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Joseph Fielding Smith Jr. (10th prophet):
The Jews today are gathering in Palestine in fulfilment of the predictions of the ancient prophets. Why are they gathering to their homeland? Because of the restoration of the keys for the gathering of Israel. The Jews are being restored to the land of their inheritance; and there will yet come other gatherings, for we are informed that there shall come the gathering of the lost tribes of Israel, and all that by virtue of the restoration of the keys of the priesthood held by Moses.
Speaking of the overthrow of the Jews and the destruction of Jerusalem, the Lord said to his disciples: "And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken."
Source: McConkie, Bruce R., ed. Doctrines of Salvation: Sermons and Writings of Joseph Fielding Smith, Vol. 3. 257 - 258. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954-1955.
There will be a universal gathering to America and Palestine. Mormonism teaches that prior to the Millennial reign of peace, there is to be a universal gathering of scattered Israel, the lineal descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; meaning not only the Jews, but also the "lost tribes" and such of the chosen seed as have for generations been mixed with other peoples. This gathering, which includes the converted Gentiles, is preliminary to the glorious advent of the King of kings, and the resurrection of those who are Christ's at His coming. The places of assembly are America and Palestine, the former taking chronological precedence as the gathering place of "Ephraim and his fellows," while the " dispersed of Judah" will migrate to and rebuild Jerusalem. Here, upon the American continent, will be reared Zion, a new Jerusalem, where the Saints will eventually assemble and prepare for the coming of the Messiah.
The Lord will not come until Jackson County is built up. President Smith was talking yesterday about the land of Zion. Yes, surely, this entire continent is the land of Zion, and the time will come when there will be temples established over every portion of the land, and we will go into these temples and work for our kindred dead night and day, that the work of the Lord may be speedily accomplished, that Jesus may come and present the kingdom to His Father. He is coming soon, too. But we will not hear His voice until we build up Jackson County. Now we should make the preparation for this. We are not only going to have Zion throughout this continent, but we will have it over the whole earth.
Source: Williams, Clyde J. ed., Teachings of Lorzeno Snow, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1984. 153 - 154.