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FAIR Resources for Come, Follow Me – Restoration Scripture
Week 40: September 28 - October 4: "Comfort Ye My People"

Isaiah 40-49

Doctrinal Focus
Historical & Contextual
Apologetic Application
Practical Applications
Ideas for Teaching
Quick Reference

Doctrinal Focus

  • Key doctrines addressed in this week’s reading

Isaiah repeatedly teaches that the Lord is aware of His children and actively strengthens them during times of suffering and uncertainty. In Isaiah 41:10–13, the Lord promises, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee,” reminding covenant disciples that they are never abandoned in their trials. Elder Patrick Kearon taught that Jesus Christ has already “overcome the abuses of this world” and can help individuals not only survive hardship but ultimately conquer it through His healing power.

Isaiah’s prophecies point to the Savior’s redeeming role as one who restores, heals, and gathers His people. Isaiah 49:13–16 teaches that the Lord will never forget His children, comparing His remembrance to a name engraved upon His hands. This truth is strengthened by Alma 7:11–12, which explains that Christ took upon Himself pains, afflictions, sicknesses, and sorrows so He could perfectly understand and succor His people in every condition of mortality.

  • Isaiah reassures scattered Israel that despite captivity, sin, or discouragement, the Lord still claims them as His own. In Isaiah 43:1–4, the Lord declares, “Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” These verses teach that covenant identity is not based on worldly success or failure but on a divine relationship with God that brings belonging, hope, and eternal worth.

President Russell M. Nelson invited members to study the promises made to covenant Israel because they reveal the Lord’s willingness to guide, protect, and strengthen His people in every generation. Isaiah 44:21–24 and 46:3–4 emphasize that the Lord carries, sustains, and remembers His people throughout their lives. As modern disciples make and keep covenants, they can trust that these same promises apply personally to them.

Isaiah contrasted the greatness of God with the temporary nature of worldly powers such as Babylon. In Isaiah 40:15–23, nations are described as insignificant compared to the Creator who “stretcheth out the heavens,” emphasizing God’s supreme authority over all creation. These teachings would have brought hope to captive Israel and continue to remind modern readers that no worldly challenge is beyond the Lord’s ability to overcome.

Isaiah taught that those who rely on the Lord will receive renewed spiritual strength and endurance. Isaiah 40:29–31 promises that those who “wait upon the Lord” shall “renew their strength” and rise “with wings as eagles.” Similarly, Isaiah 48:17–18 teaches that obedience to God’s commandments leads to peace “as a river,” showing that trust in divine guidance provides lasting stability in a troubled world.

Historical & Contextual Insights

  • Insights in this week’s study
  • Isaiah 40–49 was written during a period when the kingdoms of Israel and Judah faced the consequences of covenant disobedience, including destruction, scattering, and eventual captivity. These chapters specifically address the future Babylonian captivity and were intended to comfort God’s covenant people after the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple.

Earlier chapters of Isaiah contain warnings of judgment and exile because of idolatry and rebellion. However, Isaiah 40 begins a major shift in tone with the words “Comfort ye my people,” emphasizing redemption, restoration, and hope. Isaiah prophesied not only of Israel’s return from Babylon but also of the future redeeming mission of Jesus Christ, who would spiritually gather and heal His people in every age.

  • These chapters demonstrated that God had not abandoned Israel despite their suffering and captivity. The prophecies reassured the people that the Lord remained faithful to His covenants and possessed greater power than Babylon or any earthly empire. This message would have strengthened faith among discouraged Israelites who may have believed they were forgotten or permanently rejected by God.
  • Modern disciples also experience spiritual captivity through fear, sin, discouragement, suffering, or worldly pressures. Isaiah’s message reminds us that the Lord remembers His people, fulfills His promises, and offers redemption through Jesus Christ. The same God who delivered Israel from Babylon can strengthen and restore individuals and families today.
  • In Isaiah 40:11, the Lord is described as a shepherd who “shall feed his flock” and “gather the lambs with his arm.” Ancient shepherd imagery would have been deeply meaningful to Isaiah’s audience because shepherds provided constant protection, guidance, nourishment, and rescue for vulnerable sheep. Isaiah used this familiar image to teach that Jesus Christ lovingly watches over His covenant people with tenderness and personal care.
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  • Sheep in the ancient Near East were highly dependent upon their shepherd for survival. Without guidance and protection, they could easily become lost, injured, or attacked by predators. Isaiah’s audience would have recognized that the Lord’s role as Shepherd symbolized complete dependence upon divine care and leadership.
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  • This imagery becomes even more meaningful when connected to Jesus Christ’s later declaration, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11). Isaiah’s prophecy helps readers see that Christ’s ministry has always centered on gathering, protecting, healing, and redeeming His people throughout every dispensation.
  • Isaiah repeatedly contrasted the power of God with the temporary glory of Babylon and other nations. To captive Israel, Babylon appeared invincible because it controlled armies, wealth, and political influence. Yet Isaiah taught that earthly kingdoms rise and fall while God’s authority remains eternal. This perspective helped covenant Israel maintain faith during a period of humiliation and displacement.
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  • In Isaiah 47, Babylon is portrayed as proud, self-sufficient, and confident that it would “be a lady for ever.” Isaiah warned that worldly power built on pride and wickedness ultimately collapses under divine judgment. This would have reassured Israel that their captivity was not permanent and that God remained in control of history.
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  • Modern readers can also view Babylon symbolically as anything that pulls hearts away from God, including materialism, pride, immorality, or misplaced trust in worldly systems. Isaiah’s warnings encourage disciples to anchor their confidence in the Lord rather than in temporary worldly influences.

