Engaging Gospel Doctrine (Episode 113.2)
LESSON 36 (STUDY NOTES)
The Glory of Zion Will Be a Defense
Hook
Goal
Overview
Conclusion
Isaiah has become a bit of a joke in Mormon culture—we talk about how
important it is, but no one knows why or actually understands it.
Manual Goal: To encourage class members to avoid the evils of the world by standing in holy places and to help
them draw strength from Isaiah’s willingness to serve.
EGD Goal: Class members should feel encouraged to embrace the challenge of
understanding Isaiah and reflect on how each passage has value and meaning for
them. They should appreciate both a devotional and historical approach to Isaiah.
I. Sunday School
a. Value of Isaiah in an LDS context (Isaiah is a beloved book, not only in
Mormonism. In addition to being quoted and recommended in the Book of
Mormon (by Jesus himself no less), t is among the most quoted in both
the New Testament and early Jewish literature. It is also a very
challenging book)
b. Isaiah and Christ
c. Need for historical context (when we need it, when it matters less)
i. Two paths:
1. Spiritual nourishment/devotional (What is this text saying,
pay attention to the words, allow it to surprise you,
understand as much as you can; what does it teach about
God, our relationship to God, how we should respond to
God, how we should respond to each other) Let go of what
you don’t understand.
d. Spiritual complemented by historical and literary understanding: Use a
modern translation as a commentary, get a study Bible, write down
questions, gather key resources, reflect on both what these scriptures
meant in their historical context and what they mean personally now
(Introduction to Isaiah (Review from Jewish Study Bible) )
e. Review of the assigned reading
i. Judgment and restoration
ii. What is the cause for judgment?
iii. Parable of the vineyard (Jacob 5, Moses 7)
iv. Isaiah’s call narrative
f. Isaiah and the Book of Mormon
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g. Advice on approaching Isaiah
h. Conclusion I
II. Scholarship
a. Isaiah and history (also tease multiple Isaiah’s)
b. Isaiah and Zion theology (This is where the title of the lesson comes from.
Isaiah was convinced God would never allow Jerusalem with its temple
and king to be destroyed. That is what “God is with us” means)
c. Isaiah’s call narrative (prophets joining divine council, seraphim, “burning
ones” angelic figures
III. Study Notes
Corrections to consider:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Value of Isaiah for LDS, Isaiah and Christ—complications
Isaiah and the Book of Mormon
Challenging and being challenged by Isaiah’s message
(Bring up 2 Nephi 11:7)
Bring up the value of understanding historical context (part of why people glaze through
Isaiah is because they have no idea what it is talking about). Bring up when it isn’t
important and what value it has (in both sections)
Quick and dirty list of Bible passages in the Book of Mormon:
1Nephi 20-21≈Isaiah 48-49
2 Nephi 8≈Isaiah 51;52:1-2
2 Nephi 12-24≈Isaiah 2-14
2 Nephi 27≈Isaiah 29 (with the most differences of any parallel passage)
Mosiah 12:34-36; 13:13-24≈Exodus 20:2-17
Mosiah 14≈Isaiah 53
3 Nephi 12-14≈Matthew 5-7
3 Nephi 20:32-45≈Isaiah 52
3 Nephi 22≈Isaiah 54
3 Nephi 24-25≈Malachi 3-4
Moroni 7:45-46≈1 Corinthians 13:4-8.
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