Some of the most concise prophecies of the advent of the promised Messiah came from Isaiah, who lived more than 700 years before Jesus was born at Bethlehem.
In Jesus the Christ, Elder James E. Talmage wrote: "Isaiah, whose prophetic office was honored by the personal testimony of Christ and the apostles, manifested in numerous passages the burden of his conviction relating to the great event of the Savior's advent and ministry on earth. With the forcefulness of direct revelation he told of the Virgin's divine maternity, whereof Immanuel should be born, and his prediction was reiterated by the angel of the Lord, over seven centuries later."Looking down through the ages the prophet saw the accomplishment of the divine purposes as if already achieved, and sang in triumph: `For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever.' " (Isa. 9:6, 7.)
Elder Talmage wrote that immediately prior to its fulfillment, the blessed promise was repeated by Gabriel, sent from the presence of God to the Chosen Virgin of Nazareth. (See Luke 1:26-33.)
"As made known to the prophet and by him proclaimed, the coming Lord was the living Branch that should spring from the undying root typified in the family of Jesse (Isa. 11:1); the foundation Stone insuring the stability of Zion (Isa. 28:10); the Shepherd of the house of Israel (Isa. 40:9-11); the Light of the world (Isa. 42:1), to Gentile as well as Jew; the Leader and Commander of His people (Isa. 55:44). The same inspired voice predicted the forerunner who should cry in the wilderness: `Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.' (Isa. 40:3; compare Matt. 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4; John 1:23.)"
Elder Talmage explained: "Isaiah was permitted to read the scroll of futurity as to many distinguishing conditions to attend the Messiah's lowly life and atoning death. In Him the prophet saw One who would be despised and rejected of men, a Man of sorrows, acquainted with grief, One to be wounded and bruised for the transgressions of the race, on whom would be laid the iniquity of us all - a patient and willing Sacrifice, silent under affliction, as a lamb brought to the slaughter. The Lord's dying with sinners, and His burial in the tomb of the wealthy were likewise declared with prophetic certainty." (Isaiah, chapter 53; compare Acts. 8:32-35.)
