The Remnant of Israel - Why It Isn't Taught

We have said a lot about the "remnant of Israel" from the Book of Mormon in the last nine entries. There is still a considerable amount of material that remains to be covered and reviewed. We will get to that. At this point, it is worth stopping to ask a few questions about the material we have covered relating to "the remnant of Israel."  In order to try to add context and understanding before we continue, we need to digest a bit what we have learned to this point. Given the predominance of attention paid, and the sheer volume of precious plate space dedicated by the Book of Mormon writers to the topic of this peculiar remnant people; one question arises above all other questions:

Where is the teaching about the choice "remnant of Israel" both from, and within, the Lord's Church?

In my recollection, there has never been one single lesson taught in the church focusing on the remnant of Jacob (Israel) over the course of my entire lifetime. I have to discount the first thirty (or so) years of my life because I wasn't paying enough attention in those days to remember (or even know) what was taught and what wasn't. But, from what I am able to remember, the topic of the remnant of Israel and its divine and prophetic destiny has never been taught, or discussed. Has your experience been different than mine? Have I just coincidentally missed the teaching and discussion by our leaders and the curriculum department about the prophetic "remnant of Israel?" Well, I think we all know the answer, the topic simply is not taught.

So, the next sequential question has to be, WHY? Why, in the last half century (speaking of my own experience,) has a topic so prominent in the pages and chapters of the Book of Mormon been so missing in the teaching and discussions of the church?

Here are some possible answers:

1. What has been written by the Book of Mormon prophets and the words of the Lord Jesus regarding this special "remnant people" just is not that important to us.

2. We have the true church, inspired leaders, and a divine destiny. A "remnant of Israel" mentioned in the Book of Mormon has little to do with our divine destiny and us.

3. The remnant of Israel can be in the Book of Mormon and that doesn't change anything about us, His chosen people.

4. The "remnant of Israel" from the Book of Mormon has not been taught or focused on by our leaders. Surely, if we needed to know anything about these remnant people, our leaders would let us know and teach us about them so we could be prepared.

5. This kind of knowledge is reserved for prophets and apostles. The rest of us just shouldn't worry about it.

6. This is one of those topics people who are into "anti-Mormon" stuff always want to bring up. It's old news. We shouldn't read anything that opposes the church.

7. The "remnant of Israel" spoken of in the Book of Mormon, is us.

8. The "remnant of Israel" is a topic that should be left to the scholars. There are a lot of things in the Book of Mormon that we just don't need to worry over.

9. Our salvation is not at stake over a "remnant of Israel."

10. I didn't know there was a "remnant of Israel" mentioned in the Book of Mormon.

11. Brigham Young never mentions anything about "the remnant of Israel" in his chapter in the Book of Mormon!!? Does he? (ok?.....Ok!)

We could think of many additional responses that might be typical in our day. The point is, this is a central Book of Mormon precept and doctrine, ripe with meaning and direct application to every living person in the latter days; and it has been abandoned by those it was specifically given to.

It is nearly impossible to learn and understand the true doctrine concerning the "remnant of Israel" in the Book of Mormon without also learning the truth about the latter day Gentiles. This may actually be the reason the church has chosen to avoid the subject all together. To understand the "remnant of Israel," is to understand the Gentiles. To understand the Gentiles is to unravel the traditions of the church.

We should learn as much as we possibly can about the contents of the Book of Mormon. Nothing should be left unanswered. Every stone should be turned over, examined closely, and then looked at again and again. This is not the work of scholars and pundits. Learning and understanding the Book of Mormon, it's doctrines and prophecies, is between you and the Holy Ghost. Teachers can lead us to thoughts and questions that help move our enquiry forward. But the answers can only come from the whisperings of the Holy Ghost.

If you are satisfied that this topic relating to a "remnant of Jacob" (Israel) actually exists in the Book of Mormon, then you ought to try to understand it. If you have read the last nine entries to this blog, then you ought to at least have the idea that indeed, there is such a "remnant of Israel" mentioned in the Book of Mormon.

The church may not ever mention it. The church may not even understand it. Never the less, there it is in the Book of Mormon. You can understand the meaning of these things. The Holy Ghost has not lost the ability (or desire or commitment) to teach you these things. You must find a way to commit yourself to the discovery of truth without allowing that to destroy the Lord's church for you. The two ARE completely compatible. We can know the meaning of things as they are, as they were, and as they are to come. The Lords church will still be His, perhaps even more so in your mind. This knowledge, any knowledge, can only come to us by the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. Once the Holy Ghost teaches true principles, then we look at the church and the world, and we ask, "how should I now view these things." I have not ever been asked or told to abandon His church because of what He has taught me. I have been shocked, I have been angered, I have been disgusted, I have felt betrayed, I have been rendered to tears for my sadness, but I have never been told to leave. What men do does not change the Lord's position at the top of His church. He is still there. The church still belongs to Him. You, by the discovery of truth may simply be enabled to see it in a true context, more clearly, not like (as Paul said,) "through a glass, darkly." 

The Lord established His church in the latter days. It still is here. It still is His. He stretches out His hand still to it and to His children. He has given us the most precious gift to help us find our way back to Him. The Book of Mormon has been called a "urim and thummim." And so it literally is. We can come closer to our God by abiding its precepts as given us by the whisperings of the Holy Ghost,  than by any other earthly source available to us. That includes ALL other sources for our learning.

One of the foremost precepts of the Book of Mormon is the very one we have been learning about. There is a latter day remnant of Israel. They are the offspring of ancient Joseph through his grandsons Lehi and Ishmael. They have been trodden down and scattered by the Gentiles on this land as it was prophesied. The Gentiles have received the gospel of Jesus Christ and have brought forth the Book of Mormon and "other books" as they were prophesied to do. The Gentiles have fulfilled every prophecy in the Book of Mormon concerning them and their role and destiny in the latter days. The time now approaches that the remnant of Joseph's seed will receive the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They will rise up as foretold. They will return to the God who created them. They will know their Redeemer. They will be reminded by the record of the Book of Mormon about their fathers and Gods dealings with them. They will know they are of the house of Israel. They will know the promises of the Lord to their fathers. They will build a holy city, New Jerusalem on this land. They will establish Zion as the Lord brings it to them. The power of heaven will come down among them and He will make His abode with them. All of this is taught with power in the Book of Mormon.

