The house of Israel, to whom Moroni speaks, includes the Jews, the Lamanites, and the lost tribes. The members of the Church are also basically of the blood of Israel, but were scattered among the nations of the earth at various times until they were gathered in the latter days. However, they were spoken to previously as cultural Gentiles (vv. 6–7).
The things laid up for the house of Israel from the foundation of the world (v. 14) were the covenants made to Enoch (see Moses 7:52–53, 60–64); Abraham (see Abraham 2:8–11); Isaac (see Genesis 26:23–24); Jacob (Genesis 27:27–29; D&C 132:37); Joseph (2 Nephi 3); and Ephraim (Genesis 48:15–19; Jeremiah 31:9). The number of the children of Israel was determined in the days of Adam, or in the pre-mortal life (see Deuteronomy 32:7–8). All of these promised blessings will be fulfilled in the last days, and then the faithful will know of the great things shown to the brother of Jared (Ether 4:14–15).
The book of Revelation, the vision given to the Apostle named John showing the future to the end of the world, will also be unfolded in the latter days (v. 16; see also 1 Nephi 14:20–27). Although the Prophet Joseph Smith said: “The book of Revelation is one of the plainest books God ever caused to be written,” he was making a comparison to the book of Daniel. “What John saw and speaks of were things which he saw in heaven; those which Daniel saw were on and pertaining [symbolic] to the earth” (TPJS, 290). That the things written by John would “be unfolded in the eyes of all the people” shows that they really will not be understood before those days (Ether 4:16). However when the Book of Mormon came forth, those who accept it will know that the work of the Father in the latter days has commenced (v. 17). John “saw another angel [Moroni] flying through the midst of heaven with the everlasting gospel [Book of Mormon] to proclaim to every nation, kindred, tongue and people” (Revelation 14:6). The message was also an announcement of the judgment at the Second Coming of Christ (see Revelation 14:7). The work of Moroni began the restoration, but his work still continues.
36 And now, verily saith the Lord, that these things might be known among you, O inhabitants of the earth, I have sent forth mine angel flying through the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel, who hath appeared unto some and hath committed it unto man, who shall appear unto many that dwell on the earth.
37 And this gospel shall be preached unto every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.
38 And the servants of God shall go forth, saying with a loud voice: Fear God and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come;
39 And worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters—
40 Calling upon the name of the Lord day and night, saying: O that thou wouldst rend the heavens, that thou wouldst come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence. [D&C 133:36–40]
His work will be finished when the fifth angel sounds his trump and announces that the Second Coming approaches (see D&C 88:103– 104). This angel also appears to be the work of Moroni, although other angels in addition to Moroni may be included in that prophecy.
The Lord’s closing words spoken to Moroni (vv. 18–19) are the same words spoken to the Jerusalem apostles as he sent them to teach the Gentile nations (see Mark 16:15–16). The ordinance of baptism is required for salvation and signs will attend the believers. Those who are lifted up to dwell in the kingdom are probably those who are assured of eternal life, or receive the more sure word of prophecy (see D&C 131:5–6). Nephi gave similar testimony to that of Moroni (Ether 4:19, see 1 Nephi 16:2). After defining the gospel, Jesus also indicated to the Nephites that being lifted up was the crowning blessing of obedience to the gospel: “Therefore, if ye do these things blessed are ye, for ye shall be lifted up at the last day” (3 Nephi 27:22). Moroni seems to have received that blessing as indicated by his closing testimony to the entire Book of Mormon (see Moroni 10:32–34).