Revelation Date: January 19, 1841

Revelation Place: Nauvoo, Illinois

Section 124 - Historical Background: It had been 2 years since receiving the prior revelation and much had happened during that time:

- Joseph had finally been freed from Liberty jail by a sympathetic sheriff (who was then killed by the angry mob for allowing Joseph to escape).

- Joseph fled to Illinois and the saints purchased thousands of acres of unimproved land in Commerce, Illinois for settlements. It was a swampy and mosquito infested wilderness. Many saints suffered from malaria as they drained the swamps and worked the land.

- Two notable deaths had occurred – Bishop Edward Partridge (resulting from persecution injuries) and Joseph Smith, Sr.

- Joseph had gone to Washington DC to seek redress from President Martin Van Buren, who refused to help them. In his own words, Van Buran’s refusal was made for his own personal, political gain.

- The Governor of Illinois signed charters allowing the Saint's new city to be established, self-governed and allowed an independent military body formed from within to protect itself. Hence the city Commerce is renamed Nauvoo, a Hebrew word meaning a place of rest and beauty, and a militia, called the “Nauvoo Legion,” is organized.

Joseph felt a great sense of urgency in completing the Lord's and fulfilling his calling. Joseph receives this revelation as a result of his pleadings, which is the longest revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants.

• Recap: Joseph is to make a proclamation of the Gospel to all the rulers of nations; the saints are commanded to build a new temple to the Lord; they are also commanded to build a house to welcome outside guests and investigators; Hyrum is called to replace his father as Patriarch of the church; general and local officers are called directly by the Lord, yet they all must be sustained by the church membership in a church conference before they are allowed to take their office.

Revelation Date: March, 1839

Revelation Place: Liberty Jail, Missouri

Section 121 - Historical Background: By March 20, 1839, Joseph Smith had reached the lowest depths of utter despair. The physical dimensions of the restored church had been shattered. The saints had been forced to abandon their homes and property in the depths of winter, fleeing over the entire width of Missouri to escape the murdering mobs and Governor Bogg’s unsparing militia. Joseph’s father would eventually die from this suffering, and all this while Joseph lay helpless in prison. The hopes for the new Jerusalem and the mighty Zion were demolished. In this cold, miserable dungeon, Joseph saw no possibility of a fair trial or any way to escape. He and his companions were barely surviving with scraps and slops from the warden’s kitchen, some of which was poisoned and other offerings were described by the guards as “Mormon beef” suggesting a fallen saint's human flesh. In the midst of all this, Joseph’s broken heart cried out to God in anguish.

• Recap: Joseph pleads, “O God, where art thou?” and is answered lovingly and powerfully, “Peace be unto thy soul.…Fear not… for God shall be with you.” All these enemies of God and of His anointed, are cursed and will “not escape the damnation of hell.” The faithful will receive the Spirit of God, receiving all knowledge, blessings and exaltation. Many are called, but few are chosen because their hearts are set on the things of the world and they exercise unrighteous dominion. The chosen will consistently exercise faith, love, charity and virtue.

Section 122 - Historical Background: This revelation is a continuation of section 121, given in the Liberty jail, Missouri.

• Recap: Joseph, the Lord’s beloved prophet, receives comfort and encouragement. The faithful saints will continue to honor and support him. These tribulations will be for Joseph’s experience for good, and the Lord will stand by him. The Lord has descended below all these things. The days of Joseph are divinely set and cannot be altered by men. Therefore, fear not what men can do, for God shall be with him forever and ever.

Section 123 - Historical Background: This section is a continuation of sections 121 and 122, given in the Liberty jail, Missouri.

• Recap: It is the duty of the saints to keep record of all their losses in life, property and sufferings, including the names of all the offenders. Gather up by committee all the libelous publications. This is done so all the enemies are exposed and left without excuse. Furthermore, it is the duty of the saints, with great earnestness, to bring to light the darkness of evil and expose the wicked. Do not consider this insignificant, for by small things, great things will come to pass. And then stand still and see the salvation of God revealed.

