For centuries apostate Christianity used the crucifixion of Jesus as an excuse for persecuting the Jews. Occasionally people still say, “This long history of rejection is the punishment for what they did to Jesus.”
In his quoting of Zenos in 1 Nephi 19:13–19, Nephi gave us some important insights into the Jews and their tragic history. There is no indication that because they are “scourged by all people, because they crucify the God of Israel” (v. 13) this scourging is initiated by God. When the Lord’s people reject him, the judgments of God overtake them. Often this is the result of their unwillingness to turn to God for help, protection, or deliverance. People then become victims of their own wickedness.
Mormon made this insightful comment: “Behold, the judgments of God will overtake the wicked; and it is by the wicked that the wicked are punished; for it is the wicked that stir up the hearts of the children of men unto bloodshed” (Mormon 4:5). Anyone who thinks that persecution of the Jews or other minority groups is pleasing to God is in deep need of repentance (see 2 Nephi 29:5).
Zenos pointed out that punishments came upon the Jews not just because they crucified the God of Israel, but because they turned their hearts aside, thus “rejecting signs and wonders, and the power and glory of the God of Israel” (1 Nephi 19:13). Israel (not just the Jews) had turned their hearts from Jesus (who in his premortal state was Jehovah, the God of Israel) for centuries before he was crucified in Jerusalem. This is the root of Israel’s persecution and tragedy, from the fall of the ten tribes in 721 B.C. to the centuries of persecution of the Jews and the Lamanites. As Christ lamented, “How often would I have gathered thy children together, … and ye would not!” (Matthew 23:37). Nephi promises the same judgments for all who harden their hearts (see 1 Nephi 22:18–19).
Zenos promised that the moment Israel turns their hearts to the Holy One of Israel, the Lord will remember his covenants and will restore his people to power and favor. The significance of Zenos’s words lies not just in a commentary on the persecution of the Jews, but also in an invaluable warning for all who claim to be of Israel. Nephi understood this perfectly when he quoted Zenos (see vv. 18–19).