1 Nephi 21: 12

12 And then, O house of Israel, behold, these shall come from far; and lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim.

After the Restoration, and after the elevation of the Christian status, as discussed in verse eleven, the real gathering of Israel will commence in earnest. “These [various portions of the house of Israel] shall come from far [where they have been scattered]; …from the north and from the west; and [even] these from the land of Sinim” (Ridges). According to David J. Ridges, in the book previously mentioned, “Strong’s Exhaustive Bible Concordance says [Sinim] might refer to inhabitants of southern China” (Isaiah Made Easier). This is not a stretch at all for me to accept. In my comments to 1 Nephi 12: 8 I referred to a Buddhist temple I visited while serving my mission to Korea, where there was evidence to my mind that this was one of the places Christ had visited and established his Church organization, with a first presidency and quorum of twelve disciples. Of course, I have no evidence of this except my photograph included in that comment, and my own reasoning, but it seems reasonable to me.

On a return trip to Korea I was able to go to that same temple again, so I took a new digital photo of that painting, as well as the one right next to it, which is also a bit too much of a coincidence to be a coincidence. Notice the crowns or halos in the first image. There is one central figure with a very ornate crown and halo. He is flanked by two figures also with ornate crowns and halos, although they are obviously not the main character. In addition, there are twelve others in the painting with halos. This looks very much to me like the First Presidency and the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. The second picture I am including looks suspiciously like the equivalent of the seven presidents of the Seventy in the latter day organization of the Church. On either side of them are three figures with halos, one holding a scepter. Could this be the “First Presidency” under whose direction the Seventy function? On the lower right side of the painting it looks like two missionaries, surrounded by flames, casting out another larger, monster-looking figure in the lower center of the painting, who is running away in flames. I could be totally wrong, but these seem to be too much of a coincidence to not be evidence of Christ’s organization being established in Korea, which is very close to Southern China.

• Isaiah 43: 5 (5–7)

1 Nephi 21: 11

11 And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted.

According to the cross references listed at the bottom of the page (Isaiah 62:10; D&C 133: 27 (23–32)) this verse is about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. So now, after the Restoration described in previous verses, the way has been prepared for the Lord to return. So I’m not exactly sure what this verse means, unless it has reference to removing obstacles (mountains) getting in the way of His return. As I further consider what it could mean, mountains often symbolize the temple in scripture. This actually makes a lot of sense, that He will make all his temples, which now dot the earth, a way, or path, to return to Him.

The phrase, “my highways shall be exalted,” is interesting. According to my dictionary (Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 3rd ed.) the term “highway” means, “any road freely open to everyone; public road.” “Exalt” means to elevate or lift up, specifically, “a) to raise in status, dignity, power, honor, wealth, etc. b) to praise; glorify; extol.” There is more, but that will do for my comments. This makes it sound like at the Second Coming His highways, or roads leading to Christ, will be elevated in status, etc. according to the definition above. In other words, being a Christian, and specifically one who has made covenants through partaking of the saving ordinances with proper authority, will no longer be the object of ridicule and scorn it often is today. This ridicule has been an obstacle for many who are not strong enough to withstand it. That obstacle will be removed.

Another possible interpretation of this verse is that both phrases have to do with temples. If all the Lord’s mountains (temples) are a way to return to Him, then those who take that highway, which is a highway by the above definition because it is available to anyone willing to make the appropriate covenants, shall be exalted. Or the temples themselves will take on more exalted roles. This makes sense as temple work becomes more important and more available. As I think on it, this could be the more accurate interpretation of this verse since it makes reference to the highways more than those who travel those highways.

1 Nephi 21: 10

10 They shall not hunger nor thirst, neither shall the heat nor the sun smite them; for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.

Surely this verse has reference to spiritual things more than physical hunger and thirst, along with other discomforts. After all, who has not experienced some of these discomforts in this life? Rather, in reference to verse nine, the Lord’s sheep who feed in His pastures shall not hunger or thirst for the word of God. Christ quoted a scripture found in Deuteronomy when He faced one of Satan’s temptations. He said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4: 4; also see Deuteronomy 8: 3). So this is the hunger and thirst that will be avoided by following the Lord.

As for the heat nor sun smiting them, I am reminded of the Savior’s parable of the sower. In this parable some seeds “fell upon stony places where they had not much earth,” so “when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away” (Matthew 13: 5–6 (3–8)). If the stony ground is compared to the heart, or the willingness to accept the gospel, or lack thereof, then we can see how that stony heart can be softened. The problem with the stony ground was not that the seeds didn’t spring up, but that there was no depth to the soil, so the plant grew no roots, making it so they withered in the heat of the sun. Likewise, there are people who readily accept the Gospel, but they don’t keep feasting on the pastures of the word of God. This kind of feasting helps to prepare the soil of the heart, or in other words, adds to the understanding and conviction of the sheep, giving a depth of “soil” so the roots can take hold and grow deep. In that way the heat of opposition does not smite the sheep. “Smitten,” or “smite” is a very strong word. None of the definitions of this word imply that you can withstand or even survive being smitten. So those with depth of understanding and conviction for the Gospel may feel the heat of opposition, but it will not smite them. Why? Because “he that hath mercy on them (Christ) shall lead them, even by the spring of [living] water shall he guide them.” That is the benefit of being willing to be guided. You can avoid spiritual wildernesses, stay nourished by walking where there is water abundantly available, and have strength to withstand the heat of opposition when it comes, as it surely will.