The church may not teach these things. The Holy Ghost absolutely does.

As we continue to learn about the remnant of Israel, we will next discuss a stem, a rod, a branch, and a root.  Horticulture is next.

The Remnant of Israel - Questions About Zion

Speaking to the Nephites, the Lord Jesus announced, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, thus hath the Father commanded me—that I should give unto this people (the Nephites, the seed of Lehi and ancient Joseph) this land for their inheritance. And then the words of the prophet Isaiah shall be fulfilled, which say: Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing, for they shall see eye to eye when the Lord shall bring again Zion. Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem; for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of God. (3Nephi 16: 16-20)

Only after the Lord officially gives the land of promise to the offspring of Lehi and ancient Joseph, only then will "the words of Isaiah be fulfilled" that speak about the latter day Zion. 

The writings of Isaiah are not always easy to follow and understand. The spirit of the Holy Ghost is required to help lend understanding to the words of all the prophets, perhaps especially Isaiah. Nephi counseled, (2Nephi 25: 7-8)

7... in the days that the prophecies of Isaiah shall be fulfilled men shall know of a surety, at the times when they shall come to pass.

8 Wherefore, they are of worth unto the children of men, and he that supposeth that they are not, unto them will I speak particularly, and confine the words unto mine own people; for I know that they shall be of great worth unto them in the last days; for in that day shall they understand them; wherefore, for their good have I written them.

Nephi recognized the particular worth of the words of Isaiah for his "own people" in the latter days. It was "for their good" that Nephi included the words of Isaiah in his record. Nephi is putting the latter day remnant of his seed, "the remnant of Israel" on notice that they, (and we,) ought to pay close attention to the words of Isaiah in order to understand the course of things in the latter days. 

If we have eyes to see and ears to hear, much of what Isaiah wrote pertains to the latter day remnant seed of ancient Joseph, the Lamanites, and fulfillment of latter day prophesy concerning them. Isaiah seems to have had a particular interest in, and spoke directly to, the latter day Lineage of Joseph and their role in establishing Zion.

In March 1838, Elias Higbee asked Joseph Smith questions regarding some of the statements of Isaiah regarding Zion. Joseph's responses to brother Higbee's questions inform us that Isaiah had the remnant of Israel in mind when he prophesied of the latter day Zion. Brother Higbee asks:

What is meant by the command in Isaiah, 52d chapter, 1st verse, which saith: Put on thy strength, O Zion—and what people had Isaiah reference to?

Joseph Smith responds:

"He (Isaiah) had reference to those whom God should call in the last days, who should hold the power of priesthood to bring again Zion, and the redemption of Israel; and to put on her strength is to put on the authority of the priesthood, which she, Zion, has a right to by lineage; also to return to that power which she had lost. (D&C 113: 7-8)

Those who God will call in the last days to bring again Zion, those responsible for the redemption of Israel, those who have that right by lineage as Joseph implied, ARE the remnant seed of Lehi and ancient Joseph, "the remnant of Israel" of the Book of Mormon.

The following words of the Lord Jesus from the Book of Mormon designate that particular lineage, the remnant of Jacob, (Israel) as the rightful builders of Zion and those who will facilitate the "redemption of Israel" as Joseph Smith pointed out in his response to Elias Higbee. The Lord's words: (3Nephi 16: 23-25) 

23 And they (gentiles) 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.

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.

When Isaiah wrote, "Put on thy strength, O Zion," he was referring to the latter day remnant seed of Jacob, (Joseph, through Joseph's grandsons Lehi and Ishmael) who have right by lineage to:

- "Hold the power of priesthood to bring again Zion, and the redemption of Israel;"

- "and to put on her strength is to put on the authority of the priesthood, which she, Zion, has a right to by lineage;"

- "also to return to that power which she had lost."

Concerning this last point made by Joseph Smith about the latter day Zion people, do we need to be reminded that in a former day, the offspring of Lehi had already established and lived in a Zion society? For nearly two hundred years following the personal ministry of Christ among them, the seed of Lehi (and ancient Joseph) lived in a Zion society. Christ dwelled among them. (4Nephi) For the latter day remnant of Israel, the building of Zion, the New Jerusalem will in very fact be as Joseph Smith said, "return to that power which she had lost."

Elias Higbee asked a second question:

What are we to understand by Zion loosing herself from the bands of her neck; 2d verse?

Joseph Smith's response:

"We are to understand that the scattered remnants are exhorted to return to the Lord from whence they have fallen; which if they do, the promise of the Lord is that he will speak to them, or give them revelation. See the 6th, 7th, and 8th verses. The bands of her neck are the curses of God upon her, or the remnants of Israel in their scattered condition among the Gentiles." (D&C 113: 9-10)

Once again, Isaiah makes reference to the remnants of Israel. In this case, Isaiah seems to speak to all the many remnants of Israelite blood scattered around the world. This would include "the remnant of Israel," Joseph's latter day remnant offspring spoken of in the Book of Mormon. In fact, particular meaning should be found in his words as they apply to the latter day remnant of Lehi's offspring. We learn the following about the latter day remnant of Israel from the Book of Mormon. The words of Isaiah are indeed "about" the remnant seed of Lehi and Joseph:

Joseph Smith said:

- "the scattered remnants are exhorted to return to the Lord from whence they have fallen;"

Nephi recorded:

"And now, the thing which our father meaneth concerning the grafting in of the natural branches through the fulness of the Gentiles, is, that in the latter days, when our seed shall have dwindled in unbelief, yea, for the space of many years, and many generations after the Messiah shall be manifested in body unto the children of men, then shall the fulness of the gospel of the Messiah come unto the Gentiles, and from the Gentiles unto the remnant of our seed—And at that day shall the remnant of our seed know that they are of the house of Israel, and that they are the covenant people of the Lord; and then shall they know and come to the knowledge of their forefathers, and also to the knowledge of the gospel of their Redeemer, which was ministered unto their fathers by him; wherefore, they shall come to the knowledge of their Redeemer and the very points of his doctrine, that they may know how to come unto him and be saved. (1Nephi 15: 13-14)

