I am taking a class on the second half of the Old Testament via BYU Idaho online and this week we’re studying Isaiah chapters 1–23 for the reading block. I had some struggles last week with the reading block of the books of Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. I have read all three books before and haven’t really found a good deal in the Psalms that really spoke to me. I really liked Ecclesiastes though. This week, I read Isaiah 1–23 and a lot of it seemed familiar to me. I can thank the Book of Mormon and my love of that sacred book for this familiarity. I felt a familiar voice in reading Isaiah and have made a far more detailed study of Isaiah than I have of other books in the Old Testament.

In the past, I have studied Isaiah with some reluctance, mostly because I found it difficult to understand. I have tried to learn more about the themes Isaiah wrote about and the topics of his teachings. I found Isaiah’s writings easier to understand when I understood more about the political climate he lived in and when I kept in mind that Isaiah was writing about the past, present, and future all at the same time.

I was definitely helped in my understanding by reading Elder Bruce R. McConkie’s 1973 Ensign article, “Ten Keys to Understanding Isaiah,” and would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more. I also think that it’s good to keep in mind what the Savior told the Nephites in the Book of Mormon when He ministered to them after His resurrection in 3 Nephi 23:

“And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah.

“For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel; therefore it must needs be that he must speak also to the Gentiles.

“And all things that he spake have been and shall be, even according to the words which he spake.

“Therefore give heed to my words; write the things which I have told you; and according to the time and the will of the Father they shall go forth unto the Gentiles.

“And whosoever will hearken unto my words and repenteth and is baptized, the same shall be saved. Search the prophets, for many there be that testify of these things.” (3 Nephi 3:231–5)

I know that Isaiah wrote about our day and the entire house of Israel and I know that his writings are true and important for all of us to read, learn, and understand.