1 HEARKEN, O ye people, [ Addressed to the members of the church in Kirtland - verse 1-6 provide a very strong repremand to the members from the Lord. For similar reprimands see also D&C 41:1, D&C45:1-2; D&C 50:4-9, D&C 56:1-4] and open your hearts and give ear [ symbolic of those who are hard hearted and have stopped listening - a personal or inner apostasy Isa 6:9-10 ] from afar; and listen, you that call yourselves the people of the Lord, [ The Lord expects more of his people than just saying they are Saints or his people. In essence he is saying based on your actions there is little to identify you as my people except you call yourselves that. We are expected to represent him and his ways. Luke 4:64. ] and hear the word of the Lord and his will concerning you.

2 Yea, verily, I say, hear the word of him whose anger is kindled [ Bruce R McConkie says "that righteous anger is an attribute of diety". Mormon Doctrine Pg 70. God cleansing the temple. ] against the wicked and rebellious; [ The apostates. ]

3  Who willeth to take even them whom he will take, [ God has power over life and death. Even with mighty faith you cannot interfere with Gods choice. Story of Elder Merrill (Brian S Hinckley Faith of our Pioneer Fathers pg 166). (Brian S Hinckley - Sermons and Missionary services Of Melvin J Ballard Pg 274) Wilford Woodruff shares an experience of Peter Maughn ( October 1881 Journal of Discourses, Volume 22) "Now, having said so much on that subject, I want to say to my brethren and sisters, that we are placed upon the earth to build up Zion, to build up the kingdom of God. The greater proportion of the male members of Zion, who have arrived at the years of early manhood, bear some portion of the Holy Priesthood. Here is a kingdom of Priests raised up by the power of God to take hold and build up the kingdom of God. "] and preserveth in life them whom he will preserve; The same Priesthood exists on the other side of the vail [sic]. Every man who is faithful in his quorum here will join his quorum there. When a man dies and his body is laid in the tomb, he does not lose his position. The Prophet Joseph Smith held the keys of this dispensation on this side of the vail [sic], and he will hold them throughout the countless ages of eternity. He went into the spirit world to unlock the prison doors and to preach the Gospel to the millions of spirits who are in darkness, and every Apostle, every Seventy, every Elder, etc., who has died in the faith as soon as he passes to the other side of the vail [sic], enters into the work of the ministry, and there is a thousand times more to preach there than there is here. I have felt of late as if our brethren on the other side of the vail [sic] had held a council, and that they had said to this one, and that one, “Cease thy work on earth, come hence, we need help,” and they have called this man and that man. It has appeared so to me in seeing the many men who have been called from our midst lately. Perhaps I may be permitted to relate a circumstance with which I am acquainted in relation to Bishop Roskelley, of Smithfield, Cache Valley. On one occasion he was suddenly taken very sick—near to death’s door. While he lay in this condition, President Peter Maughan, who was dead, came to him and said: “Brother Roskelley, we held a council on the other side of the vail [sic]. I have had a great deal to do, and I have the privilege of coming here to appoint one man to come and help. I have had three names given to me in council, and you are one of them. I want to inquire into your circumstances.” The Bishop told him what he had to do, and they conversed together as one man would converse with another. President Maughan then said to him: “I think I will not call you. I think you are wanted here more than perhaps one of the others.” Bishop Roskelley got well from that hour. Very soon after, the second man was taken sick, but not being able to exercise sufficient faith, Brother Roskelley did not go to him. By and by this man recovered, and on meeting Brother Roskelley he said: “Brother Maughan came to me the other night and told me he was sent to call one man from the ward,” and he named two men as had been done to Brother Roskelley. A few days afterwards [sic] the third man was taken sick and died. Now, I name this to show a principle. They have work on the other side of the vail [sic]; and they want men, and they call them. And that was my view in regard to Brother George A. Smith. When he was almost at death’s door, Brother Cannon administered to him, and in thirty minutes he was up and ate breakfast with his family. We labored with him in this way, but ultimately, as you know, he died. But it taught me a lesson. I felt that man was wanted behind the vail [sic]. We labored also with Brother Pratt; he, too, was wanted behind the vail [sic]."

4 Who buildeth up at his own will and pleasure; and destroyeth when he pleases, and is able to cast the soul down to hell.

