi wrote, "That I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah" (1 Nephi 19:23; emphasis added).
Concerning the second theme, the story of the house of Israel, the resurrected Savior endorsed Isaiah's words when he appeared to the Nephites assembled in the land of Bountiful, "I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things, . . . for great are the words of Isaiah. For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel" (3 Nephi 23:1-2; emphasis added).
The more we understand Isaiah the more we will understand the expansive mission of the Lord Jesus Christ and what the Father is accomplishing and will yet accomplish with His covenant people in these latter days. Little wonder the Lord commanded that we search the words of Isaiah.
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