It's my first primary song! The music is a reworking of (Hymn #4). Syncopated ties in inner voices create a catchy back-beat against the plodding bassline.
Inspired by President Nelson's recent devotional with the youth, the lyrics aim to teach kids about the names of the tribes of Israel and their part in the literal gathering of the house of Israel.
Enjoy!
The sons of Jacob, twelve in all, were blessed with families
that spread throughout the land until in came their enemies.
So scattered were the Israelites that none knew who was who,
but patriarchs do now proclaim the tribe for me and you.
There's Reuben and there's Simeon, there's Levi (Israels' priests),
Of Judah Jesus Christ was born (who died for you and me),
Then Issachar and Zebulun (two long names in a row),
Now six tribes we sing very well, the rest we soon will know.
There's Dan and Naphtali as well, there's Gad and Asher too.
Young Benjamin is listed last but don't forget these few:
his older brother saved them all in very desp'rate times.
Both Ephraim and Manassah, sons of Joseph, we call tribes.
Now all of us are here to share the gospel, once dispelled,
and gather all God's children in the house of Israel.
Beyond the veil these truths are taught to set the captives free.
The gathering of Israel unfolds for all to see!
-Michael Whatcott
Genesis 49:1-28
1 AND Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.
2 Gather yourselves together, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your father.
... [read reamining verses]
1 Nephi 19:16
16 Yea, then will he remember the isles of the sea; yea, and all the people who are of the house of Israel, will I gather in, saith the Lord, according to the words of the prophet Zenos, from the four quarters of the earth.
D&C 138:31
31 And the chosen messengers went forth to declare the acceptable day of the Lord and proclaim liberty to the captives who were bound, even unto all who would repent of their sins and receive the gospel.