Nephi found Isaiah’s words important for his record 1 Nephi 19:23 to persuade others to believe in Jesus; 2 Nephi 11:2–6, 8 to provide another witness of Jesus, to cause people to rejoice; 25:3 to warn the people of God's judgements.
Nephi's reasons for sharing Isaiah with his people are also important for us today. All testimonies of the reality of Jesus help our faith grow, especially if those testimonies come from people who have seen Him. In times of political turmoil and cultural revolution, we need help finding reasons to rejoice. Understanding Isaiah’s words can give us cause to rejoice. Clearly, when we know what God expects, we can avoid His judgements.
If we read with a heart open to the Spirit, we can allow Nephi to teach us to better understand the writings of Isaiah. He taught us to “Liken all scriptures unto us” 1 Nephi 19:23; 2 Nephi 11:2, 8. I find this idea helpful, when reading all scripture. Prophesying of many events in the latter days, Isaiah saw us and felt a love for us. Day by day we can watch prophecies unfold and participate in their fulfillment. Understanding Isaiah and applying his teachings to our lives, allows us to live peacefully in these worsening times. When Isaiah tells us that Jesus will “lift up an ensign to the nations” to gather Israel, we can feel the urgency and importance of sharing the restored gospel, the ensign to guide all nations to the Lord.
“Know … concerning the manner of prophesying among the Jews” (2 Nephi 25:1). Written according to Jewish styles of literature and speaking, Isaiah made things plain to the people of his day. If we realize he used imagery and symbolism and attempt to understand such, we can grasp the meaning. In 2 Nephi 12:1–3, Isaiah speaks of a mountain to symbolize a high spiritual place, a place for revelation and closeness with God, such as the temple. If we are familiar with Moses, because there was no temple, we know he went up onto the mountain to speak to God face to face.
“Know the judgments of God” 2 Nephi 25:3; 2 Nephi 25:6). If we don't know what God expects or the consequences of disobedience, how can we choose the right? Prophesying of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah suffering because of their wickedness, Isaiah helps us understand how serious God is about sin. He also leds us to understand repentance, when he prophesied of restored blessings to those who repented and followed Jesus Christ. Because Isaiah told of the destruction of Israel and Judah and the future restoration of the house of Israel, we are blessed to understand how God works in our lives. We know He blesses nations and people according to their righteousness.
Be “filled with the spirit of prophecy” 2 Nephi 25:4. A testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy Revelation 19:10. We can we obtain a spirit of prophecy or testimony of Jesus through faith, prayer, and studying His Word. Taking the time to gain a testimony in this way, we gain a knowledge and testimony of the character and ways of Jesus. When we intimately know someone, additional information only helps to solidify understanding. This is why a testimony of spirit of prophecy help us understand Isaiah’s teachings about the Savior.