Revelation Dates: April – July, 1838

Revelation Places: Farr West, Missouri

Section 115 - Historical Background: The first General Conference of the church in Missouri was held at Farr West on April 6, 1838. Joseph had arrived a few weeks prior to the conference, having fled Kirtland with the saints and traveling nearly 900 miles to Farr West. Following this exodus and enduring the apostasy of many members, including 4 apostles, the Lord sends this revelation as encouragement to the stalwart saints who remained faithful in the kingdom.

• Recap: The proper name of the Savior’s church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The saints in Missouri are given a second chance to build the Lord’s temple; but are to build it according to the pattern given by the Lord and without any debt. They are encouraged to build up Farr West and establish stakes within Zion.

Section 116 - Historical Background: As the saints continued to pour into the region of Farr West, Joseph travelled north to find additional suitable areas for settlement. About 25 miles north of Farr West, the Lord revealed to Joesph that he was treading on very sacred land.

• Recap: This spot of land is named Adam-ondi-Ahman, the spot where Adam will visit his people as prophesied by the prophet Daniel.

Section 117 - Historical Background: After being forced from Kirtland, the saints scattered quickly and widely. A large group of saints, called the Kirtland Camp, were the last main group who left Kirtland on July 5, 1838. Previously, Joseph had assigned William Marks to be responsible for the church property in Kirtland, along with Bishop Newel K. Whitney who was enjoying prosperity there. But, unknown to Joseph, neither of the two men had joined the Kirtland Camp exodus and lingered in Kirtland. Meanwhile, Joseph inquired of the Lord for further instructions and received the following 4 revelations, sections 117 – 120.

• Recap: Whitney and Marks must settle their business affairs in Kirtland and go speedily to Missouri. They must sell their properties quickly and not be concerned about lost profit or opportunities. William Marks to be called as a church leader in Farr West.

Section 118 - Historical Background: This is the second revelation Joseph received on July 8, 1838. Joseph had set up his headquarters in Farr West. Due to the faint-hearted apostacy of four apostles, the Quorum of the Twelve had been diminished and needed to be replenished with faithful brethren. Joseph pleads, “Show us thy will, O Lord, concerning the Twelve.” Five of the faithful apostles were present at this time, namely, Thomas B Marsh, David W Patten, Brigham Young, Parley P Pratt and William Smith.

• Recap: A conference is to be called immediately to fill the vacancies of the twelve with valiant servants. The Quorum president, Thomas B Marsh, is to stay in Farr West and supervise the publications for the church. The other apostles are to go out and continue preaching the Gospel. The Lord will provide for them and their families. The following spring, on April 26, 1839, the apostles are to gather in Farr West and leave from the temple sight and travel to England on proselyting missions. Quorum vacancies are filled with John Taylor, John E Page, Wilford Woodruff and Willard Richards.

Section 119 - Historical Background: This is the third revelation given on July 8, 1838. Prior to this revelation, the saints had been commanded to live the law of consecration. Because of failure on the part of the saints, the Lord withdrew this law and covenant. Tithing, as understood by the saints at that time, was merely a free-will offering or contribution to the church. Joseph asks the Lord, “O Lord, show unto thy servants how much thou requires of the properties of thy people for a tithing.”

• Recap: All surplus property of the saints should be paid to the bishop of the church to be used for the needs of the church. Once this contribution is made, the saints are to then contribute one-tenth of their annual interest. This law of tithing will be the standard for all the saints of Zion forever.

Section 120 - Historical Background: This is the fourth revelation given on July 8, 1838. One of the most critical issues facing Joseph was how to authorize the disposition of resources collected through tithing.

• Recap: Tithing properties should be distributed by the First Presidency, overseeing the distributions authorized by the Presiding Bishop, who will also oversee the distributions made by the high council. All distributions of tithing are to be according to the His voice.