Having outlined the program, the Lord instructs his servant to call servants to prune the vineyard for the last time (vv. 61–62). Jacob’s interpretation of the allegory was that when the Lord “set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people” (Isaiah 11:11), it would be the last time that he would nourish and prune his vineyard and then the end would soon come (Jacob 6:2). Modern-day revelation confirms that this is the work of the restoration. In July 1830, Oliver Cowdery was “called to prune my vineyard with a mighty pruning, yea, even for the last time; yea, and also all those whom thou hast ordained” (D&C 24:19). Therefore, that nourishing and pruning began over a hundred and seventy years ago and is well under way. Ephraim is firmly established, and the time to begin grafting back the natural branches is near.
The grafting of the natural branches is to be in the reverse order of their dispersion. The last taken away (Lehi’s group) is to be grafted back first (Jacob 5:63). The work with the Lamanites has commenced. The second group to be planted in the nethermost part of the vineyard (Judah) is also being prepared. The last branch, the lost tribes, have not yet been positively identified, but will be grafted back in the Lord’s own due time.
After these natural branches have been grafted back and begin to grow, the Lord gives further instructions about their pruning. The pruning is to be carefully done according to the strength of the good branches. The roots and the top are to be kept equal in strength (vv. 65–69). These instructions correspond with those given in the Doctrine and Covenants. Just as the vineyard is to be leniently pruned, the Church is to find favor with the people of the world until Israel “become very great, and let it be sanctified” (D&C 105:26–31). Furthermore, before the Lord comes in wrath upon the earth, the Church is to be cleansed or pruned (see D&C 112:23–26). The bad being cast away (Jacob 5:69), was foretold also by the Savior in the parable of the net.
47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.
49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. [Matthew 13:47–50]
The Prophet Joseph said of this parable: “For the work of this pattern, behold the seed of Joseph, spreading forth the Gospel net upon the face of the earth, gathering of every kind, that the good may be saved in vessels prepared for that purpose, and the angels will take care of the bad. So shall it be at the end of the world—the angels shall come forth and sever the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire, and there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth” ( TPJS, 102).
The servant of the Lord called other servants, but they were few. These servants were promised joy as they laid up fruit unto the Lord Jacob 5:70–71). The fulfillment of this promise is shown in the Lord’s admonition to Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer to remember the worth of souls and the joy they would receive in bringing one or more souls to Christ.
15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!
16 And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me! [D&C 18:15–16]
The allegory continues with the work of the servants progressing until the trees become “like unto one body; and the fruits were equal” (Jacob 5:74). This is the same concept taught by Ezekiel in the uniting of the tribes of Israel under one shepherd (see Ezekiel 37:15–23).