124 Monday Mar 14th

Lesson 124: Isaiah 36–41

Introduction

During the reign of Hezekiah, king of Judah, the Lord miraculously delivered Jerusalem from the Assyrian army. However, Isaiah prophesied that the kingdom of Judah would be conquered by the Babylonians, a prophecy that was fulfilled many years later. Isaiah also prophesied of the coming of Jesus Christ and testified of His power and desire to strengthen His people.

I. Isaiah 36–40 The Lord is incomparably great, and He will come among His people and strengthen those who trust in Him

---Before class, write the following question on the board:

What are some situations you might face in which you will need to know that you can trust in the Lord?

--- In groups discuss the question. Record your answers in your class notebooks.

---What are some of the answers you came up with?

---As we study Isaiah 36–41  look for truths that can build your confidence and trust in the Lord.

---Isaiah 36–39 includes another record of the material we have already studied in 2 Kings 18:13–20:19.

---Chapters 36–39 share that Isaiah told the people of Judah that if they trusted in the Lord, they would be saved from the Assyrian army. The people followed Isaiah’s counsel and were spared. However, Isaiah then prophesied that the Babylonians would eventually capture and plunder Jerusalem.

---Read Isaiah 40:1–2 aloud and look for the purpose of Isaiah’s words to the people of Judah after he prophesied that they would be conquered by the Babylonians.

---What was the purpose of Isaiah’s words in these verses? (To comfort the Lord’s people.)

---Isaiah comforted the people by prophesying of the coming of Jesus Christ.

---Read Isaiah 40:3–5 aloud and look for what these verses teach about the coming of Jesus Christ.

---What do verses 3–5 teach about the coming of Jesus Christ?

---The phrase “the voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord” in verse 3 can refer to John the Baptist, who was sent to prepare the way for the mortal ministry of Jesus Christ (see Matthew 3:1–6). In the latter days, the Lord used a variation of this phrase to refer to His own voice (see D&C 88:66; 128:20). This phrase can also refer to those called by the Lord to preach the restored gospel (see D&C 33:10).

---Throughout the remainder of Isaiah 40, we read that Isaiah continued to comfort Israel by teaching about the greatness of the Lord. Isaiah used many images to emphasize how the Lord is different from man.

---Write the following scripture references and questions on the board and have them read and discuss in 4 groups:

Isaiah 40:6–8

Isaiah 40:10–11

Isaiah 40:12–15

Isaiah 40:22–25

---What images did Isaiah use to represent the Lord and man?

---How do these images illustrate the difference between the Lord and man?

---What did you learn about the difference between God and man?

God is far greater than man.

---Some people falsely believe that God does not care about them.

---Read aloud Isaiah 40:26–27 and footnote a of verse 27. and look for phrases that indicate that some Israelites in Isaiah’s time did not believe God noticed them.

---What did you find?

--- The following verses contain Isaiah’s answer to those who failed to see and understand God’s incomparable power and great concern for each of His children.

---Read Isaiah 40:28–31 aloud and look for what the Lord will do for us.

---What phrases indicate what the Lord will do for His people?

---According to verse 31, what must we do to receive these blessings?

---What do you think it means to “wait upon the Lord”?

---Add to the truth you wrote on the board so it reads as follows: Because God is far greater than man, He can …

---Invite students to complete the statement based on what they learned from Isaiah 40:28–31.

---After students respond, use students’ words to complete the statement so it conveys the following principle: Because God is far greater than man, He can… strengthen those who trust in Him.

---Write this principle in your scriptures next to Isaiah 40:31.

II. Isaiah 41 The Lord desires to strengthen Israel

---Isaiah 41 can help us understand the Lord’s desire to help and strengthen His people and the blessings we can receive as we place our trust in Him.

---Write the following incomplete statement on the board:

If we place our trust in the Lord, then …

---Consider how you might complete this statement as you continue to study Isaiah’s words.

---Some of the Lord’s words in Isaiah 41 were set to music in the hymn “How Firm a Foundation” (Hymns, no. 85). As a class, sing or read together verses one, two, three, and seven of this hymn, and invite students to

---look for words or phrases that indicate what the Lord will do for us as we trust in Him.

---Read Isaiah 41:10–14, 17 and look for words or phrases in these verses that are similar to those of the hymn.

(the word worm in verse 14 refers to someone who is meek and humble [see footnote a].)

---What did you find?

VIDEO: Growing Through Life’s Trials (1:01)
Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles teaches that willingly trusting in the Lord brings the greatest happiness in this life. Consider showing this video to help students feel the truth and importance and think about how they might apply the following principle: Because God is far greater than man, He can strengthen those who trust in Him.

---Invite students to complete the statement on the board based on what they learned from Isaiah 41:10–14, 17.

If we place our trust in the Lord, then … we need not fear.

---To help students understand this principle and feel its truth and importance, refer to the situations you discussed at the beginning of class.

---What are some examples of how the Lord can help us in these situations?

---When have you chosen to place your trust in the Lord and felt Him help you?

---Ask these as questions: What did Hezekiah and his people do? How was the army defeated? What happened when H. was dying?:

---Remember that Isaiah 36–37 relates how King Hezekiah and the people of Judah trusted in the Lord as the Assyrian army was marching toward Jerusalem and threatening them with destruction. Hezekiah and the people of Judah hearkened to Isaiah’s counsel to not surrender to the Assyrians, and a large part of the Assyrian army was destroyed by an angel in one night. Isaiah 38 records that Hezekiah’s life was miraculously prolonged for 15 years. Isaiah 39 contains Isaiah’s prophecy that the Babylonians would eventually capture and plunder Jerusalem.

---How do the events recorded in Isaiah 36–39 relate to the principles on the board?

---Testimony that the Lord can help us as we place our trust in Him.

---Personal experience that illustrates how the Lord has helped you in your life as you have trusted in Him.

---Ponder what you can do to more fully trust in God.

---Write in your class notebooks any impressions you receive from the Spirit, and remember to act on these impressions.

Scripture Mastery Review

Note: The following review activity could be used at the beginning or end of this lesson or on another day when you have extra time:

In this seminary course, students have studied 17 scripture mastery passages so far. To help review the content of these passages, write each of the 17 references on the board. Divide the class into two teams (or invite the class to compete against you). One student from each team (or you and a student) should stand facing the references on the board. Ask another student in the class to choose one of the scripture mastery passages and read aloud several words from the scripture mastery bookmark or from the text of the passage itself. The students standing at the board (or you and a student) then race to touch the correct reference. Ask the class to check the answer(s) and award a point to the first team to touch the correct reference. Rotate participants. At the end of the activity, ask each team to recite one of the passages from memory.

Hint: To help this activity be beneficial and engaging for everyone, minimize the competitive element of the activity, and encourage teamwork and good sportsmanship.