Restoration of the House of Israel

I’ve been re-reading The Book of Mormon, using a new edition called “A New Approach to Studying The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ” (Amazon link).  It has more space for writing notes, larger text, and spaces between textual subdivisions (by using the literary device that the Nephites used “and it came to pass”– actually only one mark in Hebrew — “which indicates a change in the passage of time or a change of subject matter.”  For me, I actually like to cross out the phrase “and it came to pass” — sorry Nephi, just editing out the paragraph sign — ¶  Also included in the margins are the names of speakers, dates, and location. The editors divided the book into 214 events or episodes which helps the flow of reading without verse and chapter breaks.

Anyway, a new way of reading helps me to think outside the box.  As a result, I’ve seen new things as I read. I’ve been aware of Isaiah’s meaning of the restoration of the House of Israel, and in my reading I see it in The Book of Mormon.  Latter-Day Saints use the word “restoration” as meaning the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ by Joseph Smith. Part of that reasoning is because we believe that the “lights went out” (in the words of Hugh Nibley) after the original twelve apostles of Jesus Christ died (or became translated.) So, traditionally we have believed that Joseph Smith completed the restoration when he brought forth the Gold Plates and subsequent revelations. But there is more to the word restoration if you look at the scriptures. Joseph Smith started the restoration of the House of Israel.

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, spake much unto them concerning these things; yea, I spake unto them concerning the restoration of the Jews in the latter days. And I did rehearse unto them the words of Isaiah, who spake concerning the restoration of the Jews, or of the house of Israel; and after they were restored they should no more be confounded, neither should they be scattered again. (1 Nephi 15: 19-20)

It seems that President Nelson is aware of the fact that Joseph Smith started the restoration of the House of Israel, when he talked about the Global ministry:

“We’re witnesses to a process of restoration,” said the prophet. “If you think the Church has been fully restored, you’re just seeing the beginning. There is much more to come. … Wait till next year. And then the next year. Eat your vitamin pills. Get your rest. It’s going to be exciting.” (President Nelson, Latter-day Saint Prophet, Wife and Apostle Share Insights of Global Ministry, Newsroom, Oct 30, 2018).

The restoration of the House of Israel has not happened, yet. But you can understand why Joseph Smith was anxious to take the gospel to the remnants of Lehi who were descendants of Manasseh,

Nephi, who was the son of Lehi, who came out of the land of Jerusalem, who was a descendant of Manasseh, who was the son of Joseph who was sold into Egypt by the hands of his brethren. (Alma 10:3)   (see also, 1 Nephi 5:14)

The books contained in The Book of Mormon are mainly for the author’s descendants. Though, we gentiles have a need for understanding their fall and our potential to either fall like them and lose the promised land or be part of the saving group.

Isaiah, as well as other prophets, prophesied of the restoration of Israel. New Testament apostles quote them during their life time:

Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, so that there may come times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send Jesus, the Messiah who was ordained for you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration (ἀποκαταστάσεως  apokatastaseōs) of all things, which God spoke long ago by the mouth of his holy prophets. (Acts 3:19-21)

As a gentile (according to the Book of Mormon definition), I have responsibilities. And so many of my trials and descents are only a means to become more like my savior:

Looking towards the future restoration of the house of Israel—the Jews, Lamanites, and Ten Tribes—are we, in our role as “kings and queens of the Gentiles,” prepared to serve as “nursing fathers and nursing mothers” to them after the pattern of King Benjamin (2 Nephi 10:9)? Or will we fail to live up to our callings as “saviors of men” and be accounted “as salt that has lost its savor” (D&C 103:10)?  (Gileadi, Avraham (2011-12-02). Studies in the Book of Mormon (Kindle Locations 874-878). Hebron Books. Kindle Edition.)

We need to look “outside the box” of our traditions, thinking the restoration was fulfilled in Joseph Smith restoring the gospel of Jesus Christ and setting up His church. When actually, the restoration is ongoing, not yet fulfilled. “The Restoration” in the scriptures refers to the restoration of the House of Israel in the last days, before Christ returns. It started with Joseph, but let’s not sit back, thinking, “all is well in Zion.”