A Kingdom, Which Shall Never Be Destroyed

Daniel 2
Purpose

To strengthen class members’ testimonies of the restored Church of Jesus Christ and encourage them to help build the kingdom of God on earth.

Setting

Book of Daniel takes place about 600 BC. Daniel is propably about the same age as Laman and Lemuel and Nephi from the Book Of Mormon. Around 605 - 606 BC he was taken from Judea to Babylon at a time when the Babylonians were regaining control of Messepotinia from the Assyrians. The Babylonians would bring the best and the brightest youth from Judea to Babylon, kind of like an all expenses paid education; but like everything in life there were hooks. Once there the parents were told that they needed to be obedient to the king or they would never see their son again. The youth were taught the ways, culture of the Babylonians so that they would assimulate nicely into the administration of the affairs of the country. So Daniel is in the capital city of Babylon - which today is central modern Iraq. Daniel lives to at least 539 BC.

What things from the Book Of Daniel make you think of it aa a great book?

God's wants verses mans ways.

Great stories - Daniel in The Lions Den, The Hand writing on the wall, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego

God is very much a part of our lives and he is controlling the work to move according to his plan - read Dan 2:19-21

Daniel is like Joseph in Egypt. Daniel does all of this out of his element, away from home!

If God will do that with kings and kingdoms how involved is he in our lives?

Invite class members to comment on the rapid growth of the Church. Explain that this lesson tells of Daniel, an ancient prophet who foresaw the triumph of God’s kingdom on earth—The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Scripture Discussion and Application

As you teach the following scripture passages, discuss how they apply to daily life. Encourage class members to share experiences that relate to the scriptural principles.
1. Daniel receives a revelation in which he is shown King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and given its interpretation.

Read Daniel 2:1–23

King Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream one night. He tested his advisers by telling them that he had forgotten it and commanding them to reveal it and its interpretation (Daniel 2:2–5; see footnote 5a). When they said that they could not describe the dream, Nebuchadnezzar ordered the death of all the wise men of Babylon, including Daniel and his friends (Daniel 2:10–13). When the king’s captain came to take Daniel to be slain, Daniel went to the king and asked for time to interpret the dream (Daniel 2:14–16).

1 AND in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar [ In the second year of his reign, (or in the fourth, according to the Jewish account, which takes in the first two years in which he reigned conjointly with his father). ] Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, [ did he perhaps see the same dream over and over again and again? How close is that to how Moroni visited Joseph Smith? ] wherewith his spirit was troubled, [ For some reason, maybe the repetition, had made a deep and solemn impression upon his mind; and, be he has forgotten all but general circumstances, so he was distressed in trying to remember. ] and his sleep brake from him. [ ? He was troubled enough that he could not return to sleep. ]

2 Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, [ Babylonian mystics were apparently some of the most advanced, if not the most advanced, astrologers of the ancient world. Isaiah notes their fame in Isa. 47:9-13. ] and the Chaldeans, [ The Chaldeans are singled out as well, but who are they? They might be a college of learned men, where all arts and sciences were professed and taught. The Chaldeans were the most ancient philosophers of the world; they might have been originally inhabitants of the Babylonian Irak; and still have preserved to themselves exclusively the name of Chaldeans, to distinguish themselves from other nations and peoples who inhabited the one hundred and twenty provinces of which the Babylonish government was composed. ] for to shew the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king.

3 And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream.

4 Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation,

5 The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, The thing is gone from me: [ Had a dream which greatly troubled him; but of which nothing remained in the morning but the uneasy impression. ] if ye will not make known unto me the dream, with the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill.

6 But if ye shew the dream, and the interpretation thereof, ye shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honour: therefore shew me the dream, and the interpretation thereof.

7 They answered again and said, Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation of it.

8 The king answered and said, I know of certainty that ye would gain the time, [ The king means either that they wished to prolong the time that he might recollect it, or get indifferent about it; or that they might invent something in the place of it; or make their escape to save their lives, after having packed up their valuables. See ver. 9. ] because ye see the thing is gone from me.

9 But if ye will not make known unto me the dream, there is but one decree for you: for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can shew me the interpretation thereof.

10 ¶ The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king’s matter: [ The thing is utterly impossible to man. This was their decision: and when Daniel gave the dream, with its interpretation, they knew that the spirit of the holy gods was in him. so, even according to their own theology, he was immeasurably greater than the wisest in Babylon or in the world. ] therefore there is no king, lord, nor ruler, that asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean.

