“Israel to Return to Their Lands”

Monte S. Nyman

These three verses are an extension of the final thought in the Book of Mormon rendition of Isaiah 13:22. The Lord’s mercy will be shown when he gathers his people back to their own land. The strangers who will be joined with them (v. 1) are most probably the Gentiles who will have accepted the gospel while the house of Israel is being gathered. The Book of Mormon retains the bolded eighteen-word retention that emphasizes the extent of the gathering of Israel—”from far unto the ends of the earth”—and establishes that there will be “lands of promise” (more than one) for the gathering (v. 2). The other bolded segments clarify the text and shows a reversal of the ruling class. Whereas Israel had been captive and in bondage to the Gentiles, the Israelites will now rule over their former oppressors (in righteousness). The wording “that day” instead of the KJV “the day,” clearly designates the time when Israel will be gathered and free from bondage.

Book of Mormon Commentary: I Nephi Wrote This Record

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