It is interesting that in 3 Nephi 21 the Master quotes a prophecy from Micah 5:8-14, an oracle which uses language similar to that above. According to this account the rending of the Gentiles, this metaphor of a lion among the sheep, takes place in a day when such things as witchcraft, soothsayers, idolatry, immorality, priestcrafts, lying, and deceit are all destroyed and done away.
When will such things be done away? Clearly, after the Lord comes and the millennial day has begun. It would seem that the image of the remnant of Israel rending its Gentile enemies is symbolic of Israel’s ultimate victory over its foes, a victory which comes when the Savior returns and the wicked are destroyed. “Except for a few who are the humble followers of Christ, the Gentiles will not repent. They will revel in their abominations and sin against the restored gospel, and they will be burned by the brightness of our Lord’s coming while the righteous-here called the remnant of Jacob-shall abide the day. And then, in the prophetic imagery it will be as though the remnant of Israel overthrew their enemies as a young lion among the flocks of sheep.” (Bruce R. McConkie, Millennial Messiah, p. 248; see also p. 242; Mortal Messiah 4:334-35.)