5 Behold, I, the Lord, utter my voice, and it shall be obeyed. [ Note that the text does not mention those who would listen. This is a statement of authority and as such it does not matter if the saints listen or not - the will of the Lord will come to pass. It is the effect that the voice has and not in what the voice says.so whether men listen ot not - the will of the Lord will be brought to pass. Isa. 55:10-11, D&C 58:30-33, D&C 64:31. ]

6 Wherefore, verily I say, let the wicked take heed, [ Who are the wicked? Evil in principle or practice; deviating from the divine law; addicted to vice; sinful; immoral. Persons who live in sin; transgressors of the divine law; all who are unreconciled to God, unsanctified or impenitent. ] and let the rebellious fear and tremble; [ Who are the rebellious? Engaged in rebellion; renouncing the authority and dominion of the government to which allegiance is due; traitorously resisting government or lawful authority. ] and let the unbelieving hold their lips, [ The Lord has made careful consideration to include all who are not on his side. The wicked - those who willfully violate his laws; the rebellious or those who choose not to accept his authority or laws; and then the unbelieving those who simple do not believe - maybe they are not bad people but they just do not believe. ] for the day of wrath shall come upon them as a whirlwind, [ What do we know about whirlwinds or dust devils? They can come anywhere when conditions are right, They are quick and unexpected, you do not have a warning they are just there. See D&C 112:24-26. ] and all flesh shall know that I am God.

7 And he that seeketh signs shall see signs, but not unto salvation. [ What happens to the sign seeker? There have always been sign seekers in the congregration of the church vs 7. They were there in the days of the Savior they are there during this time of the church as well. The Lord addresses them in the next few verses.1) since they are looking for a sign they often have to have another sign and another sign to be satisfied vs 9; 2) The sign can get explained away and will not last 3) signs do not provide any saving qualities salvation comes from the ordinances and the signs that follow the ordinances are the ones that last. See Ezra Booth as an example. (Joseph F. Smith Gospel Doctrine pg 7 ) "It is a wicked and adulterous generation that seeketh after a sign. Show me Latter-day Saints who have to feed upon miracles, signs and visions in order to keep them steadfast in the Church, and {9} I will show you members of the Church who are not in good standing before God, and who are walking in slippery paths. It is not by marvelous manifestations unto us that we shall be established in the truth, but it is by humility and faithful obedience to the commandments and laws of God. When I as a boy first started out in the ministry, I would frequently go out and ask the Lord to show me some marvelous thing, in order that I might receive a testimony. But the Lord withheld marvels from me, and showed me the truth, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, until he made me to know the truth from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet, and until doubt and fear had been absolutely purged from me. He did not have to send an angel from the heavens to do this, nor did he have to speak with the trump of an archangel. By the whisperings of the still small voice of the Spirit of the living God, he gave to me the testimony I possess. And by this principle and power he will give to all the children of men a knowledge of the truth that will stay with them, and it will make them to know the truth, as God knows it, and to do the will of the Father as Christ does it. And no amount of marvelous manifestations will ever accomplish this. It is obedience, humility, and submission to the requirements of heaven and to the order established in the kingdom of God upon the earth, that will establish men in the truth. Men may receive the visitation of angels; they may speak in tongues; they may heal the sick by the laying on of hands; they may have visions and dreams; but except they are faithful and pure in heart, they become an easy prey to the adversary of their souls, and he will lead them into darkness and unbelief more easily than others.—Apr. C. R., 1900, pp. 40, 41."]

8 Verily, I say unto you, there are those among you who seek signs, [ Jesus taught that it is an “evil and adulterous generation [that] seeketh after a sign” (Matt 12:39). Joseph Smith added that this principle “is eternal, undeviating, and firm as the pillars of heaven; for whenever you see a man seeking after a sign, you may set it down that he is an adulterous man” (TPJS 157; compare 278). Why is this so? How does a disposition to seek after signs relate to seeking after carnal pleasures? Simply stated, those who have given themselves up to their lusts, who desire that which will satiate the flesh, who have exhausted their passions in their search for the sensual—also seek for physical manifestations of spiritual sensations. They demand proof! Unable to recognize and acknowledge eternal certainties, they insist that the truths associated with the area with which they are least familiar—the spiritual—be manifest and translated into that realm they have come to know more surely than any other—the fanciful and the physical. The adulterous are those who worship at the altar of appetite, whose thresholds for gratification are ever rising, and who thereby demand something extraordinary to establish the truthfulness of a claim. Ironically, this claim may only be verified by the quiet and unobtrusive whisperings of the Spirit. Spiritual blindness and the spirit of adultery are thus common companions. Of this fascinating but pathetic phenomenon, Elder Neal A. Maxwell has written: First of all, the people of the world cannot presume to command God to provide them with signs. A person can neither be a disciple and command the Master nor can he require “perpetual renewal of absolute proof.” some behave, however, as if they would set forth the conditions under which they will believe—complete with specifications; they then invite God to “bid” on their specifications! . . . Sign seekers, like adulterers, often do have a clear preference for repeated sensation. Those who do not understand why adultery is intrinsically wrong will also fail to understand why faith is a justified requirement laid upon us by God. We are to walk by faith and to overcome by faith (see D&C 76:53) By contrast, the faithful, who are intellectually honest but are confronted with new and present challenges, sing of the Lord, “We’ve proved Him in days that are past.” . . . Those who are adulterous have also a strong preference for “now” rather than for eternity. Impatience and incontinence, quite naturally, team up. Such erring individuals or generations also have a strong preference for meeting the needs of “me” over attending to others, a lifestyle which speeds selfishness on its endless, empty journey. By making demands of God, the proud would attach conditions to their discipleship. But discipleship requires of us unconditional surrender to the Lord. Hence the proud neither understand nor really love God. Therefore they violate the first commandment by seeing God as a sign provider upon request; as a function, not a tutoring Father (58–59). Sign seekers have one thing going for them when it comes to convincing an audience—the servants of the Lord will not stoop to cheap theatrics to win the hearts of observers. In fact, “faith cometh not by signs, but signs follow those that believe. Yea, signs come by faith, not by the will of men, nor as they please, but by the will of God” (D&C 63:9–10). That is to say, signs and miracles fan the flame already burning in the hearts of believers. Seldom will God perform a notable miracle through his legal administrators to titillate sign seekers. And sign seekers know enough about the Lord and the prophetic past to know this. Simply stated, the anti-Christ demands a sign because he knows that the Lord does not give them in that manner. Unfortunately for Sherem (as we shall see), once in a great while the Lord does choose to make bare his mighty arm in response to taunting imps of uncleanness, but in such cases it is in wrath and proves the condemnation of the thrill seekers. (Teachings Of the Prophet Joseph Smith Pg 157). ] and there have been such even from the beginning; [ There have been and always will be those who seek signs - it is the nature of man. ]

