Isaiah 24:5

[TruthSeeker24]

I'm confused. I was reading a book called "The Way to Perfection," by Joseph F. Smith. In it Joseph talks about Isaiah 24:5. The verse reads as follows:

"The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant."

Joseph points out that there were many during that time period who believed that this verse was speaking of the Church after Christ and the events having to do with the Great Apostasy. He then points out that "The everlasting covenant" was never given to the early Church, and that it was only given during these, the last days, and that this verse has to be speaking of the the restored gospel. I apologize for not having the book with me to give the exact quote. I can try and bring it on Wednesday when I work again, as I only have access to a computer during my work hours.

I was just wondering if anyone had any thoughts on this verse, and if they've ever heard of this argument.

God bless

[Calm]

You mean Joseph Fielding Smith....there is Joseph Smith Jr and Sr, Joseph F. Smith and Joseph Fielding Smith plus some IIIs and probably IVs out there so one needs to be precise.

[Calm]

Can you tell me what chapter it is in as I have the book and perhaps I can quote the relevant part....

[Kevin Christensen]

Margaret Barker often discusses the broken covenant in Isaiah 24. For instance, here:

http://www.margaretbarker.com/Papers/WisdomAndTheStewardshipOfKnowledge.pdf

And here:

http://www.margaretbarker.com/Papers/Atonement.pdf

It's a major theme in her work. D&C 1 also contains a direct reference that sets up the Lord's setting Joseph Smith's call and work in context.

Kevin Christensen

Pittsburgh, PA