Joseph Smith said:

- "which if they do, the promise of the Lord is that he will speak to them, or give them revelation"

Nephi recorded:

"And then at that day will they (his remnant seed) not rejoice and give praise unto their everlasting God, their rock and their salvation? Yea, at that day, will they not receive the strength and nourishment from the true vine?" (1Nephi 15: 15)

Joseph Smith said:

"The bands of her neck are the curses of God upon her, or the remnants of Israel in their scattered condition among the Gentiles"

The Lord Jesus said:

"And I will show unto thee, O house of Israel, that the Gentiles shall not have power over you; but I will remember my covenant unto you, O house of Israel, and ye shall come unto the knowledge of the fulness of my gospel." (3Nephi 16: 12)

If we are to understand the latter day remnant of Joseph's seed and all the prophecy concerning them in the Book of Mormon, understanding Isaiah's words is required. This is why the Lord Jesus would say: "And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah. For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel; therefore it must needs be that he must speak also TO the Gentiles. And all things that he spake have been and shall be, even according to the words which he spake." (3Nephi 23: 1-3)

The Remnant of Israel - "Numbered Among the Remnant Seed of Joseph"

The first qualification for anyone to live in Zion, the New Jerusalem of the latter days, is, their "garments are white through the blood of the Lamb." (Ether 13: 10) That qualification was discussed in the last entry. The second qualification according to the Book of Mormon prophet Ether, for a person to dwell in Zion, the New Jerusalem, is, "they are they who are numbered among the remnant of the seed of Joseph, who were of the house of Israel."

Ether is quoted by Moroni as follows:

"And then cometh the New Jerusalem; and blessed are they who dwell therein, for it is they whose garments are white through the blood of the Lamb; and they are they who are numbered among the remnant of the seed of Joseph, who were of the house of Israel" (Ether 13: 10)

Ether did not say a person needs to be the blood of the remnant seed of Joseph in order to dwell in the New Jerusalem, instead he says they are "numbered among" the remnant of the seed of Joseph. 

Primary responsibility for establishing and building Zion, the New Jerusalem is given to the remnant seed of ancient Joseph. (Ether 13: 8-10 and 3Nephi 20: 22 and 3Nephi 21: 23) We have already seen In the lay out of the last seven posts that the remnant of Israel, the remnant of Joseph, is the latter day offspring of Lehi mixed with the blood of Ishmael. Both Lehi and Ishmael are the direct blood of ancient Joseph through Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. The remnant of Jacob, (Israel) is the latter day offspring of ancient Joseph through Lehi and Ishmael. (1Nephi 13: 34) They are the Lamanites to whom the Book of Mormon is written. (See the Title Page of the Book of Mormon also Mormon 5: 12-15)

If a person is not of the blood of the remnant of Israel, is it possible for that person to dwell in Zion? If so, how does that person qualify to dwell in Zion, the New Jerusalem, by being "numbered among" the remnant of the seed of Joseph?

The invitation of the Lord to come to Him in order that He may make you clean, or in other words “wash your garments white” in His blood, is to every member of the family of man. (2Nephi 26: 33) No one is excluded. Only He has the power that can effectively make a person pure and spotless before Him. (2Nephi 9: 41) It requires a pronouncement from Him to make that person "pure" and "spotless" thereby qualifying them for Zion and His presence. Until such a personal pronouncement from Him is received, one remains unclean and unprepared. (D&C 131: 5-6)

Since the first requirement spoken of by Ether for a person to dwell in the New Jerusalem, is to have garments "washed In the blood of the Lamb," (Ether 13: 10), it becomes clear that being "numbered among" the remnant of the seed of Joseph depends first on having garments washed white in the blood of the Lamb. Then, the person may qualify to be "numbered among" those of Joseph's remnant seed that will have power, authority, and the prophetic destiny to build the New Jerusalem.

The Book of Mormon speaks of a progression (perhaps "regression" is a better description) of the gospel over time in the latter days. The sacred record speaks of an eventual transfer of the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the remnant of Israel, (Joseph's remnant seed.) The effective transfer of the fullness of the gospel from the European Gentiles who are to be the original stewards of the gospel, to the remnant of Israel who will take over stewardship of the gospel, will position the remnant seed of Joseph to fulfill the prophecies concerning them building Zion, the New Jerusalem. For a full review of the role and prophetic destiny of the Gentiles according to the Book of Mormon record, you may go back and read the series of entries to this blog concerning the Gentiles.  


The fullness of the gospel according to the words of the Lord Jesus Christ will ultimately be rejected and lost by the Gentiles. (3Nephi 16: 10, see also D&C 45: 28-29) In the words of the Lord, "then will I remember my covenant which I have made unto my people, O house of Israel, and I will bring my gospel unto them. And I will show unto thee, O house of Israel, that the Gentiles shall not have power over you; but I will remember my covenant unto you, O house of Israel, and ye shall come unto the knowledge of the fulness of my gospel." (3Nephi 16: 11-12) When these words of the Lord are fulfilled, the remnant of Joseph's seed, the remnant of Israel, the Lamanites, will be prepared to fulfill the prophetic destiny set forth in the Book of Mormon by which they will establish and build the New Jerusalem as prophesied by the prophet Ether.

What is to become of the Gentiles who will have lost the fullness of the Gospel because they preferred the precepts of men? (D&C 45: 29 and 2Nephi 28: 14, 26, 31) According to the words of the Lord, they may yet be "numbered among" the remnant of Israel. Ether used the words "numbered among" the remnant of the seed of Joseph to describe those individual's that would dwell in New Jerusalem. The Lord Jesus uses the very same words to describe latter day Gentiles that choose to repent and come to Him. He said:

"But if the Gentiles will repent and return unto me, saith the Father, behold they shall be numbered among my people, O house of Israel." (3Nephi 16: 13)

And

"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;"

(3Nephi 21: 6)

And

But if they (Gentiles) 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 (3Nephi 21: 22)

So Gentiles (or anyone,) may qualify to “be numbered among” the remnant seed of Joseph and may therefore qualify to dwell in Zion. However, it will require mighty repentance, coming down in the very depths of humility before the Lord. Outward observances and rote performances will fail. It will require “(knowing) the true points of (His) doctrine." No other doctrine or precept of men is allowed. Even if gentiles like us become qualified, our role will be only to “assist” the remnant of Joseph in building Zion, the New Jerusalem. (3Nephi 21: 23 and 24) For a gentile, for anyone, dwelling in Zion will be a bestowal and a gift from God who will personally qualify each person.    

