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Book of Mormon Commentary
2 Nephi Chapter 9
ISAIAH'S PROPHECIES CONTINUED, VER. 1-137
2 Ne 9:1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up,
and his train filled the temple.
9:1 Here begins a bit of biography which is one of the best known in prophetic literature (Isa. 6:1).
It is a "unique record of how the call of God reached a man, and a prophet was born." In 734 B.C.
King Ahaz finally rejected the prophet's appeal to trust in God and turned to seek security in
Assyrian protection. It would seem that at this Isaiah felt, for the time being at least, the futility of
his ministry, and so withdrew from the political scene to let things take their course.
There can be no doubt that Isaiah here describes a profoundly real psychological and spiritual
experience through which he passed on a particular occasion. ...This chapter is one of the
outstanding passages of the Bible which justify a doctrine of revelation in and through recorded
spiritual experience. The story or Isaiah's call to be a prophet has been a powerful formative
influence in the Hebrew and Christian religious traditions, and we have the story in his own
words. We learn that his ministry was initiated by a soul-shaking experience of the reality of God,
as of One inexpressibly exalted, whose ethical "holiness" marked the most significant distinction
between God and man.
2 Ne 9:5 Then said I, wo is unto me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips; and I dwell
in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.
9:5 The beginning of a prophet's preparation is here set forth. He must be humble and willing to
confess his unworthiness. After one has been in the presence of Deity, or has been bathed in the
Holy Spirit, he keenly senses his humanity. "Mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts" (5).
As soon as his repentance is manifested by his confession, forgiveness is extended. His stained
lips are cleansed by God's holy fire. This is the second step in making a prophet. Now Isaiah could
speak of the reality of sin and the forgiveness of God. There was no denunciation or divine terror,
only the assurance of divine mercy.
The third step followed promptly in the dedication of a reborn life. Isaiah never hesitated. He
heard the call, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" (8). His oft-quoted reply sounded
sharp and clear: "Here am I; send me."
One is reminded of Paul's conversion on the Damascus road. The light from heaven blinded him
and struck him down. The voice said, "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest." Paul then inquired,
"What wilt thou have me to do?" And the Lord said, "Arise, and go unto the city, and it shall be
'told there what thou must do" (Acts 9:5,6).
2 Ne 9:27 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign: Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and shall
bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
9:27 This prophecy (Isa. 7:14) is used as a source to predict the coming of the Messiah. (See also
Mic. 5:2, 3.) Matthew's record reads:
"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name
Emmanuel, (which, being interpreted, is, God with us)" (Matt. 2:6). Joseph, Mary's espoused
companion, had been told by an angel, "Fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife; for that which is