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.

Revelation Dates: August 1836 – April 1838

Revelation Places: Salem, Massachusetts; Kirtland, Ohio; Farr West, Missouri

Section 111 - Historical Background: In the summer of 1836, a member from Massachusetts by the name of Jonathan Burgess, came to Joseph regarding a sister member in Salem, Massachusetts who was now deceased. He explained that prior to her death she intended to give the church a large treasure of gold and silver which was stored in her basement. Seemingly true, Joseph knew this treasure would be a great blessing to help pay the significant debts taken on by the church for the building of the temple and assisting the saints in Zion. As Joseph, Hyrum, Sidney and Oliver left Kirtland on their mission to the Northeast, they stopped in Salem. Upon arrival they met with brother Burgess, but the sister’s home (and treasure) could not be found due to the tremendous changes in the growth of the city. Meanwhile, back in Zion the saints who had been driven from Jackson County were settling in Clay County. Now, they were asked to leave that county also. Amidst all this turmoil, many of the church leadership were away on this missionary effort, and Joseph received the following revelation.

• Recap: The Lord is pleased with their journey, despite their folly (for the treasure). Don’t be concerned about the debts of the church, for the Lord will give the saints power to cover these debts. Continue the missionary work in Salem and the vicinity.

Section 112 - Historical Background: As it often occurs, following marvelous and beautiful spiritual manifestations, come equally spectacular evil doings, hardships and tribulation. The saints had experienced magnificent spiritual visions and wonders at the dedication of the Kirtland temple, but were now experiencing unprecedented mobs and persecution. Little did they know the Lord was about to manifest significant sifting in the church, including its leadership. The year following the temple dedication saw a spirit of apostasy sweep through the church. In the midst of this, the Lord opened England as a focus for missionary work, which became incredibly successful. It had been nearly a year since the Lord had given Joseph a direct revelation. The Lord directs this to the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve (Thomas B Marsh is Quorum President).

• Recap: Thomas B Marsh was troubled, prayerfully seeking repentance, which was granted. Now, he must remain faithful and preach the gospel. The Lord knows his heart and he must refrain from being partial towards the brethren. Admonish the 12 Apostles for their sins, who must humble themselves, soften their hearts and repent. Marsh holds the keys to administer over the twelve. A day of desolation and lamentation will cover the earth, beginning in the church. Go with the twelve into the world and preach the Lord’s gospel. Stay faithful.

Section 113 - Historical Background: 1837 and 1838 were the saddest years in the church up to this time, with rampant apostasy and threatening murders. Armed mobs pursued Joseph constantly. In one day, Joseph was arrested, released and arrested again 6 times. Fleeing for their lives, the saints abandoned their homes and escaped into the western frontier, settling temporarily in Farr West Missouri. Upon his arrival, Joseph was asked several questions by the brethren concerning the book of Isaiah. This revelation is one of three sections in the Doctrine and Covenants that deal with scriptural interpretation (see also sections 74 and 77).

• Recap: Isaiah Ch 11: The Stem of Jesse is Jesus Christ; the Rod of Jesse describes Joseph Smith as a resurrected being; the Root of Jesse describes Joseph Smith in mortality; Ch 52: The strength of Zion is the Priesthood; To loosen the bands of her neck is in reference to scattered Israel and releasing the curse upon the Jews.

Section 114 - Historical Background: This revelation relates primarily to David W Patton. In 1835 Patton was ordained to be an apostle and was always faithful to Joseph and obedient to God. In this revelation, David W Patton is called on a mission. Note: In October, 1838, while defending the church against an angry mob at Crooked River, Apostle David W. Patton was killed, thus becoming the first martyred “Prophet, Seer and Revelator” in the last days.

• Recap: David W. Patton to settle his affairs and go into the mission field to preach the gospel. Those who hold church positions that are unfaithful will be replaced.

Revelation Dates: March 27, 1836 – April 3, 1836

Revelation Places: Kirtland, Ohio

Section 109 - Historical Background: In December 1832, the Lord commanded the saints of Kirtland to build a temple. At that time, there were only about 100 members living in Kirtland, who lacked money, lands or knowledge to accomplish the task. Yet, at the completion and dedication of the temple in March, 1836, there were over 1,500 members, eager to receive their promised “power from on high.” Joseph had never seen a temple but through revelation he was shown the “pattern” from which to build. Through great sacrifice, from the laying of the initial cornerstone in July, 1833 to the dedicatory prayer on March 27, 1836, the temple was now complete. From January through March of 1836, the church experienced what some call a season of Pentecost. There were many open visions of angels, heavenly messengers, spiritual manifestations and even the appearance of the Savior himself. Under direct revelation, Joseph received this dedicatory prayer and read it to the one-thousand members crowded into the pews of the temple.

