Beside Me There Is No Saviour

“Beside Me There Is No Saviour”

Did You know?

Among the Jews Hosea is a much more notable prophet than Isaiah.

Most scolars believe that Isaiah has just ended in Chapter 39. They suppose that it is another persons writing as what is discussed pre-suposes a whole different time period. If you don't believe in prophecy you cannot accept that Isaiah could have written this in the mid 700's BC. The writing is different he has been writing about the doom of Isarel, and now the message changes, and of course if you do not believe in revelation then it would have to be written after the events had happened not prior to them happening.

so we unlike many of the rest of the world know that Isaiah wrote all 66 chapters - and how do we know it? Because they were all quoted in part at least in the Book of Mormon.

Many scholars what to abscribe chapters 40 - 66 to a fifth or sixth century Isaiah because he does thing like calls Cyrus by name, and it is just not possible to know the name of a person before the parents have had a chance to name them. But we know that these records were already recorded because they were taken by Lehi around 600 BC. They were included in the brass plates - they were quoted by Chapter 48 & 49 are found in 1 Ne as quoted by Nephi ; 50 & 51 in 2 Ne. quoted by Jacob; 53 is quoted by Abinadi in Mosiah; Savior himself quotes chapter 52 & 54 in 3 Ne; as they teach about covenant Israel and the last days.

Isaiah 40–49
Purpose
To help class members understand that Jesus Christ is incomparable in his devotion to his people and that he has a great work for them to do.

write the following quotations on a poster or on the chalkboard before class:
a. “What think ye of Christ?” (Matthew 22:42).
b. “What manner of men ought ye to be?” (3 Nephi 27:27).
c. “Whom do men say that I the son of man am? … Whom say ye that I am?” (Matthew 16:13, 15).
d. “Who is on the Lord’s side?” (Exodus 32:26).
e. “Have ye received his image in your countenances?” (Alma 5:14).

What do these quotations have in common? (All of them are questions from the scriptures that help us evaluate our testimony of the Savior and our commitment to be his disciples.)

Why do you think there are so many questions like these in the scriptures?
Explain that part of this lesson focuses on scriptural questions that emphasize the greatness of the Savior.

Read 2 Nephi 11: 2-4

2 And now I, Nephi, write more of the words of Isaiah, for my soul delighteth in his words. For I will liken his words unto my people, and I will send them forth unto all my children, for he verily saw my Redeemer, even as I have seen him.
3 And my brother, Jacob, also has seen him as I have seen him; wherefore, I will send their words forth unto my children to prove unto them that my words are true. Wherefore, by the words of three, God hath said, I will establish my word. Nevertheless, God sendeth more witnesses, and he proveth all his words.
4 Behold, my soul delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ; for, for this end hath the law of Moses been given; and all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him.

so what is so exciting to Nephi in Isaiah that delights his soul?

The fact that Isaiah had a personal vision and witness of the Redeemer as is testified by Nephi.

Isaiah talks of the missions of the Messiah (Mortal, Millenial)

Isaiah details the character of the savior

Isaiah speaks to the tribes of Israel and declares her mission.

Isaiah knew many of the titles of Christ including the title "Immanuel." (See Isa. 7:14; 9:6.)
Isaiah knew the Messiah would be born of a virgin. (See Isa. 7:14; see also Matt. 1:23 and John 1:14.)
Isaiah knew the Messiah would be a direct descendant of David. (See Isa. 11:1, 10; see also D&C 113:2.)
Isaiah knew the Messiah would be preceded by a special messenger. (See Isa. 40:3; see also Matt. 3:3 and John 1:23.)
Isaiah knew the Messiah would reside in territories originally occupied by Zebulun and Naphtali. (See Isa. 9:1-2; see also Matt. 4:14.)
Isaiah had personally seen the Messiah and referred to him as the Redeemer (twelve times) and as the Savior (eight times.) (See Isa. 6:1-5; see also 2 Ne. 11:2.)
Isaiah knew a great deal concerning the mission of Christ and devoted an entire chapter to this subject. (See Isa. 53.)
Isaiah knew of the Second Coming of the Messiah. (See Isa. 24.)
Isaiah knew of the Messiah's missionary work to the dead. (See Isa. 24:22; 61:1-2; see also 1 Pet. 3:18-20, 1 Pet. 4:6, and D&C 138.)

