Jacob 5

A book could be, and actually has been, written on just on Jacob 5. One thing that Jacob 5 shows is that he had, like Nephi and other great prophets, an understanding of all things. He had seen in vision the Lord's work on the earth. The great thing about prophets is they have a perspective of everything from the beginning of this world and before to its end and beyond. They understand the great symphonies while we struggle with Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.

With 77 verses, Jacob is undoubtedly the longest chapter in all of scripture. Basically, the chapter is a history of the Lord's dealings with his people from starting with Jacob and then going on until the millennium. As the Lord talks about his vineyard which is Israel, and his efforts to establish a righteous people so the gospel and the ordinances of salvation can go to all of God's children. In the chapter, when the Lord is calling for the destruction of the vineyard because of it's inability to bring forth fruit because of wickedness, I think this represents justice, and the servants pleading for him not to destroy the vineyard or Israel, represents mercy. We are in the midst of the first sixties verses, most of which has already transpired. Here are the verses and the time periods. If you read it from this perspective, it's a little easier to understand. It is definitely worth taking time to delve deeply into, but like Isaiah, it takes time and repetition. I know I only grasp it on the surface.

3-14 Jacob and the start of the house of Israel to the end of the prophets. Basically, 1800 to 400 B.C. Also during the time, some of Israel enters marriage with Assyrians and Babylonians (wild branches) and this creates the Samaritans.

15-16 400 B.C to Christ

17-28 This is the ministry of Christ and after.

25-27 The Nephites and Lamanites

29 The apostasy to Joseph Smith

30-75 The restoration of the millennium

76-77 The millennium