11 And it is a rare thing that the king requireth, and there is none other that can shew it before the king, except the gods, [ Who do the wise men say is the only one that knows the answer here - or his dreams? the Gods] whose dwelling is not with flesh. [ The wise me tell the king really that that there is no way for a man to associated with the Gods. Watch how differently Daniel handles the question. Daniel does just the opposite - he tells the King that he can only know buy asking and getting an answer from God. Which wise men have a relation with God? How do you know? How would you answer? ]

12 For this cause the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon.

13 And the decree went forth that the wise men should be slain; and they sought Daniel and his fellows to be slain. [ As the decree stated that all the wise men of Babylon should be slain, Why would this be a problem for Daniel and his Hebrew friends? See Dan 1:21 the four young Hebrews, being reputed among the wisest, were considered as sentenced to death also. ]

14 ¶ Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom to Arioch the captain of the king’s guard, which was gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon:

15 He answered and said to Arioch the king’s captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.

16 Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, [ That is, that he might seek unto God for a revelation of the thing. The Chaldeans dared not even to promise this; they would only pledge themselves for the interpretation, provided the king would furnish the dream. Daniel engages both to find the lost dream, and to give the proper interpretation. ] and that he would shew [ Think about it - how close must Daniel have been living to the Lord to know that the Lord would show him the dream? He is living close enough to the Lord to know what the Lords' will is and his confidence in that relationship with the Lord - ("His confidence waxed strong in the presence of the Lord) that he knows that the Lord will give him knowledge of the king's dream. ] the king the interpretation.

17 Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:

18 That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; [ so how does Daniel prepare to interpret the king’s dream?He asked his friends to pray with him. Have the prayers of family members and friends helped you in you life? Daniel had requested the time so that he and his three companions might pray and ask God; the wished for revelation followed to Daniel; but whether it was given that same sight, we do not know. ] that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

[How were the prayers of Daniel and his friends answered? vs19]

19 ¶ Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.

20 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:

21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

22 He revealeth the deep and secret things: [ The direct inspiration of God immediately teaching his servant things which could be known only to God himself, and thus showing the Babylonians that his prophets had spoken; that He was the only true God; and as he was omniscient, so he was omnipotent; and the things which his wisdom had predicted, his power could and would accomplish. ] he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.

23 I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king’s matter.

What did Daniel do immediately after receiving the vision of the king’s dream? (See Daniel 2:20–23.)

What did his words reveal about his feelings toward God?

Why is it important to show gratitude to the Lord?

How can we show him our gratitude?

What is the difference between how Daniel sought answers to questions that he could not know verse Nebuchadnezzar?

How about the other wise men and how they sought answers?

What questionable sources do people today turn to when they need help answering difficult questions or making decisions? What keeps many people from seeking God’s guidance in such situations?

Read Daniel 2:24–49 Daniel describes and interprets Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. Teach and discuss Daniel 2:24–49.

24 ¶ Therefore Daniel went in unto Arioch, whom the king had ordained to destroy the wise men of Babylon: he went and said thus unto him; Destroy not the wise men of Babylon: bring me in before the king, and I will shew unto the king the interpretation.

25 Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste, and said thus unto him, I have found a man of the captives of Judah, that will make known unto the king the interpretation.

26 The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof?

27 Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king; [ Daniel is careful to make sure that Nebuchadnezzar understands that what he is asking must come from a higher source than any of these mene can obtain - so it is not their fault so to speak. In addition; the king should also understand that Daniel is not part of any of those groups of men - he is distancing himself and their works. ]

28 But there is a God in heaven [recognizes the source of the power that Daniel has, this is done to make sure that the King understands that this is not Daniels power - take any credit unto himself, but rather it is God thru Daniel. Remember the story of Moses fetching the water from the rock...bad move. ] that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;

29 As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass.

30 But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.

31 ¶ Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. [ How does Daniel describe the image? image - idol - or statue fashioned by the hands of man represents the kingdoms built by men, In Nebuchadnezzar's dream there is an "image" (KJV) or "statue" (JPS). Interesting how in the following chapter, Dan. 3, we have Nebuchadnezzar building a huge "image" (KJV) or "statue" (JPS). In the Aramaic, both of these terms are identical: tselem. From the context of Dan. 3, it is plain the image/statue is an idol.] This great image, [so we can conclude that what he really saw was an idol] whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible.

