3 Nephi Chapter 21
Scripture Mastery
3 Nephi 21:9-11 The Savior looks across the ages and prophesies of the prophet Joseph Smith. He said: The life of my servant shall be in my hand; therefore they shall not hurt him, although he shall be marred because of them. Yet I will heal him, for I will show unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil.
verses 1-10 The message contained in these ten verses is simple and yet vitally important. The coming forth of the Book of Mormon in the latter days will be a sign or signal that the great work of the final gathering is about to begin. In an important sense, the Book of Mormon is a sign of the times. Other "signs of the times" include the establishment of a free people in the United States of America (verse 4); the restoration of the gospel (verses 8-9); the taking of the gospel to the Lamanites (verse 4); and the martyrdom of the prophet-servant of the restoration and his eternal triumph in the kingdom of God (verse 10).
1 And verily I say unto you, I give unto you a sign, that ye may know the time when these things shall be about to take place-that I shall gather in, from their long dispersion, my people, O house of Israel, and shall establish again among them my Zion;
verse 1 "And verily I say unto you" The Lord here is apparently addressing the future scattered remnants of the Book of Mormon people. He is explaining to them how they might know when the Abrahamic covenant is fulfilled (see verse 46 in chapter 20).
When will the Abrahamic covenant be fulfilled? This verse contains a sign that the fulfillment of the covenant is "about to take place." It is the great final gathering of Israel.
2 And behold, this is the thing which I will give unto you for a sign-for verily I say unto you that when these things which I declare unto you, and which I shall declare unto you hereafter of myself, and by the power of the Holy Ghost which shall be given unto you of the Father, shall be made known unto the Gentiles that they may know concerning this people who are a remnant of the house of Jacob, and concerning this my people who shall be scattered by them;
verse 2 And here is yet another sign that the fulfillment of the covenant of Abraham is "about to take place." And what is this sign? It is "when these things which I declare unto you . . . shall be made known unto the Gentiles that they may know concerning this people." The sign is the coming forth of the Book of Mormon which contains "these things" which the Lord is now declaring to the Nephites. The Book of Mormon will inform the Gentiles, and indeed all peoples, of that branch of Israel which was scattered to the New World.
"concerning this my people who shall be scattered by them" The Book of Mormon will inform the Gentiles of the great Gentile nation of the identity and origins of those remnants of the Book of Mormon people whom they are scourging and scattering as they establish themselves on the land of America.
3 Verily, verily, I say unto you, when these things shall be made known unto them of the Father, and shall come forth of the Father, from them unto you;
verse 3 Here is a further description of the sign described in verse 2. "When these things (the writings contained in the Book of Mormon) shall be made known unto them (the Gentiles of the great Gentile nation) and when these things (the Book of Mormon) shall come forth from them (the Gentiles) unto you (the scattered remnants of the Nephites and Lamanites). The scattered remnant of these Book of Mormon peoples will know that the sign has occurred when the missionaries of the great Gentile nation deliver to them the Book of Mormon which informs them of their Israelite origins.
4 For it is wisdom in the Father that they should be established in this land, and be set up as a free people by the power of the Father, that these things might come forth from them unto a remnant of your seed, that the covenant of the Father may be fulfilled which he hath covenanted with his people, O house of Israel;
verse 4 It is wisdom that the Gentiles should be established in America as a free people in order that the gospel may be restored to them and that the Book of Mormon ("these things") might be translated and delivered by them to the scattered remnant of the Book of Mormon peoples. This is a sign that the Abrahamic covenant is beginning to be fulfilled.
Here is also a reminder that the United States of America was established as a free nation by the power of God-"by the power of the Father."
5 Therefore, when these works and the works which shall be wrought among you hereafter shall come forth from the Gentiles, unto your seed which shall dwindle in unbelief because of iniquity;
verse 5 After the Gentiles in the great Gentile nation are established as a free people and carry the Book of Mormon to the remnant of the Nephite/Lamanite people, they will find the Book of Mormon remnants to have dwindled "in unbelief because of iniquity."
6 For thus it behooveth the Father that it should come forth from the Gentiles, that he may show forth his power unto the Gentiles, for this cause that the Gentiles, if they will not harden their hearts, that they may repent and come unto me and be baptized in my name and know of the true points of my doctrine, that they may be numbered among my people, O house of Israel;
verse 6 It is the will of the Father that "it" (the Book of Mormon) should be translated and promulgated by the Gentiles. The coming forth of the Book of Mormon-this manifestation of the Father's power-will serve as a witness to the Gentiles as to the truth of the gospel in hopes that they may repent, join the Church, and secure their place for eternity in the house of Israel. The coming forth of the Book of Mormon is the sign that the work of gathering in the latter days has commenced. Keep in mind that regardless of blood lineage, an individual's place in the house of Israel is determined by their rejection or acceptance of the gospel of Jesus Christ: "For behold, I say unto you that as many of the Gentiles as will repent are the covenant people of the Lord; and as many of the Jews [or others with Israelite blood] as will not repent shall be cast off; for the Lord covenanteth with none save it be with them that repent and believe in his Son, who is the Holy One of Israel" (2 Nephi 30:2).
