This prediction was literally fulfilled when, in November, 1917, Lord Balfour declared that the British government would look with favor upon the restoration of Palestine as the Jewish homeland, a declaration that was ratified later by a conference of statesmen at San Remo, and, on July 22, 1922, by the League of Nations, when that world organization assigned to Great Britain the mandate for the country.
Lick up the dust. A figure of speech which signifies humble submission.
The interpretation of Jacob may be stated briefly.
Jerusalem had fallen. Some of the inhabitants had been slain; others had been carried away into captivity. Jacob had seen this, probably in a vision, (v. 8) as had Nephi. (2 Ne. 1:4) But he had also seen that “they shall return.” (v. 9) He had seen that the Messiah would come at the appointed time, and that he would be rejected and slain on a cross. (v. 9) Then the people would be ripe for the judgments of God. They would be scattered and hated, but on account of the prayers of those who are faithful, they would be gathered when they accept the Crucified One as their Redeemer. (v. 11)
Now the Gentiles that have befriended Zion and not fought against the covenant people, nor joined the abominable church “shall be saved” (vv. 12, 13); for the Messiah will come a second time and recover his people. He will manifest himself in “fire, tempests, earthquakes, bloodshed, pestilence and famine,” and thus demonstrate that the Lord—that is, Jesus Christ—“is God, the Holy One of Israel.” (vv. 14, 15)