In the previous chapter Nephi expressed his revolting reaction to the wicked Gentiles which he had seen in vision on the promised land at the time the Book of Mormon would come forth. Now he is ready to tell about his jubilant feelings toward those who respond to the gospel message when they hear it.
Nephi says that in the beginning there will only be a few, but with the passing of time there will be many who will rejoice to received the restored gospel. And it will not just be for people in the promised land. The message will gradually spread out and go to the ends of the earth, to reach out and share the message to the children of Israel, wherever they are.