[ Interpretations that follow are from President Spencer W. Kimball - Gospel Doctrine Teachers Manual. ]

32 This image’s head was of fine gold, [ What did the head of Gold represent? represents Nebuchadnezzar and his kingdom of Babylon] his breast and his arms of silver, [ What did the arms and breast of Silver represent? "Symbolized later as the Bear in Daniels dream see Dan 7" represented Cyrus and his kingdom of Media and Persia. The next world empire arose through Cyrus, who was ruler over a small kingdom in Persia, and conquered the Babylonian empire in 559 B.C. He extended his rule during the following 10 years over present-day Turkey. This Media-Persian empire, which existed for about 200 years, is symbolized in Daniel's dream by a bear which devours much flesh. (Daniel 7) In his mouth he held three ribs, which most likely symbolize that the bear had taken over power and a cultural heritage from the three previous world empires. ] his belly and his thighs of brass, [ What did the belly and thighs of brass represent? represented Philip and Alexander and the Greek or Macedonian kingdom. For a brief period, after the conquests of Alexander the Great, it became the most powerful state in the world, controlling a territory that included the former Persian empire, stretching as far as the Indus River; at that time it inaugurated the Hellenistic period of Ancient Greek civilization. ]

33 His legs of iron, [ What did the legs of iron represent? Roman Empire under Caeser - then the roman kingdom was first divided into two kingdoms - one division was at Rome one at Constantinople. At its peak, the Roman Empire controlled approximately 6.5 million km2 of land surface. Because of the Empire's vast extent and long endurance, the institutions and culture of Rome had a profound and lasting influence on the development of language, religion, architecture, philosophy, law, and forms of government in the territory it governed, particularly Europe, and by means of European expansionism throughout the modern world. ] his feet part of iron and part of clay. [ What did the feet of iron and clay represent? Roman empire later broken up into smaller kingdoms Conference Report Apr 1930 p.32; a group of European nations. (In Conference Report, Apr. 1976, 10; or Ensign, May 1976, 8.)]

What do all of these kingdoms have in common? All established by men, Each kingdom got a little farther away from God.

34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, [ What is signifigant about this stone? cut out without hands. What is the signifigance of the stone being cut without hands? see Ex 20:25;

Read Ex 20:24,25

24 ¶ An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt asacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.

25 And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, [notice that the Lord give a law even how to build and altar See Josh 8:31; 1 Kgs 18:31-32, 1 Ne 2:7, Duet 27:5; Ex 20:25; Duet 4:15-16] thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: [ Must be how the Lord has cut the stone using his hands, his laws - natural, representitive that if man started to cut the stones they might take on imagery that is not of the Lord - idols. ] for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it. [ I suppose that if you did you are saying that you can do better than the Lord, the stones could be modified to take on imagery, since they had not seen God themselves they could not cut them out to look like him so they would be cut to some other being or creature. ]

How does that symbology apply to the church and the kingdom of God? It needs to be done under his direction not done by the hands of men. the work of the Lord, his creation is fashioned by the forces of nature which He wields.vs 44; stone is the kingdom of God; See D&C 65:2 for additional details on the stone; reference to what it is not - an idol which is formed by the hands of man - Isa. 2:8 Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made: Careful review of the following scriptures shows how altars were built in ancient times they were to be built from stones that no man had lifted iron upon - the stones were not fashioned by man. Se Josh 8:31; 1 Kgs 18:31-32, 1 Ne 2:7, Duet 27:5; Ex 20:25; Duet 4:15-16. ] which smote the image upon his feet [Were does the stone hit the idol? on the feet And what happens? it shatters, it must have been a pretty big catastrophic event to shatted the entire image. This could imply the enorminity of the image, and the craftmanship there-of, it was not well built. What is the symbolism here? The stone is more powerful than the entire statue. ] that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.

35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, [ Interesting that it was crushed so small that the breeze just blew it away. Again who controls the wind? GOD What do you suppose was being made by that statement? ] that no place was found for them: [ Never can be part of anything again, the just drift aimlessly, worthless as dust; clay, earth and dust are emblems of weakness, instability. ] and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, [ D&C 65:2 the Stone that was cut from the mountain - or the temple of GOD - became even greater. ] and filled the whole earth.

36 ¶ This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king.

