Commentary for Doctrine and Covenants: Sections 3-5

Harvest Time ini France, by James Taylor Harwood 

 

Section 3 

Background Information: 

This revelation was given to Joseph Smith through the Urium and Thummim. After this revelation, the Lord took the it away from Joseph Smith, but later returned it when Joseph inquired of the Lord. The response to his inquiry is found in section 10. In section 3, the Lord chides Joseph for giving the manuscript to Martin Harris, despite the Lord telling him no. The Lord also warns him that his calling is in jeopardy. 

According to Lucy Smith, then angel told Joseph that because he "had sinned in that he had delivered the manuscript into the hands of a wicked man . . . he would of necessity suffer the consequences of his indiscretion. However, after losing the plates and the spectacles, JS continued his “suplications (sic) to God without cessation” until he “had the joy and satisfaction of again receiving the urim and Thummim. (see https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/revelation-july-1828-dc-3/1#historical-intro) 

Section 

1 The works, and the designs, and the purposes of God cannot be frustrated, neither can they come to naught. 2 For [verse 2 explains why God's plans can't be frustrated by men] God doth not walk in crooked paths, neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left, neither doth he vary from that which he hath said, therefore his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round. 

• Verse 2: Notice the connection between verse 1 and 2. Because God does not walk in crooked path and his path are straight, His works can't be frustrated. Why does walking in straight path prevent God's works for being frustrated? 

3 Remember, remember that it is not the work of God that is frustrated, but the work of men; 4 For [for this reason] although a man may have many revelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet if he boasts in his own strength, and sets at naught the counsels of God, and follows after the dictates of his own will and carnal desires, he must fall and incur the vengeance [why does the Lord use vengeance instead of justice. Is there a difference in meaning between those two word?] of a just God upon him. 5 Behold, you have been entrusted with these things [the plates], but how strict were your commandments; and remember also the promises which were made to you, if you did not transgress them. 6 And behold, how oft you have transgressed the commandments and the laws of God, and have gone on in the persuasions of men.

• Verses 3-4: Here the Lord is explicit that no matter the calling or statute of a prophet, he can fall. And he falls through pride -- through the boasting in his own strength and not listening to God's counsel, choosing instead to follow after the his carnal desires.  
• Verse 5: Joseph was promised that he would the plates would never be taken from him if he did all that he could to protect them. 
• Verse 6: JS' action were transgression instead of sin because JS new better, but went against God anyway. Moreover, JS' weakness appears to be listening to men instead of God. 

7 For, behold, you should not have feared man more than God. Although men set at naught the counsels of God, and despise his words— 8 Yet you should have been faithful; and he would have extended his arm and supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of trouble.

• Verse 7-8: One major test of loyalty to the Lord is whether we can trust in the Lord to support us throughout our trials. Some fail because they fail to wait upon the Lord and on His timing and instead to turn men or themselves to relieve the suffering. We fear man more than God when we listen to men OVER God. 

9 Behold, thou art Joseph, and thou wast chosen to do the work of the Lord, but because of transgression, if thou art not aware thou wilt fall. 10 But remember, God is merciful; therefore, repent of that which thou hast done which is contrary to the commandment which I gave you, and thou art still chosen, and art again called to the work; 11 Except thou do this [repent], thou shalt be delivered up [to Satan's control] and become as other men [JS would have been no different than any other man], and have no more gift.

• Verse 10-11: Despite JS' calling, he could've lost it if he didn't repent. What this shows is that there is no guarantee a prophet will remain faithful to the Lord. Hence why Nephi warns us about trusting in the arm of flesh. Our trust should be on Christ because only Christ is reliable. 

12 And when thou deliveredst up that which God had given thee sight and power to translate, thou deliveredst up that which was sacred into the hands of a wicked man [Martin Harris], 13 Who [Martin Harris] has set at naught the counsels of God, and has broken the most sacred promises which were made before God, and has depended upon his own judgment and boasted in his own wisdom. [this is Martin Harris' sin -- he relied upon his wisdom and discernment] 14 And this is the reason [you gave the sacred to the profane] that thou hast lost thy privileges [the gift of translating the plates] for a season— 15 For thou hast suffered the counsel of thy director [Holy Ghost?] to be trampled upon from the beginning. [Again, the Lord stresses JS' weakness. 

16 Nevertheless, my work shall go forth, for inasmuch as the knowledge of a Savior has come unto the world, through the testimony of the Jews, even so shall the knowledge of a Savior come unto my people— 17 And to the Nephites, and the Jacobites, and the Josephites, and the Zoramites, through the testimony of their fathers— 18 And this testimony shall come to the knowledge of the Lamanites, and the Lemuelites, and the Ishmaelites, who dwindled in unbelief because [causal link] of the iniquity of their fathers [wicked fathers], whom the Lord has suffered to destroy their brethren the Nephites, because of their [Nephites] iniquities and their [Nephites] abominations.

