The Prophet Joseph Smith proclaimed, “The whole of America is Zion itself from north to south, and is described by the prophets” (TPJS, 362). The physical and social blessings mentioned by Isaiah are to come to all the gathering places of the Saints in the land of Zion. The blessings pronounced upon Zion’s waste places, wilderness, and deserts are reminiscent of the physical blessings that the Lord has promised those who keep the Sabbath in the land of Zion. These things will be given “for the benefit and use of man both to please the eye and to gladden the heart,” and will all come “according to the law and prophets” (D&C 59:16–19, 22).
“The Lord Shall Comfort Zion”
1 Hearken unto me, ye that follow after righteousness. Look unto the rock from whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit from whence ye are digged.1 Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.2 Look unto Abraham, your father, and unto Sarah, she that bare you; for I called him alone, and blessed him. [2 Nephi 8:1–2]2 Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah thatbare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him. [Isaiah 51:1–2]
The phrase that has been added to each of the verses in the KJV, or the words retained in the Book of Mormon text are insignificant. The KJV phrases were probably added by the translators to enhance the verse. The words whence and that being italicized in the KJV indicate the translators were unsure of their word selection.
The Book of Mormon teaches that the covenant made with Abraham and Sarah will be fulfilled in the latter days. Nephi said it would be “fulfilled in the latter days” (1 Nephi 15:18). Mormon said it would be fulfilled after the Lamanites “have been driven and scattered by the Gentiles” (Mormon 5:20). The Doctrine and Covenants sustains the teaching of the Book of Mormon. The Lord revealed to Joseph Smith that he was “of Abraham” and was to “do the works of Abraham” (D&C 132:31–32). Moreover, he said “unto [his] servant Joseph: In thee and in thy seed shall all the kindred of the earth be blessed” (D&C 124:58). The covenant made to Abraham is now being fulfilled. Isaiah’s invitation for the righteous to look to Abraham and Sarah pertains to this same time period.