1 Nephi 21: 9

9 That thou mayest say to the prisoners: Go forth; to them that sit in darkness: Show yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places. 

The restoration of the gospel and all its covenants and saving ordinances will provide the means of salvation through Jesus Christ to those who have passed on and wait in spirit prison, as well as those who are in spiritual darkness in this life. This promise is to all of God’s children, but in this instance Nephi is including the promise because it applies to Lehi’s posterity, including Laman and Lemuel. The imagery of Christ’s people being sheep following the Good Shepherd is implied here in reference to their pastures being in all high places. Pastures provide food for sheep, just as Christ is the living Bread and Water, as remembered during the sacrament. It also could have reference to things like feasting on the word of God in the scriptures and through living prophets.

• Ezekiel 34: 14
• 1 Nephi 22: 25
• 2 Nephi 3: 5

1 Nephi 21: 8

8 Thus saith the Lord: In an acceptable time have I heard thee, O isles of the sea, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee; and I will preserve thee, and give thee my servant for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;

All the cross references in this verse go to places that talk about Joseph Smith and these latter days. So the acceptable time must be a time when the Gospel is on the earth, and specifically this last dispensation. That’s why this would be a “day of salvation:” the gospel is restored in its fullness with all its saving ordinances. Isaiah was before Daniel’s time, but when Nebuchadnezzar had his disturbing dream, Daniel interpreted the stone that became a great mountain and filled the earth as the Kingdom of God spreading over the whole earth. Of course, this includes the isles of the sea. Also, whenever the Lord has had a covenant people on the earth there has also been a prophet among them. So in other words, in the latter days, when the gospel will be restored, the Lord will fulfill His covenant through a prophet, or a series of prophets in the restoration, who will direct the gospel to be preached throughout the world. This verse is a promise to Lehi and others like him who were led away from Jerusalem, that they would not be forgotten at the last day, and they will be gathered in with the rest of Israel.

• 2 Nephi 3: 11 (6–15)
• 3 Nephi 21: 11 (8–11)
• Mormon 8: 16 (16, 25)

1 Nephi 21: 7

7 Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nations abhorreth, to servant of rulers: Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful.

This verse clarifies, at least in part, how Israel will be the example described in verse 6. The key part of that understanding is the middle of the verse, the part that talks about “him whom nations abhoreth, to servant of rulers.” Historically the Jews have been hated, despised, and have been in captivity. This verse is saying that because of Israel’s example during those difficult circumstances, leaders of nations will notice their light and will turn to the Lord.

There are a couple of examples of this happening to individuals in the scriptures, and now that I put it in context of this verse, I see those as types or shadows of what Israel will experience as a nation. The two examples that come quickly to mind are Joseph, who was sold into Egypt, and Ammon, one of the sons of Mosiah. In both of these cases these individuals were in positions of servitude, and because of their good examples, they were able to either convert or at least soften the hearts of their masters. In both cases the result was a major elevation of status from servant to ruler, or close to it. This will also be Israel’s end, according to prophecy. After all the difficulties, covenant Israel will finally be exalted to a position of power and authority. And it starts with continuing to be a light in trying times.

1 Nephi 21: 6

6 And he said: It is a light thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel. I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the ends of the earth.

Again, I get the distinct impression that Isaiah is not being personal here, but he is personifying all of covenant Israel. And in fact, it’s not just Israel at his time, but it extends throughout time. Whenever the Lord has had covenant people on the earth, one of their jobs is to be an example of righteousness. Jerusalem (Israel) was set up as that shining example, which role they filled for a time until they fell into apostasy (see Ezekiel 5: 5–6 (5–11)). Christ gave the same instruction to His followers at the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:14–16), and to the Nephites (3 Nephi 18:24). We have the same charge in this dispensation (see D&C 103: 9 (5–10)). In Abraham we learn that anybody who accepts the Gospel “shall be called after [Abraham’s] name, and shall be accounted thy seed” (Abraham 2: 10).

So with that background, I understand this verse to be saying that preaching to, or ministering to Israel to bring them out of apostasy is only part of the mission given to His people. The literal seed of Abraham have certain rights to gospel blessings (see Abraham 2: 11), and part of the mission the Lord’s people has is to them. But in this verse I almost get the idea that that mission is the easy part. There is also another mission to bring salvation to the Gentiles as well. Again, all the Lord’s people who accept the Gospel have this greater mission as well, and we have a responsibility to be an example to the Gentiles.

• Ezekiel 34: 14
• Matthew 5: 14–16
• D&C 103: 9 (8–9)
• Abraham 2: 11 (6–11)