37 Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee [ Not given by thy own gods, nor acquired by thy own skill and prowess; it is a Divine gift ] a kingdom, power, [ To rule this kingdom ] and strength, [ To defend it against all foes. ] and glory. [ Great honour and dignity. ]

38 And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold.

39 And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.

40 And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise.

41 And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay.

42 And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. [ Any metalurgests? Anyone every make iron or brass mold in shop class? What is one of the first things that they teach you? Don't allow dirt or anything else to get in the molten slurry. Why?. An what happens when you mix a little dirt or clay into a iron mold? Impurity makes the casting weaker, Every place that the clay or dirt is the mold will be weaker. ]

43 And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.

44 And in the days of these kings [ That is, the group of European nations President Spencer W. Kimball Conference Report 1976 p.10. ] shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, [ God will set up his own kingdom, and what do we already know about this kingdom? that it shall be set forth without hands. ] which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, [ What happens when the stone breaks this idol into pieces? it consumes all the other kingdoms. So this stone must have other powers and charactistics that actually make it bigger as it divides. When you hear the word consumed what do you thing? Fire, eatten,,, What happens when we share our testimonies - do they get weaker? does the person that we shared it with take some of it? If they accept it are we weaker as a result? ] and it shall stand for ever. [ What else do we know from modern revelation on how this process will come about? Read D&C 65. ]

45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.

46 ¶ Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, [ Why would he do that? Prostrated himself: this was the fullest act of adoration among the ancients. ] and worshipped Daniel, [ Supposing him to be a god, or Divine being. No doubt Daniel forbade him; for to receive this would have been gross idolatry. ] and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him.

47 The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.

48 Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon.

49 Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel sat in the gate of the king. [ The post of chief honor and dignity as a counselor of the king. The "gate" of a city in the East, being a chief place of concourse, was the place where courts were held, and public business was usually transacted. This is in part what got thing stirred up so that Daniel was later thrown into the Lions den - jealous of his office. ]

READ D&C 65:2

2 The keys of the kingdom of God [ Keys - signifies authority to administer the ordinances, teach the doctrines and take part in the governement of the church.D&C Commentary pg398; the sealing power of the priesthood, the ordinances of the temple. ] are committed unto man on the earth, [ First they have been given to man, second they have been given for a reason. ] and from thence shall the gospel roll forth unto the ends of the earth, as the stone [ Or the kingdom of God on the earth. ] which is cut out of the mountain [ Were does it come from the mountain - which symbolically represents the Temple of God. ] without hands [ Reference to what it is not - an idol which is formed by the hands of man - Isa. 2:8 Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made: Careful review of the following scriptures shows how altars were built in ancient times they were to be built from stones that no man had lifted iron upon - the stones were not fashioned by man. See Josh 8:31; 1 Kgs 18:31-32, 1 Ne 2:7, Duet 27:5; Ex 20:25; Duet 4:15-16. ] shall roll forth, [ To recap the kingdom of God will come forth from an altar of the temple of God. ] until it has filled the whole earth.

Quote #1

President Kimball taught: “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was restored in 1830. … This is the kingdom, set up by the God of heaven, that would never be destroyed nor superseded, and the stone cut out of the mountain without hands that would become a great mountain and would fill the whole earth” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1976, 10; or Ensign, May 1976, 8–9).

so What then did Daniel prophesy concerning the Church in the latter days?

Be “cut out without hands” (Daniel 2:34).

Become “a great mountain, and [fill] the whole earth” (Daniel 2:35). How has the church done this?

“Never be destroyed” & “Stand for ever” (Daniel 2:44).

“Not be left [given] to other people” (Daniel 2:44).

“Consume all [other] kingdoms” (Daniel 2:44).

Quote #2

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin said: “Our Lord and Savior stands at the head of this church and directs it through his servants. This is the Lord’s church; it is not a church of men” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1993, 4; or Ensign, Nov. 1993, 5).

How is Daniel’s prophecy that the Church will “fill the whole earth” and “never be destroyed” being fulfilled today?

6 April 1830 1880 1930 1980 1995 2000 2010 ?

6 133,628 670,017 4,639,822 9,340,898 Over 11,000,000 13.8 million Members of the Church

1 10 16 44 88 100 Languages with published editions of the Book of Mormon

0 23 104 1,218 2,150 2,581 2,865 Stakes

0 10 30 188 307 334 344 Missions

0 1 7 19 47 102 130 Temples in operation

Quote #3

President Gordon B. Hinckley testified: “This Church is true. It will weather every storm that beats against it. It will outlast every critic who rises to mock it. It was established by God our Eternal Father for the blessing of His sons and daughters of all generations. It carries the name of Him who stands as its head, even the Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. It is governed and moves by the power of the priesthood. It sends forth to the world another witness of the divinity of the Lord. Be faithful, my friends. Be true. Be loyal to the great things of God which have been revealed in this dispensation” (“Keep the Faith,” Ensign, Sept. 1985, 6).