What are some of the reasons why you like Isaiah?

Isaiah has a big job here as the prophet - what are the problems that Isaiah is facing with Israel at the curren time?

Idol worship is a real problem. The Caanite Gods - it all started with the fertility Gods, but they have lured Israel to forsake God and worship idols.

Read the following verses:
Isaiah 40: 18 ¶ To whom then will ye liken God? [section starts out with a question that presents the eternal nature of the Lord and contrasts it with the foolishness of idolaters. ] or what likeness will ye compare unto him?

Isaiah 44: 8 Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. [And if he God is all knowing - then there just is not another God - period.]

Isaiah 46: 5 To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like? [ Go ahead tell me which of your Gods are equalt to me and what I have done for you. Which of your idols do you want to compare to me? ]

Through Isaiah, the Lord repeatedly asked a certain question in different ways. What message is Isaiah trying to present with the verses? He is trying to show the greatness of Jehovah and the foolishiness of worshiping idols. They all teach that the Savior is greater than any person or thing we could compare him to.

How would you answer these questions?

Let's look at how Isaiah answered those same questions: (See the verses listed below, noting that in each case the Lord was speaking to idolatrous people who manufactured their own false gods of silver and gold.)
a. Isaiah 43:11 (“Beside me there is no saviour.”)
b. Isaiah 44:6 (“Beside me there is no God.”)
c. Isaiah 45:5 (“There is no God beside me”; see also verses 6, 14, 18, 21–22.)
d. Isaiah 46:9 (“I am God, and there is none like me.”)

• Why do you think these questions and answers are repeated so many times in the book of Isaiah?

Are these questions and answers relevant to our day? How?

Last week we read the following verses - let's read them again and notice how many words that Isaiah uses in them to describe the Messiah.

7:14 This is one of the most famous of the Messianic prophecies of Isaiah: "Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." [Literally means "God is with us"]

9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, [ wonderfull in that he was born especially for the purpose to offer a way to save man, wonderful in that he gives us grace, justice, mercy because of his love for us ] Counsellor, [ he became a wonderful counsellor in the Grand Council in heaven when he choose to honor the Fathers plan, to be the Savior of the world, to save all men without taking away their agency and give the honor to his Father - see moses 4:1,2] The mighty God, [The only supreme governor and independent being in whom all fullness and perfection dwells; who is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient; without beginning of days or end of life; and that in him every good gift, and every good principle dwells; and that he is the Father of lights. In him the principle of faith dwells independently; and he is the object in whom the faith of all other rational and accountable beings centers for life and salvation. Lectures 2:2] The everlasting Father, [ our Father forever in that 1) he is the creator of the earth and all things on it 2) we are spiritually adopted by him when we take upon ourselves his name 3) Christ has beem empowered by God to speak for him in the first person as God the Father 4) Because of the atonement for us he broke the bands of death, providing for the resurrection of all men abd the promise of eternal life.] The Prince of Peace. [ Because of his several visions, Isaiah knew a great deal about the birth, life, mission, and titles of Jesus Christ, even though Isaiah lived some 700 years before Christ was born on the earth. some Bible scholars who do not believe in the principle of revelation and the spirit of prophecy question whether Isaiah could really have known these things in such detail. That the titles in these verses actually do apply to Jesus Christ is substantiated and explained by Joseph Fielding Smith: These titles, and the sayings that Jesus was the Creator and all things were made by him, have proved to be a stumbling block to some who are not well informed. The question arises, "How could he, if he had not body and flesh and bones, before he was born of Mary, accomplish these things as a spirit?" Jesus had no body of flesh and bones until he was born at Bethlehem. This he fully explained to the brother of Jared. The answer to this question is simply that he did these wonderful works because of the glory his Father had given him before he was born (John 17:5-24) and because at that time he was God. (CHMR 1:168.) ]

Review/scan Isaiah 43

What words are used in this chapter alone to describe Jesuc Christ?