If you have questions on this week’s reading, please email your questions to us here.

Apologetic Application

  1. Claim: Israel’s captivity proves that God abandoned His covenant people.
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  3. Response:
  4. Historical Evidence: Isaiah consistently taught that Israel’s scattering resulted from covenant disobedience, not divine neglect (Isaiah 42:24–25). At the same time, Isaiah prophesied restoration, demonstrating that the covenant relationship continued despite temporary consequences.
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  6. Eyewitness Support: Jewish history confirms both the Babylonian captivity and the later return to Jerusalem under Persian rule, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecies of restoration and deliverance.
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  8. Spiritual Confirmation: Believers throughout history have testified that God often strengthens His people during adversity rather than removing all suffering immediately. Isaiah’s promises continue to bring comfort to those enduring hardship today.
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  10. Logical Analysis: Loving discipline is not evidence of abandonment. Just as parents correct children for long-term growth, God’s covenant relationship includes both correction and mercy intended to lead His people back to Him.
  • Claim: Isaiah portrays a God focused mainly on punishment and judgment.
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: Isaiah 40–49 shifts dramatically toward themes of comfort, redemption, healing, and restoration. The repeated invitations to “fear not” reveal God’s compassion and covenant loyalty toward His people.
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  • Eyewitness Support: Prophets such as Isaiah, Nephi, and later apostles consistently testified of God’s mercy, patience, and willingness to forgive repentant individuals and nations.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: Many readers experience peace, hope, and reassurance while studying Isaiah’s promises that God remembers and strengthens His children. These spiritual impressions reinforce the reality of God’s loving nature.
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  • Logical Analysis: Justice and mercy are not opposites but complementary divine attributes. A loving God must oppose evil while also extending opportunities for repentance, healing, and redemption.
  • Claim: Victims of suffering must somehow be responsible for their pain or less worthy before God.
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: Elder Patrick Kearon directly taught that abuse is never the victim’s fault and that God does not view wounded individuals with shame or rejection. Isaiah 43:1–4 similarly affirms that God still calls His people “precious” in His sight.
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  • Eyewitness Support: Modern prophets and apostles have repeatedly condemned abuse in all forms and testified that the Savior offers healing and hope to victims of injustice and suffering.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: Survivors frequently testify that turning to Jesus Christ brings peace, healing, identity, and renewed hope even after profound trauma.
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  • Logical Analysis: A perfectly just and loving God would not condemn victims for sins committed against them. The doctrine of agency teaches that individuals are accountable for their own choices, not for the harmful actions of others.

Practical Applications

Practical solutions for someone in faith crisis:

Action Step: Choose one promise from Isaiah 40–49 to study, memorize, and pray about throughout the week.

Isaiah repeatedly reminds God’s people that they are not forgotten, abandoned, or alone. Focusing on the Lord’s promises strengthens faith and shifts attention away from fear and toward the Savior’s power to sustain and guide. Elder Patrick Kearon taught that Jesus Christ can help us not only survive trials but eventually overcome them through His grace.

  1. – Read Isaiah 40–49 and highlight comforting promises.
  2. – Select one verse that feels personally meaningful.
  3. – Write the verse somewhere visible.
  4. – Pray specifically about your fears and concerns.
  5. – Look for evidence during the week that God is strengthening or guiding you.

Encouraging Thought:

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God” (Isaiah 41:10). God’s promises are not only for ancient Israel—they are personal assurances for disciples today.

Action Step: Replace negative self-talk with truths found in Isaiah about how God sees you.

