Section 133 received Nov 3, 1831 in Hiram Ohio

Historical background - By November, 1831, Joseph had compiled many of the Lord’s revelations which would eventually become a Book of Commandments, later known as the Doctrine and Covenants. On November 1, 1831, the Lord revealed a “Proclamation” to the world which became the preface to the Book of Commandments, or section 1. Two days later, on November 3, 1831, the Lord revealed an appendix to the Book of Commandments, or section 133 which is a prophetic declaration of what must occur prior to the second coming of Christ.  

Section 134 declared and adopted Aug 17, 1835 in Kirtland Ohio

Historical Background – On August 17, 1835, the church held a conference in Kirtland, Ohio to accept the Book of Commandments as scriptural revelations from God. Also, due to the political turmoil and abuses of power, especially the disregarding of constitutional rights and privileges that should have been afforded the saints, it was felt necessary that a statement of beliefs in Governmental laws should be included in the Book of Commandments. Joseph Smith was in Canada at this time and was not present at the conference. Therefore, Oliver Cowdery wrote section 134 outlining the role and purposes of earthly government. This was presented to the saints and it was accepted to be included in the Book of Commandments but as a declaration and not a revelation. When Joseph returned and reviewed the document, he allowed it to stand as is because the saints had already voted their approval during the conference.

Revelation Dates: February 1843 – July 1843

Revelation Places: Nauvoo, Illinois

Section 129 - Historical Background: One of the saints in England, converted by Heber C. Kimball, was a faithful man named William Clayton. Three years after his baptism, Clayton moved his family from England to Nauvoo and in 1842 became a secretary and scribe to the Prophet Joseph. Over the next two years, William Clayton was present and recorded significant revelations, instructions and sermons given by Joseph, including the following three sections of inspired instruction. 

Section 130 - Historical Background: Orson Hyde gave a talk at a meeting attended by Joseph Smith. Afterwards, Joseph made some corrections to the talk and answered questions from the group. Several brethren, including Wilford Woodruff, took extensive notes which became  section 130.

Section 131 - Historical Background: A small group of people went with Joseph to Ramus, Illinois and a discussion with the Prophet was held. The apostles carefully recorded these notes of gospel gems which became section 131.

Section 132 - Historical Background: Joseph Smith learned the doctrine of plural marriage gradually. He first became acquainted with it early in his prophetic career as he translated the gold plates. Under the reign of Lehi’s son Jacob, the people began to practice polygamy, justifying their immoral behavior on prophets of old, such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David and Soloman. Here, the Lord declared polygamy as a sin unless the Lord had commanded it. As early as 1831, while Joseph was revising the Old Testament, he again came across the accounts of ancient prophets being commanded to practice polygamy. Joseph asked the Lord about it. What he received was such a shock that Joseph didn’t dare record it. The most frightening part was the declaration that Joseph himself would be called upon to introduce this doctrine to the whole church. Joseph carried this burden for over a decade, when on July 12, 1843, at the request of his brother Hyrum, Joseph finally dictated the revelation, known today as section 132. Through the years, this revelation had haunted Joseph Smith. Even after dictating the revelation, it wasn’t made public until after Joseph’s martyrdom 11 months later. It was finally published to the saints in 1852.

Revelation Dates: March 1841 – September, 1842

Revelation Places: Nauvoo, Illinois

Section 125 - Historical Background: As the saints from around the world gathered to Nauvoo, many of them settled on the west side of the Mississippi River (Iowa) where the land was more affordable. Two stakes were organized there. With the increasing emphasis on the gathering place in Nauvoo, the question was raised whether the saints in the Iowa Territory should relocate to Nauvoo. Joseph inquired of the Lord.

