GOSPEL
DOCTRINE LESSON
Supplements for
LDS Sunday School Courses for the Book of Mormon
(Including
Information for
Preparing Gospel Doctrine Lessons in Hebrew)
by Daniel Rona
Lesson Number 40
"Then Will I Gather Them In" (3 Nephi 16, 20-21)
There is an explanation of sheep and shepherding in the Internet E-book and forthcoming printed book, HOLY LANDS REVEALED. The model of sheep and how they are led can help us understand the imagery in these chapters of the Book of Mormon.
Leading the Sheep Today: Nowadays, a farm house is here with more than a hundred sheep near by. The boy shepherd leads them out every morning and returns in the late afternoon. Leading sheep is typical in this country. Usually there are about a dozen lead sheep, older ones from last year’s flock. The shepherd usually has them marked with bells around their necks. It is common to hear the boy talk to his sheep. He calls them when it’s time to move on, and that’s when the lead sheep immediately respond, ringing their bells as they run toward their shepherd. The ringing noise alerts the other sheep, and then like a wave they begin to follow the others.
Ancient Temple Practice: The shepherd’s model is similar to an ancient biblical temple practice. For example, in the inner courtyard of the temple the chief priest would light a fire and burn incense to signal his readiness for a sacrifice. That would alert the twelve priests in the next courtyard to wash and ready themselves. Their signal to the congregation was the ringing of bells. The multitudes would then gather to follow the priests to participate in the ritual.
Additionally, I have noticed how the shepherds in Israel develop a language for their sheep. The grunts, whistles and sounds are recognized by the flock. I have also seen two shepherds meet on the hillsides as they lead their sheep. The shepherds stop, chat and typically make a small fire and prepare a hot drink. In the mean time their sheep begin to mingle. You could imagine the ownership confusion that might follow. Yet, when one shepherd departs, he simply begins talking and making his "sounds," his sheep follow him.
"For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice . . ." (Psalms 95:7)
"And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice."
(John 10:4)"And now I say unto you that the good shepherd doth call after you; and if you will hearken unto his voice he will bring you into his fold, and ye are his sheep; and he commandeth you that ye suffer no ravenous wolf to enter among you, that ye may not be destroyed."
(Alma 5:60)"How are we to know the voice of the Good Shepherd from the voice of a stranger? Can any person answer this question? I can. It is very easy. To every philosopher upon the earth, I say, your eye can be deceived, so can mine; your ear can be deceived, so can mine; the touch of your hand can be deceived, so can mine; but the Spirit of God filling the creature with revelation and the light of eternity, cannot be mistaken--the revelation which comes from God is never mistaken. When an individual, filled with the Spirit of God, declares the truth of heaven, the sheep hear that, the Spirit of the Lord pierces their inmost souls and sinks deep into their hearts; by the testimony of the Holy Ghost light springs up within them, and they see and understand for themselves. This is the way the Gospel should be preached by every Elder in Israel . . ."
(Discourses of Brigham Young, Pg.431)One of my guests, Lorin Moench, a sheep rancher, visiting Israel, pointed out the significant difference between shepherds and sheep herders. Sheep herding is usually driving the flock. But, in Israel, the shepherd leads the flock.
Leading the gathering of Israel is the tribe of Joseph. Anciently, Joseph, the son of Israel was to lead Israel spiritually as the birthright son, instead he was sold as a slave, yet he became a servant that saved. He saved the people of Egypt (Gentiles) and he saved his family (Israelites). In modern times, the keys of the gathering and leading of Israel were given to Joseph Smith. He is a descendant of ancient Joseph. His role is summarized in the parable in Doctrine and Covenants 110:44-62. After the destruction of the twelve olive trees and the scattering of the watchmen, the lord instructed a gathering.
"And the lord of the vineyard said unto one of his servants: Go and gather together the residue of my servants, and take all the strength of mine house, which are my warriors, my young men, and they that are of middle age also among all my servants, who are the strength of mine house, save those only whom I have appointed to tarry . . ."
(D&C 101:55)After an intensive "gathering" activity by the young, the middle aged and the strength of older ones, (every member a missionary - except for those told not to do mission work - like in Israel for the time being) the Lord would gather those that we cannot find.
". . . that by and by I may come with the residue of mine house and possess the land."
(D&C 101:58)The imagery used in this parallel is so visible on the hillsides of Israel to this day. The unfinished watch towers, the hedges (terraces) and the olive trees are constant reminders of the Lord working to gather us home. The leadership of this gathering was always Joseph. In a parable with almost the same imagery, Jesus told the self-appointed leaders, the Pharisees that the kingdom would be taken from them (Judah) and given to another (Joseph).
"Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.
But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet." (Matthew 21:43-46)
The Book of Mormon prophesies in the chapters being reviewed this week have deep and powerful images. An important image of the future is given about Jerusalem, both old and new. The Holy Cities are the Lord’s Cities. Each will become a "Temple City."
"For it is ordained that in Zion, and in her stakes, and in Jerusalem, those places which I have appointed for refuge, shall be the places for your baptisms for your dead."
(D&C 124:36)"And then shall be brought to pass that which is written: Awake, awake again, and put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city, for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean."
(3 Nephi 20:36)The Lamb of God will live in His cities. They will be His earthly homes. He will lead us (gather us) home, to His Father, in our heavenly home.