We do not become covenant people until we accept the covenant gospel.
7 And when these things come to pass that thy seed shall begin to know these things-it shall be a sign unto them, that they may know that the work of the Father hath already commenced unto the fulfilling of the covenant which he hath made unto the people who are of the house of Israel.
verse 7 "the work of the Father" This is the work of gathering.
So, just when is it that the Abrahamic covenant will be fulfilled? Read on!
8 And when that day shall come, it shall come to pass that kings shall shut their mouths; for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.
verse 8 "that kings shall shut their mouths" Even the heads of nations will be amazed at the work of restoration and gathering. They will keep quiet in awe and reverential silence.
"for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider" The kings will see a work that they have never heard of or considered before (Romans 15:20; D&C 101:93-95).
Josiah Quincy, a man who became the mayor of Boston, visited Joseph Smith in Nauvoo. he later wrote:
It is by no means improbable that some future textbook, for the use of generations yet unborn, will contain a question something like this: What historical American of the nineteenth century has exerted the most powerful influence upon the destinies of his countrymen? And it is by no means impossible that the answer to that interrogatory may be thus written: Joseph Smith the Mormon prophet. And the reply, absurd as it doubtless seems to most men now living, may be an obvious commonplace to their descendants (Figures of the Past, [Boston: Roberts Brothers, 1883], 376-77).
It is reported that Leo Tolstoy said of the Mormons:
Their principles teach the people not only of heaven and its attendant glories, but how to live so that their social and economic relations with each other are placed on a sound basis. If the people follow the teachings of this church, nothing can stop their progress-it will be limitless. There have been great movements started in the past, but they have died or been modified before they reached maturity. If Mormonism is able to endure, unmodified, until it reaches the third and fourth generation, it is destined to become the greatest power the world has ever know (Thomas J. Yates, Improvement Era, February 1939, 94).
9 For in that day, for my sake shall the Father work a work, which shall be a great and a marvelous work among them; and there shall be among them those who will not believe it, although a man shall declare it unto them.
verse 9 "for my sake shall the Father work a work" The Father's work here is the restoration of the gospel, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, and the gathering of scattered Israel to the Church. This is all for the glory of the Son ("for [his] sake"). The gospel and Church are known by his name, the gospel and Church of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon will testify of him.
10 But behold, the life of my servant shall be in my hand; therefore they shall not hurt him, although he shall be marred because of them. Yet I will heal him, for I will show unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil.
verse 10 It seems likely that the Lord is referring to the man with the keys of the great latter-day gathering, Joseph Smith, Jr.
"they shall not hurt him, although he shall be marred because of them" Joseph would suffer terrible adversities, but he would not be "hurt" eternally. The Lord said words of comfort to the prophet Joseph as he languished in Liberty Jail: "And thy people shall never be turned against thee by the testimony of traitors. And although their influence shall cast thee into trouble, and into bars and walls, thou shalt be had in honor; and but for a small moment and thy voice shall be more terrible in the midst of thine enemies than the fierce lion, because of thy righteousness; and thy God shall stand by thee forever and ever. Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever" (D&C 122:3-4, 9).
One possible way in which the prophet Joseph Smith was "marred" and then "heal[ed]" by the Lord was the manner in which the Lord prepared for the loss of the 116-page manuscript by Martin Harris, showing that God's "wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil" (D&C 10:43).
This phrase may also refer to the martyrdom of the prophet Joseph Smith ("he shall be marred"). In the kingdom of God Joseph will be healed and assume his place among the great prophets of God ("they shall not hurt him" "Yet I will heal him").
11 Therefore it shall come to pass that whosoever will not believe in my words, who am Jesus Christ, which the Father shall cause him to bring forth unto the Gentiles, and shall give unto him power that he shall bring them forth unto the Gentiles, (it shall be done even as Moses said) they shall be cut off from among my people who are of the covenant.
verse 11 "which the Father shall cause him to bring forth unto the Gentiles" The Lord is still speaking of him who holds the keys for the latter day work of gathering, Joseph Smith, Jr. The Prophet Joseph will bring forth the words of Jesus to the Gentiles in the Book of Mormon.