What can we do to participate in the building of the kingdom of God in our homes, in our communities, and throughout the world?

Change gears a little!

What are your thoughts or feelings when you hear the words "second Coming", last days or signs of the times?

How many think that you will be alive to see it?

Both Zechariah and Malachi prophesy of many events of the last days. Let's turn our attention to a few of those prophecies.

READ Malachi 3:1-3
Malachi prophesied that a messenger would prepare the way for the coming of the Lord. John the Baptist prepared the way for the Lord’s mortal ministry, and Joseph Smith is the messenger who prepared the way for the Second Coming (see Matthew 11:10; Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954–56], 1:193–95, 3:10–14).

1 BEHOLD, I will send my messenger, [ John The Baptist, Joseph Smith Who were the Messengers that have been sent to Prepare the Way of the Lord? One of the messengers sent to prepare the way of the Lord at His first coming was John the Baptist. John’s mission was performed in the spirit and power of the priesthood of Elias (see Luke 1:17). Elias is a name for a forerunner, one who goes before or prepares the way for someone or something greater. In that sense the Aaronic Priesthood is the priesthood of Elias because it prepares and qualifies individuals for greater blessings. Joseph Smith explained: “The spirit of Elias is to prepare the way for a greater revelation of God,which is the Priesthood of Elias, or the Priesthood that Aaron was ordained unto. And when God sends a man into the world to prepare for a greater work, holding the keys of the power of Elias, it was called the doctrine of Elias, even from the early ages of the world.”(Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 335–36.) Joseph Smith was also an Elias in that he was a forerunner, one who prepared the way, who laid the foundation for the Second Coming through the restoration of the gospel. In the meridian of time the way was prepared by John for the Messenger of the Covenant Himself to come and bring the greater blessings (see Matthew 3:1–3, 11–12). He who was mightier than John and followed after him to baptize with fire and the Holy Ghost was Jesus Christ, the son of God. He is called the Messenger of the Covenant because He mediates the gospel of salvation unto men. Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained: “Our Lord is the Messenger of the Covenant. (Mal. 3:1.) He came in his Father’s name (John 5:43), bearing his Father’s message (John 7:16–17), to fulfil the covenant of the Father that a Redeemer and Savior would be provided for men. (Moses 4:1–3; Abra. 3:27–28.) Also, through his ministry the terms of the everlasting covenant of salvation became operative; the message he taught was that salvation comes through the gospel covenant.” (Mormon Doctrine, p. 488.) When He comes to earth a second time, He will make more than one appearance before He comes in the clouds of heaven for all flesh to see Him together (D&C 88:93; 101:23). At least one of those appearances includes a sudden visit to His temple, yet to be built, in Jackson County, Missouri. ] and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, [ Elder McConkie stated: “Malachi recorded the promise, speaking of latter-day events, that ‘The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple.’ (Mal. 3:1.) Certainly the Almighty is not limited in the number of appearances and returns to earth needed to fulfill the scriptures, usher in the final dispensation, and consummate his great latter-day work. “This sudden latter-day appearance in the temple does not have reference to his appearance at the great and dreadful day, for that coming will be when he sets his foot upon the Mount of Olivet in the midst of the final great war. The temple appearance was fulfilled, in part at least, by his return to the Kirtland Temple on April 3, 1836; and it may well be that he will come again, suddenly, to others of his temples, more particularly that which will be erected in Jackson County, Missouri. “In this connection it is worthy of note that whenever and wherever the Lord appears, he will come suddenly, that is ‘quickly, in an hour you think not.’ (D. & C. 51:20.) His oft repeated warning, ‘Behold, I come quickly’ (D. & C. 35:27), means that when the appointed hour arrives, he will come with a speed and a suddenness which will leave no further time for preparation for that great day.” (Mormon Doctrine, pp. 693–94.) ] even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.

