One of the mysteries of the restored gospel is how Zion will be redeemed. We are told that it will be built in Jackson County, Missouri (D&C 57:2-3; 101:17-20), but there is already a sizable town there— Independence. We are told that it will operate under the principles of the celestial kingdom (D&C 105:5), but some of those principles are essentially prohibited by federal law. We are also told that “the redemption of Zion must needs come by power,” even by a man “who shall lead them like as Moses led the children of Israel” (D&C 103:15-16), but no man displaying Moses’ power has come forth. Indeed, the answers to these questions, and even the questions themselves, may seem almost irrelevant in light of our current circumstances.

But all of these puzzles, and more, are explained in Isaiah—if one understands Isaiah.
But there are two problems with Isaiah: One, he deliberately made his words difficult to understand (Isa. 6:9-10), and, two, they are not meant to be understood until “the last days” (2 Ne. 25:8). In our current state of affairs, one wonders if the last days are sufficiently upon us that we might beseech heaven for these answers. And the answer to that question may be: Yes, if one is “diligent” enough (3 Ne. 23:1).

Isaiah addresses many themes, most of which can only be deciphered “by study and also by faith” (D&C 88:118). This overview will discuss seven of them:
1. Isaiah’s timeline for the last days
2. Ephraim’s rebellion in the last days
3. The coming forth of a wicked ensign
4. The coming forth of a righteous ensign
5. The coming forth of a righteous remnant
6. The destruction of the wicked on the earth
7. The building up of Zion in power and holiness