The conversion of the “Gentiles” will remake the nation of Israel in the latter- days. Those who regard themselves as “Gentile” include great numbers of formerly Israelite people who have lost knowledge of their original birthright. Remember, most of the nation of Israel (the northern ten tribes) was taken captive by Assyria in about 725 b.c. They were removed from the land of Israel, and moved to the Assyrian capital as captives.
After a time they were permitted to leave. However, instead of returning to their former lands, they departed into the north countries and were not heard of again. They had a separate identity, however, as late as the time of Christ. Christ visited with a remnant of these Israelites at the time of His resurrection ministry. As they convert, the Gentiles shall regain their identity with Israel. Christ would later teach: “But if the Gentiles will repent and return unto me, saith the Father, behold they shall be numbered among my people, O house of Israel.” (3 Ne 16:13.)
This process of re-affiliation with Israel by conversion is also spoken of by Nephi. And he uses the words of this verse to capture the idea: “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, thus saith our God: I will afflict thy seed by the hand of the Gentiles; nevertheless, I will soften the hearts of the Gentiles, that they shall be like unto a father to them; wherefore, the Gentiles shall be blessed and numbered among the house of Israel.” (2 Ne. 10:18.) The way the Gentiles become “numbered” among Israel is by softening their hearts; i.e., conversion. When they convert, they are restored through covenant to their status as Israel. Nephi foresaw this, and used these words to describe the latter-day work.