2 But who may abide the day of his coming? [“Who May Abide the Day of His Coming?” The Lord’s return to earth in glory will be a great and dreadful day. As John the Baptist told the Jews, the Savior will gather in the wheat (the righteous), and the chaff (the wicked) He will burn with “unquenchable fire” (Matthew 3:12). The only ones who survive will be those who have kept their covenants with the Lord or who are worthy of at least a paradisiacal, or terrestrial, glory. All wickedness will be destroyed from the earth. ] and who shall stand when he appeareth? [ What is the difference between his coming to the earth the first time and his second coming? President Joseph Fielding Smith said: “When Christ comes the second time it will be in the clouds of heaven, and it shall be the day of vengeance against the ungodly, when those who have loved wickedness and have been guilty of transgression and rebellion against the laws of God will be destroyed. All during the ministry of Christ wickedness ruled and seemed to prevail, but when he comes in the clouds of glory as it is declared in this message of Malachi to the world, and which was said by Moroni to be near at hand, then Christ will appear as the refiner and purifier of both man and beast and all that pertains to this earth, for the earth itself shall undergo a change and receive its former paradisiacal glory.” (Doctrines of Salvation, 3:11. ] for he is like a refiner’s fire, [in order to purify metals, they have to subject to extreme heat, this heat causes the dross to float to the top so it can be removed simply by scraping it off. So too will the Lord test all religion and all saints to see how they measure in purity. This will undoubtly cause some conflict of doctrine as the Lord's trueth is expounded and the doctrines of man are confounded. ] and like fullers’ soap:

3 And he shall sit as a refiner [ What does a refiner need to do his job? A hot fire, time and Patience as the process cannot be rushed, Knowledge and understanding of what it takes to refine the silver. The process to refine is well defined, and is required in order to purify metal, it cannot be cheated but must be meet for purity - or pure doctrine. ] and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they [ The sons of Levi. ] may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. [ What Is the Offering in Righteousness to Be Made by the sons of Levi? Quote# 4 There is more than one meaning for the “offering in righteousness” to be made by the sons of Levi at or near the Second Coming of the Lord. With regard to animal sacrifice, Joseph Smith said: “It is generally supposed that sacrifice was entirely done away when the Great Sacrifice [i.e.,] the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus was offered up, and that there will be no necessity for the ordinance of sacrifice in [the] future; but those who assert this are certainly not acquainted with the duties, privileges and authority of the Priesthood, or with the Prophets. “The offering of sacrifice has ever been connected and forms a part of the duties of the Priesthood. It began with the Priesthood, and will be continued until after the coming of Christ, from generation to generation. We frequently have mention made of the offering of sacrifice by the servants of the Most High in ancient days, prior to the law of Moses; which ordinances will be continued when the priesthood is restored with all its authority, power and blessings. . . . “These sacrifices, as well as every ordinance belonging to the Priesthood, will, when the Temple of the Lord shall be built, and the sons of Levi be purified, be fully restored and attended to in all their powers, ramifications, and blessings. This ever did and ever will exist when the powers of the Melchizedek Priesthood are sufficiently manifest; else how can the restitution of all things spoken of by the holy prophets be brought to pass. It is not to be understood that the law of Moses will be established again with all its rites and variety of ceremonies; this has never been spoken of by the prophets; but those things which existed prior to Moses’ day, namely, sacrifice, will be continued.” (Teachings, pp. 172–73.) ]

READ Malachi 4: 5-6

Malachi prophesied that the prophet Elijah would return before the Second Coming to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to their fathers. This prophecy was fulfilled when Elijah appeared to Joseph Smith in the Kirtland Temple, restoring the keys of the sealing power

5 ¶ Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet [ What is the work of this Elijah? This work is linked to establishing peace and turning the hearts of the children to the fathers (Julius Greenstone, The Messiah Idea in Jewish History (Philadelphia: Jewish Publication society of America,1906) pg. 320). It is “. . . Elijah’s chief activity . . . [that] will [assist] in restoring the purity of the family.” (Ginzber, op. cit., Vol. 6, pg. 339) The return of Elijah was to be about the time of the restoration of the Melchizedek priesthood as well as the rediscovery of the breastplate of the Urim and Thummim. Elijah’s return was also to happen, according to Dr. Klausner, during the time of the sacred washing and anointing. All of this would occur when the rebuilding of the new temple of Israel would be expected. (Joseph Klausner, Die Messianishe Vorstellungen des juedischen Volkes im Zeitalter der Tannaiten (Berlin: Verlag M. Poppelhauer, 1904) pgs. 61, 115-119. This is Dr. Klausner’s PhD thesis)

1) Elijah literally returned to give the key's to Joseph Smith D&C 2; 2) the purpose of the ancient prophet Elijah was to overthrow the current political regime and all of their idolatry - the priests of Baal. So it will be that Elijah will prepare the way to the overthrowing of the political leaders of our day and their idolatrous practices. ] before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: [ How is the second coming going to be both great and dreadful? President Ezra Taft Benson said, “[The Savior’s] coming will be both glorious and terrible, depending on the spiritual condition of those who remain” (“Prepare Yourself for the Great Day of the Lord,” New Era, May 1982, 49). ]