His various names used in Isaiah - What is the signifigance of each?

[Several significant and appropriate titles of Jehovah the Messiah are used in this chapter, including:
Lord (vs. 1, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16) - Most frequently used name for Jesus Christ in the Scriptures ,

God (3, 10, 12) - The only supreme governor and independent being in whom all fullness and perfection dwells; who is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient; without beginning of days or end of life; and that in him every good gift, and every good principle dwells; and that he is the Father of lights. In him the principle of faith dwells independently; and he is the object in whom the faith of all other rational and accountable beings centers for life and salvation. Lectures 2:2 ,

Holy One of Israel (3, 14) - see 2 Ne 9:41 "O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name." The application of the name here implies that Christ , the one who is without sin, was chosen, then consecrated of God, just as Israel was, to be the servant of the Father and to be the source of salvation to all the nations of the earth.,

Saviour (3, Il) - He has the exclusive assignment to save - or to bring salvation to as many souls as will accept him. It is he who will save men from hell, from death and from the grave see also 1 Ne 10:4; D&C 20:1; 76:1; John 12:47; 1 Tim 1:15; Matt 1:21; Alma 12:15; Moses 1:6,

Redeemer (14) - The Hebrew word for redeemer , goel, is defined as one who ransoms, redeems or revenges. He is the redeemer (Isa 41:14; 43:14; 44:6, 24), and his people geulim are the "redeemed one's". Without a redeemer there would be no redemption, resurrection or exaltation (Alma 12:25; 21:9; Hel 5:10-11; D&C 29:42-45; Alma 9:27),

your Holy One (15) - or the Holy One Of God; a denotation that he is set apart, sacred and has been consecrated to God in which he embodies the perfection of God in a most pure state,

the creator of Israel (15) - because of the providence of Jehovah's hand did the nation of Israel even exist anciently, and only by that providence will Israel be restored in the last days (Isa 43:14-15; Acts 1:6),

your King (15). - Christ is Israels King, and the church is his earthy kingdom - he reigns in righteousness (Isa 32:1) - to those of faith, Christ is their ruler, lawgiver, and sovereign in whom all power rests.

Lord of hosts (44:6) - Lord Of Hosts or Armies - Jesus is the Lord God of Hosts in that he is the Lord of the Host of Israel, or Lord of Armies or the one who leads the righteous army into battle against the wicked.,

the first and the last]

2. Isaiah describes the Savior’s incomparable qualities.

Is it of any importance to understand the character of God?

Why? What is the Importance? We cannot be like him if we don't understand who he is!

• The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that we need “a correct idea of [God’s] character, perfections and attributes” in order to have faith in Him (Lectures on Faith [1985], 38). Isaiah gives many beautiful descriptions of the Savior’s character and attributes.

