2 Nephi 25:1-8
The thought impresses me that this chapter serves as plain-spoken guide to understanding the previous chapters of scripture written by Isaiah. Perhaps even as a starting point to understanding the prophecies of Isaiah, one would do good to review this chapter first. It is given by prophecy, so as to make its explanations more effective than any other sources.
The writings of Isaiah are notorious for being hard to understand. Difficulty in understanding the scriptures is addressed in these verse. Nephi's people had a hard timing understanding the words of Isaiah. Nephi attributes this to their not being exposed to the ways of the Jews. Yet he explains that he has included these writings that we "may know the judgments of God, that they come upon all nations, according to the word which he hath spoken," (vs. 3).
Nephi also observes that those who are filled with a spirit of prophecy are able to understand the writing of Isaiah. (see vs. 4) Later, he adds that in the days of their fulfillment, the words of Isaiah shall be understood. (see vs. 7)
The thought impresses me that this chapter serves as plain-spoken guide to understanding the previous chapters of scripture written by Isaiah. Perhaps even as a starting point to understanding the prophecies of Isaiah, one would do good to review this chapter first. It is given by prophecy, so as to make its explanations more effective than any other sources.
The writings of Isaiah are notorious for being hard to understand. Difficulty in understanding the scriptures is addressed in these verse. Nephi's people had a hard timing understanding the words of Isaiah. Nephi attributes this to their not being exposed to the ways of the Jews. Yet he explains that he has included these writings that we "may know the judgments of God, that they come upon all nations, according to the word which he hath spoken," (vs. 3).
Nephi also observes that those who are filled with a spirit of prophecy are able to understand the writing of Isaiah. (see vs. 4) Later, he adds that in the days of their fulfillment, the words of Isaiah shall be understood. (see vs. 7)
Isaiah wasn't just a prophet but a poet. And the best of poets can't simply be read casually, like a newspaper article.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments, Clifford.
ReplyDelete-Brent
I've just come across this blog after searching for articles and sites about Studying the Scriptures for my wife who is doing a presentation for a Relief Society activity tomorrow night, and whilst this will be great for her, it's pretty good for me too as I've just finished reading this chapter!! Thanks, I think I'll be bookmarking this blog!!
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