The Isaiah Chapters

Finding Light in Dark Times 

"Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" - 2 Nephi 15:20 

There's an old cheesy Mormon joke that if you shoot a Book of Mormon, the bullet won't get past 2nd Nephi. Chapters 12-24 of 2nd Nephi transcribe the writings of Isaiah 2-14 recorded by Nephi for his people, and are probably the most dreaded writings in the entire book. Isaiah wrote his prophetic work in Hebrew poetry form from 740-701 BC. His writings can often be confusing due to their heavy influences from historical events of the time. Anyone seeking to study his words should brush up on the history of Judah and Israel concurrent with his writings. It is also helpful to note that as a poet, he uses much repetition and symbolism.

With the ancient historical references, Isaiah's writings can seem out of date and unimportant. Later in the Book of Mormon when Christ visits the Americas, he counsels the people to "search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah" (3 Nephi 23:1). These prophecies have critical applications to several periods of time. Almost any of the teachings can be applied to Isaiah's time, Christ's time, or our time if you study out the meaning.

One of my favorite verses from these chapters, quoted above, is very plain to understand in our day. All around us, the basic principles of happiness and goodness are being ridiculed by the world. People see having a family and children as a thing of the past. Many portray remaining chaste and modest by abstaining from pre-marital sex and pornography as old-fashioned. Drinking alcohol and using illegal drugs are just part of growing up for some. Isaiah's words are becoming true in these days as poor decisions become increasingly accepted.

It can be difficult to remain the person you want to be with all the pressures around you. Isaiah foresees that "they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined" (2 Nephi 19:2). In Christ's time this referred to the valley of Armageddon (literally "valley of the shadow of death") and the "light" above them with Jesus in Nazareth to the north. Today, we all feel like we are walking through shadows at times. When we have tough decisions or big tasks, life gets hard. If we follow Christ, we can have light given to us as well. You can do hard things, and you can be who you want to be.