Many people define themselves by mistakes, weaknesses, disappointments, or painful experiences. Isaiah 43:1–4 and 49:15–16 teach that the Lord knows His children personally and values them eternally. Remembering divine identity builds spiritual confidence and helps individuals resist discouragement and shame.

  1. – Read Isaiah 43:1–4 aloud slowly.
  2. – Write down phrases that describe how God feels about His people.
  3. – Identify negative thoughts you struggle with.
  4. – Replace each negative thought with a scriptural truth.
  5. – Share one truth about divine identity with a family member or friend.

Encouraging Thought:

Elder Patrick Kearon taught that we are not defined by the terrible things that happen to us but by our eternal identity as sons and daughters of God.

  • Action Step: Intentionally bring one emotional, spiritual, or personal struggle to the Savior through prayer and scripture study.

Isaiah and modern prophets testify that Jesus Christ understands every pain because He descended below all things. Seeking the Savior’s healing does not always remove hardship immediately, but it invites peace, strength, perspective, and hope into difficult situations. Trusting Christ allows burdens to become lighter through His grace.

  1. – Identify one burden or struggle you have been carrying.
  2. – Read Isaiah 49:13–16 and Alma 7:11–12.
  3. – Pray honestly about your pain or concerns.
  4. – Ask specifically for comfort, healing, or guidance.
  5. – Record impressions or moments of peace in a journal.

Encouraging Thought:

  • Jesus Christ “has overcome the abuses of this world” and can help His people become “more than conquerors through him” (see Romans 8:37).

Ideas for Teaching

Objective: Help learners recognize and personalize God’s promises found in Isaiah 40–49.

Sticky notes, markers, poster board or whiteboard, scriptures.

Activity Steps:

  1. Introduction (5 min): Ask learners to share a promise someone once made that brought them comfort or hope.
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  3. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 43:1–4, and Isaiah 49:15–16 together. Discuss what these promises teach about God’s character.
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  5. Application (5 min): Invite learners to write one promise from Isaiah on a sticky note and place it on a “Promise Wall.” Encourage them to choose a promise they personally need this week.

Follow-Up Question: Which promise from Isaiah feels most meaningful to your life right now, and why?

Objective: Help learners understand how deeply the Savior remembers and loves His children.

Washable markers or pens, paper hand outlines, scriptures.

Activity Steps:

Introduction (5 min): Ask learners about someone they could never forget and why that person matters to them.

Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Isaiah 49:15–16 and discuss the imagery of being “graven” upon the Lord’s hands.

Application (5 min): Invite learners to write their names or a meaningful word inside a hand outline to symbolize that they are remembered by the Savior.

Follow-Up Question: How can remembering that the Lord never forgets you change the way you face discouragement or hardship?

Objective: Teach how trusting in the Lord renews spiritual strength.

Pictures/videos of eagles, paper, pens, scriptures.

Activity Steps: 

Introduction (5 min): Show a picture or short video of an eagle soaring and ask what allows it to rise above storms and wind currents.

Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Isaiah 40:29–31 and discuss what it means to “renew their strength” and “mount up with wings as eagles.”

Application (5 min): Invite learners to write one current challenge on paper and then list ways they can rely more on the Savior during that struggle.

Follow-Up Question: What are some practical ways we can “wait upon the Lord” when life feels exhausting or overwhelming?

QUICK REFERENCE

  • God comforts and strengthens His covenant people during hardship and fear (Isaiah 41:10–13).
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  • Jesus Christ remembers, redeems, and heals His children through His Atonement (Isaiah 49:13–16; Alma 7:11–12).
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  • The Lord’s power is greater than worldly powers or temporary circumstances (Isaiah 40:15–23).
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  • Covenant identity gives disciples hope, purpose, and assurance that they are not forgotten (Isaiah 43:1–4).
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  • Waiting upon the Lord renews spiritual strength and endurance (Isaiah 40:29–31).
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  • Through Jesus Christ, suffering and injustice can ultimately be overcome and made right (Romans 8:37; Isaiah 40:1–3).
  • Why trust modern prophets?
  • Modern prophets consistently testify of Jesus Christ and teach doctrines that align with ancient scripture. Elder Patrick Kearon reinforces Isaiah’s message of healing, comfort, and covenant hope, demonstrating continuity between ancient prophecy and modern revelation. Prophets also invite individuals to seek personal revelation through prayer and the Holy Ghost rather than relying only on human opinion.
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  • Why does God allow mistakes?
  • Agency is essential to God’s plan, allowing individuals to choose good or evil. Isaiah teaches that while suffering and captivity are real, God does not abandon His people in their afflictions. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, healing, justice, growth, and redemption are ultimately possible even when life feels unfair or painful.