9 But, behold, faith cometh not by signs, but signs follow those that believe. [ Signs do not cause people to make real change, they seem to be temporary. ]

10 Yea, signs come by faith, not by the will of men, nor as they please, but by the will of God. [ Signs come because people’s faith leads them to do great things and are always under the direction and at the time the Lord has established. ]

11 Yea, signs come by faith, unto mighty works, for without faith no man pleaseth God; and with whom God is angry he is not well pleased; wherefore, unto such he showeth no signs, only in wrath unto their condemnation. [ The Lord is angered at those without faith, the signs they see will ultimately result in condemning them. Indeed, when God does choose to manifest his power by means of the miraculous—and it is seldom—the curious sign seeker is often surprised and stunned by what is brought to pass: the sign is usually a divine judgment upon the sign seeker. After Korihor had been struck dumb by the power of God through Alma, the chief judge asked Korihor: “Art thou convinced of the power of God? In whom did ye desire that Alma should show forth his sign? Would ye that he should afflict others, to show unto thee a sign? Behold, he has showed unto you a sign; and now will ye dispute more?” (Alma 30:51; emphasis added). Elder George A. Smith recounted one incident from Church history in which Joseph Smith dealt with a sign seeker: When the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was first founded, you could see persons rise up and ask, “What sign will you show us that we may be made to believe?” I recollect a Campbellite preacher who came to Joseph Smith . . . and said that he had come a considerable distance to be convinced of the truth. “Why,” said he, “Mr. Smith, I want to know the truth, and when I am convinced, I will spend all my talents and time defending and spreading the doctrines of your religion, and I will give you to understand that to convince me is equivalent to convincing all my society, amounting to several hundreds.” Well, Joseph commenced laying before him the coming forth of the work, and the first principles of the Gospel, when [the minister] exclaimed, “O this is not the evidence I want, the evidence that I wish to have is a notable miracle; I want to see some powerful manifestation of the power of God, I want to see a notable miracle performed; and if you perform such a one, then I will believe with all my heart and soul, and will exert all my power and all my extensive influence to convince others; and if you will not perform a miracle of this kind, then I am your worst and bitterest enemy.” “Well,” said Joseph, “what will you have done? Will you be struck blind, or dumb? Will you be paralyzed, or will you have one hand withered? Take your choice, choose which you please, and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ it shall be done.” “That is not the kind of miracle I want,” said the preacher. “Then, sir,” replied Joseph, “I can perform none, I am not going to bring any trouble upon any body else, sir, to convince you” (Journal of Discourses 2:326). After Jacob had borne his powerful apostolic witness, Sherem replied: “Show me a sign by this power of the Holy Ghost, in the which ye know so much. And [Jacob] said unto him: What am I that I should tempt God to show unto thee a sign in the thing which thou knowest to be true Yet thou wilt deny it, because thou art of the devil.” Then Jacob said: “Nevertheless, not my will be done; but if God shall smite thee, let that be a sign unto thee that he has power, both in heaven and in earth; and also, that Christ shall come” (Jacob 7:13–14; emphasis added). It is interesting to note that Jacob, like his Master and other humble servants endowed with the Spirit, discerned the true intents of Sherem’s heart (see Matt 9:4; 12:25; Luke 9:47; Alma 18:16,18); further, Jacob perceived, as is often the case (see Alma 11:24; 30:42), that the antagonist already knew that what the servant of the Lord was preaching was true and that he, the anti-Christ, was fighting the truth and thus sinning against the light. ]

12 Wherefore, I, the Lord, am not pleased with those among you who have sought after signs and wonders for faith, [ Thus, the Lord gets angry with those in the church who seek signs, Why? because they are not for the benefit of those who need miracles or to give honor to God who is the source. ] and not for the good of men unto my glory.