Read Isaiah 40: 6 - 8

6 The voice [prophet] said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? [ The Lord calls Isaiah to preach, and Isaiah asks the Lord back "What do you want me to preach?" The rest of that verse and the two following are what he is informed he is to preach.He is to cry the message of the restoration "To understand rightly this passage is a matter of importance; for it seems designed to give us the true key to the remaining part of Isaiah's prophecies, the general subject of which is the restoration of the people and Church of God. The prophet opens the subject with great clearness and elegance: he declares at once God's command to his messengers, (his prophets, as the Chaldee rightly explains it,) to comfort his people in captivity, to impart to them the joyful tidings, that their punishment has now satisfied the Divine justice, and the time of reconciliation and favour is at hand. He then introduces a harbinger giving orders to prepare the way for God, leading his people from Babylon, as he did formerly from Egypt, through the wilderness, to remove all obstacles, and to clear the way for their passage." Adam Clarke] All flesh is grass, [drawn from the metaphor of the desert rains in April - May. Everything turns green and looks so inviting - only to be burnt up when the heat of the summer sun approaches. So it is with those who follow the attractive ways of the world - they will be burnt up.those living in the valley of Canaan because as soon as the spring rains ceased the grasses of the plain were scorched by the sun and hot winds of the summer. That Isaiah compares the breath of the Lord to a withering wind that desiccates the pride of men is an authority statement. It also serves to contrast the ever repeating cycle of worldly dictators who are here today and gone tomorrow, just like the seasonal grasses, with the eternal Lord. These verses quoted in 1 Peter 1:23-25, where Peter inserts the "glory of man" interpretation into his quote. ] and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field:[see 1 Peter 1:23-25, where Peter inserts the "glory of man" interpretation into his quote]

7 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.

8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word [ Jesus Christ - is the Word in the sense that he is the one from whom all revelation comes. Jesus Christ (the word) gave the gospel message (the word) to all mankind , through the prophets. see John 1:1,14 ] of our God shall stand for ever.

What attributes are called attention to here? (Unlike flesh which dies - he does not he is eternal.) How does knowing of this attribute help increase our faith in the Savior?

Read Isaiah 40:11

11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: [See John 10:14 Jesus says "I am the good shepherd" and the "I am" is the Greek "ego eimi" which is equivalent to the Hebrew "I am that I am" which forms the divine name YHWH (i.e. Jehovah)] he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead [preparatory work ] those that are with young.

[v12-26 presents the Lord's dispute with Israel framed in a very confrontational tone. It appears as four sins: Rejecting the Lord in favor of 1) the nations [v. 15], 2) the worship of idols [v. 19], 3) the rulers of the earth [v. 23], 4) the worship of heavenly bodies [v. 26].]

What attributes are called attention to here? (Shows his true love and tenderness.) How does knowing of this attribute help increase our faith in the Savior?
Read Isaiah 40:13–14

13 Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him?

14 With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding? [Israels 4 major sins against God are now outlined]

What attributes are called attention to here?(No one counsels or instructs him.) How does knowing of this attribute help increase our faith in the Savior?

Read Isaiah 40:26

26 Lift up your eyes on high, [sin #4 Rejecting the Lord in favor of worship of heavenly bodies. "The rabbins say, He who is capable of meditating on the revolutions of the heavenly bodies, and does not meditate on them, is not worthy to have his name mentioned among men." Adam Clarke] and behold who hath created these things, [the irony is that the Lord Himself created the sun, moon and stars, yet His people bow down to them rather than Him. To establish the context of this passage as that of idolatrous worship of the sun, moon and stars, cf. 47:9-13 as well as the similarity between v. 25 and v. 18 where in the case of v. 18 the context is plainly one of idolatry.] that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names [ each one of us will be called by him, by our name to report - to be judged of him. ] by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.

What attributes are called attention to here?(Knows us as undividuals - calls us by name, He will be our judge.) How does knowing of this attribute help increase our faith in the Savior?

What kind of judge do you see - the one that is very authoritarian type judge or one that is more like the shepard in verse 10?

Read Isaiah 40:28–31

28 ¶ Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, [one of the names for the Lord. "A connotation of eternal continuance and unending existence, This designation of Deity points up the sharp contrast between the living Gods and the false or temporary gods of the world" - Mormon Doctrine p 243] the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? [The Lord is eternal and exercises power over his creation] there is no searching of his understanding.

29 He giveth power to the faint; [His physical strength and wisdom are unlimited] and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. [The Lord is the One Who imparts strength to mankind.]

30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: [Mankind left to themselves are weak, even the strongest of them.]

