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APPENDIX H
Contemporary Identity of Gentile and
House of Israel Nations
Frequently the scriptures refer to the terms "Gentiles" and "House of
Israel." Just who are the latter-day Gentiles? Who are the latter-day people of the
House of Israel?
The Gentiles
Oft times the word "Gentiles" refers solely to the United States of America (1 Ne. 13:15), for this nation plays paramount role in being the bastion of freedom and "the Lord's base of operations in these latter days."(1) America, of course, is not the only modern Gentile nation. Christ's teachings to the Nephites reveal several identifying characteristics of latter-day Gentile nations: 1) they believe in Christ (3 Ne. 16:6)(2); 2) the fullness of the gospel, as contained in the Book of Mormon, "shall be made known unto them" (16:7); 3) the time will come when they "shall reject the fullness of my gospel" (16:10); and 4) their chance to receive the gospel will come before the house of Israel receives their chance in full (16:10,11). From this we might conclude that the list of modern Gentile nations includes the United States of America, all free European nations and their major satellites (1 Ne. 13:12,13,17), Canada, and Australia.
The "Gentile" designation of those who have received the gospel during "the times of the Gentiles" (D&C 45:25) seems to serve symbolic and prophetic purposes. Though titled "Gentiles," those who have accepted the gospel during this time are numbered among the House of Israel--usually Ephraim. (1 Ne. 14:1,2.) In most cases that designation is literal. Anciently, the House of Israel was scattered "among all nations," including the Gentile nations. (1 Ne. 22:3) For the intermarried offspring of Israel to now be converted and "numbered among the House of Israel," therefore, could also be considered being gathered out from among the Gentiles. (14:2.)
The Lord ordained the tribe of Ephraim--the birthright tribe (1 Chr. 5:1; Jer. 31:9)--to be gathered first (3 Ne. 5:23-26). He also bestowed upon them the responsibility of disseminating the gospel and gathering the House of Israel. (Deut. 33:15,17.)(3) So far we have seen this fulfilled to a significant degree.
The House of Israel
Scriptural descriptions regarding latter-day Israel are innumerable and complex. The underlying theme is that they will in fact be redeemed in the latter days, fulfilling the covenant made to Abraham. That is the most important thing for us to understand. The very word, Israel, means "One who prevails with God."(4) Who they are and where they are and to what specific group they belong are questions that are more difficult to discern.
It seems that Ephraim, discussed above, is one of essentially four subsets of the House of Israel. Three other groups may be identified as 1) the remnant, 2) the lost ten tribes, and 3) the Jews.
Most often when the prophecies speak of the remnant of the House of Israel being restored in the latter days, they seem to refer largely to those peoples who will receive the gospel after the Gentiles have rejected it. (3 Ne. 16:11,12.) They indicate that the remnant will be in captivity or oppressed up until that time. (Isa. 9:4; 10:20.) So we might surmise that what have been called the "captive nations" probably hold many of God's chosen people. The prophecies indicate that the Lord's covenant people will be redeemed in a miraculous manner that will include the destruction of their oppressors. (Isa. 49:24-26.) The remnant will "build up the waste places of Zion" after Zion has been desolated by the chastening hand of God. (D&C 103:11.) The keys of the gathering that Moses gave Joseph Smith were for 1) "the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the earth," and 2) "the leading of the ten tribes from the land of the north." (D&C 110:11.) The second part of this refers to that time when the lost tribes of Israel will return as a body from the land of the North. A great highway will be cast up and they will come rejoicing to Zion to be crowned with the blessings of the temple by those of the tribe of Ephraim. (D&C 133:26-29.)
Though the Jews are a part of the House of Israel, prophecies of their redemption are usually differentiated by a reference to Judah or Jerusalem. It seems that the Lord will redeem the Jews last, for they apparently rebelled first. They were the head, or the leadership of Israel--as designated in their covenantal blessing--that Isaiah said would grow sick. (Isa. 1:5.) The Lord has declared that the first shall be last and the last shall be first. (Jacob 5:63.)
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Endnotes:
1. Ezra Taft Benson, CR, April 1962, p. 104. (See also 1 Ne 13:30.)
2. Ezra Taft Benson said, "The Gentile nations are the so-called Christian nations...." ("Prepare Yourselves for the Great Day of the Lord," 1981 Devotional Speeches of the Year, Provo, Utah: BYU, 1982, p. 66.)
3. LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Deseret Book, SLC, UT, 1980, p. 63.
4. Bible Dictionary, LDS King James Version, 1979, p. 708.
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