What do the phrases “young and tender branches” and the “main top thereof began to perish” represent?

Thomas R. Valletta

“This phrase [‘young and tender branches’] seems to refer to the emergence of a righteous element of the house of Israel, this in the midst of gross wickedness … .

“[The phrase ‘main top thereof began to perish’ may indicate that] the older generation of Israel, steeped in sinful traditions, had become comfortable in their iniquity” (McConkie and Millet, Doctrinal Commentary, 2:50).

The Book of Mormon Study Guide: Start to Finish

References