Date of Revelation: June 22, 1834
Location: Fishing River, Missouri
Recipients: Joseph Smith and Zion's Camp
Verses: 41 verses
Section Summary: The Lord postpones the redemption of Zion, explaining that the Saints must first receive an endowment of power from on high and learn obedience through tribulation before Zion can be established.
Primary Doctrinal Principle: Preparation through tribulation precedes deliverance
Secondary Principle: Endowment of power necessary for Zion's redemption
Application Principle: Sacrifice and obedience qualify us for divine blessings
Zion's Camp had marched nearly 900 miles from Ohio to Missouri, expecting to restore the Saints to their lands in Jackson County. Members were exhausted, some were discouraged by the lack of military action, and questions arose about the purpose of their sacrifice.
The Saints had been violently expelled from Jackson County in November 1833. The Missouri government initially promised assistance but withdrew support. The Church faced the challenge of establishing Zion without temporal power or political influence.
Zion's Camp arrived at Fishing River, Missouri, on June 19, 1834. The camp of approximately 200 men had marched from Kirtland, Ohio, with the expectation of helping restore the Saints to their lands in Jackson County. However, Missouri Governor Daniel Dunklin, who had initially promised government support, withdrew his assistance when local opposition intensified.
On June 19, a mob of about 400 Missourians gathered to attack Zion's Camp. A miraculous storm scattered the mob, saving the camp from destruction. However, it became clear that military action would not restore the Saints to their lands. The camp members, exhausted and uncertain, needed divine direction about their sacrificial march.
Following this revelation, cholera struck the camp within days, claiming 14 lives. The camp was disbanded on June 24, 1834. Despite apparent failure, Zion's Camp became a crucial training ground—over 80% of early Church leadership came from its participants. The focus shifted from Missouri to completing the Kirtland Temple, where the promised endowment was received in 1836.
1 Verily I say unto you who have assembled yourselves together that you may learn my will concerning the redemption of mine afflicted people—
2 Behold, I say unto you, were it not for the transgressions of my people, speaking concerning the church and not individuals, they might have been redeemed even now.
3 But behold, they have not learned to be obedient to the things which I required at their hands, but are full of all manner of evil, and do not impart of their substance, as becometh saints, to the poor and afflicted among them;
4 And are not united according to the union required by the law of the celestial kingdom;
5 And Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom; otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself.
6 And my people must needs be chastened until they learn obedience, if it must needs be, by the things which they suffer.
7 I speak not concerning those who are appointed to lead my people, who are the first elders of my church, for they are not all under this condemnation;
8 But I speak concerning my churches abroad—there are many who will say: Where is their God? Behold, he will deliver them in time of trouble, otherwise we will not go up unto Zion, and will keep our moneys.
9 Therefore, in consequence of the transgressions of my people, it is expedient in me that mine elders should wait for a little season for the redemption of Zion—
10 That they themselves may be prepared, and that my people may be taught more perfectly, and have experience, and know more perfectly concerning their duty, and the things which I require at their hands.
11 And this cannot be brought to pass until mine elders are endowed with power from on high.
12 For behold, I have prepared a great endowment and blessing to be poured out upon them, inasmuch as they are faithful and continue in humility before me.
13 Therefore it is expedient in me that mine elders should wait for a little season, for the redemption of Zion.
14 For behold, I do not require at their hands to fight the battles of Zion; for, as I said in a former commandment, even so will I fulfil—I will fight your battles.
15 Behold, the destroyer I have sent forth to destroy and lay waste mine enemies; and not many years hence they shall not be left to pollute mine heritage, and to blaspheme my name upon the lands which I have consecrated for the gathering together of my saints.
16 Behold, I have commanded my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., to say unto the strength of my house, even my warriors, my young men, and middle-aged, to gather together for the redemption of my people, and throw down the towers of mine enemies, and scatter their watchmen;
17 But the strength of mine house have not hearkened unto my words.
18 But inasmuch as there are those who have hearkened unto my words, I have prepared a blessing and an endowment for them, if they continue faithful.
19 I have heard their prayers, and will accept their offering; and it is expedient in me that they should be brought thus far for a trial of their faith.
20 And now, verily I say unto you, a commandment I give unto you, that as many as have come up hither, that can stay in the region round about, let them stay;
21 And those that cannot stay, who have families in the east, let them tarry for a little season, inasmuch as my servant Joseph shall appoint unto them;
22 For I will counsel him concerning this matter, and all things whatsoever he shall appoint unto them shall be fulfilled.
23 And let all my people who dwell in the regions round about be very faithful, and prayerful, and humble before me, and reveal not the things which I have revealed unto them, until it is wisdom in me that they should be revealed.
24 Talk not of judgments, neither boast of faith nor of mighty works, but carefully gather together, as much in one region as can be, consistently with the feelings of the people;
25 And behold, I will give unto you favor and grace in their eyes, that you may rest in peace and safety, while you are saying unto the people: Execute judgment and justice for us according to law, and redress us of our wrongs.