13 Nevertheless, I give commandments, and many have turned away from my commandments and have not kept them.

14 There were among you adulterers and adulteresses; [ D&C 42:22-25, Adultry come in various forms to the Lord, in the Semitic view of “adultery” there is contained both a literal act, and the figurative acts. Figurative adultery is generally equated with idol worship as the people were being unfaithful to their God with other gods (cf. Isa. 50:1, Hosea 4). Thus, the adultery here can include spiritual unfaithfulness to the Lord as well as physical marital infidelity, though the latter appears to be the primary point in these verses vs16. ] some of whom have turned away from you, and others remain with you that hereafter shall be revealed.

15  Let such [ Those who seek signs and are guilty of adultery. ] beware and repent speedily, lest judgment shall come upon them as a snare, and their folly shall be made manifest, and their works shall follow them in the eyes of the people.

16 And verily I say unto you, as I have said before, he that looketh on a woman to lust after her, [ To see a woman and think she is beautiful is not a sin; but to dwell on her; for you permit your mind to wander to the point of actually commiting the act in your heart then you have crossed the line. ] or if any shall commit adultery in their hearts, they shall not have the Spirit, but shall deny the faith and shall fear. [ They will fear the wrath of Gos, they will fear their family and their friends as they will always be worried that someone will find out. ] .

17 Wherefore, I, the Lord, have said that the fearful, [ Specifically - those who are afraid of man more than God. D&C 60:2. ] and the unbelieving, [ Those who do not have or exercise their faith. ] and all liars, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie, [ Compare with Rev. 22:15. “lie” in Greek is “pseudos”, which means a falsehood, or perverse, impious, or deceitful precepts. The use of “Pseudos” is the prefix often used in the the NT for “pseudoprophetes” or (false prophets), along with “pseudomartur” (false witness), “pseudomai” (to speak a deliberate falsehood), “pseudologos” (false teaching), “pseudodidaskalos” (false teacher), “pseudapostolos” (false apostle). So it appears as if “pseudos” is used as a catch-all for any type of deliberate deception or self-promoting behavior. Thus, anyone who “loveth and maketh a ‘pseudos’”, can be anyone who would employ any kind of deceit for any reason or purpose. These are people who love darkness rather than light, cp. John 3:19-21. People who are unrepentant are almost always liars. They have learned to lie to themselves that what they are doing is right when they know it is not. It they will lie to themselves then lying to everyone else is pretty easy. ] and the whoremonger, [ A person who consorts with whores. i.e.,fornicators and/or male prostitutes per KJV on Eph. 5:5, Rev. 22:15. ] and the sorcerer, [ Or the flase prophet per Acts 13:6; a diviner per Rev 22:15. ] shall have their part in that lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. [ See Rev 22:15. ]

18 Verily I say, that they shall not have part in the first resurrection. [ There are only two resurrections. The resurrection of the just - those who stand justified and un-condemned. Celestial (the morning) and Terrestial (the afternoon). The second is the resurrection of the unjust (after the millennium - telestial and perdition). ]

19 And now behold, I, the Lord, say unto you that ye are not justified, [ Moses 6:60 also says, “by the Spirit ye are justified.” So it is the Spirit then that aligns us with God, much like how a word processor justifies text—bringing it into perfect alignment. The Holy Ghost helps us recognize when our lives are in harmony with God, and gently warns us when we stray. ] , because these things are among you.

20 Nevertheless, he that endureth in faith and doeth my will, the same shall overcome,[ Those who will be part of the first resurrection as opposed to those spoken of in verse 17-19 who will not be part of the first resurrection. ] and shall receive an inheritance upon the earth when the day of transfiguration shall come; [ The millennium, when the world will become terrestrial and will begin it long ascension back to the Father to become Celestial. ]

21 When the earth shall be transfigured, [ (Luke 9) ] even according to the pattern which was shown unto mine apostles upon the mount; of which account the fulness ye have not yet received. [ We don't have the full account of what happened there. We are given a clue here that they saw the second comibg of Christ and the millennial reign of Christ. ]

22 And now, verily I say unto you, that as I said that I would make known my will unto you, behold I will make it known unto you, not by the way of commandment, [ Note the way the Lord puts it here - not by commandment because those who will disobey will do so any way (D&C 58:26-29); but the lesson is that he is to make his will known and there are those who will respond not because it is a command; but the will of the Lord. We are talking about 2 groups of individuals here those who choose to listen and are lead by the spirit (D&C 46:28-30, D&C 50:26-30) and those who will not obey whether it is a commandment or not. ] for there are many who observe not to keep my commandments.

