"3 That after they should be destroyed, even that great city Jerusalem, and many be carried away captive into Babylon, according to the own due time of the Lord, they should return again, yea, even be brought back out of captivity; and after they should be brought back out of captivity they should possess again the land of their inheritance."This statement by Lehi is both a prophecy and a lesson about the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Prophecy
Lehi foresees that although many will be destroyed in Jerusalem, there will also be many who are captured and taken to Babylon. Eventually, they will be restored to Israel to the original land of their inheritance.
Historically, Babylon's King Nebuchadnezzar besieged and then destroyed much of Jerusalem, and took many prisoners back to Babylon. Later when the Persian Empire conquered Babylon, Cyrus decreed that the Jews could return to Jerusalem.
Atonement
All of us during our lives sin and fall captive to the influence of the adversary just like the Jews fell captive to the Babylonians. Babylon often represents worldliness, and as the lure of the world and its enticements are often the cause for our sins, this is quite fitting. However, we have been blessed with a supernal gift to deliver us from captivity and sin - the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Because of our Savior, we are able to repent, change, figuratively flee Babylonian captivity, and be restored to our land of inheritance. I find it interesting that the term "land of their inheritance" is used rather than just saying Jerusalem. Our loving Father in Heaven intends for us to inherit all that He has, but no unclean thing can dwell in his presence. Therefore, we must rely on the Atonement to leave Babylon behind and receive our eternal inheritance.
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