• Verses 16-17: Just as the Jews were able to bring knowledge of the Lord to the world, the Lord will use the father of the Nephites (et al) which include Nephi, Jacob, Enos, Mormon, Moroni, etc [the "fathers"] to provide a testimony of the Lord. And that testimony will come to the Lamanites (et al.). 
• Verse 18: The word because causally links two parts of verse 18. Phrased from cause and effect, it would read: the iniquity of the Lamanite's fathers caused the Lamanites to dwindle in unbelief. Hence, the lost knowledge of the Lord. The Book of Mormon is to restore that lost knowledge. 

19 And for this very purpose [restoring the Lamanites to the knowledge (testimony) of the Lord] are these plates preserved, which contain these records—that the promises of the Lord might be fulfilled, which he made to his people; [as a result of having a testimony of the Lord, the Lord's covenantal promise (which included a land of inheritance, i.e., the American land) can be given to the Lamanites] 20 And that the Lamanites might come to the knowledge of their fathers, and that they might know the promises of the Lord, and that they may believe the gospel and rely upon the merits of Jesus Christ, and be glorified through faith in his name, and that through their repentance they might be saved. Amen.

Section 4

Background Information 

This revelation was given the Joseph Smith's father regarding his father's desire to know what the Lord "had for him to do." This revelation, moreover, was given "shortly before the translation work resumed". Although written to Joseph Smith's father, this revelation is applicable to all readers.  

1 Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.

2 Therefore, [as a result of the marvelous work that is about to come forth] O ye [plural, indication that this remark applies universally, not just to Joseph Smith's father] that embark in the service of God, see that [what follows are the requirements for serving God] ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day. [this appears to be a quotations of the "shema" in Deuteronomy 6] 3 Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work; 4 For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul; 5 And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.

• Verse 2: Notice that we save ourselves (stand blameless for God) by working to save others. This is what the Nephite prophets meant when they said they teach the world to rid themselves of the blood of their brethren (see Mormon 9:35). 
• In Ezekiel the Lord explain this principle: 
• 18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. 
• In simple terms, the Lord lays out the principle: If you don't warn the wicked, then your responsible if they without repenting. If you do warn the wicked, and even though they don't repent, you are not responsible. 
• If we think about it, this principle makes sense: if we have the knowledge of salvation, we should share that with others. For instance, imagine if Jonah didn't declare repentance to Nineveh? Or if Enoch refrained for crying repentance? Or the son of Mosiah to the Lamanites? 
• The act of serving God is to declare repentance. Repentance is a cry of warning for people to change their ways. Howsoever, to declare repentance, especially in these days, doesn't necessarily require one to get a podium and shot repentance. Instead, declaring repentance can occur when we help give people a nudge back to God. Moreover, many people don't believe in God. Thus to help they repent, we can teach them principles that will get them to believe in God. Thus declaring repentance can be teaching a person a true principle for governing their lives. For those who believe in God, we can help them by addressing their needs and concerns. We pray for assistance to guide us in our interaction. And then with love, patience, long suffering, we assist and help. 

• Verses 2-5 provides the components for one to serve God. First, the individual must serve God with all his "heart, might, mind, and strength"; second, the must have "faith, hope, charity, and love"; and third, he that faith, hope, charity, and love must be with an eye single to God's glory. Moreover, those who have desire are called provided they meet the three requirements. 

6 Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence. 7 Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen.

• Verse 7: If we acquire the attributes listed in verse 6, then what we ask will be given to us because we'll have a better understanding of the character of God. And by having this understanding, we will know how to ask and receive. 

Section 5 

Background Information: 

This revelation was given to Joseph and Martin on March, 1829, in Harmony, Pennsylvania. According to Issac Hale, he reported that he saw Joseph and Martin comparing two copies of this revelation, suggesting that this may have been given at different times. It is not clear what happened to those two copies, however, Oliver Cowdrey, moreover, had a different copy. This copy also differed from another copy that was placed into "Book of Commandments and Revelations" -- a manuscript that contained revelations given to Jospeh Smith less than a year after the Church of Christ was organized.  

