Isaiah 41

The First and the Last

The First and the Last — the eternal One, before all and after all

Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he. Isaiah 41:4

Jehovah calls himself the first and the last. The resurrected Jesus takes this same title for himself in Revelation and in the Kirtland Temple, so the speaker here is the premortal Christ.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in Revelation 1:17-18 — The risen Christ: "I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead."
• the same title in D&C 110:4 — Christ in the Kirtland Temple: "I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain."
• the same title in Isaiah 44:6 — The same title, used again by Jehovah.

Jehovah

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10–13

Jehovah, the premortal Christ, promises to hold his people's hand and help them. It is the same tender care Jesus later showed in his ministry.

How we know: the verse itself names Him

Redeemer

Redeemer — the one who buys back what was lost or enslaved

Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 41:14

The LORD calls himself Israel's Redeemer and the Holy One of Israel, two of Isaiah's main titles for Christ. The Redeemer is the one who pays the price to set his people free.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in Isaiah 43:14 — "The LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel."
• the same title in 2 Nephi 25:29 — Nephi says Christ is the Holy One of Israel.

Holy One of Israel

Holy One of Israel — the holy God who belongs to Israel by covenant

Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in the LORD, and shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 41:16

Israel's joy is to be found in the Holy One of Israel. The Book of Mormon uses this title again and again for Jesus Christ.

How we know: the verse itself names Him

• the same title in 2 Nephi 9:41 — "The keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel."

Living Water

When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. Isaiah 41:17–18

The LORD promises water to people who are dying of thirst. Jesus later offered himself as the living water that ends spiritual thirst.

• alluded to by John 7:37-38 — "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink."

Creation by Christ

That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it. Isaiah 41:20

The Holy One of Israel is named as the Creator. Latter-day scripture teaches that the Son created all things under the Father's direction.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in John 1:3 — "All things were made by him."
• the same title in Mosiah 3:8 — Christ is "the Creator of all things from the beginning."

King of Jacob

King of Jacob — Israel's true King

Produce your cause, saith the LORD; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob. Isaiah 41:21

Jehovah calls himself the King of Jacob, Israel's rightful King. Jesus came as that King, and he will reign when he comes again.

• the same title in John 1:49 — Nathanael: "thou art the King of Israel."
• the same title in Isaiah 44:6 — "The LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer."

Bearer of Good Tidings

The first shall say to Zion, Behold, behold them: and I will give to Jerusalem one that bringeth good tidings. Isaiah 41:27

God promises Jerusalem someone who brings good news. The Book of Mormon teaches that the messengers who publish peace point to the Lord himself, who is the greatest bringer of good tidings.

• alludes to Isaiah 52:7 — "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings."
• interpreted by Mosiah 15:18 — Abinadi: "the Lord, the Redeemer ... the founder of peace" is the one who publishes peace.