Orson Hyde served a mission to the Holy Land to rededicate Palestine for the return of the Jews. On his way to Palestine, he stopped for some time in Germany where he learned to read and speak German in eight days. He had already studied Hebrew extensively in Kirtland and was now prepared to preach to the Jewish communities in Germany. During his time in Europe, Elder Hyde called on the Jews to return to “their home” in Palestine and issued warnings of impending destruction in the Gentile nations.
“About nine years ago, a young man with whom I had had a short acquaintance, and one, too, in whom dwelt much wisdom and knowledge—in whose bosom the Almighty had deposited many secrets,15 laid his hands upon my head, and pronounced these remarkable words: ‘In [p. 552] due time, thou shalt go to Jerusalem, the land of thy fathers, and be a watchman unto the house of Israel; and by thy hands, shall the Most High do a good work, which shall prepare the way, and greatly facilitate the gathering together of that people.’16 Many other particulars were told me by him, at that time, which I do not write in this letter: But sufficient is written to show that divine appointment is claimed as the main-spring that has sent me forth from the embraces of an affectionate family, and kind friends as well as from the land that gave me birth.”
“My labors since that period, have been bestowed upon the Gentiles In various countries, and on both sides of the Atlantic,17 until, in the early part of March 1840, I retired to my bed one night as usual; and while meditating, and contemplating the field of my future labors,18 the vision of the Lord, like clouds of light burst into my view. (See Joel, 2. 28) The cities of London, Amsterdam, Constantinople, and Jerusalem, all appeared in succession before me; and the spirit said unto me, ‘Here are many of the children of Abraham whom I will gather to the land that I gave to their fathers; and here also, is the field of your labors. Take therefore propper credentials from my people, your brethren, and also from the Governor of your State with the seal of authority thereon,19 and go ye forth to the cities which have been shown you, and declare these words unto Judah, and say, ‘Blow ye the trumpet in the land; cry, gather together, and say, assemble yourselves and let us go into the defenced cities. Set up the standard towards Zion—retire stay not; for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction. The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way—he is gone forth from his place to make thy land desolate, and thy cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant.’20
“Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished—that her iniquity is pardoned for she hath received of the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.”21
“Let your warning voice be heard among the Gentiles as you pass, and call ye upon them in my name for aid and for assistance. With you, it mattereth not whether it be little or much; but to me it belongeth to show favor unto them who show favor unto you.’
…
“Now, therefore, O ye children of the covenant! Repent of all your backslidings, and begin, as in days of old, to turn to the Lord your God. Arise! Arise! and go out from among the Gentiles; for destruction is coming from the north to lay their cities waste. Jerusalem is thy home. There the God of Abraham will deliver thee. (See Joel 2, 32) There the bending heavens shall reveal thy long-looked-for Messiah in fleecy clouds of light and glory, to execute vengeance upon thine enemies; and lead thee and thy brethren of the ten tribes to sure conquest, and certain victory. Then shall thrones be cast down, and the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our God.30 Then will they come from the east, west, north and south, and set down in the kingdom of God with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But the children of the kingdom (Gentiles) shall be cast out, and the kingdom restored to Israel.”
https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/letter-from-orson-hyde-15june-1841/3#full-transcript
This prophecy seems to have been fulfilled by the Holocaust and other destruction during the first and second World Wars. Learn more here.
(Note: Glenn Kimber has quoted Orson Hyde as saying “If you do not return, there will be a fierce force coming out of the North that will descend upon you, and your children’s blood will call out from the grave against you,” but it appears this is a loose, modernized paraphrase of the quotes above.)
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