Israel had already begun to fragment

And behold, there are many who are already lost from the knowledge of those who are at Jerusalem. Yea, the more part of all the tribes have been led away; and they are scattered to and fro upon the isles of the sea; and whither they are none of us knoweth, save that we know that they have been led away.

From section: Nephi’s Writings and Teachings

From page: Colonization of the Promised Land

Commentary