Nephi taught the teachings of former prophets so his people could visualize the active role the Lord has played in other lands, too. He cited much from the Torah, the books of Moses (at least some of which we have in our present books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), but to “more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer [he] did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah.” Few prophets have ever lived on earth who wrote more pointedly and powerfully about the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, than did Isaiah. As we will see, the Lord himself recommended Isaiah’s words in order for us to become truly acquainted with Him. Jesus commanded us to search the prophet’s words diligently and to do as Nephi did: “liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.” Like many Book of Mormon prophets, Isaiah wrote to us and for us—to bring us to Christ. Even his name is his message: Isaiah (Hebrew Yesha-Yah) means “Jehovah saves.”
All of us who are of the house of Israel are encouraged to liken Isaiah’s words to our situations in these latter days, that in these tumultuous times we “may have hope,” for our Savior is indeed the Hope of Israel.