Comments on 3 Nephi 16 This chapter continues (cf. 15:11-24) the scattered Israel theme (v. 1-3) to elaborate on the times of the Gentiles (v. 4- 10) and the redemption of Israel (v. 11-20). v1-3 In addition to the present group of Lehites (cf. 15:11-24), there are other remnants of Israel scattered elsewhere (v. 1) who have yet to hear Jesus' teachings (v. 2). But, his Father has told him to go and visit these other remnants of Israel as well so they may be taught (v. 3). v4-10 Jesus then tells them to document his teachings so that if the Jews at Jerusalem do not learn about the remnants of Israel (and it certainly doesn't seem likely they will given his comments in 15:14-18), then the Gentiles will bring the written word to all of scattered Israel so they will all learn about him (v. 4). Thus will Israel be gathered and the Abrahamic Covenant be fulfilled (v. 5). And those Gentiles who believe Jesus' words by the Spirit will be blessed (v. 6). Jesus then explains that the truth, the fullness of his gospel, will come to the Gentiles in the last days because of their willingness to believe and Israel's unwillingness to believe (v. 7). But, affliction and sorrow on those Gentiles who do not believe in him, because they have abused his people (v. 8). The Lord has been merciful to the Gentiles and has judged Israel, causing them to be smitten by the Gentiles (v. 9). But when the Gentiles sin against the gospel and reject it, then he will take it from them (v. 10). v4-7 On the times of the Gentiles, cp. 21:4-6, Luke 21:24, the JST on Luke 21:32, Rom. 11:25, D&C 45:24-35, JS-H 1:41. v6 "in and of the Holy Ghost", as Jesus will never manifest himself personally to the Gentiles he will send the Holy Spirit to testify of himself, cf. 15:23, 1 Ne. 10:11, 2 Ne. 26:13, John 15:26, John 16:7. v8-9 The scattering and abuse the remnants of Lehi suffer at the hands of the Gentiles was considerable. First the Spanish and Portugese Conquistadores predominantly in South and Central America then the post-Colonial era expansion into Western North America. Even to this day the descendants of the native Indians generally suffer at the hands of the descendants of the European immigrants. v10 The message is when the Gentiles become apostate and wicked and scattered Israel humbles itself, then the Lord will reject the Gentiles and accept Israel. It's a matter of reversal. The Gentiles are more accepting than Israel in v. 7, but here they are less accepting than Israel. When exactly this event occurs is a matter of speculation. B. H. Roberts was of the opinion that when the Saints were driven West out of the U.S. into what was then Mexican territory was when this prediction was fulfilled. Forced to select a specific point in time I would favor a yet future event given the various predictions in v. 14-20, which are typically cast as being associated with the Second Advent of Christ. However, if we reflect on Enos' allegory of the olive tree in Jacob 5 we will recall there was a gradual grafting in of the natural tame branches concurrent with a gradual removal of the wild branches which had gone bad (cf. Jacob 5:65-74). While over-literalizing allegories is problematic, Smith was tasked very early on to preach to the remnants of Lehi (D&C 3:18-20, D&C 10:45-55, D&C 28:8). And, that has persisted ever since and only expanded. So, I generally favor a more gradual fulfilment than some specific event. v11-20 When the Gentiles reject him (v. 8-10), Jesus will return to the covenant with Israel and reintroduce them to the gospel (v. 11), and show them the Gentiles will not have power over them (v. 12). Now, if the Gentiles do repent, then they will be numbered among Israel (v. 13) and not crushed underfoot (v. 14), but if they don't then Israel will abuse them just as they have abused Israel (v. 15). The Father has told Jesus that this land is for the inheritance of the remnants of Lehi (v. 16). When they ultimately inherit it is when, in part, Isaiah's prediction of Zion will be fulfilled (v. 17-20). v14 "tread them down", just as the Gentiles did to Israel in v. 8. The scattered (v. 8) become the scatterers (v. 15) when they repent and return to the Lord. v15 "tread them down...as salt that hath lost its savor", a fulfilment of 12:13, implying deliberate apostasy on the part of the Gentiles. v18-20 A quotation of Isa. 52:8-10, also partially quoted again in 20:32-35. v19 "Jerusalem", in the Isaiah quote the primary contextual reading is that of ancient Jerusalem being redeemed and reestablished as Zion. However, in the present usage, Jesus is referring to the establishment of a new Jerusalem in the New World, another Zion, cf. 20:22. Copyright © 2001 by S. Kurt Neumiller . All rights reserved. No part of this text may be reproduced in any form or by any means for commercial gain without the express written consent of the author. Digital or printed copies may be freely made and distributed for personal and public non-commercial use.