The themes of “gathering” and of the “bride” are not unique to Nephi, of course. Christ would repeatedly liken Himself, as well as His return, to a “marriage” and return of the “bridegroom.” This symbolism is significant for the restoration of the Gospel because with the return of Priesthood keys came the return of knowledge and authority to enter into exalting ordinances. The crowning ordinance is eternal marriage, where man and woman become most “like the Gods.” However, that ordinance was lost to the world. The form of Christianity remaining after it became the Roman state religion knew nothing of eternal marriage. Instead, it taught a form of celibacy for its priests and nuns, which set at defiance any notion of eternal marriage.
The images of gathering and of a marriage covenant clearly anticipate the restoration of the fullness of the Gospel. The image of the marriage covenant and a bride also suggest the return of Christ for His millennial reign. It is little wonder therefore, Nephi would include these verses in his record. They are testimony of the very things he saw in vision. They are foreshadowing the coming fulfillment of the promises made by Christ. Using words and symbols to convey and testify, Nephi finds in Isaiah’s words a basis for testifying to us of the vision he, too, shared. These words apply to our day.