Isaiah and the Redemption of Israel

The concept of redemption is an essential part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Although we often consider the prospect of salvation on an individual basis, the idea can be applied to entire peoples. The prophet Isaiah clearly demonstrates this through his writings that deal with the restoration of Israel. In numerous passages, Isaiah answers two main questions concerning this topic, namely, “From what did Israel need to be redeemed?” and “By what means was this redemption to be brought about?” After cited discussion of these two questions, we will establish personal applications for our own “profit and learning.” Israel found itself in great need of redemption through unrighteous conduct, as can be seen from the first chapters of Isaiah. The record opens with the chilling arraignment, “The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib, but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider,” (Isaiah 1:3). The next verse includes seven independent descriptions of the Israelite nation as wicked, some of which include, “a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers.” In the second chapter, there are obvious references to Israel’s unrighteous participation in materialism, militarism, and idolatry. Isaiah then portrays Israel’s pride and immorality from the haughty daughters of Zion imagery (Ibid 3: 16-26). Later, we read that Israel sinned by attempting to rationalize iniquity, but the prophet responds, “Woe unto them . . . which justify the wicked for reward,” (Ibid 5: 22-23). Through prophecy, Isaiah also subtly identifies a major turning point in Jewish history that necessitates redemption: the rejection of the Messiah. Chapter 53 describes the suffering and death of Jesus in unmistakable terms. But, it is a close reading of an earlier chapter where the wicked Jewish leaders are charged for their murderous design against Christ. The gospel of John informs us that “they took counsel together to put him to death,” (John 11:53) but centuries previously, Isaiah had already prophesied of the futility of this effort. Testifying of the Savior’s resurrection, he writes, “and your covenant with death shall be disannulled and your agreement with hell shall not stand,” (Isaiah 28:18). In this manner, Isaiah identifies the only “nation on earth that would crucify their God” and illustrates a great need for redemption. Fortunately, Jehovah is merciful and promises redemption to Israel. Isaiah first describes that this can only be accomplished through Israel’s repentance. From the beginning, he had declared, “though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool . . . if ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land,” (Ibid 1:18-19). And if we replace the word ‘return’ with ‘repent’ in Isaiah’s writings, greater appreciation comes for the Lord’s promises, such as “In returning and rest, ye shall be saved,” (Ibid 30:15). Another important element of how Israel is to be redeemed is the involvement of the Gentiles during the dispensation of the fullness of times. An obvious reference to this is found in chapter 49 where the Lord states, “I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders,” (Ibid 49:22). The term ‘standard’ or ‘ensign’ often refers to the Restored Gospel, and Isaiah prophesies that this, “ensign for the nations . . . shall assemble the outcasts of Israel,” (Ibid 11:12). And essentially all of this is done through missionary work; we read the command, “Go ye swift messengers, to a nation scattered,” (Ibid 18:2) and learn that missionaries shall, “lay hold of the prey, and shall carry it away safe,” (Ibid 5:29). Isaiah masterfully portrays the need of Israel’s redemption, and prophesies of how it shall be accomplished. We can learn much from this scriptural idea. First of all, we must all recognize our dependence on the Atonement of Jesus Christ for our own personal redemption. We must always repent and return to the Lord. And, as Elder Christofferson pointed out in the April conference of this year, “Inasmuch as we follow Christ, we seek to participate in and further his redemptive work.” Hence, we must actively help others to come unto Christ, assisting the missionaries to find people to teach. That way, we will find our own place in Isaiah’s prophecies of the Redemption of Israel.