23 But unto him that keepeth my commandments I will give the mysteries of my kingdom, [ Those who keep the commandment will come to know all things. See Alma 12:9 specifically the plan of salvation what is expected and how one will be resurrected and exalted, D&C 42:61, D&C 84:19; 107:19; D&C 76:7, D&C 89:18-19. ] and the same shall be in him a well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life. [ A life with God the Father. ]

24 And now, behold, this is the will of the Lord your God concerning his saints, [ Means Holy Ones - we become saints by keeping his commandments. ] , that they should assemble themselves together unto the land of Zion, [ Missouri. ] not in haste, lest there should be confusion, [ The result of doing things in haste. ] which bringeth pestilence. [ “pestilence”, the literal usage of the word has reference to disease or plague, misery and suffering. While the figurative usage implies to those things which are morally or ethically noxious or offensive. It would seem both usages would be applicable as they were attempting to found a society from scratch in the outreaches of society and a massive influx of people in a short time would have created physical, and subsequently spiritual, chaos. ]

[ Verses 25-37 are given and apply to the Church in general, while v. 38-58 are for specific people and situations (but note there are no persona sins addressed, only particular people’s stewardships towards the cause Zion). ]

25 Behold, the land of Zion—I, the Lord, hold it in mine own hands;

26 Nevertheless, I, the Lord, render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s. [ applied religion ]

27 Wherefore, I the Lord will that you should purchase the lands, [ Must buy the land (D&C 119 use tithing to do so). Restating previous directions from the Lord D&C 48:4, D&C58:21; D&C 58:52-53. ] that you may have advantage of the world, that you may have claim on the world, that they may not be stirred up unto anger.

28 For Satan putteth it into their hearts to anger against you, and to the shedding of blood.

29 Wherefore, the land of Zion shall not be obtained but by purchase or by blood, otherwise there is none inheritance for you.

30 And if by purchase, behold you are blessed;

31 And if by blood, as you are forbidden to shed blood, lo, your enemies are upon you, and ye shall be scourged from city to city, and from synagogue to synagogue, and but few shall stand to receive an inheritance.

32 I, the Lord, am angry with the wicked; [ Thus is the need to cry repentance to the world - as well as the unrighteous within the church D&C 29:4-8, D&C 42:4-9 Many of the missionaries were not helping the situtation either as they were more or less just traveling around and not preaching. See earlier repremands from the Lord in sections 59-62. ] I am holding my Spirit from the inhabitants of the earth. [ See D&C 1:33-35.]

33 I have sworn in my wrath, and decreed wars upon the face of the earth, [ PGP Joseph Smith Matt 1:23 - wars and rumors of wars and the end is not yet. This is where we are at right now. ] and the wicked shall slay the wicked, [ Mormon 4:5 "it is by the wicked that the wicked are punished" ] and fear shall come upon every man;

34  And the saints also shall hardly escape; [ Explained concerning the coming of the son of Man; also that it is a false idea that the Saints will escape all the judgments, whilst the wicked suffer; for all flesh is subject to suffer, and "the righteous shall hardly escape;" still many of the Saints will escape, for the just shall live by faith; yet many of the righteous shall fall a prey to disease, to pestilence, ete., by reason of the weakness of the flesh, and yet be saved in the Kingdom of God. So that it is an unhal-lowed principle to say that such and such have transgressed because they have been preyed upon by disease or death, for all flesh is subject to death; and the Savior has said, "Judge not, lest ye be judged." (Joseph Smith History Of The Church Vol 4 pg 11.) ] nevertheless, I, the Lord, am with them, and will come down in heaven from the presence of my Father and consume the wicked with unquenchable fire.

35 And behold, this is not yet, but by and by. [ Or it is not imminent, but because of the current doing you can pretty much see the writing on the wall so to speak. D&C 58:7, D&C 64:32-33. ]

36 Wherefore, seeing that I, the Lord, have decreed all these things upon the face of the earth, I will that my saints should be assembled upon the land of Zion;

37 And that every man should take righteousness [ Righteousness is in essence keeping the commandments. ] in his hands and faithfulness [ Faithfulness is responding to the will of the Lord in faith. If you get a prompting you follow through. So a person can be righteous and yet not faithful or the other way around. ] upon his loins, and lift a warning voice unto the inhabitants of the earth; [ This is the verse that President Kimball quoted when he said that every man should serve a mission if they are worthy and if they have a desire. ] and declare both by word and by flight that desolation shall come upon the wicked.

38 Wherefore, let my disciples in Kirtland arrange their temporal concerns, who dwell upon this farm.

39 Let my servant Titus Billings, who has the care thereof, dispose of the land, [ Titus Billings is tp sell the Morley farm and go to Missouri. He will eventually end up being a counselor to Edward Partridge, then later a general authority for the church - he is a wonderful man. ] that he may be prepared in the coming spring to take his journey up unto the land of Zion, with those that dwell upon the face thereof, excepting those whom I shall reserve unto myself, that shall not go until I shall command them.

40 And let all the moneys which can be spared, it mattereth not unto me whether it be little or much, [ Send money to Zion. ] be sent up unto the land of Zion, unto them whom I have appointed to receive.