31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; [Mankind who relies on the Lord can have strength and be lifted up by the Lord.] they shall mount up with wings as eagles; [the reward for the faithful, Elder Orson Pratt suggests that we will no longer be confined by the laws of this mortal sphere - "we will be able to move from place to place with increased velocity, even the speed of light." Journal Of Discourses 3:104] they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. [Those who do rely on the Lord shall be eternal]

What attributes are called attention to here? (He is eternal, Not confined to the laws of the mortal sphere, He is never weary; he strengthens us.) How does knowing of this attribute help increase our faith in the Savior?

Read Isaiah 40:12

12 ¶ Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust [The Lord knows the world very intimately - there is no a drop of water, a grain of sand that he does not know. He created them with his own hands - a symbol of the detail that was applied. If he knows the grains of sand how well does he know us?] of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? [We cannot even comprehend all of the drops in the sea, or sands on the shore, or starts in the sky. But not only does he comprehend them but he created every one from the smallest to the largest. And if we cannot even comprehend such who are we to give instruction or council to him?]

What attributes are called attention to here?(He knows every part of this world intimately, creted i the hallow of his hand - shows that he was maticulous in the creation.) How does knowing of this attribute help increase our faith in the Savior?

Read Isaiah 40:21–22, 26;

21 Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? [remember that Adam taught his children and because Adam lived so long, and his children did that there was someone who had personlay heard the story of the creation or at least by their direct contact for almost the first 2,000 years. Alludes to the Creation story and ask the question of Israel, 'Are not you familiar with this?" See Ps. 24 where the creation is recounted in a temple entrance hymn. Isaiah is pointing out that in their own liturgy they learn of the Creation, yet they ignore it.] have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?

22 It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:

26 Lift up your eyes on high, [sin #4 Rejecting the Lord in favor of worship of heavenly bodies. "The rabbins say, He who is capable of meditating on the revolutions of the heavenly bodies, and does not meditate on them, is not worthy to have his name mentioned among men." Adam Clarke] and behold who hath created these things, [the irony is that the Lord Himself created the sun, moon and stars, yet His people bow down to them rather than Him. To establish the context of this passage as that of idolatrous worship of the sun, moon and stars, cf. 47:9-13 as well as the similarity between v. 25 and v. 18 where in the case of v. 18 the context is plainly one of idolatry.] that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.

What attributes are called attention to here?(He has taught you from the beginning that he created the universe) How does knowing of this attribute help increase our faith in the Savior?

Read Isaiah 45:12, 18

12 I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, [notice how he references how he did the work - with his hands, why because he paid attention to every detail. He did not get out his great big John Deere 7030 and stretch out the heavens but needed the detail that could only be performed by someone who exercised great care.] and all their host have I commanded.

18 For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, [he created it for a purpose - which is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man] he formed it to be inhabited: [in order for the earth to fill it's purpose he woulld need to place man on it, beasts on it...] I am the LORD; and there is none else.

What attributes are called attention to here? (He created the earth for a purpose) How does knowing of this attribute help increase our faith in the Savior?

Read Isaiah 41:17–18

17 When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

18 I will open rivers in high places, [ LeGrand Richards has commented concerning this verse: "Rivers in high places" could have reference to the reservoirs built in the canyons to impound the winter run-off of water so it may be used for summer irrigation. "And fountains in the midst of the valleys." If you have seen some of the flowing wells that have been drilled in some of the dry valleys, you can understand this part of the prophecy. (IDYK, p. 185.) ] and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.

What attributes are called attention to here?(He hears us when we are in trouble and blesses us abundantly.) How does knowing of this attribute help increase our faith in the Savior?

Read Isaiah 42:1-6

1 BEHOLD my servant, [Jesus Christ] whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. [ He will bring forth judgement not just to Israel but to the Gentiles as well ]

2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. [ This is not the mellenial Messiah that we are talking about here, as this is his earthly ministry. He will come as a gentile lamb. ]

3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax [ or a smoltering wick ] shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.