Speaking directly to the latter day remnant seed of Joseph, the Lamanites, Mormon informs them: (Mormon 7: 1-3, 10)

"I would speak somewhat unto the remnant of this people who are spared, if it so be that God may give unto them my words, that they may know of the things of their fathers; yea, I speak unto you, ye remnant of the house of Israel; and these are the words which I speak: 

Know ye that ye are of the house of Israel.

Know ye that ye must come unto repentance, or ye cannot be saved.

...And ye will also know that ye are a remnant of the seed of Jacob; therefore ye are numbered among the people of the first covenant; and if it so be that ye believe in Christ, and are baptized, first with water, then with fire and with the Holy Ghost, following the example of our Savior, according to that which he hath commanded us, it shall be well with you in the day of judgment. Amen."

Whether it be a Gentile, (you and me), or whether it be someone of the remnant seed of Joseph, in order to be "numbered among" those who dwell in Zion the New Jerusalem, repentance is the key. Come to Him. In Mormons words to the remnant, "Know ye that ye must come unto repentance, or ye cannot be saved." Then, "believe in Christ, and (be) baptized, first with water, then with fire and with the Holy Ghost, following the example of our Savior, according to that which he hath commanded us." Having done all, seek diligently his face. Never quit. Never give up. Beg Him to come to you. Beg Him to pronounce you clean. Beg Him to wash your garments white in His holy blood.

According to Ether, your garments must be "white in His blood" and you must thereby be "numbered among" those of Zion, the New Jerusalem. (Ether 13: 10)

The Remnant of Israel - Those Who Will Participate in Zion

The remnant of Israel (the latter day remnant seed of ancient Joseph and Lehi) will receive the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and will build the New Jerusalem, the holy city Zion. (Ether 13: 4, 8-10 and 3Nephi 16: 11-12 and 3 Nephi 21: 23)

"And then cometh the New Jerusalem; and blessed are they who dwell therein, for it is they whose garments are white through the blood of the Lamb; and they are they who are numbered among the remnant of the seed of Joseph, who were of the house of Israel" (Ether 13: 10)

In order for a person to be a participant in Zion, the holy city, at least two conditions must exist in the person 1. The person's garments must be "white through the blood of the lamb," and 2. The person is to be "numbered among the remnant of the seed of Joseph." Both of these conditions are comprised of interesting words. We will be rewarded to understand and believe the meaning of the words of the conditions of membership in Zion, the holy city. This entry will address the first requirement mentioned by Ether, the second requirement we will address in the next entry. 

The first thing to be noticed about the two conditions for participation in the holy city, Zion, is what is NOT required. Glaringly missing are nearly all of the conceptions latter day people have come to believe in their traditions about Zion. There is nothing in the two requirements about any man "calling" anyone to go anywhere to build a city. There is nothing implied in the two conditions that remotely suggest Zion will grow out of any earthly institution. Participation in Zion is an entirely individual thing. Institutions cannot have "their garments white through the blood of the Lamb," nor can an institution be "numbered among the remnant of the seed of Joseph."

Individuals qualify and become members of Zion, individually. The process of qualifying for membership in Zion is the process by which a person's "garments are (made) white through the blood of the Lamb. First and foremost, citizens of the holy city Zion will "know" the Lord, (John 17: 3), will have received His testimony to them, (D&C 76: 5 and D&C 131: 5-6), and will have received all the ordinances, blessings, witnesses, and assurances from His own mouth, that will enable a person to abide His presence.  Otherwise, without these things, there is no flesh that can endure His presence. (D&C 84: 19-22) 

All the smooth words of assurance, all the carnal security, and promises of "all is well," will never have power to save anyone. In fact, such assurances are designed to destroy. And they do destroy Gods children in droves, even those who are sure they are bound for celestial glory because they belong to the right church, or the right family, and follow the right men. (Isaiah 30: 10 and 2Nephi 28: 7-8, 21-25)

“Garments washed white in the blood of the Lamb” is a requirement for every citizen of Zion. Garments washed white in the blood of the Lamb enable one to abide the presence of the Lord. Having garments washed white means to be sanctified, to be "pure" and "spotless" before God. (Alma 13: 11-12) Fallen man (you and me) can only be made pure and spotless by the pronouncement of God's own mouth. If not for that, there is nothing we can do of ourselves, there is nothing any other person can do or say that can make us pure and spotless.  His ordinances invite us to become clean and spotless so that we can be part of His family with Him there. It is His power and pronouncement that actually accomplishes making us clean. (Ether 3: 13 and D&C 64: 10) We must be pronounced clean by Him in order that our "garments be washed white" in His Holy Blood. 

Zion will be a holy city because the Lord will be there. He will make the city holy because it will be His own abode. Two separate times while teaching the Nephite offspring of Joseph in the recorded words of the Book of Mormon, the Lord promised them His own presence in the holy city they would build in the latter days.

"And behold, this people will I establish in this land, unto the fulfilling of the covenant which I made with your father Jacob; and it shall be a New Jerusalem. And the powers of heaven shall be in the midst of this people; yea, even I will be in the midst of you." (3Nephi 20: 22)

And again,

23 And they (Gentiles) 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.

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. (3Nephi 21: 23-25)

The Lord told Enoch the same thing:

70 And righteousness and truth will I cause to sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out mine own 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.

