The ensign may be the Book of Mormon (2 Nephi 29:2), or the gospel, or the Church. President Joseph Fielding Smith wrote: “In the little town of Fayette, Seneca County, New York, the Lord set up an ensign to the nations. It was in fulfillment of the prediction made by the Prophet Isaiah… . That ensign was the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which was established for the last time, never again to be destroyed or given to other people. It was the greatest event the world has seen since the day that the Redeemer was lifted upon the cross and worked out the infinite and eternal atonement. It meant more to mankind than anything else that has occurred since that day.” 67
“Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim” is a daring prophecy of healing, reconciliation, and cooperation, considering the bitter enmity between the two peoples in Isaiah’s day. The historic rivalry between blood relatives within Israel will yet be resolved by the Messiah and his ensign. Only the eternal truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ can overcome conflict and establish peace.
A graphic illustration of this verse occurred at the dedication of the Orson Hyde Garden on the Mount of Olives in 1979. There Jewish and Latter-day Saint leaders not only shook hands but at one point were linked arm in arm as they walked down the mount. One Church leader said at that moment he could not help but think of Isaiah 11:13—“Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim” (2 Nephi 21:13).