“The Nethermost Part of My Vineyard”

Jana Reiss

The tame olive trees are placed in the “nethermost part” of the vineyard to preserve them. This represents the diaspora (scattering) of Israel throughout the world. The Book of Mormon itself is the result of God’s “scattering” of Lehi and his family to the New World; the presence of Zenos’s prophecy here when it is preserved in no other place also demonstrates God’s desire to keep Israel’s teachings intact. Mormons believe that other righteous remnants of the house of Israel are also located in various places throughout the world and that they have their own ancient records.

The Book of Mormon: Selections Annotated & Explained

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