"it shall be done even as Moses said" See 3 Nephi 20:23 in which the Lord quotes the prophet Moses in saying that those in the latter days who do not accept the words of Christ will be "cut off from among the people."
verses 12-21 The Savior now quotes prophecies from the prophet Micah of Millennial events (Micah 5:8-15).
12 And my people who are a remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles, yea, in the midst of them as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who, if he go through both treadeth down and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.
verse 12 Here again, is the same theme discussed twice previously in the commentary for 3 Nephi 16:15 and 3 Nephi 20:16. Please see the commentary for those verses.
13 Their hand shall be lifted up upon their adversaries, and all their enemies shall be cut off.
verse 13 Israel will ultimately enjoy a great final victory over all non-Israelites. The setting for this great victory is at the beginning of the Millennium.
14 Yea, wo be unto the Gentiles except they repent; for it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Father, that I will cut off thy horses out of the midst of thee, and I will destroy thy chariots;
15 And I will cut off the cities of thy land, and throw down all thy strongholds;
verses 14-15 The Lord will incapacitate the armies of the unrepentant Gentile nations of the latter days. He will destroy their weapons-"horses" and "chariots," and he will neutralize their defenses-"strongholds."
16 And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thy land, and thou shalt have no more soothsayers;
verse 16 The Lord will destroy also their false forms of worship.
17 Thy graven images I will also cut off, and thy standing images out of the midst of thee, and thou shalt no more worship the works of thy hands;
18 And I will pluck up thy groves out of the midst of thee; so will I destroy thy cities.
verses 17-18 The "images," "works of thy hands," and "groves" refer to the Canaanite form of worship. The "images" and "works of thy hands" were man-made idols. The "groves" were poles or trees or stone pillars erected near the Canaanite temple's altar in honor of Ashera, a Canaanite female deity, and Baal, a Canaanite male deity. The nature of worship in the groves was characterized by gross immorality.
19 And it shall come to pass that all lyings, and deceivings, and envyings, and strifes, and priestcrafts, and whoredoms, shall be done away.
verse 19 "priestcrafts" "Priestcrafts" and "priestcraft" are words with a rather specific meaning. If a man represents himself as a priesthood or church leader, yet his primary motive is personal popularity, power, or financial gain rather than the selfless serving of his fellow man, then he is guilty of practicing priestcrafts or priestcraft.
"whoredoms" These are sexual sins, usually adultery.
20 For it shall come to pass, saith the Father, that at that day whosoever will not repent and come unto my Beloved Son, them will I cut off from among my people, O house of Israel;
21 And I will execute vengeance and fury upon them, even as upon the heathen, such as they have not heard.
22 But if they will repent and hearken unto my words, and harden not their hearts, I will establish my church among them, and they shall come in unto the covenant and be numbered among this the remnant of Jacob, unto whom I have given this land for their inheritance;
verse 22 "if they will repent and hearken unto my words, and harden not their hearts" See the discussion of hard-heartedness in the commentary for Alma 10:6.
"remnant of Jacob" This phrase refers to all the house of Israel, particularly the remnants of the scattered ten tribes, and not just the remnants of the Book of Mormon peoples.
23 And they shall assist my people, the remnant of Jacob, and also as many of the house of Israel as shall come, that they may build a city, which shall be called the New Jerusalem.
verse 23 Those souls who repent and join with covenant Israel will assist the rest of gathered Israel in building Zion in America, the "New Jerusalem." As has been discussed previously the work of gathering and building up of the New Jerusalem will be directed by the tribe of Ephraim which will hold the keys of presidency. The Lord will use the descendants of Joseph, through Ephraim, to bring the gospel to the world in the last days. As Joseph fed his brothers with bread in ancient times and thus was a blessing to them-although for a long time they did not know or recognize him-so in the last days the seed of Joseph, ordained and clothed with the gospel of salvation, has the "bread of life" to nourish the inhabitants of the earth who are in an impoverished spiritual condition. As it was anciently, so is it now. The recipients have hardly recognized or sensed that their benefactors are the literal descendants of Joseph, fulfilling their responsibility under the covenant of Abraham.
The Lord spoke through the prophet Enoch and prophesied of the building of the New Jerusalem: "And the day shall come that the earth shall rest, but before that day the heavens shall be darkened, and a veil of darkness shall cover the earth; and the heavens shall shake, and also the earth; and great tribulations shall be among the children of men, but my people will I preserve; And righteousness will I send down out of heaven; and truth will I send forth out of the earth, to bear testimony of mine Only Begotten; his resurrection from the dead; yea, and also the resurrection of all men; and righteousness and truth will I cause to sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out mine elect from the four quarters of the earth, unto a place which I shall prepare, an Holy City, that my people may gird up their loins, and be looking forth for the time of my coming; for there shall be my tabernacle, and it shall be called Zion, a New Jerusalem" (Moses 7:61-62).
