“Who Are the Branches of the Olive-tree or the Remnants of the House of Israel”

"A detailed discussion of the destiny of the house of Israel (as depicted through the allegory of the olive-tree) will be undertaken in Jacob 5-6. For the moment let us make some simple observations. The Lord chose an olive tree to dramatize the destiny of his chosen people. An olive tree almost never dies. It may be pruned and worked with over numerous generations before the fruit is such as to satisfy the owner of the vineyard; this is often after many and varied cuttings and trimmings and replantings. So it is with the house of Israel. That house is stubborn and often requires constant and enduring care. It frequently requires chastening and pruning, actions painful at the time but ultimately accepted as a blessing and perhaps the only means of preservation. As it is with the dedicated gardener, so it is with the Lord-his mercies and tender regard will simply not allow him to let his chosen people go: he pleads with his people Israel to cleave unto him as he cleaves unto them. (Jacob 6:5.)

"Whose branches should be broken off? The Lord chooses periodically to 'break off' or separate certain branches or groups of the house of Israel from the main body; through this means-that of scattering-the blood and influence of' the chosen people may be spread throughout the earth. The Nephite and Mulekite branches are illustrative of this principle." (McConkie, Millet, Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 1, p.69)