Why Imagery?

After teaching for the church for 36 years, I have learned that the Lord loves to use imagery. In Hosea 12:10 he states that he uses similitude's by the ministry of the prophets. I believe that when there is a event about a prophet recorded in scriptures, we can then look to see that the story may be talking about the life and mission of the Lord Jesus Christ. Isaiah 8:18 talks about how he and his family are for signs and wonders. Moses 6:63 states that all things bear witness of Him, and I hope to show some of these examples. This blog is designed to share some of my discoveries and those of many of my students who helped me learn so much in seeing Christ throughout all scripture. I was blessed to have these students from Northern Arizona, Texas and the Seattle area. I also thank all the CES teachers who have shared their thoughts and ideas. I will also include some posts giving helps to understand the book of Revelation and a few other books and chapters. Also included is an imagery sheet of notes taken at an in service meeting given by Gerald Lund back in the 80's that helped get me started with symbolism or imagery. I believe that the Lord uses both sides of your brain to teach about him. The logical side will just tell you the doctrine put straight forward and the creative side of your brain to see the imagery and symbolism, giving you two witnesses in your own body. These thoughts do not reflect any official position of any church but may be of help to some who want to learn more about their Savior.
I will try and not post more than one a week, so I don't overwhelm you.
Suggested reading order: 1. Scriptural Symbols 2. Imagery that got me started
Other blogs available. - Christ as the husband of Church part 1 of 2. It shows how family is central to God's plan,-Our marriage imagery part 2 of 2 -Jonah as a similitude of Christ - Jaredite Barge story - Nephi Building a boat - Joseph in Egypt or Temple experiences - Ammon in B of M Cutting Off Arms - The war chapters in the Book of Alma - Book of Revelation Helps-Understanding Adam and Eve-The Good Samaritan a plan of happiness story-The earth teaches the Plan of Happiness- Moses as a type of the Savior-The following posts are the chapters of Isaiah as found in the Book of Mormon.
The next series of posts will be the chapters of the book of Revelation,-A little paper on some Christmas imagery-


Friday, October 4, 2019

Isaiah in the Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 22 Isaiah 12


2 Nephi 22 or Isaiah 12
By Jeffrey Bushman Aug. 2017
Chapter 22
In the millennial day all men will praise the Lord—He will dwell among them—Compare Isaiah 12. About 559–545 B.C.
Isaiah Chapters 1-5 Isaiah sharply denounces Israelite follies and encourages the Israelites to repent; Chapter 6, he reviews his calling and role as a prophet; in 7-9 he gives inspired political advice and subtle messianic prophecies; 10-11 he concludes with pointed warnings to Assyria and millennial promises to Israel; 12 with these two psalms Isaiah speaks for all Israel as he gives thanks and praise to the Lord for providing salvation and millennial blessings.
1 aAnd in (IE in the time of the events of the preceeding chapter) that day thou shalt say: O Lord, I (IE The people who are gathered will sing this song of praise) will praise thee; though thou wast angry with me thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. V1-3 May be the first psalm:  This is gathered Israel who is giving thanks to God for forgiveness of sins and forgiving them comfort.  Have you thanked the Lord for forgiving you?
2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will atrust, and not be afraid; for the Lord bJehovah (This is one of the four times only that the name Jehovah is written out in full in the King James English Bible.  See Ex. 6:3,Ps. 83; 18; Isa. 26:4.  In all other places Lord is used instead.) is my cstrength and my dsong; he also has become my salvation. Could be talking to the world or bearing his testimony to gathered Israel.  Do you trust the Lord?
3 Therefore, with joy shall ye draw awater out of the wells of salvation. . (Wells of living water.)  This is considered the most important verse of the chapter.  All are invited who have not known the Lord and are given opportunity to receive these blessings.  All men are invited to partake of God’s goodness.  A pattern for spiritual growth comes from these psalms:  In verses 1-2 the person gains faith in the Lord and the atonement. In 3 he wants others to share in the blessings of baptism and salvation
__________________2nd Psalm____________________
It is more of a praise psalm than a thanksgiving psalm.  In the first psalm of thanksgiving it is focusing on what they have received.  In this one they are focusing on the Lord and not themselves.
4 And in that day shall ye say ( or proclaim): aPraise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. .  In 4 His testimony manifests itself so strongly that he publically exhorts others to make the Lord’s deed known to all

5 aSing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things; this is known in all the earth.
6 aCry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion; for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee. .  In 5-6 Finally, his deep convictions are evidenced by his singing of praises and bearing witness of the truth.             *Christ’s presence will be enjoyed by these at this time.
Ludlow than points out that there is a similar pattern developed in another millennial psalm as recorded by Joseph Smith in D&C 84:99-102;  1st, the Lord’s redemption is extolled and the principles of faith and covenant-making are enjoined, v 99-100. Then the Lord’s deeds are recounted in v100-101. And the hymn concludes with glorious praises to God, v102.  Both Isaiah and Joseph Smith yearned for the millennium and they used short psalms to manifest this feeling.

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