Over the years I have enjoyed discussing the allegory of Zenos (Jacob Chapter 5) with various priesthood, gospel doctrine, and institute classes. There are many layers of meaning in this masterful allegory—which seems to incorporate endless variations on the theme of development, progress, and the blessings of the harvest. I have found that it has often proven helpful, with such a long discourse—the longest chapter in the Book of Mormon—to view the events of the allegory as a grand drama reflecting the principles and milestones of spiritual progression, including conflict, early harvest, tragedy and faith, and final labors and harvest. The acts and scenes of the drama can be outlined as follows:
Verses 2–3: Preamble—The Lord’s introduction to the allegory.