Jacob 5 -Allegory of the Olive Tree

Because Jacob talked about how difficult it is to chisel words on metal plates, Jacob must have thought this Olive Tree story was something we needed to read, study and understand. I have to admit, however, that despite my best efforts (adjusted for my life-long affliction of Attention Deficit Disorder), I find it a bit boring. And, just between you and me, I have read the Book of Mormon many more times than I have read Jacob 5.

The very, very, most basic breakdown of the Olive Tree story is that The Lord had His Servant plant an Olive Tree in some very good soil. The Olive Tree is the House of Israel. The Lord is our Heavenly Father. The Servant is The Savior. At first, the Olive Tree gives good fruit, but after a time goes by, the fruit starts to go bad. The roots of the tree are still good, but the fruit is awful. To help it grow, The Lord has the Servant nourish the tree, prune the tree, dung the tree, and etc. The Servant tries, but the fruit is still bad. 

As you read the chapter it becomes obvious that the efforts to save the Olive Tree symbolize The Lord's efforts to save the House of Israel. In the last verses of Jacob 4, we learn that the purpose of the Olive Tree story is tell how the House of Israel will get scattered several times, gathered several times, and then reject their Messiah all together. Will Israel ever accept Jesus as the Promised Christ? 

Jacob 4: 16-18

Why is it that the House of Israel lost their way? The scattering, and especially the gathering, of Israel is one of the paramount teachings of the Gospel. The gathering is already happening. 

Jacob 5:3

Jacob 5:47-48

Maybe you horticulturists can explain this part to the rest of us. I kind of get it, and kind of don't. I guess loftiness is like saying pride, maybe. How can we fix this problem? We need to help The Lord nourish his vineyard.

Jacob 5: 71-72

Read verse 72 again... "and the Lord of the vineyard labored also with them." I like that a lot. Will The Lord save his beloved Olive Tree? Oh, I think it will work out just fine. 

Jacob 5: 75

If you have the desire to help, The Lord promises some pretty groovy blessings. 

Thanks for listening...

jb