Seminary
Lesson 116: Isaiah 11–12—“An Ensign for the Nations”
oil painting of a side view of Joseph Smith with hands outstretched

Joseph in the Grove, by Archie D. Shaw

Isaiah 1–12: Lesson 116

Isaiah 11–12

“An Ensign for the Nations”

Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.

God’s children have been spiritually scattered, and He wants to gather them to the safety of His gospel. Using the imagery of a tree and an ensign, Isaiah prophesied of the gathering of Israel. This lesson can help you feel more motivated to share the gospel with others.

Study the Scriptures

The following picture is a depiction of what Isaiah describes in Isaiah 11:1:

illustration of a tree stump

mark iconRead Isaiah 11:1 and mark the descriptions Isaiah used that are illustrated in the picture. (It may be helpful to know that the stem could also be translated as stump and rod as a small branch or shoot.)

If you found those verses difficult to interpret, you’re not alone. Joseph Smith also had questions about their meaning. Doctrine and Covenants 113:1–6 records his questions about Isaiah 11 and the inspired answers he received.

note iconMake a note next to the word “stem” in Isaiah 11:1 that says, “Stem = Jesus Christ (Doctrine and Covenants 113:1–2).”

Notice that while the stem, or trunk, is in place, the tree has been cut down. This may be symbolic of the apostasy that took place after Christ established His Church. The rod coming out of the stem represents the person given the power to begin growing God’s kingdom again (Doctrine and Covenants 113:3–4).

note iconMake a note next to the word “rod” in Isaiah 11:1 that says, “Rod = Joseph Smith (Doctrine and Covenants 113:3–4).”

the angel Moroni appears to Joseph Smith in his room

The Angel Moroni Appears to Joseph Smith in His Room, by Tom Lovell

When the angel Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith, he quoted Isaiah 11 several times (see Joseph Smith—History 1:40, 45–46, 49). In addition to prophecy about the Savior and the Millennium (Isaiah 11:6–9), the chapter prophesies about work done by a “root of Jesse.” Doctrine and Covenants 113:5–6 helps us identify that person as Joseph Smith.

note iconMake a note next to the phrase “root of Jesse” in Isaiah 11:10 that says, “root of Jesse = Joseph Smith (Doctrine and Covenants 113:5–6).”

Read Isaiah 11:10–12, looking for the work the Lord would do through the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Reading tips:

  • The phrase “set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people” (Isaiah 11:11) refers to the latter-day gathering of Israel (see Doctrine and Covenants 137:6).

  • An ensign is a flag or banner that an army may gather under or march behind.

  • “Ensign for the nations” (Isaiah 11:12) refers to the Restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including all its ordinances and covenants (see Doctrine and Covenants 45:9).

note iconUse the reading tip above to make any notes that will help you understand this chapter next time you read it. Then record the following truth next to Isaiah 11:12: The Lord’s restored Church is an ensign to gather people to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Review the following study options. Complete one or more.

Option A

Why is the Church an ensign to the nations?

European flags

Use a blank sheet of paper or piece of cloth to design an ensign (or flag) that represents the Church.

On the flag, write or draw several things you know about Jesus Christ and His restored Church. What do you think would attract others to gather to Him and join His Church? You might include things that are unique to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (such as the Book of Mormon, modern-day prophets, the priesthood of God, and latter-day temples). Write about how the Lord blesses us through these things.

share iconShare your flag with someone and explain what you learned about the Church being an ensign to the nations.

Option B

How can I be an ensign to help bring others to Christ?

Read Isaiah 11:12, looking for what Isaiah prophesied would happen after the ensign is raised.

Some people seem particularly gifted at gathering others to the Church. President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency shared one elders quorum president’s account of how he helped at least 40 friends come back to church.

15:49
President Henry B. Eyring

“I know every inactive guy in this town. Most of them have pickup trucks. I have a truck too. I wash my pickup where they wash theirs. In time, they become my friends.

“Then I wait until something goes wrong in their lives. It always does. They tell me about it. I listen and I don’t find fault. Then, when they say, ‘There is something wrong in my life. There just has to be something better than this,’ I tell them what is missing and where they can find it. Sometimes they believe me, and when they do, I take them with me.” (“You Are Not Alone in the Work,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 81)

notebook iconAnswer the following in your notebook:

  • What did the elders quorum president do to help gather his friends?

  • What could you do to follow the elders quorum president’s example?

Watch the following story from Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for more ideas on how to help gather God’s children.

13:3

Share Your Thoughts

Lesson Purpose: To help you feel more motivated to share the gospel with others.

share iconShare one or more of the following with your teacher or class:

  • The flag you made.

  • The principles you identified for effectively gathering others.

  • Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.

  • Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?