In his characteristic way Isaiah of the Old Testament uses the term Babylon to typify a latter-day condition and judgment. Each era of the earth’s history has been plagued with some sort of Babylon.
(14-2) Isaiah 13. Babylon Is a Term Used by the Lord to Typify Wickedness in the Latter-day World Isaiah foresaw the graphic destruction of Babylon, the degradation of its nobility, and the universal wickedness of its masses. In his characteristic way he also uses the term Babylon to typify a latter-day condition and judgment. Each era of the earth has known its own Babylon, but the Babylon of the latter days was seen by the prophets as being among the most wicked of any era and the object of destruction at the coming of the Lord.
. The call is for the “sanctified ones” (Isaiah 13:3), the Saints of the latter days, to gather together and join with God in overthrowing wickedness (Babylon) from the world.a
Once again the figure of a marriage is employed. Israel is called a barren wife because of her inability or unwillingness to produce spiritual offspring for the Lord. But in the end, when she is gathered once again, there will be more children from the “desolate,” or temporarily forsaken, wife than when she enjoyed her wedded status in ancient times (Isaiah 54:1). This being true, space must be found so that the latter-day “tent” of Zion can be expanded to accommodate them all. When one wishes to make a small tent larger, one must pull up the stakes and move to a further distance from the center pole. This is what is meant by lengthening the cords and strengthening the stakes (v. 2; see also Notes and Commentary on Isaiah 33:20–24). Israel’s latter-day growth through conversion and gathering is represented as breaking “forth on the right hand and on the left” (Isaiah 54:3).The Gathering of Israel and the Coming of the Messiah (Isaiah 48–54)Old Testament Student Manual Kings-MalachiInstitutehttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/old-testament-student-manual-kings-malachi/chapter-17?lang=eng&verse=#p
“A half-hearted performance is not enough. We cannot obtain these blessings and be like the rich young man who protested that he had kept the commandments from his youth up but who went away sorrowful when, in answer to the question, ‘What lack I yet?’ Jesus said unto him,
“‘If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor … and come and follow me.’ (Matt. 19:21.) Evidently he could live everything but the welfare program.
“There can be no such reservation. We must be willing to sacrifice everything. Through self-discipline and devotion we must demonstrate to the Lord that we are willing to serve him under all circumstances. When we have done this, we shall receive an assurance that we shall have eternal life in the world to come. Then we shall have peace in this world.” (In Conference Report, Oct. 1949, pp. 39, 43–44.)The Last Days and the Millennium (Isaiah 55–66)Old Testament Student Manual Kings-MalachiInstitutehttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/old-testament-student-manual-kings-malachi/chapter-18?lang=eng&verse=#p
Zion’s “sons shall come from far” (Isaiah 60:4), and “the forces of the Gentiles” (v. 5) will do the same. Gold, silver, camels, and dromedaries (symbols of earthly wealth) will be brought to “glorify the house of [God’s] glory” (v. 7). As these precious things are gathered in, “the sons of strangers” (Gentiles) will build her walls or help in rebuilding Jerusalem (v. 10; compare Notes and Commentary on Isaiah 49:22).
About the phrase “thy gates shall be open continually” (Isaiah 60:11), Elder Orson Pratt said: “‘They shall not be shut day nor night, that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought, for the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish, yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted.’ What! no people or nation left that will not serve Zion? Not one. What will become of this great republic [the United States] … ? If they will comply with the ordinances of Zion, repent of their sins and be prepared for this great and glorious day, God will save them; but if they will not they will be utterly wasted away. Thus have the prophets declared.” (In Journal of Discourses, 14:355.)The Last Days and the Millennium (Isaiah 55–66)Old Testament Student Manual Kings-MalachiInstitutehttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/old-testament-student-manual-kings-malachi/chapter-18?lang=eng&verse=#p
President Woodruff asked: “Can you tell me where the people are who will be shielded and protected from these great calamities and judgments which are even now at our doors? I’ll tell you. The priesthood of God who honor their priesthood, and who are worthy of their blessings are the only ones who shall have this safety and protection. They are the only mortal beings. No other people have a right to be shielded from these judgments. They are at our very doors; not even this people will escape them entirely. They will come down like the judgments of Sodom and Gomorrah. And none but the priesthood will be safe from their fury.” (In Young Women’s Journal, Aug. 1894, p. 512.)The Last Days and the Millennium (Isaiah 55–66)Old Testament Student Manual Kings-MalachiInstitutehttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/old-testament-student-manual-kings-malachi/chapter-18?lang=eng&verse=#p
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