There are dozens of reasons why one might embark on a serious study of Isaiah’s writings—to feel the Spirit, to come to know God and his divine ways, to better understand doctrine, to increase devotion, to gain knowledge regarding ancient Israelite people and their history, and so forth. Some individuals may read Isaiah while seeking answers to life’s questions or guidance through life’s challenges, knowing that sacred scripture can provide answers as well as faith and hope. Beyond these potential motives, the Book of Mormon includes several reasons why each of us should study Isaiah. The following list, taken from verses in the Book of Mormon, details ten reasons for studying Isaiah; the first three, which pertain to Jesus Christ, are of prime import.

Figure 1.1. The Book of Mormon provides several reasons why we should study Isaiah. (Photo by Posfilaes. “1841 Book of Mormon open to Title Page.” Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

1. Isaiah taught many great and wonderful truths about Jesus Christ. Reading Isaiah’s words can help us come to know Jesus more deeply (see 1 Nephi 19:23; see also chapter 2 of this volume).
2. Jesus Christ commanded us to study Isaiah’s words. He declared, “Behold they [the words of Isaiah] are written, ye have them before you, therefore search them” (3 Nephi 20:11). He also commanded, “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” (3 Nephi 23:1; see also Mormon 8:23).
3. Isaiah was a special witness of Jesus Christ—he “saw [the] Redeemer” (see 2 Nephi 11:2; see also Isaiah 6:1). Therefore, just as we study the words of the modern prophets and apostles to learn more about Jesus, we should study Isaiah’s words.
4. Isaiah’s writings persuade us to “learn and glorify the name of [our] God” (2 Nephi 6:4).
5. Isaiah spoke concerning the scattering and gathering of the house of Israel (see 1 Nephi 15:20). Jesus explained, “For surely [Isaiah] 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” (3 Nephi 23:2). When we study Isaiah’s words, we learn how to help gather the house of Israel in the latter days; and also in the passage just cited, the resurrected Lord assures us that Isaiah’s words will indeed be fulfilled.
6. Nephi taught that Isaiah’s words are for “our profit and learning” (1 Nephi 19:23). Manifestly, those who regularly and sincerely search the book of Isaiah will profit and learn more about many eternal truths.
7. Isaiah taught many aspects of God’s judgments, or in other words, he prophesied warnings to cities and nations (see 2 Nephi 25:6). In fact, several chapters of Isaiah consist of God’s judgments (see chapters 13–17, 23). By studying these matters, we can learn much regarding the way God deals with wicked communities and nations.
8. Isaiah’s writings encourage us to be joyful. Nephi wrote, “And now I write some of the words of Isaiah, that whoso of my people shall see these words may lift up their hearts and rejoice for all men” (2 Nephi 11:8).
9. Isaiah’s writings are of “great worth unto [the children of men] in the last days” (2 Nephi 25:8). Why? Because many of his prophecies will be fulfilled in our day and we will be witnesses of their fulfillment.
10. Isaiah’s writings may be likened unto us. Nephi explained, “Wherefore, they [Isaiah’s words] may be likened unto you, for ye are of the house of Israel. And there are many things which have been spoken by Isaiah which may be likened unto you, because ye are of the house of Israel” (2 Nephi 6:5; see also 11:2, 8). It is a productive, profitable, and sacred exercise for us to liken Isaiah’s words to ourselves.

Why, then, should each of us make the effort to study Isaiah? Each and every reason given in the Book of Mormon (and there are ten of them!) provides us with a basis to diligently search Isaiah’s text. But may I share my own top-three personal reasons? They are as follows:

1. Isaiah taught many eternally significant truths about Jesus Christ; when I read Isaiah’s words and prophecies of Jesus Christ (such as the prophecy in Isaiah 53), I personally gain greater understanding of my Lord and Savior.
2. Isaiah’s writings encourage us to be joyful (see reason 8 above). When I am feeling discouraged because of world events or life’s many challenges, reading Isaiah’s words lifts my soul, and I feel the calming effects of the Holy Ghost.
3. Isaiah’s words help us to gain knowledge of God and his divine ways and to better understand his eternal truths. The truths revealed to Isaiah have helped me—and can help all careful readers—to build a strong foundation against the falsehoods and deceits that saturate so much of today’s world.