5 ¶ Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:

6 I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, [ symbolism of a little child and holding their little hand to lead them ] and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, [A reference back to the covenant with Abraham - that all the world would be blessed through him and his seed ] for a light of the Gentiles; [This is the promise - the main message of the Book Of Isaiah - Israels covenant mission is to be a light to the rest of the world - not just in their own little patch of earth, but to get out to go to the other peoples and teach them.]

7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, [ An inspired commentary on the meaning of such verses as Isaiah 42:7 has recently been 277 added to the Doctrine and Covenants and thus is now accepted as scripture in the Church (see section 138, the Vision of the Redemption of the Dead). The fact that the gospel of Jesus Christ was taught to the spirits in prison was also mentioned by Peter and commented upon by Joseph Smith: "He went and preached unto the spirits in prison, which sometimes were disobedient, when once the long suffering of God waited in the days of Noah," [1 Peter 3:19-20]. Here then we have an account of our Savior preaching to the spirits in prison, to spirits that have been imprisoned from the days of Noah; and what did He preach to them? That they were to stay there? Certainly not! ... Isaiah has it -- [Isaiah 42:7]. It is very evident from this that He not only went to preach to them, but to deliver, or bring them out of the prison house. (HC 4:596.) ] and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

What are the attributes spoken of here? (He will not fail or be discouraged till his purposes are fulfilled. Hold our hands as children, free the spirits in prison.) How does knowing of this attribute help increase our faith in the Savior?

Read Isaiah 42:16

16 And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

What attributes are called attention to here? (He lights and straightens the way for his people who are lost.) How does knowing of this attribute help increase our faith in the Savior?

Read Isaiah 43:1–4

1 BUT now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

4 Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.

What attributes are called attention to here? (He will help his people through their trials.) How does knowing of this attribute help increase our faith in the Savior?

Read Isaiah 43:25–26

25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions [ The Lord "blotted out" the transgressions of men through their repentance and his atonement. In such instances, he has promised that he will remember the sins of man no more. (D&C 58:42.) ] for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

26 Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified.

What attributes are called attention to here? (He blots out our sins and remembers them no more.) How does knowing of this attribute help increase our faith in the Savior?

Read Isaiah 44:21–23

21 ¶ Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; [ I created thee, nutured thee ] thou art my servant: [notice how I have formed thee is encapslated by the fact that the the says I have formed thee. Implying that those born to Israel and his descendents where created and nutured to do his work.] O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me.

22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.

23 Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.

What attributes are called attention to here? (I have formed thee to do my work, I have redeemed thee.) How does knowing of this attribute help increase our faith in the Savior?

Read Isaiah 44:2–4

2 Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen.

3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

4 And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.

What attributes are called attention to here? (He pours out his Spirit on our families like water on dry ground.) How does knowing of this attribute help increase our faith in the Savior?

Read Isaiah 46:3–4

3 ¶ Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb:

4 And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.

What attributes are called attention to here? (He carries his people from birth to old age.) How does knowing of this attribute help increase our faith in the Savior?

Read Isaiah 49:14–16

14 But Zion said, The LORD hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me.

15 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.

16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.

What attributes are called attention to here? (He will never forget us, he has compassion for us. We are “graven” in the palms of his hands.) How does knowing of this attribute help increase our faith in the Savior?

4. Isaiah describes the mission of latter-day Israel.
• Isaiah 49 contains many prophecies about the mission of latter-day Israel. These prophecies can help us understand the important work the Lord has for each of us to do. Have class members read some of the passages listed below and discuss the following question:

What does this passage teach about our responsibilities in these latter days? (Note that many of the prophecies apply both to the work of the Savior and to the work of his servants, the house of Israel [Isaiah 49:3].)
Read Isaiah 49:1- 5.

1 ^aLISTEN, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me [ Israel ] from the womb; [ represented as the child since it is in the womb , were called from birth to fulfill the Lord’s work in the last days; see also Jeremiah 1:5.] from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.

