In December, 2018, I authored an important blog post entitled "Prophecy Fulfilled 016" identifying the mighty nation among the Gentiles described in 1 Nephi 22:7 as Spain. The article explained the historical succession of Spain/France/England as global superpower and interpreted 1 Nephi 13:30 in that light. 3 Nephi 20:27 also refers to this global primacy. 3 Nephi 21:4 specifically refers to New World hegemony.
Chronology clinches the identification of Spain as the mighty nation. What did the mighty nation do? They scattered Lehi's descendants 1 Nephi 22:7. When was Lehi's seed scattered? Before the marvelous work among the Gentiles began 1 Nephi 22:8. What was the marvelous work? The coming forth of the Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 25:17, 27:26 was a major part of it.
The Savior referenced this same chronology. 3 Nephi 16:4, 7 says the Book of Mormon would go first to the Gentiles. And when would this blessing go to the Gentiles? After the Gentiles had scattered the remnant of the house of Israel in the New World 3 Nephi 20:15.
Key dates associated with the modern Book of Mormon include:
- December 23, 1805 Joseph Smith, Jr. was born
- September 21, 1823 Angel Moroni first appeared to Joseph Smith, Jr.
- March 26, 1830 Book of Mormon went on sale to the public
During those 300 years preceding the marvelous work of the restoration, no other nation came close to the level of influence Spain exercised in the Western Hemisphere.