6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, [ What does it mean to “turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers”? (It means to be sealed to all our ancestors—our “fathers”—and to all our posterity—our “children”—forever. Because of the sealing power of the priesthood and the temple ordinances for the living and the dead, families can be bound together for eternity.) We all know the LDS view of doing temple work but there is a another message here as well. D&C 98:16-17 uses this verse in a more temporal relationship between mortal sons and their fathers. In 2:4-10 Levites are instructed to look back at the righteous example of their fathers and emulate those examples in righteousiness to reconciled through righteousiness. ] lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. [ Hebrew word used was cherem, which is the worst curse possible. It has its roots in utter annihilation and complete extinction. It is the same curse used in Josh 6:17 where Israel is to annihilate the Canaanites from the land. ]

How was this prophecy fulfilled? (See D&C 110:13–16. Elijah appeared in the Kirtland Temple and restored to Joseph Smith the keys of the sealing power.) This actually happened in the latter-days. At the dedication of the new temple, Elijah did return on that very day when the traditional Jewish people celebrate Passover. This was on April 3, 1836, the exact interval of the fifteenth day of Nissan in the Hebrew calendar!

READ D&C 110: 13-16

13 After this vision had closed, another great and glorious vision burst upon us; for Elijah the prophet, who was taken to heaven without tasting death, stood before us, and said:

14 Behold, the time has fully come, which was spoken of by the mouth of Malachi—testifying that he [Elijah] [Why Elijah - what made him special? Because he holds the keys of the autority to administer in all the ordinances of the priesthood - including the ordinances, powers and endowments of the fulliness of the Melchizedek priesthood - which includes redeeming our dead, and connecting ourselves with our fathers which are in heaven - The Sealing Power. "He was the last prophet that held the keys of the priesthood in ancient Israel" Mormon Doctrine Pg 223 - ] should be sent, before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come— [ A round about statement that with these keys restored to the earth the Day of the Lord is imminent. ]

15 To turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse— [ What is the curse? D&C 2:3 - The earth would not have fulfilled its purpose, there would have been no reason for it - without the saving ordinances of the Gospel and especially the Sealing of families the earth would have been wasted. D&C 128:18 -"I might have rendered a plainer translation to this, but it is sufficiently plain to suit my purpose as it stands. It is sufficient to know, in this case, that the earth will be smitten with a curse unless there is a welding link of some kind or other between the fathers and the children , upon some subject or other—and behold what is that subject? It is the baptism for the dead. For we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect..." JS-H 1: 39 (36-39) "39 He also quoted the next verse differently: And he shall plant in the hearts of the achildren the bpromises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers. If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming." ]

What do these verses mean to you? 1) some of the prophecies have been fulfilled 2) We should search out the names of our ancestors and perform ordinances for them in the temple

What signifigance is it to know that some of the prophecies of the Second Coming have already been fulfilled?

Now let's turn out attention to some of the Prophecies that are yet to be fulfilled before the Savior comes.

Why does the Lord want us to understand the Signs or prophecies of the times?

READ D&C 45:34-44

34 And now, when I the Lord had spoken these words unto my disciples, [ What words? The destruction, the state of the world and men in th elast days! ] they were troubled.

35 And I said unto them: Be not troubled, for, when all these things shall come to pass, ye may know that the promises which have been made unto you shall be fulfilled.

36 And when the light shall begin to break forth, it shall be with them like unto a parable which I will show you—

37 Ye look and behold the figtrees, and ye see them with your eyes, and ye say when they begin to shoot forth, and their leaves are yet tender, that summer is now nigh at hand; [ You have learned and been taught that in the spring the fig trees leaves begin to appear - you know that the days will get longer, and warmer and that summer is near. ]

38 Even so it shall be in that day when they shall see all these things, then shall they know that the hour is nigh.

39 And it shall come to pass that he that feareth me shall be looking forth for the great day of the Lord to come, even for the signs of the coming of the son of Man.

40 And they shall see signs and wonders, for they shall be shown forth in the heavens above, and in the earth beneath.

41 And they shall behold blood, and fire, and vapors of smoke.

42 And before the day of the Lord shall come, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon be turned into blood, and the stars fall from heaven.

43 And the remnant shall be gathered unto this place;

44 And then they shall look for me, and, behold, I will come; and they shall see me in the clouds of heaven, clothed with power and great glory; with all the holy angels; and he that watches not for me shall be cut off.

