The comparison between a hen gathering her chicks and the Lord gathering his people offers some interesting insights. A hen cares for her chicks and would sacrifice her life to protect them. When danger threatens, she gathers the chicks under her wings for protection.
In a similar way the Lord loves his people, the house of Israel. He gave his life for his people and has sought to gather them together so he could protect and nourish them. On many occasions, however, Israel has chosen to forsake the Lord.
Note in 3 Nephi 10:4 how the Lord told those who were spared that he had gathered the house of Israel often. In verse 5 he said he had tried to gather his children on other occasions, but they rejected him. What did the Lord say Israel must do to be gathered? (see v. 6). What would happen to those of the house of Israel, according to verse 7, if they did not come unto Christ?
Why, then, did the people weep as recorded in verse 8? Could it be that they were mourning over those who could have been gathered and thus spared, but who had refused to do so? How does this principle relate to what we are doing today? Have we been called to assist in the gathering? For what purpose? (see D&C 115:6).