KnoWhy #66 - Why did Jacob Share the Allegory of the Olive Tree? (Jacob 4:17)

The Allegory of the Olive Tree found in Jacob 5 is preceded, in Jacob 4, by a Jacob's discussion on what the Nephites “knew of Christ” (Jacob 4:4). Jacob then turned from speaking of “the atonement of Christ" (Jacob 4:11) to the idea that the Jews would “stumble” and “reject the stone upon which they might build and have safe foundation” (Jacob 4:15). It is apparent that Jacob was drawing these ideas from at least three different sources in the scriptures —Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 8:14-15; Isaiah 28:16. Jacob, acting as prophet-priest, makes clear his purpose for using Zenos’s allegory -- to help his people be reconciled to their Redeemer. Jacob knew that the prophecy of Zenos applied to his own people and all who belonged, or would belong, to the house of Israel.