“It Grieveth Me That I Should Lose This Tree”

Ed J. Pinegar, Richard J. Allen

The care and succor that are characteristic of the Lord of the vineyard toward his trees is manifested throughout the allegory (see also verses 11, 13, 32, 46, 47, 51, 66). In his grand vision of the unfolding of human history, Enoch observes the heavens weep over the wickedness of the inhabitants of the earth. He asks the Lord: “How is it that thou canst weep, seeing thou art holy, and from all eternity to all eternity?” (Moses 7:29). The Lord responds with words to explain His grieving: “Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands, and I gave unto them their knowledge, in the day I created them; and in the Garden of Eden, gave I unto man his agency; And unto thy brethren have I said, and also given commandment, that they should love one another, and that they should choose me, their Father; but behold, they are without affection, and they hate their own blood” (Moses 7:32–33). In a similar manner, the Lord of the vineyard in the allegory of Zenos continually expresses grief when the progress of his trees is diminished or faltering. The Lord Almighty is concerned about the welfare of His children. He weeps over our failures and He rejoices over our victories.

Commentaries and Insights on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 1

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