Isaiah 48: An Invitation to Come Back

Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide, (2002), 149

Isaiah 48 helps us understand how the Lord deals with those who have made covenants with Him but treat those covenants and their Church membership lightly. As you read, consider what this chapter teaches us about the Lord’s concern for those who stray from Him. Think also of how you might use these teachings to keep yourself true to the faith and help others who struggle in their commitment to the Lord.

Understanding the Scriptures

Isaiah 48

Swear by (v. 1)Promise in 
Former things (v. 3)What happened in the past 
Sinew (v. 4)Tendons that hold muscles and bones together and assist in their movements 
Not from the beginning (v. 7)Not long ago 
Treacherously (v. 8)Betraying or breaking promises, to deceive 
Defer (v. 9)Put off, delay 
Refrain (v. 9)Hold back 
Refined (v. 10)Removing an impure substance from metal by heating it to a very high temperature 
Spanned (v. 13)Measured with the hand (meaning he created it) 
Them (v. 14)Idols, false gods 
Hearkened (v. 18)Listened and obeyed 
Utter (v. 20)Speak 
Clave (v. 21)Split 

Studying the Scriptures

Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study Isaiah 48.

Activity A iconNote the Changes

  1. 1.

    Compare Isaiah 48:1–2 with 1 Nephi 20:1–2. How are they different?

  2. 2.

    Having made the comparison, whom do you think the Lord is speaking to in Isaiah 48:1–2?

Activity B iconChoose a Word

In Isaiah 48, the Lord told the Israelites why He was upset with them. For each of the following verses, write one word you think best describes what the Lord said about the Israelites: 4, 6, 8. (The words do not have to be from the verses.)

Activity C iconHow Does the Lord Help His People?

  1. 1.

    Make a list from Isaiah 48:9–22 of promises the Lord made to the straying Israelites.

  2. 2.

    Give an example of how the Lord fulfills these promises for people today.

  3. 3.

    Write in your own words what the Lord said we must do in order to have peace and happiness (see Isaiah 48:16–22).

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