41 Behold, I, the Lord, will give unto my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., [ The prophet is to decide who is to go and who is to remain in Kirkland. ] power that he shall be enabled to discern by the Spirit those who shall go up unto the land of Zion, and those of my disciples who shall tarry.

42 Let my servant Newel K. Whitney retain his store, [ In Kirkland. ] or in other words, the store, yet for a little season.

43 Nevertheless, let him impart all the money which he can impart, to be sent up unto the land of Zion.

44 Behold, these things are in his own hands, let him do according to wisdom.

45 Verily I say, let him [ Newel K. Whitney. ] be ordained as an agent unto the disciples that shall tarry, and let him be ordained unto this power;

46 And now speedily visit the churches, expounding these things unto them, [ So Newel nd Oliver are to vist the various churches and collect money where they can. The Lord provides what he would have Oliver and Knight expound to the churchs - as found in verses 47-54; there is some repetition of verses 20 & 21. The Lord uses New Testament themes to get them to teach as the aspostles of old with sepcific reference to various parables as well. Note the previous reference in vers 21 to “the pattern which was shown unto mine apostles upon the mount; of which account the fullness [we] have not yet received” ] with my servant Oliver Cowdery. Behold, this is my will, obtaining moneys even as I have directed.

47 He that is faithful and endureth shall overcome the world.

48 He that sendeth up treasures unto the land of Zion shall receive an inheritance in this world, and his works shall follow him, and also a reward in the world to come. [ Compare D&C 64:23. ]

49 Yea, and blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, from henceforth, when the Lord shall come, and old things shall pass away, and all things become new, [ Now here are the promises to the faithful. ] they shall rise from the dead [ 1) They shall be resurrected. ] and shall not die after, [ 2) So what death would he be talking about here? Spiritual death, which is banishment from the presence of the Father and the son. ] and shall receive an inheritance before the Lord, [ 3) They will receive their inheritance from the Lord. ] in the holy city. [ Which is called Zion. ] [ Compare D&C 42:46-47. ]

50 And he that liveth when the Lord shall come, and hath kept the faith, blessed is he; nevertheless, it is appointed to him to die at the age of man. [ Isaiah 65:20 an hundred years old - which is the age that man will live during the millennium, after that he will be resurrected and receive a different assignment. ]

51 Wherefore, children shall grow up until they become old; old men shall die; but they shall not sleep in the dust, but they shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye.

52 Wherefore, for this cause preached the apostles unto the world the resurrection of the dead.

53  These things [ What are these things? 1) An inheritance in Zion; 2) Participate in the millennial era; 3) Come forth in the first resurrection; 4) Separation of the wicked who will be removed. ] are the things that ye must look for; and, speaking after the manner of the Lord, they are now nigh at hand, and in a time to come, even in the day of the coming of the son of Man. [ The earliest use of this title "Son of Man" (man here means "King") that I can find in the scriptures comes from the Book Of Enoch(Enoch 46:1-3). Other references to that title include Daniel(), Abraham() and Christ himself() and all of them would have had available the Book Of Enoch. Enoch was given the title Son of Man as a descriptor for Jesus Christ. We find in written in the Book of Enoch 46:1-3 “And I asked the angel who went with me and showed me all the hidden things, concerning that Son of Man, who He was, and whence He was, (and) why he went with the Head of Days? And he answered and said unto me: This is the Son of Man who hath righteousness, with whom dwelleth righteousness, and who revealeth all the treasures of that which is hidden, because the Lord of Spirits hath chosen Him, and whose lot hath the pre-eminence before the Lord of Spirits in uprightness forever. (BoE 46:1-3)” So from these verses we can see that Enoch's angelic guide has declared that "the Son Of Man" is another name for Jesus Christ. This phrase is used by Daniel when he likens the person that he saw in his vision "like the Son of Man" (Daniel 7:13-14) as does Abraham when he described the individual who volunteered Himself to do the will of the Father as being “like unto the Son of Man.”  Therefore the phrase “like the Son of Man” or “like unto the Son of Man,” (Abr 3:27) used in these two examples promote the familiarity through an external source to which both prophets would have had access to that being the Book of Enoch. (Abr 1:31) This is also why Christ would have referred to himself as "the Son Of Man" because it was the messianic title that embodied the works and mission that would be preformed creation, example, atonement, resurrection, judgement(John 5:22-23,27) are all responsibilities that were given to the Son Of Man. Christ seems to use this title to place specific importance upon the subject matter He was teaching at the time, because the use of that title by Christ typically focuses on the prophecies of the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord and His latter-day responsibilities. There is no reason to belive otherwise than those Jews who heard Christ use this title would have been fully aware the title’s source and the bold declaration represented by the messianic prophecies for him as described in the Book of Enoch. ]

54 And until that hour [ Or right up to the second coming, the hour of separation. The day and hour of the lords coming. ] there will be foolish virgins [ This is really too bad, after all that is being done in the church - sunday school, primary, relief society, priesthood, conferences, special trainings, visiting, ministering - the list is endless of what is being done to prepare us, and yet there will still be those who are foolish in that day. They are not growing in faith, and how do you grow in faith? You have to be obedient, you need to attend your meetings, and you have to read your scriptures (You must read and hear the voice of the Lord). (Matt 25:1-13) ] among the wise; and at that hour [ Harvest time. ] cometh an entire separation [ Or a complete separation. No wheat and tares, no fence sitters. Either you are righteous or you are wicked. ] of the righteous and the wicked; and in that day will I send mine angels to pluck out the wicked and cast them into unquenchable fire.