• Recap: The Lord is asked to accept the house, which they were commanded to build, as a house of the Lord. A request is made to the Lord for His appearance to the saints in their solemn assembly. This house is to be a house of prayer, fasting, faith and glory. He asks the Lord to deliver the saints from their enemies, that they may go in power to gather the righteous before the calamity of the wicked. Turn away thy wrath from the repentant. May the Jews, Lamanites and all Israel be redeemed. Joseph prays for the leaders of the church and the saints be crowned with power and reap eternal joy.

Section 110 - Historical Background: On Easter Sunday, April 3, 1836, one week following the temple dedication, 800 saints gathered in the temple to worship. Although the ordinance of endowment had not yet been revealed (that would be in 1842 in Nauvoo), the ordinances of washing and anointing and the washing of feet had been revealed. As the members worshipped and listened to sermons by church leaders, they participated in the sacrament as administered by the twelve apostles. Then curtains were drawn, or dropped, separating the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery (ordained as Assistant President) from the congregation. Here, they both knelt in prayer and the heavens were opened. Joseph and Oliver received the following glorious revelation.

• Recap: The Lord appears at the temple pulpit before Joseph and Oliver, accepting the Kirtland temple as His house. Moses then appears to them and commits the keys of the gathering of Israel; Then Elias (a messenger) appears and commits the keys of the covenant of Abraham; And lastly, Elijah appears and commits the sealing keys, which without these keys, the whole earth would be smitten with a curse. Now, the great and dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the doors.

Revelation Dates: November 1834 – December 1835

Revelation Places: Kirtland, Ohio

Section 106 - Historical Background: It had been 5 months since the return from Zions Camp. Joseph was engaged in the building of the Temple in Kirtland, along with visiting and strengthening each branch in the area. The previous month of March, Joseph had visited the town of Freedom, baptizing 30-40 people there, including Warren Cowdery, the brother of Oliver Cowdery. This revelation is directed to Warren Cowdery.

• Recap: Warren Cowdery to be ordained a High Priest and preside over the saints at Freedom, Ohio. He is to be humble and an example, preaching to the people.

Section 107 - Historical Background: On Feb 14, 1835, Joseph invited all those who risked their lives at Zions Camp, to attend a special meeting. From the congregation, the 12 Apostles were chosen. Shortly thereafter, the First Council of 70 was selected, presided over by a presidency of 7. On March 28, 1835, the Twelve were about to leave on various missions and desired an uplifting revelation to take with them.

• Recap: There are two priesthoods, the Melchizedek and Aaronic. All offices in the church are appendages to this priesthood. Priesthood offices are listed along with their rights and duties.
  • Melchizedek: To administer the keys in spiritual things, authority to preside over all; Offices include High Priest – organized into the First Presidency, quorum of 12 Apostles, quorums of the Seventy, Patriarch and Bishop; and all other holders of the Melchizedek priesthood are to be ordained to the office of Elder.
  • Aaronic: To administer keys of the administering of angels and the outward ordinances, to be presided over by the High Priest of the bishopric; Offices include Priest, Teacher and Deacon.
• [Note: When it comes time to translate records, such as the sealed portion of the gold plates, the book of Enoch, the brass plates, etc. the prophet will be sustained not only as prophet, seer and revelator, but also translator.] The number of quorums of the Seventy will expand as needed to travel as ministers among the gentiles.

Section 108 - Historical Background: Lyman Sherman was among those faithful brethren who answered the call to Zion’s Camp. However, upon their return to Kirtland, he wavered. Prompted by the Lord, Lyman approached Joseph to request a blessing and revelation from the Lord.

• Recap: Because of following the prompting of the Lord, Lyman is forgiven. The Lord admonishes to stop resisting the promptings of the Spirit and to be more careful in observing your vows. Be patient and faithful so the Father can bless you. Stringthen your brethren through conversation, prayers and in your doings.