What is meant by the keys for the gathering of Israel and the keys for
the dispensation of Abraham is that a decree from Jehovah was issued to Moses
and Elias indicating that the time had arrived to continue their work by
passing on the mantel to another person on earth. Consequently, Joseph Smith
and Oliver Cowdery were given the keys to commence the gathering of Israel into
the covenant and extend the blessings of the gospel to the House of Israel and
to the nations. Without this authority from the Lord and his authorized
servants, this great work could not begin. Furthermore, as Joseph was to
continue the work started by Moses and Abraham, it was necessary for Moses and
Elias to give Joseph and Oliver instructions on how to proceed. Since it was
through Abraham that all nations were to be blessed with the gospel, it is
possible that Elias is being used to represent Abraham. (Thomas G. Davies and Thomas
E. Davies, The Covenant Makers: How the Covenant with Abraham Blesses All
the Families of the Earth [Spokane, Wash.: Covenant Makers Publishing, 2025],
420-21)
Further
Reading:
