Isaiah 13 (2 Nephi 23) – Exclusively Temple-worthy Soldiers Battling Babylon?

Verse 3

The JST and BoM change the KJV text.

I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones, for mine anger even is not upon them that rejoice in my highness.

While I am thinking about the Mede-Persian warriors (separated out for a work) in the beginning of this verse, Don Parry, Jay Parry, and Tina Peterson in Understanding Isaiah, declares the identity of the “sanctified ones”: 

Jehovah’s sanctified ones (Josh. 3:5) are those who are temple worthy, who actually attend the temple, and who are made holy by Christ’s power.  In ancient Israel the soldiers prepared for the holy war by participating in holy rituals connected with the temple (Deut. 23:10-15).  In this dispensation, Jesus Christ’s soldiers (members of the Church) prepare for the battle against Babylon by participating in temple rituals (131).

Verse 15

And in this verse, the JST and BoM seem to try to make the wicked Mede-Persian warriors more saintly than they really are.

Every one that is found proud shall be thrust through; yea, and every one that is joined unto them to the wicked shall fall by the sword.

But reading on in the context, you will find that the soldiers are vile and awful.

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