Isaiah has Jehovah repeat the call, “hearken unto me.” This is the second occurrence in a set of three. In this second call, Jehovah begins to tell Israel how they are to be redeemed. They have a god who is powerful, but one who acts on covenants. Thus, the redemption of Israel is linked to Jehovah’s laws. At the end of Isaiah 50 (2 Nephi 7), Jehovah had spoken of those who walked in their own light, with only sparks to see in the darkness. Jehovah’s laws provide a true light for his people.
Jehovah reminds his people that he exists above and beyond this world. He is constant in his laws and judgments. Thus, heaven and earth might pass away, but Jehovah will yet remain, and therefore his covenants will remain.
For Jacob’s congregation of a mixed people, this may serve as much for instruction as remembrance. Doubtless it was taught before, but the conditions are such that it required reinforcing. Not only those who came from Jerusalem would benefit from the reminder of their god, but also those new Nephites who were learning how to understand this new god. One of those important points to understand was that Jehovah had laws and consistency, an important difference from the many capricious gods which existed in both the Old and New Worlds.