26 Now, behold, I say unto you, my friends, in this way you may find favor in the eyes of the people, until the army of Israel becomes very great.
27 And I will soften the hearts of the people, as I did the heart of Pharaoh, from time to time, until my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and mine elders, whom I have appointed, shall have time to gather up the strength of my house,
28 And to have sent wise men, to fulfil that which I have commanded concerning the purchasing of all the lands in Jackson county that can be purchased, and in the adjoining counties round about.
29 For it is my will that these lands should be purchased; and after they are purchased that my saints should possess them according to the laws of consecration which I have given.
30 And after these lands are purchased, I will hold the armies of Israel guiltless in taking possession of their own lands, which they have previously purchased with their moneys, and of throwing down the towers of mine enemies that may be upon them, and scattering their watchmen, and avenging me of mine enemies unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me.
31 But first let my army become very great, and let it be sanctified before me, that it may become fair as the sun, and clear as the moon, and that her banners may be terrible unto all nations;
32 That the kingdoms of this world may be constrained to acknowledge that the kingdom of Zion is in very deed the kingdom of our God and his Christ; therefore, let us become subject unto her laws.
33 Verily I say unto you, it is expedient in me that the first elders of my church should receive their endowment from on high in my house, which I have commanded to be built unto my name in the land of Kirtland.
34 And let those commandments which I have given concerning Zion and her law be executed and fulfilled, after her redemption.
35 There has been a day of calling, but the time has come for a day of choosing; and let those be chosen that are worthy.
36 And it shall be manifest unto my servant, by the voice of the Spirit, those that are chosen; and they shall be sanctified;
37 And inasmuch as they follow the counsel which they receive, they shall have power after many days to accomplish all things pertaining to Zion.
38 And again I say unto you, sue for peace, not only to the people that have smitten you, but also to all people;
39 And lift up an ensign of peace, and make a proclamation of peace unto the ends of the earth;
40 And make proposals for peace unto those who have smitten you, according to the voice of the Spirit which is in you, and all things shall work together for your good.
41 Therefore, be faithful; and behold, and lo, I am with you even unto the end. Even so. Amen.
Hebrew Origins: נָדַב (nadab) - "to incite, impel, make willing"; מַתָּנָה (mattanah) - "gift, present"
Greek Context: ἐνδύω (enduo) - "to clothe, put on"; δωρεά (dorea) - "gift, bounty"; Used in Luke 24:49 - "endued with power from on high"
Webster 1828: "The act of settling a dower on a woman; that which is bestowed or settled on; gift of nature"
Theological Significance: Temple ordinance providing spiritual power; divine gift enabling Zion's redemption; clothing with power from on high; prerequisite for establishing God's kingdom.
Hebrew Origins: גָּאַל (ga'al) - "to redeem, act as kinsman"; פָּדָה (padah) - "to ransom, rescue, deliver"; Kinsman-redeemer concept (go'el)
Greek Context: λυτρόω (lutroo) - "to release by paying ransom"; ἀπολύτρωσις (apolutrosis) - "redemption, deliverance"
Webster 1828: "Repurchase of captured goods or prisoners; deliverance from bondage, distress, or liability"
Application to Zion: Restoration to promised lands; deliverance from persecution; spiritual and temporal liberation; divine intervention in behalf of covenant people.
Hebrew Origins: קָדַשׁ (qadash) - "to be set apart, consecrated, holy"
Greek Context: ἁγιάζω (hagiazo) - "to make holy, consecrate"
Webster 1828: "To make holy; to set apart to a holy or religious use; to purify from corruption"
Process in D&C 105: Purification through trials; preparation for divine service; becoming "fair as the sun, and clear as the moon" (Song of Solomon 6:10); qualification for Zion's establishment.
Hebrew Origins: שָׁמַע (shama) - "to hear, listen, obey"
Greek Context: ὑπακοή (hupakoe) - "obedience, compliance"
Webster 1828: "Compliance with a command, prohibition or known law"
Learning Obedience: Through chastening and suffering; parallel to Christ's experience (Hebrews 5:8); essential for Zion's establishment.
Hebrew Origins: יָחַד (yachad) - "to be united, joined"; אֶחָד (echad) - "one, unity"
Greek Context: ἑνότης (henotes) - "unity, oneness"
Webster 1828: "The state of being one; concord; conjunction; agreement"
Celestial Law Requirement: Unity in temporal affairs (United Order); spiritual oneness of purpose; economic equality and consecration.
Hebrew Origins: פֶּשַׁע (pesha) - "rebellion, transgression, trespass"; עָבַר (abar) - "to pass over, transgress"
Greek Context: παράβασις (parabasis) - "overstepping, transgression"; παραπτωμα (paraptoma) - "false step, trespass"
Webster 1828: "The act of passing over or beyond any law or rule; the violation of a law or known principle"
Church vs Individual (v. 2): Collective responsibility emphasized; corporate failure in consecration; systemic issues requiring group repentance.