24 And then shall they assist my people that they may be gathered in, who are scattered upon all the face of the land, in unto the New Jerusalem.
25 And then shall the power of heaven come down among them; and I also will be in the midst.
verse 25 Please review the commentary for 3 Nephi 20:22.
26 And then shall the work of the Father commence at that day, even when this gospel shall be preached among the remnant of this people. Verily I say unto you, at that day shall the work of the Father commence among all the dispersed of my people, yea, even the tribes which have been lost, which the Father hath led away out of Jerusalem.
verse 26 Again, "the work of the Father" is the gathering of scattered Israel. This verse has a millennial setting.
"And then shall the work of the Father commence at that day" Commence? Has not the work of gathering been ongoing since the days of Joseph Smith? The "work of the Father" is the missionary work of the latter-day Church of Jesus Christ-the gathering of Israel. This verse and those few that precede it suggest that the missionary work, or the work of gathering, will commence at a very late date-following, for example, the building of the city of New Jerusalem, indeed, during the Millennium. The work of the Father shall commence during the Millennium in the sense that the pace of the work will greatly accelerate (see also 1 Nephi 14:17; 2 Nephi 30:7-15). See also the mention of the millennial gathering of the scattered tribes of Israel in the commentary for 2 Nephi 30:7-17.
"at that day shall the work of the Father commence among all the dispersed of my people, yea, even the tribes which have been lost, which the Father hath led away out of Jerusalem" The implication of this phrase is that the Lehites are not the only people that were dispersed out of the land of Jerusalem by the Lord. Hugh Nibley has described another group which may fit into this pattern:
In the time of Jeremiah, or shortly before, a certain Jonadab ben Rechab had led a colony of permanent settlers from Jerusalem into the wilderness, where his descendants survived through all succeeding centuries as the strange and baffling nation of the Rekhabites. What makes them baffling is their Messianic religion, which is so much like primitive Christianity in many ways that it has led some scholars to argue that those people must have been of Christian origin, though the historical evidence for their great antiquity is unquestionable. When one considers that Jonadab's project was almost contemporary (perhaps slightly prior) to Lehi's, that his name, ending in -adab, is of a type peculiar to the period and to the Book of Mormon, and that the Book of Mormon specifically states that the Lord had led other people of Jerusalem beside Lehi, and that the Rekhabite teachings are strangely like those in the Book of Mormon, one is forced to admit at very least the possibility that Lehi's exodus could have taken place in the manner described, and the certainty that other such migrations actually did take place (Approach to the Book of Mormon, 68-69).
27 Yea, the work shall commence among all the dispersed of my people, with the Father to prepare the way whereby they may come unto me, that they may call on the Father in my name.
verse 27 Certain aspects of the gathering are prophesied to occur during the Millennium. An example is the major gathering of the ten tribes. Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote: "We do say that the great day of the return of the ten tribes, the day when the assembling hosts shall fulfill the prophetic promises, shall come after our Lord's return" (Millennial Messiah, 323).
The following dramatic Doctrine and Covenants verses describe the great gathering of the ten tribes: "He shall command the great deep, and it shall be driven back into the north countries, and the islands shall become one land; And the land of Jerusalem and the land of Zion shall be turned back into their own place, and the earth shall be like as it was in the days before it was divided. And the Lord, even the Savior, shall stand in the midst of his people, and shall reign over all flesh. And they who are in the north countries shall come in remembrance before the Lord; and their prophets shall hear his voice, and shall no longer stay themselves; and they shall smite the rocks, and the ice shall flow down at their presence. And an highway shall be cast up in the midst of the great deep. Their enemies shall become a prey unto them, And in the barren deserts there shall come forth pools of living water; and the parched ground shall no longer be a thirsty land. And they shall bring forth their rich treasures unto the children of Ephraim, my servants. And the boundaries of the everlasting hills shall tremble at their presence. And there shall they fall down and be crowned with glory, even in Zion, by the hands of the servants of the Lord, even the children of Ephraim. And they shall be filled with songs of everlasting joy. Behold, this is the blessing of the everlasting God upon the tribes of Israel, and the richer blessing upon the head of Ephraim and his fellows" (D&C 133:23-34).
28 Yea, and then shall the work commence, with the Father among all nations in preparing the way whereby his people may be gathered home to the land of their inheritance.
29 And they shall go out from all nations; and they shall not go out in haste, nor go by flight, for I will go before them, saith the Father, and I will be their rearward.
verse 29 See the commentary for 3 Nephi 20:42.