Isaiah is still talking about ‘the day of the Lord of Hosts’ (v. 12). Therefore, this has reference to the destruction of the wicked and the time period around His Second Coming. In that context, the terrible shaking of the earth spoken of most likely has reference to the great earthquake described Rev. 11:13, ’And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.’ In the D&C, it describes the same thing, ’And then shall the Lord set his foot upon this mount, and it shall cleave in twain, and the earth shall tremble, and reel to and fro, and the heavens also shall shake…and they that have watched for iniquity shall be hewn down and cast into the fire’ (DC 45:48,50). This is a specific earthquake to take place in Jerusalem and it is different than the many other earthquakes which are also signs of the times. These will occur at various times and in various places, ’And there shall be earthquakes also in divers places, and many desolations’ (DC 45:33).
’The Lord shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou…shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.
…Thy sons and thy daughters shall be given unto another people…
…thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed always…
…thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb and a byword, among all nations whither the Lord shall lead thee.
…Moreover all these curses shall come upon thee, and shall pursue thee, and overtake thee, till thou be destroyed; because thou hearkenedst not unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to keep his commandments.’ (Deut. 28:25-45)
The history of Judah and Jerusalem demonstrate how literally Isaiah’s prophecy has been fulfilled. The punishments have been severe because the Jews were the covenant people. Their history reminds us of what the Lord thinks of covenant breakers. As latter-day saints, today, we must ever be mindful of the punishments that await those who break their covenants, ’For of him unto whom much is given, much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation’ (DC 82:3). We have received an even greater light and knowledge than the Jews of Isaiah’s day. Therefore, we can expect an even greater condemnation if we are not true to our covenants. The implications of which are almost incomprehensible.