72 And there shall be mine abode, and it shall be Zion, which shall come forth out of all the creations which I have made; and for the space of a thousand years shall the earth rest. (Moses 7: 70, 72)

It is interesting to note that the same promise the Lord gave to the Nephites and to Enoch about coming to His Zion as the place of His abode, is the very same promise He made to the early members of the Church when He extended the opportunity for them to build a Zion in their day. Commanding them to build the Nauvoo temple He said to them:

"For there is not a place found on earth that he may come to and restore again that which was lost unto you, or which he hath taken away, even the fulness of the priesthood...And verily I say unto you, let this house be built unto my name, that I may reveal mine ordinances therein unto my people;...If ye labor with all your might, I will consecrate that spot that it shall be made holy." (D&C 124: 28, 40, 44)

The Lord's promise to come to the Nauvoo temple and grace it with His presence and make it holy by His own presence and ordinances was never fulfilled. There is no known record that shows the Lord (or angels) ever came to the Nauvoo temple to "consecrate that spot that it shall be made holy." The way it would have been made holy is by the presence of Holiness itself. In my observation, that never happened. Joseph Smith was never able to successfully establish Zion and bring the people to the point where they could endure the presence of the Lord. For their failure, the early saints were moved out of their place, (Nauvoo) and suffered terrible tribulation and hardships as promised by the Lord. (D&C 124: 45-48) Moses failed in his desire and efforts to bring his people into the presence of the Lord as well. (D&C 84: 22-25)

“Garments washed white in the blood of the Lamb” is a gift and bestowal from God. It is required for each individual in order to participate in Zion. Sanctification comes neither from any man nor the practices of men. (2Nephi 9: 41) God personally sanctifies, makes known, and invites, those that will participate. (D&C 131: 5-6) The presence of the Lord in His holy city, the New Jerusalem, to be built by the remnant of Jacob (and Joseph through Lehi), will require anyone there to be able to abide His presence. It will not be possible for someone who is not able to abide the presence of the Lord to be a part of Zion. Someone who has not had his garments made white in the blood of the Lamb simply will not be able to be there. It will not be possible.

Joseph Smith taught:

"Men and angels are to be co-workers in bringing to pass this great work, and Zion is to be prepared, even a new Jerusalem, for the elect that are to be gathered from the four quarters of the earth, and to be established an holy city, for the tabernacle of the Lord shall be with them." (HC 2: 260-62)

Angels bring us to Christ. (Moroni 7: 29-32)  It is the work of angels to select and bring those who are prepared to the Lord. (D&C 77: 11) Angels are now busy preparing the elect for Zion. It happened in Alma's day, (Alma 13: 22-26) it happens today, in earnest. The day of the Lord's latter day Zion approaches. 

“And Enoch beheld angels descending out of heaven, bearing testimony of the Father, and of the Son. And the Holy Ghost fell on many, and they were caught up by the powers of heaven into Zion.” (Moses 7: 33-34) This is how men and angels are to be co-workers in bringing to pass this great work, and Zion is to be prepared, even a new Jerusalem.

Mighty repentance each and every day of our lives, hearts, minds, and hands that are clean and pure, submitting ourselves to Him completely, following every word of His commands, will receive the notice of angels. They will bring us a personal invitation to come to Him. When we do come to Him, He will assure a place for us in His Zion because He will say, "this day you are clean before me." Then, your garments are white in the blood of the Lamb because He said so. He will do all things required to prepare you for His Zion. 

The Remnant of Israel - "Zion" the Blessing of Manasseh and Ephraim

In order to understand the reason it will be ancient Joseph's latter day offspring,  (the remnant of Israel, the seed of Lehi, spoken of in the Book of Mormon,) that have the assignment and blessing to establish Zion, the New Jerusalem, it is helpful to understand the specific promised blessings of Joseph's sons Manasseh and Ephraim. Joseph Smith added great clarity and understanding in his inspired translation of Genesis about the promised blessings and work of Manasseh and Ephraim.

Jacob, (Israel) blessed Joseph's two sons as follows: (Gen. 48: 5-11)

5 And now of thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt, before I came unto thee into Egypt; behold they are mine, and the God of my fathers shall bless them; even as Reuben and Simeon they shall be blessed, for they are mine; wherefore they shall be called after my name. (Therefore they were called Israel.) (JST Gen. 48: 5) 

The two sons of Joseph, Jacob's grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh, obtain a status from Jacob that makes them equal with the other twelve sons of Jacob. Jacob announced, "the God of my fathers shall bless them;...they shall be blessed, for they are mine; wherefore they shall be called after my name." The importance of this blessing by Jacob (Israel) upon Ephraim and Manasseh is profound and really cannot be overstated. In the Patriarchal Order of God, a man who holds the sealing power, (as Jacob did,) has the power to make grandsons and others "his," and to call them by his own name. The pronouncement by Jacob that his two grandsons from Joseph are to be counted among the tribes means essentially that instead of twelve tribes of Israel there are in fact fourteen "tribes." The actual mechanics of the existence of two additional tribes, Ephraim and Manasseh, called after the name of Israel, are described in the next verse of the inspired translation.

6 And thy (Joseph's) issue which thou begettest after them, (Ephraim and Manasseh) shall be thine, and shall be called after the name of their brethren in their inheritance, in the tribes; therefore they were called the tribes of Manasseh and of Ephraim.

All of Joseph's offspring after Ephraim and Manasseh are to be Joseph's and will receive their inheritance as members of the "house of Israel"  through the official Israelite tribes of Ephraim or Manasseh. This pronouncement by Jacob has the effect of placing Joseph "over" the two newly formed tribes of Israel, Ephraim and Manasseh. The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh are full participants in all the promises and blessings of God to Jacob (Israel). They are not just the offspring of one of the twelve brothers who have derivative rights thereby. The latter day offspring of Lehi, (Manasseh), and Ishmael, (Ephraim), also known as "the remnant of Israel" in the Book of Mormon, are of themselves full fledged members of the house of Israel in the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim. Though they are "remnant," there is nothing at all derivative about their rights and responsibilities within the house of Israel. No wonder the offspring of Lehi and Ishmael, "the remnant of Israel" would be given the right and responsibility to establish Zion, the New Jerusalem as the introductory note to the latter day coming of the King of Kings. 