How do these verses provide any comfort for you as the signs of the time continue to unfold?

Read Zechariah 10:6–8.

The Lord will send out his messengers after his people to gather them in

6 And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; [ so what does the the Lord say he is going to do here? The people of Judah and Joseph will be gathered] for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I am the LORD their God, and will hear them.

7 And they of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man, [ What are the priviledges available to might men? the will enjoy power and strength, confidence that they can do their job ] and their heart shall rejoice as through wine: yea, their children shall see it, and be glad; their heart shall rejoice in the LORD.

8 I will hiss for them, and gather them; [or call, for his people and gather them. What is our responsibility: We need to be active in the work of the gathering] for I have redeemed them: and they shall increase as they have increased.

Read Zechariah 12:2-3; 8-9.
A great war will be fought in and around Jerusalem, but the Lord will intervene and save the inhabitants of Jerusalem from destruction.:

2 Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. [A great war will be fought in and around Jerusalem]

3 ¶ And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone [ Why does Jersalem or the Jews have this burdensome stone? Because they killed the Messiah. “The chapter foreshadows the terrible afflictions of the Jews, subsequent to their rejection of the Messiah, and the ultimate downfall of their overlords. That this ruler is spoken of as my shepherd offers significant light on the sovereignty of the divine rule over history. He is where he is by divine appointment (v. 16) and the scandalous acts which his wicked heart teaches him to perform are the Lord’s dread judgment on a people which rejected the true shepherd.” (Guthrie and Motyer, New Bible Commentary, p. 798.)] for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

8 In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; [ the Lord will intervene and save the inhabitants of Jerusalem from destruction ] and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the LORD before them.

9 ¶ And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.

Do you receive any comfort from knowing that the Lord will fight our battles? We should trust God to defend his people during the difficulties of the last days.

Read Zechariah 14:8 Living waters will flow from the temple in Jerusalem and will heal the Dead Sea and the Judean wilderness (see also Ezekiel 47:1, 8–9).

8 And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; [ Waters will flow from the temple in Jerusalem. ] half of them toward the former sea, [ Heal the Dead Sea. ] and half of them toward the hinder sea: [ The Judean wilderness (see also Ezekiel 47:1, 8–9). ] in summer and in winter shall it be.

Many of the prophecies of the last days include tragedies such as war, natural disasters, and widespread wickedness. How do we maintain hope when we hear of these prophecies and witness their fulfillment?

Read D&C 38:28-30.

28 And again, I say unto you that the enemy in the secret chambers seeketh your lives.

29 Ye hear of wars in far countries, and you say that there will soon be great wars in far countries, but ye know not the hearts of men in your own land.

30 I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.

Let's look at a few of the prophecies of Zechariah that will be fulfilled when the Savior comes

READ Zechariah 14:3-4
The Savior will stand on the Mount of Olives, and the mount will be divided in half (see also D&C 45:48).

3 Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.

4 ¶ And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, [ The Savior will stand on the Mount of Olives. ] which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives [ It was on the mount of Olives that Titus posted his army to batter Jerusalem. Here the tenth legion that came to him from Jericho was placed. Joseph. De Bello, lib. vi. c. 3. It was from this mountain that our Lord beheld Jerusalem, and predicted its future destruction, Luke xix. 41, with Matt. xxiv. 23; and it was from this mountain that he ascended to heaven, (Acts i. 12,) utterly leaving an ungrateful and condemned city. ] shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. [ God shall display his miraculous power as fully in the final restoration of the Jews, as he did when he divided the Red Sea that their forefathers might pass through dry-shod as the mount will be divided in half (see also D&C 45:48 :And then shall the Lord set his foot upon this mount, and it shall cleave in twain, and the earth shall tremble, and reel to and fro, and the heavens also shall shake.) ]

READ Zechariah 12:10-13; 13:6. The Jewish people living at the time of Jerusalem’s deliverance will see Jesus Christ and will mourn because they as a people have rejected him as the Messiah (see also D&C 45:51–53).

6 April 1830	1880	1930	1980	1995	2000	2010	?
6	133,628	670,017	4,639,822	9,340,898	Over 11,000,000	13.8 million	Members of the Church
1	10	16	44	88	100		Languages with published editions of the Book of Mormon
0	23	104	1,218	2,150	2,581	2,865	Stakes
0	10	30	188	307	334	344	Missions
0	1	7	19	47	102	130	Temples in operation