Background

Many years ago while pondering on the Book of Mormon, already having a firm testimony of the truthfulness of the book I hypothesized that since the beginning of the Book of Mormon contained the writings of prophets familiar with the culture of Jerusalem and knowing that the beginning of the book contained writings from prophets from the time and culture of the Old Testament, while most of the Book of Mormon was abridged primarily by the prophet Mormon (far removed from Jerusalem by time and geography). I hypothesized that some of the words in Jacob 5, written by the prophet Zenos from the milieu of the Old Testament, would have distinctive language elements, which it does. Since that time I have studied the chapter in greater depth and found many distinct concepts and knowledge which would have been impossible for Joseph Smith or anyone growing up in New England or anywhere in the United States to have known and understood.  For example, how would a young New England farm boy or almost anyone else in the new United States have gained significant knowledge of the growing and cultivation of olive trees so richly and accurately described in Jacob 5.

The allegory of the olive tree as presented by the prophet Zenos provides a firm testament of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon as well as an overview of God's dealing with the house of Israel and His love for all of His children.

"The parable of Zenos, recorded by Jacob in chapter five of his book, is one of the greatest parables every recorded.  This parable in and of itself stamps the Book of Mormon with convincing truth.  No mortal man, without the inspiration of the Lord, could have written such a parable.  It is a pity that too many of those who read the Book of Mormon pass over and slight the truths which it conveys in relation to the history, scattering, and final gathering of Israel.  Such members of the Church unto whom attention has been called to the great significance of this parable have said they fail to comprehend it.  It is simple and very clear to the minds of those who earnestly seek to know the truth" Joseph Fielding Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, 4:141