Isaiah 58–66

Why would anyone voluntarily go without food when food is available? As you study Isaiah 58:3–12, you might think about your reasons for fasting—as well as the Lord’s reasons for giving this law. Here are some other questions to ponder:

• Why can fasting sometimes be perceived like more of a burden than a blessing? (see Isaiah 58:3–5). How do the Lord’s teachings in this chapter change that perception for you?

• What might it mean to “loose the bands of wickedness” and “break every yoke”? (Isaiah 58:6). How can fasting bless others? (see verse 7).

• How has fasting brought you the blessings described in Isaiah 58:8–12?

In his message “Is Not This the Fast That I Have Chosen?” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 22–25), President Henry B. Eyring shared several examples of how people have been blessed by fasting and fast offerings. How have you witnessed similar blessings in your life?

See also “Bless Our Fast, We Pray,” Hymns, no. 138; Topics and Questions, “Fasting and Fast Offerings,” Gospel Library.

Is the Sabbath day “a delight” for you? As you study Isaiah 58:13–14, consider how you could find more delight in the Lord’s day. For example, what might it mean to turn “from doing thy pleasure on [His] holy day”? What is the difference between “[delighting] thyself in the Lord” and “doing thine own ways”?

See also Russell M. Nelson, “The Sabbath Is a Delight,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 129–32.

Isaiah 58–66 has multiple references to the atoning mission of Jesus Christ. Look for them as you study. In particular, note the titles and words used to describe the Savior. For example:

• What impresses you about the description of the “intercessor” in Isaiah 59:16–21? How does the Savior overcome the conditions described in verses 9–15?

• When Jesus Christ announced to the people of Nazareth that He was the Messiah, He quoted from Isaiah 61:1–3 (see Luke 4:16–21; see also the video “Jesus Declares He Is the Messiah,” Gospel Library). How has Jesus Christ blessed you and others in the ways described in these verses? How has He given beauty in place of ashes?

  

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• What “lovingkindnesses of the Lord” can you “mention”? (see Isaiah 63:7–9).

• What other references to the Savior do you find in Isaiah 58–66?

See also Mosiah 3:7; Doctrine and Covenants 133:46–53.

Isaiah 60 and 62 speak of light and dark, eyes and seeing to teach about how the gospel of Jesus Christ will bless the world in the last days. Look for these concepts in Isaiah 60:1–5, 19–20; 62:1–2. As you read these chapters, ponder how God is gathering His children out of darkness to His light. What is your role in this work?

See also 1 Nephi 22:3–12; 3 Nephi 18:24; Doctrine and Covenants 14:9; Bonnie H. Cordon, “That They May See,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 78–80.

Isaiah spoke of a day when “the former troubles are forgotten” (Isaiah 65:16). While this prophecy has several fulfillments, in its fullest sense, that day is yet to come—when Jesus Christ will return. Isaiah described this future day in Isaiah 64:1–5; 65:17–25; 66. Notice how often he used words like “rejoice” and “rejoicing.” Why will the Savior’s return be a day of rejoicing for you? What can you do to prepare for His coming?

See also Articles of Faith 1:10; Russell M. Nelson, “The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming,” Ensign, Apr. 2020, 13–17.

• Perhaps the best way to encourage your children to fast—when they are ready—is to help them understand the Lord’s purposes for this law. Consider reading together Isaiah 58:6–11 to find answers to these questions: Why do we fast? How do we fast? You could also look in “Fast, Fasting” in the Guide to the Scriptures.

• If you have had a meaningful experience with fasting, share it with your children. You could also ask them how they would explain to a friend why the Lord gave us this law.

• After reading Isaiah 58:13–14, you could point to the days of the week on a calendar and invite your children to say the days with you. When you get to the Sabbath, ask them to call that day “a delight.” Tell them why the Sabbath is a delight to you.

• Share with each other ways you can “delight thyself in the Lord” on the Sabbath. Maybe your children could draw their ideas and put them in a “box of Sabbath delights.” Then, when they need ideas about things to do on the Sabbath, they could pull an idea from the box.

• You could invite your children to close their eyes as you read Isaiah 60:1–3. Ask them to open their eyes when they hear the word “light” and close them again when they hear the word “darkness.” Explain that Jesus Christ and His gospel are like a light that helps us see our way back to Heavenly Father.

• Isaiah 65:17–25 describes what the earth will be like when the Savior comes again. As you read these verses with your children, help them look for how life will be different in the “new earth” Isaiah described. Why will this be a time to be “glad and rejoice for ever”? (verse 18).

• You could also sing together a song about the Second Coming, such as “When the Savior Comes Again” (Gospel Library). Share with each other what you are looking forward to about the Savior’s return. What can we do to prepare for that day?