7 And Jacob said unto Joseph, When the God of my fathers appeared unto me in Luz, in the land of Canaan; he sware unto me, that he would give unto me, and unto my seed, the land for an everlasting possession.

8 Therefore, O my son, he hath blessed me in raising thee up to be a servant unto me, in saving my house from death;

9 In delivering my people, thy brethren, from famine which was sore in the land; wherefore the God of thy fathers shall bless thee, and the fruit of thy loins, that they shall be blessed above thy brethren, and above thy father's house;

It is because of the saving work of Joseph that Jacob and his other eleven sons were preserved in Egypt and Jacob's house was saved from "death." Because of Joseph "saving" his father and brothers in Egypt, their inheritances of land for an "everlasting possession" in Palestine were also preserved. 

The prophet Ether in the Book of Mormon, spoke of Joseph's saving work among the ancient house of Jacob, (Israel) as a "type" of the events and work his (Joseph's) latter day offspring (the remnant of Israel) would later accomplish. Ether prophesied:

6 a New Jerusalem should be built up upon this land, unto the remnant of the seed of Joseph, for which things there has been a type.

7 For as Joseph brought his father down into the land of Egypt, even so he died there; wherefore, the Lord brought a remnant of the seed of Joseph out of the land of Jerusalem, that he might be merciful unto the seed of Joseph that they should perish not, even as he was merciful unto the father of Joseph that he should perish not.

8 Wherefore, the remnant of the house of Joseph shall be built upon this land; and it shall be a land of their inheritance; and they shall build up a holy city unto the Lord, like unto the Jerusalem of old; and they shall no more be confounded, until the end come when the earth shall pass away. (Ether 13: 6-8)

Because of these things, "the God of thy fathers shall bless thee, (Joseph, through Ephraim and Manasseh) and the fruit of thy loins, that they shall be blessed above thy brethren, and above thy father's (Jacob, Israel's)  house" (JST Gen. 48: 9)

Continuing JST Genesis:

10 For thou hast prevailed, and thy father's house hath bowed down unto thee, even as it was shown unto thee, before thou wast sold into Egypt by the hands of thy brethren; wherefore thy brethren shall bow down unto thee, from generation to generation, unto the fruit of thy loins forever;

This is why the New Jerusalem, Zion, will be established on this land by "the remnant of Israel" comprised of the two tribes of Israel, Manasseh, and Ephraim. All of the tribes of Israel will be gathered here to enjoy the blessings established by Joseph's latter day remnant seed. (3Nephi 21: 26-29) According to the "type" spoken of by Ether, the latter day offspring of Joseph will once again "save" their brethren of the house of Israel from "death." In this way, "thy brethren shall bow down unto thee, from generation to generation, unto the fruit of thy loins forever." (Gen. 48: 10)

11 For thou (Manasseh and Ephraim) shalt be a light unto my people, to deliver them in the days of their captivity, from bondage; and to bring salvation unto them, when they are altogether bowed down under sin.

How will the remnant of Israel fulfill this prophecy? How will they be "a light" to the house of Israel? How will the remnant of Joseph's seed "deliver" the house of Israel in the days of their captivity, from bondage? How will the offspring of Lehi and Ishmael, "the remnant of Israel," "bring salvation unto" the remainder of the house of Israel, when they are altogether bowed down under sin?" How will the latter day establishment of Zion, the holy city, The New Jerusalem, by the remnant seed of Joseph through Lehi provide fulfillment of the prophecies and blessings of Jacob (Israel) to his grandsons Ephraim and Manasseh? 

The answers to all of these and many more related questions are found in the words and prophesies of the precious Book of Mormon. 


How many of these questions are answered by these few verses of Isaiah quoted in the Book of Mormon?

20 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them, but shall stay upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.

21 The remnant shall return, yea, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.

22 For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return; the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness.

23 For the Lord God of Hosts shall make a consumption, even determined in all the land. (2Nephi 20: 20-23)

The Remnant of Israel - The Latter Day Zion

Continuing the discussion we have been engaged in the last several entries regarding ancient Joseph and his latter day remnant offspring spoken of and prophesied about in the Book of Mormon, this entry will jump forward in time to the end of the work of Joseph's latter day remnant seed. It feels right to do this while the teachings about ancient Joseph, his blessings, and promises, are somewhat fresh on our minds. We will come back and fill in the middle in future posts in order to draw the full history (and future) together from the Book of Mormon. 

The "remnant of Israel" spoken of, and prophesied about, in the words of the Book of Mormon, are the remaining latter day seed of Lehi (1Nephi 13: 34) mixed with the seed of Ishmael. The bloodlines of both sons of ancient Joseph, Manasseh, and Ephraim, are represented in the two offspring grandsons of Joseph, Lehi and Ishmael and their families respectively. The departure of Lehi and Ishmael, and their families from Jerusalem and their subsequent arrival in the choice land of promise, the land of the "utmost bounds of the everlasting hills," (Gen. 49: 26) marks the beginning of the fulfillment of the patriarchal promises of Jacob, (Israel) to his son Joseph.

Speaking about the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith said:

"By it we learn that our western tribes of Indians are descendants of that Joseph who was sold into Egypt, and that the land of America is a promised land unto them, and unto it all the tribes of Israel will come, with as many of the Gentiles as shall comply with the requisitions of the new covenant.” (HC 1:315)

Joseph Smith stated further:

"All that the prophets that have written, from the days of righteous Able, down to the last man that has left any testimony on record for our consideration, in speaking of the salvation of Israel in the last days, goes directly to show that it consists in the work of the gathering.

First, I shall begin by quoting from the prophecy of Enoch, speaking of the last days: "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: 62)

...And now, I ask, how righteousness and truth are going to sweep the earth as with a flood? I will answer. Men and angels are to be co-workers in bringing to pass this great work, and Zion is to be prepared, even a new Jerusalem, for the elect that are to be gathered from the four quarters of the earth, and to be established an holy city, for the tabernacle of the Lord shall be with them." (HC 2: 260-62)

It is the latter day remnant seed of Joseph through Manasseh, (Lehi) and Ephraim, (Ishmael) that will fulfill and do the work of the blessings and prophecies pertaining to ancient Joseph and his remnant offspring spoken of in the prophecies of the Book of Mormon. The latter day work of Joseph's remnant seed, as Joseph Smith said,  "in speaking of the salvation of Israel in the last days, goes directly to show that it consists in the work of the gathering." Foremost in all of the work to be done by Joseph's latter day remnant seed is the establishing of "a holy city," "Zion," the city "New Jerusalem."

