Jesus’ reminder that he had gathered and sheltered them in the past (see verse 4) as well as of his many efforts to gather them that had been rebuffed, is not unique to the Nephites and Lamanites. He used similar language in Jerusalem as he lamented the impending destruction of the Jews (see Matthew 23:37-39; Luke 13:34-35). In our own day he has again used this phrase (see D&C 43:23-25) as a beckoning call to repentance and as a warning of the consequences of rejecting his invitation.