Unlocking Isaiah in the Book of Mormon

by Victor L. Ludlow

The Book of Mormon is a remarkable book, filled with exciting adventures of heroic men and women, beautiful doctrines of the gospel, and uplifting passages of poetry and wisdom. But it seems that in our desire to get to those adventures and doctrines, we all too often skip vital portions of the Book of Mormon - the writings of Isaiah. In Unlocking Isaiah in the Book of Mormon, Dr. Victor L. Ludlow reminds us why it is crucial that we study the writings of Isaiah, and not simply plow through or skip over them in our scripture reading. The words of Isaiah are scattered throughout the Book of Mormon like rare gems of great value and worth. And though we may sometimes feel that Isaiah's meaning and intent are locked away in a treasure chest, Dr. Ludlow has taken the time to unlock the meaning of his prophetic wisdom and symbolic poetry until they are clear and unmistakable.

Genres: Religion

266 pages, Hardcover

First published October 31, 2003

About the author

Dr. Victor L. Ludlow graduated with high honors from Brigham Young University (and was a Danforth Fellow at Harvard and Brandeis Universities, where he received a Ph.D. in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies. Beginning in 1972, he taught a variety of classes at BYU and in Jerusalem, with an emphasis on the Bible (especially the writings of Isaiah), the Book of Mormon, and Judaism. He is an emeritus professor of Ancient Scripture and the Coordinator for Near Eastern Studies at BYU. He has also served as chair of the BYU Faculty General Education Council and on the BYU Faculty Advisory Council.

Dr. Ludlow has served in the Church as a bishop, branch president, high councilor, stake young men's president, counselor in a stake presidency, and president of the Germany Frankfurt Mission (1983-86).

He and his wife, V-Ann (Virginia Ann), are the parents of four sons and two daughters, and the grandparents of fifteen children.

Dr. Ludlow has written many books and articles on the Bible, the Middle East, and comparative studies between Jewish and Latter-day Saint theology. He is especially noted as author of Isaiah: Prophet, Seer, and Poet and Principles and Practices of the Restored Gospel.

Reviews

[Raymon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tried reading this book in little pieces each day and struggled. It wasn't until I dove head first into this book and immersed myself in it over a four day period that it began to open my mind. For the first time in my life, I desire to truly know the words of Isaiah.

[Sammy Tenney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me long enough to finish. It definitely helped me better understand a lot of the verses in the Book of Mormon I’d often gloss over, and will help give me the right perspective and knowledge needed as I read those verses going forward. Was repetitive at times, and lots of quotes came straight from Jesus the Christ by Talmage. Not a bad thing though.

[Jeff Birk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victor Ludlow came to my wedding reception and it was great to meet him. At the time, I didn't realize the caliber of gospel scholar he was, but I certainly know now. If you're looking to have a better understanding of Nephi's Isaiah chapters (and, of course, Isaiah's writings themselves), this is a great book. I had a desire to follow through with the Savior's commandment in 3 Nephi 23 to search the words of Isaiah, and this book helped me a lot in my understanding and appreciation of this great prophet whom the author calls "a prophet's prophet." Ludlow draws heavily on writings from Talmage, McConkie and Joseph Fielding Smith in amplifying Isaiah's concepts. I took lots of notes and plan to read more of Ludlow's works on this and other subjects.

[Robert Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

An indispensable resource for LDS students of scripture

The Isaiah chapters are difficult for most readers of the Book of Mormon, however this work helps the reader better understand what's going on, and conveniently has a chapter on each Isaiah chapter in the Book of Mormon so they become more easily organized and manageable. Each chapter goes through both the ancient context and how it relates to modern times. Very readable and helpful!

[Bryan Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a little bit to get into this book but once I really sat down and read it I really loved it. It will definitely change my attitude when I read the Isaiah chapters of Nephi. I feel I not only have a better understanding of what symbolism means. But I have a better understanding of why Nephi included so much Isaiah in his writings.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read most of it, and it helped me understand a lot of history about the prophet Isaiah and the people he prophesied about. Very informative and quoted a lot of prophets and apostles which is awesome.

[Erneilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of all the books I've read in the last few years about Isaiah, this is probably the best discussion I have encountered.

[Jill Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book teaches a lot of the same principles that are found in Victor Ludow's other book 'Isaiah: Prophet, Seer, Poet'. The first few chapters are almost identical since they deal with the historical and personal background of Isaiah. Then Ludlow shows how to go through the Isaiah portions of the Book of Mormon. He makes Isaiah approachable and something that can be understood with a little work. I would highly recommend it for beginners who are just starting to approach Isaiah and also those who are looking to supplement their current knowledge.

[Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first few chapters are almost identical since they deal with the historical and personal background of Isaiah. Then Ludlow shows how to go through the Isaiah portions of the Book of Mormon. He makes Isaiah approachable and something that can be understood with a little work. I would highly recommend it for beginners who are just starting to approach Isaiah and also those who are looking to supplement their current knowledge.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not the exact book I'm reading. I'm reading Unlocking The Book of Mormon A Side by Side Commentary. It is really good, it has the chapter and verses on the left side and notes and explanations on the right side of the page. Ludlow is one of the authors of the book, and the chapters that include Isiah are referenced by him.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! A must read for anyone who finds Isaiah hard to understand. I especially love how Ludlow points out the many scriptural prophets who comment on Isaiah's prophecies. Their comments both testify of the importance of Isaiah’s prophecies and clarify them.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makes Isaiah VERY understandable. I can actually comprehend it now as I read the 2 Nephi chapters, where I used to always breeze through it.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

very helpful companion to gaining clarity and insights into the "Isaiah chapters". Loved it and gained a deeper appreciation of these precious chapters.