BofM
And again, Hearken, O ye house of Israel, all ye that are driven out, because of the wickedness of the pastors of my people; yea, all ye that are broken off, that are scattered abroad, who are of my people, O house of Israel.Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The Lord hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. See 1 Ne. 22:1-5 and 2 Ne. 10:20-22 from Nephi's and Jacob's comments on those who are scattered upon the isles of the sea.

2 And he hath made my mouth [ a voice, spokesman, messenger, compare 6:7, Jer. 1:9 ] like a sharp sword; [ sharp indicates truth, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, it divides between two, sharp knives cut smoother and faster with less force, so the power in essence is in the message not in the delivery. The Israel spoken of here posses the word of God to give to the nations of the earth (see Ephesians 6:17; Revelation 1:16; 2:12; D&C 6:2; 33:1). ] in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, [ Symbolic that the Lord has been protecting Israel cp. 4:6, 25:4, 31:5, 32:2 and Hosea 14:7. This is clarified in the Doctrine and Covenants, where the Lord declares that the priesthood holders of this last dispensation are ‘lawful heirs, according to the flesh, and have been hid from the world with Christ in God’ (D&C 86:8–9).] and made me a polished shaft; [ a polished shaft of an arrow will allow the arrow to travel faster, it is also balanced so that it will travel straight. It will hit it's target. The best arrows are reserved for the best shots -the most important shots, the kill shots.

“The ‘polished shaft’ hidden in the Lord’s quiver may be a direct reference to Joseph Smith. As the ‘choice seer’ of the latter day, he was to be the Lord’s servant in a special sense (see 2 Nephi 3:6; 3 Nephi 21:10).The Prophet Joseph’s description of himself is interesting in this light: “‘I am like a huge, rough stone rolling down from a high mountain; and the only polishing I get is when some corner gets rubbed off by coming in contact with something else, striking with accelerated force against religious bigotry, priestcraft, lawyer-craft, doctor-craft, lying editors, suborned judges and jurors, and the authority of perjured executives, backed by mobs, blasphemers, licentious and corrupt men and women—all hell knocking off a corner here and a corner there. Thus I will become a smooth and polished shaft in the quiver of the Almighty, who will give me dominion over all and every one of them, when their refuge of lies shall fail, and their hiding place shall be destroyed, while these smooth-polished stones with which I come in contact become marred.’ (TPJS, p. 304.)] in his quiver hath he hid me; [the Lord has choosen to hold this arrow back for later use. Indication that this arrow; this people have a special furture purpose. ]

3 And said unto me, [ Israel herself ] Thou art my servant, O Israel, [ the Lord has called Israel to perform a work as the Lords servant ] in whom I will be glorified. [ How does the Lord get his glory? Moses 1:39 For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal elife of man.]

4 Then I said, I have laboured in vain, [ was not able to complete the assigned work - hence it was in vain. Israel could not save herself - there would need to be called someone else to save her - a Savior - who would atone for her sins and do what she could not! ] I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the LORD, [ So as with Israel her works will be judged by the Lord, and the decision is left to the Lord only; but just because she was not perfect she is not excused from the covenantal obligations that she has made with the Lord ] and my work with my God.

5 ¶ And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, [ the servant has a mission from the Lord- to bring Jacob back to the Lord] Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength.

6 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. [The Lord has asked his servants to raise up and restore the remnant of Israel and to be a light to the Gentiles. In this way we can help bring salvation to the ends of the earth; see also D&C 86:8–11.]

Invite class members to tell of experiences that have strengthened their testimonies of any of these attributes of the Savior.

