Jacob and Nephi considered the land of promise an isle of the sea. Such a conclusion is logical to one who had arrived there by sea. This helps us to understand why Nephi included chapter 49 of Isaiah in his record (see 1 Nephi 21). In Isaiah 49, the first verse addresses the reader, Listen, O isles, unto me. Nephi likens the scriptures unto himself and unto his people. Nephi and Jacob are reading this as if Isaiah is speaking directly to them. The rest of the chapter 49 includes some of the great promises given to the scattered Israelites in the last days. The great promises are that God will preserve them, will make them his covenant people, will lead them and guide them, will have mercy on their afflicted, will contend with their enemies, and they will be nursed and gathered by the Gentiles. Other promises given to those on the isles of the sea are listed:
'The isles saw it, and feared; the ends of the earth were afraid, drew near, and came.
But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.
Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.' (Isa 41:5,8,9)
'the isles shall wait for his law' (Isa 42:4)
'Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.
And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee.
Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought.
For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted. (Isa 60:9-12)
'Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.
For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he.' (Jer 31:10-11)
'Yea, then will he remember the isles of the sea; yea, and all the people who are of the house of Israel, will I gather in, saith the Lord, according to the words of the prophet Zenos, from the four quarters of the earth.
Yea, and all the earth shall see the salvation of the Lord, saith the prophet; every nation, kindred, tongue and people shall be blessed. (1 Nephi 19:16-7)