55 And now behold, verily I say unto you, I, the Lord, am not pleased with my servant Sidney Rigdon; he exalted himself in his heart, and received not counsel, but grieved the Spirit;

56 Wherefore his writing is not acceptable unto the Lord, and he shall make another; and if the Lord receive it not, behold he standeth no longer in the office to which I have appointed him.

57 And again, verily I say unto you, those who desire in their hearts, [ So a missionary should be called if they have a desire to serve. They should not be forced, coerced or promised a bunch of things if they will go. Because if a missionary goes for the wrong reason they will be a burden to the mission president, and their companions. ] in meekness, to warn sinners to repentance, [ "Let the Elders be exceedingly careful about unnecessarily disturbing and harrowing up the feelings of the people. Remember that your business is to preach the Gospel in all humility and meekness, and warn sinners to repent and come to Christ." (Teachings Of The Prophet Joseph Smith pg 43). So the full time missionaries are sent to gather the elect, those who are ready to hear it. ] let them be ordained unto this power. [ Compare D&C 36:4-7. ]

58 For this is a day of warning, and not a day of many words. For I, the Lord, am not to be mocked in the last days.

59 Behold, I am from above, and my power lieth beneath. I am over all, and in all, and through all, and search all things, and the day cometh that all things shall be subject unto me.

60 Behold, I am Alpha and Omega, even Jesus Christ.

61 Wherefore, let all men beware how they take my name in their lips— [ Hypocrisy in covenant making. We can take the name of God in vain in 4 different ways: 1) Profane speech 2) Swearing falsely when we are not true our oaths and promises 3) When we speak in that name without the authority to so 4) When we willfully do things that defy his commandments. (James E Talmage Conf Report Oct 1931 pg 53.) ]

62 For behold, verily I say, that many there be who are under this condemnation, who use the name of the Lord, and use it in vain, having not authority. [ False prophecy (v. 62, cp. D&C 46:7-8, D&C 50:2, D&C 64:39). ]

63 Wherefore, let the church repent of their sins, and I, the Lord, will own them; otherwise they shall be cut off. [ Just because you are in the Church doesn’t mean the Lord will automatically claim you as His own , cp. D&C 1:30-31, also cp. Matt. 7:21-23. ]

64 Remember that that which cometh from above is sacred, and must be spoken with care, and by constraint of the Spirit; [ We must be careful to teach only that which the listener is prepared to hear. ] and in this there is no condemnation, and ye receive the Spirit through prayer; wherefore, without this there remaineth condemnation. [ When one speaks, presumably to govern the Church, they must do so with care and by inspiration. Failure to speak with care and inspiration results in condemnation.]

65 Let my servants, Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon, seek them a home, as they are taught through prayer by the Spirit.

66 These things remain to overcome through patience, [ That the Lord is telling them to be patient in overcoming these difficulties. He implies that He anticipates the need for His own patience with them as well. ] that such may receive a more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, otherwise, a greater condemnation. Amen.

 

