Isaiah: Prophet to all of Israel
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Isaiah was a prophet to all the house of Israel whose ministry centered in Jerusalem for a span of about 40 years, generally believed to be from 740-701 B.C.
In The Old Testament: A Mormon Perspective, Glenn L. Pearson wrote: "The time of Isaiah'sT ministry saw the formation of those world powers which would lead to empire building on scales never known before. The foundations of spiritual Babylon had been laid centuries earlier in the days of Nimrod. Many kingdoms would rise and fall, but the undergirding structure common to them all would remain."It was against this that spiritual Israel in all dispensations would have to compete. Standing as he did at a moment when these forces of Babylon were very active both in and out of Israel, and wrapped in the vision of a seer, which allowed him to see the history of Israel to the end of time, Isaiah became a type of universal prophet whose message is to all Israel through all dispensations."
Pearson noted that while Isaiah is quoted more frequently in all the standard works than any other prophet, his words are at times difficult to understand.
"This arises from his frequent use of symbolism, his poetic style, and his poetic insight. The latter allowed him to view not only his own time but all time in a kind of cosmic setting. Therefore, themes coming out of his time are not only applicable to his day but to later times as well. Consequently, some of his prophecies have more than one application or are fulfilled more than once. The best helps in understanding him are the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants. The extensive use of Isaiah in these books places many of his words into a concrete setting or precise meaning, allowing a greater understanding of the rest."
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(ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)
Articles on this page may be used in conjunction with the Gospel Doctrine course of study.
Information compiled by Gerry Avant
Sources: Interview with Elder Hugh W. Pinnock; The Old Testament: A Mormon Perspective, by Glen A. Pearson; and Great Are the Words of Isaiah, by Monte S. Nyman.
