“It Hath Brought Forth Much Fruit”

Brant Gardner

This is the first of three locations in the nethermost parts of the vineyard. This and the next will be described as poor ground, and the last as good ground. Even with our modern perspective, only the third location can be identified. Both this and the next location do not give us enough information to make a historical connection between the description and a known group that was sent from Israel. While it is no help in identifying these other groups, the resurrected Savior did confirm that they exist. When Jesus comes to the Nephites at Bountiful he confirms that they are one of these special groups. He also confirms that there were others:

3 NE. 15:20-16:3

20 And verily, I say unto you again that the other tribes hath the Father separated from them; and it is because of their iniquity that they know not of them.

21 And verily I say unto you, that ye are they of whom I said: Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

22 And they understood me not, for they supposed it had been the Gentiles; for they understood not that the Gentiles should be converted through their preaching.

23 And they understood me not that I said they shall hear my voice; and they understood me not that the Gentiles should not at any time hear my voice—that I should not manifest myself unto them save it were by the Holy Ghost.

24 But behold, ye have both heard my voice, and seen me; and ye are my sheep, and ye are numbered among those whom the Father hath given me.

16:1 And verily, verily, I say unto you that I have other sheep, which are not of this land, neither of the land of Jerusalem, neither in any parts of that land round about whither I have been to minister.

2 For they of whom I speak are they who have not as yet heard my voice; neither have I at any time manifested myself unto them.

3 But I have received a commandment of the Father that I shall go unto them, and that they shall hear my voice, and shall be numbered among my sheep, that there may be one fold and one shepherd; therefore I go to show myself unto them.

Multidimensional Commentary on the Book of Mormon

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