Zion will not be built or established in the latter days by any earthly institution or any group of men or people on the earth except those specifically prophesied to build and establish the holy city. Millions await instruction from men to go to some specified location to "build Zion." The Book of Mormon speaks of no such events in the establishing of Zion in the latter days.  It is "the remnant of Israel," the latter day offspring of Lehi and Ishmael, sons of ancient Joseph representing Joseph's own sons, Manasseh, and Ephraim, that have that specific responsibility and blessing.

The Jaredite prophet Ether spoke in his record of the prophecy linking Joseph's latter day offspring to the holy city, "Zion," of the latter days. Moroni abridged Ether's record and preserved the prophesy in order that we may be clear in our day (if we are willing to see and believe it) about the establishment of Zion, the New Jerusalem, before the coming of the Lord Jesus to complete the work of the promises of the father to His people, the house of Israel. Ether begins by pointing out the "chosen" and "choice" nature of this land.

(Ether) "truly told them of all things, from the beginning of man; and that after the waters had receded from off the face of this land it became a choice land above all other lands, a chosen land of the Lord; wherefore the Lord would have that all men should serve him who dwell upon the face thereof;" (Ether 13: 2)

Nephi, like Ether, was also told about the highly favored status of this choice land. The Lord explained to Nephi, "And inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper, and shall be led to a land of promise; yea, even a land which I have prepared for you; yea, a land which is choice above all other lands." (1Nephi 2: 20) This promise to Nephi has great meaning when it is understood that Nephi, Lehi's son, is a direct descendant of ancient Joseph.  The favored status of this land for Joseph's offspring relates directly to the blessings promised to ancient Joseph; he was told by his father Jacob, (Israel) that his "branches run over the wall," (the ocean), and that his blessings "prevailed above the blessings of my (Jacob's) progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate (across the ocean) from his brethren." (Gen. 49: 22, 26)

Moroni continues his abridgment of Ether’s record, speaking of this choice land and the latter day offspring of ancient Joseph:

3 And that it (this choice land) was the place of the New Jerusalem, which should come down out of heaven, and the holy sanctuary of the Lord.

4 Behold, Ether saw the days of Christ, and he spake concerning a New Jerusalem upon this land.

5 And he spake also concerning the house of Israel, and the Jerusalem from whence Lehi should come—after it should be destroyed it should be built up again, a holy city unto the Lord; wherefore, it could not be a new Jerusalem for it had been in a time of old; but it should be built up again, and become a holy city of the Lord; and it should be built unto the house of Israel.

6 And that a New Jerusalem should be built up upon this land, unto the remnant of the seed of Joseph, for which things there has been a type.

7 For as Joseph brought his father down into the land of Egypt, even so he died there; wherefore, the Lord brought a remnant of the seed of Joseph out of the land of Jerusalem, that he might be merciful unto the seed of Joseph that they should perish not, even as he was merciful unto the father of Joseph that he should perish not.

8 Wherefore, the remnant of the house of Joseph shall be built upon this land; and it shall be a land of their inheritance; and they shall build up a holy city unto the Lord, like unto the Jerusalem of old; and they shall no more be confounded, until the end come when the earth shall pass away.

9 And there shall be a new heaven and a new earth; and they shall be like unto the old save the old have passed away, and all things have become new.

10 And then cometh the New Jerusalem; and blessed are they who dwell therein, for it is they whose garments are white through the blood of the Lamb; and they are they who are numbered among the remnant of the seed of Joseph, who were of the house of Israel. (Ether 13: 3-10)

The words of Ether require no explanation they do however bear repeating;

"a New Jerusalem should be built up upon this land, unto the remnant of the seed of Joseph,"

"the remnant of the house of Joseph shall be built upon this land; and it shall be a land of their inheritance; and they shall build up a holy city unto the Lord, like unto the Jerusalem of old."

"then cometh the New Jerusalem; and blessed are they who dwell therein, for it is they whose garments are white through the blood of the Lamb; and they are they who are numbered among the remnant of the seed of Joseph, who were of the house of Israel."

What marvelous and far-reaching blessings attend the latter day "remnant of Israel," the latter day remnant seed of ancient Joseph. Many claim to be the offspring of Ephraim and Joseph in our day. However, the marvelous latter day work of "the remnant of Israel," the building of the holy city, Zion, and preparation for the coming of the Lord, is reserved specifically for those who were promised this choice land for their inheritance. That chosen remnant of Israel received the promise of these blessings directly from the mouth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Speaking face to face to the Nephite offspring of Lehi (and Joseph) the Lord declared:

12 Ye are my disciples; and ye are a light unto this people, who are a remnant of the house of Joseph.

13 And behold, this is the land of your inheritance; and the Father hath given it unto you. (3Nephi 15: 12-13)

All of the hopes, desires, beliefs, and ambitions of latter day gentile imposters and want to be's will never change or remove the prophetic destiny set forth in the precious Book of Mormon, of the remnant of Israel, the latter day seed of Joseph through Lehi. They will build the holy city Zion, the New Jerusalem as prophesied.

Once again, the words of Joseph Smith the prophet:

“Men and angels are to be co-workers in bringing to pass this great work, and Zion is to be prepared, even a new Jerusalem, for the elect that are to be gathered from the four quarters of the earth, and to be established an holy city, for the tabernacle of the Lord shall be with them.”

More about the latter day remnant of Israel and Zion coming. 

