“That Thou Shouldst Be My Servant to Raise Up the Tribes of Jacob”

W. Cleon Skousen

In response to Isaiah's complaints that his labor has been in vain, the Lord assures him that his words are designed for the Israelites of the latter days. His burden is light and his assignment enjoyable when he realized that his words would serve as a clarion call to gather the twelve tribes of Jacob in the latter days, and will also serve as a light to the great Gentile nations.

7. Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nations abhorreth, to servant of rulers: kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful. 8. Thus saith the Lord: In an acceptable time have I heard thee, O isles of the sea, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee; and I will preserve thee, and give thee my servant for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;

The Book of Mormon gives a more perfect rendition of this verse as follows: "Thus saith the Lord: In an acceptable time have I heard thee, O isles of the sea, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee; and I will preserve thee, and give thee my servant for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages." In the context of this chapter the Lord seems to be saying, "Isaiah, my servant, will comfort the scattered Israelites in the latter days, for his writings contain God's covenants or promises that they will be gathered into the lands of their original inheritance."

Treasures from the Book of Mormon

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