Hebrew Origins: יָסַר (yasar) - "to chasten, discipline, instruct"; מוּסָר (musar) - "discipline, correction, instruction"
Greek Context: παιδεύω (paideuo) - "to train children, to chasten"; παιδεία (paideia) - "training, discipline"
Webster 1828: "To correct by punishment; to afflict for correction and amendment; to purify from errors"
Divine Purpose: Educational rather than punitive; learning obedience through suffering; purification for divine service; preparation for greater blessings. Compare Hebrews 12:6 - "whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth."
Hebrew Origins: שָׁלוֹם (shalom) - "completeness, welfare, peace"; שָׁלֵם (shalem) - "to be complete, sound"
Greek Context: εἰρήνη (eirene) - "peace, harmony"; εἰρηνοποιέω (eirenopoieo) - "to make peace"
Webster 1828: "Freedom from war or civil commotion; freedom from agitation or disturbance; reconciliation of parties at variance"
Divine Strategy: Sue for peace with enemies; lift up ensign of peace; make proclamation to all nations; proposals guided by the Spirit. See Matthew 5:9 - "Blessed are the peacemakers."
Topic: Learning Obedience Through Trials
Key Scripture: "And my people must needs be chastened until they learn obedience, if it must needs be, by the things which they suffer" (v. 6)
Study Points:
Practical Exercise: Create a personal "trial journal" documenting lessons learned through difficulties.
Topic: Unity According to Celestial Law
Key Scripture: "And are not united according to the union required by the law of the celestial kingdom" (v. 4)
Family Discussion Points:
Family Activity: Implement a family consecration project where each member contributes talents for a common goal.
Topic: The Endowment of Power
Key Scripture: "And this cannot be brought to pass until mine elders are endowed with power from on high" (v. 11)
Class Discussion Structure:
Topic: Day of Choosing vs. Day of Calling
Key Scripture: "There has been a day of calling, but the time has come for a day of choosing; and let those be chosen that are worthy" (v. 35)
Discussion Topics:
Activities: Create personal worthiness goals; interview returned missionaries about preparation.
Topic: Peace Instead of Retaliation
Key Scripture: "And lift up an ensign of peace, and make a proclamation of peace unto the ends of the earth" (v. 39)
Student Activities: Write personal "proclamations of peace"; practice conflict resolution scenarios; study historical examples of peaceful resolution.
1. What "little seasons" of waiting has the Lord required in your life, and what did you learn during those times?
Consider: How did the waiting period prepare you for eventual blessings?
2. How have you learned obedience through the things you have suffered?
Consider: What trials taught you lessons that commandments alone could not?
3. What does it mean to be "united according to the union required by the law of the celestial kingdom"?
Consider: How can you increase unity in your ward or branch?
4. How can you "sue for peace" with those who have wronged you?
Consider: What specific steps can you take toward reconciliation?
5. What spiritual endowments do you need before accomplishing the Lord's work in your life?
Consider: How can temple worship provide power for your challenges?
1. Why does the Lord sometimes delay promised blessings?
Discuss: Times your family has waited for answers to prayers.
2. How can our family better care for "the poor and afflicted among us"?
Discuss: Specific service opportunities in your community.
3. What does it mean that the Lord will "fight your battles"?
Discuss: Examples from family history or personal experience.
4. How can we avoid "boasting of faith or mighty works"?
Discuss: The difference between testimony and boasting.
5. What family "transgressions" might delay our family's spiritual progress?
Discuss: Areas where your family can improve unity and obedience.
1. How did Zion's Camp participants later contribute to Church leadership?
Research: Biographies of Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and other camp members.
2. What happened in the Kirtland Temple after the endowment was received?
Research: Events of March-April 1836 in Kirtland.
3. What is the relationship between consecration and establishing Zion?
Research: D&C 42 (Law of Consecration) and modern Church welfare principles.
4. How does learning obedience through suffering differ from learning through commandments?
Research: Hebrews 5:8 and Alma 32 on experiential learning.
5. What does "fair as the sun, and clear as the moon" symbolize?
Research: Song of Solomon 6:10 and Isaiah's prophecies about Zion.
1. How can you prepare spiritually while waiting for promised blessings?
Consider: Temple attendance, scripture study, service opportunities.
2. What specific steps can you take to become more united with fellow Saints?
Consider: Ward activities, ministering, sharing resources.
3. How can you seek peace with those who oppose your beliefs?
Consider: Dialogue strategies, finding common ground, showing respect.
4. What sacrifices is the Lord asking of you to build His kingdom?
Consider: Time, talents, resources, personal preferences.
5. How can you avoid the mistake of withholding consecration due to doubt?
Consider: Faith-building practices, testimony strengthening, trust exercises.
1. How does D&C 105:6 relate to Hebrews 5:8 about Christ learning obedience?
2. Compare the promise "I will fight your battles" (v. 14) with Exodus 14:14.
3. How does the command to "sue for peace" (v. 38) fulfill Matthew 5:44?
4. Compare "many are called, but few are chosen" (v. 35) with Matthew 22:14.
5. How does the promise of endowment (v. 11) relate to Luke 24:49?