The Bottom Line
From the author in the Foreword, "As the title of this book implies, Isaiah has been made "easier" (not necessarily "easy") for us in the latter days.... My intent has been to create a sort of "digest" that would help students of the scriptures quickly get a basic understanding of Isaiah chapters in the Bible and Book of Mormon. Then, it is hoped, with the help of more in-depth and scholarly books on Isaiah, they might continue to pursue their studies of the words of this great Prophet of God."
Pros
- Easy to read and follow.
- Explanations are added to each verse.
- Enlightening understanding makes you want to learn more!
Cons
- N/A
Description
- About the author, David J. Ridges:
- Has been teaching for the Church Educational System for 35 years
- Is an associate director and instructor at Orem Institue of Religion
- Has taught for several years at BYU Campus Education Week and Know Your Religion programs
- Has served as a curriculum writer for Sunday School and Seminary manuals
- Has served in many Church positions, including gospel doctrine teacher, bishop, and stake president.
- He currently serves as stake patriarch
- His other books are: "50 Signs of the Times and the Second Coming"
- "The Proclamation on the Family: The Word of the Lord on More Than 30 Current Issues"
- "The Book of Mormon Made Easier", "The Old Testament Made Easier", "The New Testament Made Easier"
Guide Review - Isaiah Made Easier - LDS Book Review
Above in the "Bottom Line" description I quoted the author who said that his book is to help make Isaiah "easier" to understand (not necessarily "easy") which is exactly what he does. The book is divided into two sections, first comes the Book of Isaiah, second the chapters of Isaiah from the Book of Mormon. In each verse, after certain words and phrases, the author has inserted notes and explanations to help us understand a bit more of Isaiah's teachings and prophecies. While studying this book I was amazed at how easy it was to understand each verse and how clear many things became. This book helped confirm my own understanding of certain verses and helped enlighten my understanding of those that baffled me. Here is an example of one of this book's verses of Isaiah from the Book of Mormon (the author's notes are in parentheses): 1 Nephi 21:8, "Thus saith the Lord: In an acceptable time (beginning with the restoration and Joseph Smith) have I heard thee, O isles of the sea (far continents beyond Asia such as America, Africa etc), and in a day of salvation have I helped thee; and I will preserve thee, and give thee my servant (prophets, including Joseph Smith) for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages (i.e., the gathering will take place; see verse 19)." I gave this book five stars and highly recommend it to anyone wishing to understand more about the words of Isaiah. This book would also make a fabulous gift.
