Question
Gramps,
Will some of the Saints be called to go inherit certain lands and areas of ancient Israel?
Doug
Answer
Doug,
At the dedication of the Kirtland Temple, Joseph Smith prayed for “mercy upon the children of Jacob, that Jerusalem, from this hour, may begin to be redeemed; And the yoke of bondage may begin to be broken off from the house of David; And the children of Judah may begin to return to the lands which thou didst give to Abraham, their father” (D&C 109:62-64)
One week after this prayer was given, Moses appeared to Joseph and gave him the keys for the gathering of Israel (D&C 110:11). Ephraim has been given the charge to take the lead in this gathering. The land of Zion is the land of inheritance for Ephraim and Manasseh. The American promised land, however, does not negate the Palestinian land that was promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The land of Canaan has been promised to Abraham’s covenant children for an everlasting possession (Gen 17:8). As the Second Coming approaches and everyone is called to flee Babylon, Ephraim and the Gentiles will gather to the land of Zion while Judah will gather to Jerusalem (D&C 133:12-14).
Gramps