The Remnant of Israel - Joseph's Latter Day Seed (Continued)

The patriarchal promise and blessing of Jacob (Israel) to his son Joseph included the statement that Joseph "is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall:" (Gen. 49: 22) the "branches of Joseph" that would fulfill these words of Israel's blessing to Joseph were Lehi and his family and Ishmael and his family. These two families comprised the core of the offspring of Joseph that would extend beyond the borders of the land promised to Israel's offspring in Palestine that would "run over the wall" of the great ocean and become "separate from their brethren." (Gen. 49: 22, 26) These two families, the offspring of Joseph,  would be led to a land where the "utmost bounds of the everlasting hills" (Gen. 49: 26) were to be found. There, found among the utmost bounds of the everlasting hills, "the blessings of thy (Joseph's) father (Jacob) have prevailed above the blessings of my (Jacob's) progenitors  they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren." (Gen. 49: 26)

We have already discussed in another entry, the lineage of Lehi. It was established that Lehi was a descendant of Joseph through Joseph's eldest son Manasseh. What is less often discussed or recognized is the lineage of Ishmael which appears also to have been through another branch of Joseph. Apostle Erastus Snow spoke in Logan, Utah in May 1882 and said:

"The prophet Joseph Smith informed us that the record of Lehi was contained on the 116 pages that were first translated and subsequently stolen, and of which an abridgment is given us in the first book of Nephi, which is the record of Nephi individually, he himself being of the lineage of Mannaseh; but that Ishmael was of the lineage of Ephraim, and that his sons married into Lehi's family, and Lehi's sons married Ishamel's daughters."

This statement by Erastus Snow claimed to have been a recounting of principles taught by the prophet Joseph Smith. By it we learn a number of interesting things. First, and rather importantly, we learn that both of ancient Joseph's sons, Manasseh, and Ephraim were represented in the group led by Lehi across the ocean to the land of promise. Ishmael, it appears, was a descendant of Joseph's younger, and birthright son, Ephraim.

The second interesting thing we learn by brother Snow's statement is that it appears that Lehi and Sariah had not only sons, Laman, Lemual, Nephi, Sam, Jacob, and Joseph, but they had daughters as well. This is why Joseph Smith and later Erastus Snow would say, "Ishmael was of the lineage of Ephraim, and that his sons married into Lehi's family." There is only one very brief mention in all of the Book of Mormon about these daughters of Lehi and Sariah. Nephi made the following comment as he is about to Separate himself and his people from Laman and Lemuel and their followers:

"Wherefore, it came to pass that I, Nephi, did take my family, and also Zoram and his family, and Sam, mine elder brother and his family, and Jacob and Joseph, my younger brethren, and also my sisters, and all those who would go with me. And all those who would go with me were those who believed in the warnings and the revelations of God; wherefore, they did hearken unto my words." (2Nephi 5: 6)

Nephi himself informs us here that he had sisters and that they were among those who "believed in the warnings and the revelations of God." It would have been these sisters of Neph'is that Ishmael's sons would have married into Lehi's family.

Hugh Nibley comments on Ishmael And the potential relationship between Ishmael and Lehi as follows:

"Lehi faced with the prospect of a long journey in the wilderness, sent back for Ishmael, who promptly followed into the desert with a large party; this means that he must have been hardly less adept at moving about than Lehi himself...the act of sending for him seems to be the most natural thing in the world, as does the marriage of his daughters with Lehi's sons. Since it has ever been the custom of the desert people for a man to marry the daughter of his paternal uncle (bint' ammi), it is hard to avoid the impression that Lehi and Ishmael were related." Hugh W. Nibley Lehi in the Desert; The World of the Jaredites

In any event, Lehi and Ishmael and their families comprised the seed of Joseph that would cross the ocean to the promised land unto the utmost bounds of the everlasting hills. It was to be from the base of the promised land that the choicest blessings of God would be poured out "on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren." It was to be from the base of the utmost bounds of the everlasting hills that the Lord God of Israel would provide the means by which the offspring of Joseph, the remnant of Israel spoken of in the words of the Book of Mormon, would be established in preparation for the great latter day work of fulfilling the blessing of Jacob (Israel) to his son Joseph:

 10 For thou hast prevailed, and thy father’s house hath bowed down unto thee, even as it was shown unto thee, before thou wast sold into Egypt by the hands of thy brethren; wherefore thy brethren shall bow down unto thee, from generation to generation, unto the fruit of thy loins for ever;

 11 For thou shalt be a light unto my people, to deliver them in the days of their captivity, from bondage; and to bring salvation unto them, when they are altogether bowed down under sin. (JST Genesis 48: 10-11)

"Thy father's house," mentioned by Jacob in these words of Joseph's blessing is "the house of Israel." The house of Israel is the entire focus and fulcrum of the Lord's work in the latter days. The seed of Joseph, the remnant of Israel of the latter days spoken of in the Book of Mormon will be the conduit by which the Lord will "deliver them (the house of Israel) in the days of their captivity, from bondage; and to bring salvation unto them, when they are altogether bowed down under sin." (JST Gen. 48: 10-11) 

In the words of the Lord from the Book of Mormon, the saving work of the seed of Joseph, the remnant of Israel will be played out in the latter days as follows:

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. ("this people" are the offspring of the Nephites, the seed of Lehi and ancient Joseph) 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.

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.

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. (3Nephi 21: 26-29)

Once again, in the like manner as ancient Joseph "saved" his brethren, the house, or sons of Israel in their days of starvation and famine,  Joseph, (his remnant offspring) of the latter days will "deliver them (the house of Israel) in the days of their captivity, from bondage; and to bring salvation unto them, when they are altogether bowed down under sin." (JST Gen. 48: 10-11) This will be a latter day work and event. It is foretold by the Lord in his own words recorded in the precious Book of Mormon.

The stage for the latter day work of the remnant seed of Joseph to once again save his brethren the house of Israel, began When the prophet Lehi and Ishmael, both grandsons of ancient Joseph, were led to the land of the utmost bounds of the everlasting hills. Their remnant seed of the latter days, "the remnant of Israel" spoken of in the Book of Mormon will do a mighty work with God Himself at their rearward (3Nephi 21: 29) to, "deliver them (the house of Israel) in the days of their captivity, from bondage; and to bring salvation unto them (the house of Israel), when they are altogether bowed down under sin." And they (the house of Israel) "shall bow down unto thee, from generation to generation, unto the fruit of thy loins for ever." (JST Gen. 48: 10-11)