In 2 Nephi 21:11-13 we find the following:
And it shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people . . .
And he shall set up an ensign for the nations . . .
The envy of Ephraim also shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off; Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim.
While this prophecy concerns all the tribes of Israel, it is interesting to note the circumstances regarding the tribe of Judah. According to Cleon Skousen, an early apostle of the restored Church, Orson Hyde was assigned by direct revelation to dedicate Palestine for the return of the Jews and the other tribes of Israel. In 1840 he was sent on his mission to Palestine. His companion abandoned him, but he went on alone and, after much privation and suffering, dedicated that land on October 24, 1841. . . . With his mission completed, Orson Hyde made his way slowly back to America and thence to Nauvoo. When Joseph Smith received Orson Hyde's report he was highly pleased. The tiny acorn had been planted for the gathering and growing of a mighty oak of Judah.
In 1845, following the death of Joseph Smith, the Quorum of the Twelve issued a proclamation to all the world (see Messages of the First Presidency, Vol. I, pp. 253-266). After bearing witness of the restoration of the Gospel, the proclamation read:
"And we further testify that the Jews among all nations are hereby commanded, in the name of the Messiah, to prepare to return to Jerusalem in Palestine, and to rebuild that city and temple unto the Lord. And also to organize and establish their own political government under their own rulers, judges, and governors, in that country. . . . Be it known unto them that we now hold the keys of the Priesthood and kingdom which are soon to be restored unto them. Therefore, let them also repent, and prepare to obey the ordinances of God."
[W. Cleon Skousen, Treasures from the Book of Mormon, Vol. 1, pp. 1329-1330]
2 Nephi 21:11 The Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people ([Illustration]): Orson Hyde (1805-1878). [W. Cleon Skousen, Treasures from the Book of Mormon, Vol. 1, pp. 1329]