In Isaiah’s day, Babylon was a mighty kingdom with a powerful ruler. Now Babylon is ancient history. So why is Isaiah’s message to Babylon, in Isaiah 13–14, important to us today? Because Babylon symbolizes pride, greed, and sin, things that still surround us today. Think about this symbolism as you read Isaiah 13:1–11, 19–22; 14:1–20. You might consider questions like these:

• What similarities do you see between the pride of the Babylonian king and the pride of Satan? (see Isaiah 14:4–20; Moses 4:1–4). What warnings do you find for yourself in these verses?

• How does the Savior provide “rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear”? (Isaiah 14:3).

The teachings of Isaiah often refer to the Savior’s mission, including His atoning sacrifice, Resurrection, and Second Coming. What aspects of His mission come to mind as you read these verses: Isaiah 22:22–23; 24:21–23; 25:6–8; 26:19; 28:16? What other passages do you find that remind you of the Savior?

Give learners opportunities to bear testimony of Jesus Christ. “To be a teacher of Jesus Christ’s gospel means to help others understand and rely on His teachings, redeeming power, and perfect love” (Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 8). One simple way to do that every time you teach is to ask a question like “What did you find in the scriptures this week that taught you something about the Savior?” Then let learners share their experiences and strengthen each other’s faith. WATCH VIDEO EXAMPLE (on this page HERE).

In His mercy, the Lord sent Isaiah to warn the covenant people that they were straying from Him. See if you can find the spiritual warning signs of this in Isaiah 24:5; 29:13; 30:8–12. Why are these attitudes and actions spiritually dangerous?

To warn about the consequences of turning away from the Lord, Isaiah used some memorable comparisons. As you study them, ask yourself how turning away from the Lord is like:

• A sad, empty earth (Isaiah 24:1–12).

• Drunkenness (Isaiah 28:7–8).

• Hunger and thirst (Isaiah 29:7–10).

• A broken wall or vessel (Isaiah 30:13–14).

Why is it important to you to stay close to the Lord?

Have you ever lost something that you thought you would never find again? Or maybe something broke, and you worried that it could never be repaired. When we turn away from the Lord, Satan wants us to think that we can never return or be healed. However, Isaiah described some of the marvelous things the Lord will do to help us return to Him. What do you learn from Isaiah 29:13–24; 30:18–26; 35 about the Lord, His love, and His power? Perhaps you could find a phrase in these passages that gives you hope when you need healing. You could also look in Sister Amy A. Wright’s message “Christ Heals That Which Is Broken” (Liahona, May 2022, 81–84).

One way the Lord manifests His power and mercy is through the Restoration of His gospel. Isaiah 29 contains several passages that have parallels with events of the Restoration. For example:

• Compare Isaiah 29:11–12 with 2 Nephi 27:6–26 and Joseph Smith—History 1:63–65.

• Compare Isaiah 29:13–14 with Doctrine and Covenants 4 and Joseph Smith—History 1:17–19.

• Compare Isaiah 29:18–24 with the title page of the Book of Mormon.

In your opinion, why are “marvellous” and “wonder” (Isaiah 29:14) good words to describe the Lord restoring His gospel? How can you help fulfill the prophecies about the Restoration? For ideas, look in Elder Gerrit W. Gong’s message “All Nations, Kindreds, and Tongues” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 38–41).

See also “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World” (Gospel Library); “The Morning Breaks,” Hymns, no 1.