[ Historical Material Pertaining to Doctrine & Covenants 63
Joseph and the others went south to Missouri while Hyrum left for Detroit with his mother Lucy Mack and others as well (Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith by His Mother, chapter 40) and traveled to Detroit. The result was there was no seasoned leadership present at Kirtland for about a month, and people went off track. Smith returned, and had to deal with the problems. With respect to the historical material below, first is Smith’s comments, which were written some years after the revelation and do little to shed light on the immediate context. Second is John Whitmer’s comments, which shed greater light on the immediate situation Smith found himself in when returning to Kirtland. The third is a historical commentary that sheds additional light on the situation, and the fourth excerpt is from the minutes kept by the early church of their proceedings, which is quoted to support the historical commentary. Excerpt from History of the Church In these infant days of the Church, there was a great anxiety to obtain the word of the Lord upon every subject that in any way concerned our salvation; and as the land of Zion was now the most important temporal object in view, I enquired of the Lord for further information upon the gathering of the Saints, and the purchase of the land, and other matters, and received the following: [text of D&C 63 quoted] Excerpt from Book of John Whitmer And now when the elders had returned to their homes in Ohio, the churches needed much exhortation in the absence of the elders many apostatized: but many have returned again to the fold from whence they had strayed-And many mighty miracles were wrought by the elders-one in particular which I shall here notice-which was wrought by elders Emer Harris, Joseph Brackenberry and Wheeler Baldwin. Is an infirmity in an old lady who had been helpless for the space of eight years confined to her bed. She did not belong to this church, but sent her request to the elders-who immediately attended to her call, and after their arrival prayed for her, and laid their hands on her, and she was immediately made whole and magnified and praised God, and is now enjoying perfect health. (John Whimter, Book of John Whitmer, chapter 9, paragraph 9) Excerpt from Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Oliver Cowdery arrived in Kirtland, Ohio, from Missouri on 27 August 1831. The following day Oliver was ordained to the High Priesthood. Two days later section 63 was received. Items contained in this revelation as well as in section 64 (received on 11 September 1831) reflect the uneasy spirit of some of the members of the Church in Kirtland at the time. Joseph’s absence from Kirtland during the summer of 1831 left the Mormon community without adequate leadership. This, combined with the dissatisfaction of some of the elders who went to Missouri with the Prophet, resulted in the apostasy of a number of the Saints. Although the dissension appears not to have been widespread, by October 1831 it was being referred to as “the falling away” at Kirtland. The Prophet’s preface to this revelation, written several years later, did not comment on the dissension, but focused on the high interest in gathering to Missouri. (Lyndon W. Cook, Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith) Excerpt from Far West Record August 28, 1831. [footnote 14] At a Church meeting held in Kirtland, Ohio, Oliver Cowdery was ordained to the High Priesthood by the voice of the Church & command of the Lord under the hand of br. Sidney Rigdon fn15 John Whitmer September 1, 1831 Minutes of a Conference held in Kirtland Geauga County Ohio, Sept. 1. 1831. Elders Present Joseph Smith jr. Oliver Cowdery Sidney Gilbert Ezra Thayer Joseph Smith Joseph Coe Emer Harris William W. Phelps Frederick G. Williams Br. Newel K. Whitney was ordained an agent fn16 unto the Disciples in this land under the hand of br. Oliver Cowdery. Upon testimony given satisfactory to this Conference it was voted that our brethren Edison Fuller & William Carter be silenced from holding the office of Elders in this Church. By request of br. Lorin Page the Conference received his licence as a Priest. [footnote 17] Oliver Cowdery, Clerk of Con. September 6, 1831 Minutes of a Conference held in Nelson Portage County Ohio, Sept. 6, 1831. [footnote 18] Elders present: Joseph Smith, jr. Oliver Cowdery, Christian Whitmer, Sidney Rigdon, Sylvester Parker, (denied the faith) Upon testimony satisfactory to this conference it was voted that Ezra Booth be silenced from preaching as an Elder in this Church. [footnote 19] Oliver Cowdery Ck. of Con. September 12, 1831 Minutes of a Conference held in Kirtland Geauga County, Ohio Sept. 12, 1831. [footnote 20] Elders Present. Joseph Smith jr. Oliver Cowdery John Whitmer Sidney Rigdon Frederick G. Williams Ezra Thayer Sidney Gilbert. Upon sufficient or satisfactory testimony to this Conference, it was voted that our brethren George Miller, [footnote 21] a Priest in the church of Shalersville, [footnote 22] John Woodard an Elder in the Church of Orange, and Benjamin Bragg a Priest in the Church of Warrensville, be silenced from ministering in their respective offices. Oliver Cowdery. Clerk of Conference. Footnotes: 14. Joseph Smith arrived in Kirtland, Ohio, from Missouri on August 27, 1831. (See History of the Church 1:216.) 15. At the June 3, 1831, conference, Joseph, Sidney, and others had been ordained to the high priesthood, and now Oliver, upon his return from the Lamanite mission, was also ordained. Note the use of the minute book to record ordinations. 16. As an agent, Whitney and others transacted business for the Church. While the business was essentially temporal, i.e., related to the mercantile establishment, this was an ecclesiastical position. See Doctrine and Covenants 63:45. 17. Here three brethren were subjected to two forms of discipline not presently used in the Church. Elders Fuller and Carter were “silenced,” i.e., not allowed to function as elders, while Lorin Page gave up his license to act as a priest. 18. Nelson Township, organized in 1817, is located in Portage County about five miles east of Hiram. John Whitmer and Lyman Wight built a branch of the Church there in February-March of 1831. It is possible that the brethren held their meetings in the home of Charles Hulet, an early convert and resident of Nelson. 19. See History of the Church 1:215. 20. Joseph Smith moved with his family on this day from Kirtland to Hiram and took up residence in the home of John Johnson. See History of the Church 1:215. 21. This is not the George Miller who figured prominently in Nauvoo and the trek west. See Biographical Appendix. 22. The branches are referred to as the “Church of Shalersville,” etc.; this is similar to New Testament usage. These branches were located in northern Ohio. (Donald Q. Cannon and Lyndon W. Cook, Far West Record: Minutes of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-1844, pages 9-12). ]