Section 126 - Historical Background: Brigham Young was baptized a member of the church in 1832 and has been one of the chief supports of Joseph. For 9 years he served many missions including the eastern states, Canada and England. Joseph predicted in 1832, “A time will come when Brother Brigham will preside over this Church.” Upon Brigham’s return from his successful mission to England in 1841, he reported, “Through the mercy of God we have gained many friends, established churches in almost every noted town and city in Great Britain, baptized between seven and eight thousand souls, printed 5,000 Books of Mormon, 3,000 hymn books, 2,500 volumes of the Millennial Star, and 50,000 tracts.” Joesph received this revelation for Brigham in his own home.  

Section 127 - Historical Background: After Joseph’s escape from Missouri into Illinois, Missouri Governor Boggs petitioned the Illinois Governor to arrest Joseph and extradite him back to Missouri for trial. To Joseph’s surprise, and alarm, the Illinois Governor granted this request of extradition. Joseph’s only protection was to stay out of sight until the sheriff, sent from Missouri, became discouraged and returned home. This section is an epistle to the saints by Joseph Smith while in hiding, explaining why he would be out of sight for a while. 

Section 128 - Historical Background: Five days following section 127, Joseph sends this new epistle to the saints, expounding further instructions on the ordinance to baptize their dead. These baptisms were occurring in the Mississippi River until the baptismal font within the unfinished temple could be completed and dedicated. Joseph was anxious to share all the sacred ordinances to be performed inside the temple, but began with baptisms for the dead. Only 6 others, all of whom were apostles, had received their temple endowment earlier in May, in the upper room of the improvised temple of Joseph’s store. This was necessary because the temple was only about half completed. 

Revelation Date: January 19, 1841

Revelation Place: Nauvoo, Illinois

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Revelation Date: March, 1839

Revelation Place: Liberty Jail, Missouri

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

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

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

Revelation Dates: April – July, 1838

Revelation Places: Farr West, Missouri

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

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

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

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

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

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

Revelation Dates: August 1836 – April 1838

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

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

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

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

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

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

Revelation Places: Kirtland, Ohio

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

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

Revelation Dates: November 1834 – December 1835

Revelation Places: Kirtland, Ohio

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

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

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

Revelation Dates: February – June, 1834

Revelation Places: Kirtland, Ohio and Fishing River, Missouri

Section 102 - Historical Background: With the rapidly increasing membership of the church, Joseph needed help in administration. A meeting was called consisting of 62 brethren, and Joseph taught about the ancient councils and how they were operated under Moses and Peter, among others. Joseph had received in vision how Peter presided over councils. Joseph laid out the formation of a Church Council (later named High Council) to assist the First Presidency in the administration of the church. This section, rather than a direct revelation like other sections, is the record or minutes of this meeting. 

Section 103 - Historical Background: Joseph was deeply concerned for the saints in Jackson County, now that it was learned they had been completely driven from their homes. In Section 101, Joseph learned that at some point he would be required to lead “the strength of mine house” to Zion in order to “redeem” it. Seeking further understanding, comfort and direction, Joseph received this revelation as he petitioned the Lord.

Section 104 - Historical Background: As leaders of the church prepared to leave Kirtland for “Zions Camp,” and not knowing if they would survive and return to Kirtland, concern was given over the pressing debts and temporal affairs of the church they were leaving behind. The saints had failed to live the Law of Consecration properly so they were lacking in resources, especially in building the temple. Joseph turned to the Lord for guidance.

Section 105 - Historical Background: To answer the Lord’s call to rescue Zion, Joseph could only rally 100 men in Kirtland, while other leaders rallied another 100 men from outlying areas, making Zions Camp only 205 men. From this faithful little group, God will later staff his quorums of Apostles and Seventy. Though the group was small, Joseph could wait no longer to proceed. With clothing and provisions, this small group begain their 1,000 mile march to Independence to confront the mobs who greatly outnumbered them. However, they had a pledge from the Missouri Governor that the saints would receive a military escort back to the lands of the homeless saints. At a place called Fishing River, Joseph learned the Governor now refused to honor his pledge. Joseph reaches out to the Lord for directions how they should proceed to redeem Zion.