3. The world (Babylon) competes with the Savior for our devotion.
• To whom is Isaiah 47 directed? (See the chapter heading to Isaiah 47 and verse 1. Babylon was a powerful city of the ancient world that was destroyed for its wickedness. In the scriptures, Babylon is often also used as a symbol for the wickedness of the world.)
• In Isaiah 47, Isaiah warned that Babylon would be destroyed because of its wickedness. These warnings can also be applied to the eventual destruction of the world and its wickedness. What do the following passages teach about the results of seeking after the wicked ways of the world?
Read Isaiah 47:1, 3, 5

1 COME down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter [ Hebrew term for "virgin" is equally applicable to a "young woman"-helpless and particularly vulnerable condition of young unmarried women in times of war; "virgin" as being indicative of being unconquered. ] of Babylon, ["Babylon" here takes on the shape of not a specific political nation or ethnic group, but rather a culturally normative group of people who engage in the behaviors presented. ] sit on the ground: there is no throne [ where Babylon used to sit on a throne, surrounded by luxuries,a ruler so to speak of the kingdom ] , O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate. [ tender and delicate because of her previous pampered state. where she used to have servants she now must be the servant. she is stropped of her objects, stropped of her finery and power. ]

3 Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man. [ probably has reference to the events in v. 9-12 where the Lord will ignore their astrology and magical arts. This is indicative of the Lord's unwillingness to spare the wicked, as well as the complete lack of an intercessor on Babylon's behalf (as Israel has had numerous intercessors after the example of Moses, e.g., Judges). The Lord provided Israel with Judges because of the covenant relationship. As Babylon has no covenant relationship with the Lord, they have no hope of His providing an intercessor. In fact, this text suggests He is going out of the way to be sure they cannot have one.]

5 Sit thou silent, and get thee into darkness, [ where Babylon was once the great center of attention, wealth and admiration of the world. She is now dark, ignored, poor and unwanted. ] O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called, The lady of kingdoms.

(The world will be brought down to the dust and become silent and dark.)

Read Isaiah 47:7–9 (Despite the world’s thoughts that it is invincible, it will be destroyed and lose the things of greatest value, symbolized by the loss of husband and children.)

7 ¶ And thou saidst, I shall be a lady for ever: so that thou didst not lay these things to thy heart, neither didst remember the latter end of it.

8 Therefore hear now this, thou that art given to pleasures, that dwellest carelessly, that sayest in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me; [ Babylons behavious imply that she is arrogant, self-indulgent, I am the greatest, hung up on herself, complacent, - noting the contrast between them and the Lord - "I Am" What claim does Babylon (the world) make that is the same as the Savior’s declaration about himself? (“I am, and none else [is] beside me.”)] I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children:

9 But these two things shall come to thee in a moment in one day, [ in a very short time ] the loss of children, and widowhood: [ thus no support or protection With the destruction of the wicked on the Day of the Lord, Babylon will be left without remnant, a childless widow. For other references to bereavement and widowhood in Isaiah, cp. 3:16-4:6, 22:1-3, 32:6-12. ] they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, and for the great abundance of thine enchantments.

Read Isaiah 47:10–11 (Because the world declares that it is greater than God, desolation will come upon it.)

10 ¶ For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, [ reference to various mystical arts of divination, prognostication and astrology. ] it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me.

11 ¶ Therefore shall evil come upon thee; thou shalt not know from whence it riseth: and mischief shall fall upon thee; thou shalt not be able to put it off: and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly, which thou shalt not know.

What can the world offer in comparison to what the Savior offers?

Why do so many people give their devotion to the world instead of to the Savior?

How can we help others see what the Savior offers?

Read Isaiah 48:17–18,

17 Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.

18 O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! [if you would have done as you were asked to] then had thy peace been as a river, [your life would have been so much more peaceful, restful - like a lazy river that slowly moves down stream. less friction, all moving together provides support, flows easily] and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:

the Lord promised great blessings to those who seek him rather than the world. How do these promises make you feel about following the Savior with all your heart?

Conclusion
Testify that Isaiah’s writings can help us develop greater love for the Savior and greater understanding of the work he wants us to do. You may want to invite class members or a small group to sing “How Great Thou Art” (Hymns,no. 86) or “How Firm a Foundation” (Hymns,no. 85).