From this verse and the following, it is clear that what he had seen had overwhelmed him so completely that it took some time before he regained his physical strength.
If I understand the chapter correctly, it tells us that the family were gathered for devotion in the tent of Lehi, and that the vision of their father was the subject under discussion. Very soon the discussion became a dispute between the sons of Lehi, who had neglected to pray for light and guidance. Then Nephi, as soon as he was able to speak to them, gave his testimony and explained the points in dispute.
The Olive Tree. This was one of the subjects of dispute. The expression refers to the house of Israel (v. 12). The descendants of Lehi are of the house of Israel, and therefore a branch of the olive tree (v. 14). This branch was broken off when the people dwindled in unbelief (v. 13). It was grafted into the tree when, after many generations, the Gospel was revealed in its fulness and so far as it has been accepted by the remnant (v. 16). But the restoration applies not only to the descendants of Lehi but also to the Jews (v. 19). And it is the last. There will be no more dispersion (v. 20).
This sermon had the intended effect. The brothers of Nephi humbled themselves before the Lord. (v. 20) The only criterion of a successful sermon is its effects on the hearers. Nephi gained his object.
The olive tree is very beautiful. Its white flowers are produced in great abundance. They resemble those of the lilac. The aged olive tree is often surrounded by young and thrifty shoots (Ps. 128:3), like children. On festive occasions women sometimes adorned themselves with garlands of olive leaves (Judith 15:13), which have a silvery, glistening sheen.
An olive branch was the emblem of peace. The door and posts of the entrance to the temple, and also to the holy of holies, were made of olive wood, to symbolize the access to God through peace as a result of the atonement. The two large cherubim on the ark were also made of olive wood. (33)
The Prophet Zechariah had a remarkable vision of two olive trees standing by a golden candlestick. He asked the angel who was his guide, for an explanation of the two trees. He answered, "These are the two anointed ones," [probably Joshua and Zerubbabel] "that stand by the Lord of the whole earth," as waiting for his commands in order to carry them out. Jehovah surveys the whole earth, and is cognizant of the disturbing events that are troubling his people, and his inspired servants are ready at all times to bring divine light to them, from the sanctuary. (11-14)
The Prophet Jeremiah compares Judah to a "green olive tree, fair and of goodly fruit" (11:16; Hos. 14:6). In Ps. 128:3). They are beautiful. They are a blessing. They are God's reward for righteousness.