Isaiah's family -- a simple key to understanding the broad themes of 2 Nephi 12-24

Isaiah is difficult, but worth taking the time to understand.  There are layers of symbolism in Isaiah's writings, which means it takes some time and some effort to come to understand the beauty of his message.

One quick way I've learned to remember the key themes of Isaiah 2-14 (also 2 Nephi 12-24) is to remember the names of three of Isaiah's family members (his wife and two sons).  Remembering those names will help us understand his message a little better:

The Prophetess

In Isaiah 8:3 (also 2 Nephi 18:3), Isaiah refers to his wife as "the prophetess." We get no indication if she also acted prophetically, or if this name simply refers to her status as the wife of the prophet, but that is beside the point I'm making here.  One big theme of this passage of scripture is that God sends prophets to warn the people.

Maher-shalal-hashbaz

This is the name of one of Isaiah's sons, also mentioned in Isaiah 8:3 (2 Nephi 18:3).  Again, we don't know if this was his literal name, but that isn't the point.  The meaning of this name is something along the lines of "quick to plunder, swift to spoil" or "destruction is imminent." A corresponding theme of Isaiah's writings is that the House of Israel is soon to be conquered, destroyed, and scattered.  What was once a lush, promised land, will soon become a wasteland.

Shear-Jashub

Isaiah 7:3 (2 Nephi 17:3) mentions the name of Isaiah's other son, Shear-Jashub.  This name literally means "a remnant shall return."  This corresponds to the theme of a latter-day remnant springing forth and growing into a grand millenial gathering of the righteous House of Israel.

How does this help us understand Isaiah?

When studying Isaiah, it helps to look for language that illustrates one of these three broad themes:

1. God calls prophets to warn the people.
2. The wicked will be destroyed.
3. A righteous remnant shall return and usher in millennial peace.

Nephi's Summary

After quoting this long passage of Isaiah, Nephi offer a summary of its meaning in 2 Nephi 25.  Notice the three themes summarized in these verses:

9 And as one generation hath been destroyed among the Jews because of iniquity, even so have they been destroyed from generation to generation according to their iniquities; and never hath any of them been destroyed save it were foretold them by the prophets of the Lord.
10 Wherefore, it hath been told them concerning the destruction which should come upon them, immediately after my father left Jerusalem; nevertheless, they hardened their hearts; and according to my prophecy they have been destroyed, save it be those which are carried away captive into Babylon.
11 And now this I speak because of the spirit which is in me. And notwithstanding they have been carried away they shall return again, and possess the land of Jerusalem; wherefore, they shall be restored again to the land of their inheritance. (2 Nephi 25)