Section: 

1 Behold, I say unto you, that as my servant Martin Harris has desired a witness at my hand, that you, my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., have got the plates of which you have testified and borne record that you have received of me; 2 And now, behold, this shall you say unto him—he who spake unto you, said unto you: [what follows is what JS is to tell Martin Harris] I, the Lord, am God, and have given these things [the Gold Plates] unto you, my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and have commanded you [JS] that you [JS] should stand as a witness of these things [the Gold Plates]; 3 And I have caused you [JS] that you [JS] should enter into a covenant with me [JS' translation involved a covenants with the Lord about who he could show the plates to], that you should not show them except to those persons to whom I commanded you; and you have no power over them except I grant it unto you.

4 And you [JS] have a gift to translate the plates; and this is the first gift that I bestowed upon you; and I have commanded that you should pretend to no other gift until my purpose is fulfilled in this; for I will grant unto you no other gift until it is finished. 5 Verily, I say unto you, that woe shall come unto the inhabitants of the earth if they will not hearken unto my words; 6 For hereafter [after the Book of Mormon is translated] you shall be ordained and go forth and deliver my words unto the children of men.

• Verse 4: In our DC version, the Lord indicates that JS will have others gifts after he finishes translating ("his is the first gift that I bestowed upon you; and I have commanded that you should pretend to no other gift until my purpose is fulfilled in this"). Notably, however, is that in the earliest extand manuscript, the Lord's statement is different ("I have commanded him that he should shall pretend to no other gift for I will grant unto him no other gift). The later's wording suggests that JS' only gift was translating the Gold Plates. 

7 Behold, if they [the people JS will preach to] will not believe my words [coming through the Book of Mormon], they would not believe you, my servant Joseph, if it were possible that you should show them all these things which I have committed unto you [if the people can't believe the Book of Mormon, then they won't believe the greater things the Lord has shown JS]. 8 Oh, this unbelieving and stiffnecked generation—mine anger is kindled against them. 9 Behold, verily I say unto you, I have reserved those things [not clear if the Lord is referring to the sealed portion of the Gold Plates] which I have entrusted unto you, my servant Joseph, for a wise purpose in me, and it shall be made known unto future generations; 10 But this generation shall have my word through you [through producing the Book of Mormon]; 11 And in addition to your testimony, the testimony of three of my servants, whom I shall call and ordain, unto whom I will show these things, and they shall go forth with my words that are given through you.

12 Yea, they [the three witnesses] shall know of a surety that these things are true [the Lord lists two ways that the 3 witnesses will know that the Gold Plates are true], for from heaven will I declare it unto them [the witness know of surety that the Gold Plates are real and true, because the Lord will speak to them from heaven]. 13 I will give them [three witnesses] power that they may behold and view these things [Gold Plates] as they are; 14 And to none else will I grant this power, to receive this same testimony among this generation [the three witnesses are the only ones who receive the testimony of the plates in they way they did], in this the beginning of the rising up and the coming forth of my church out of the wilderness—clear as the moon, and fair as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners.

• Verses 12-13: The Lord lists two ways that the 3 witnesses will know that the Gold Plates are true. First, is that he will declare it to them from heaven. Second, he will give the three witnesses power to "behold and view" the plates as they are. 
• What might it mean for the Lord to give power to "behold and view" the plates as they are? Does it mean that the 3 witnesses will have understanding about the purpose of the plates not discernible to the eye? Does it suggest that without this power, that that anyone else looking at the plates would simply see ordinary plates? 

15 And the testimony of three witnesses will I send forth of my word. 16 And behold, whosoever believeth on my words [the Book of Mormon], them will I visit with the manifestation of my Spirit; and they shall be born of me, even of water and of the Spirit— 17 And you must wait yet a little while, for ye are not yet ordained — 18 And their testimony shall also go forth unto the condemnation of this generation if they harden their hearts against them; 19 For a desolating scourge shall go forth among the inhabitants of the earth, and shall continue to be poured out from time to time, if they repent not, until the earth is empty, and the inhabitants thereof are consumed away and utterly destroyed by the brightness of my coming [if nobody repents, the Lord will allow the future judgments to go until the earth is empty. For only the holy (sanctified) can dwell in the presence of God]

• In earliest extant manuscript, veres 15-19 read differently. "...& the testimony of three Witnesses will I send forth & my word & behold whosoever beleaveth in my word him will I visit with the manifestations of my spirit & they shall be Born of me & their testimony shall also go forth & thus if the People of this Generation harden not their hearts I will work a reformation among them & I will put down all lieings & deceivings & Priest Craft & envyings & strifes & Idolatries and sorceries & all maner of Iniquities & I will establish my Church yea even the church which was taught by my Desiples8 & now if this Generation do hardon their hearts against my words Behold I deliver them up unto Satan for he reigneth & hath much Power at this time for he that hath hath got great hold upon the hearts of the People of this Generation & how far from the iniquities of Sodom and Gomorrah do they come at this time & Behold the Swoard of Justice doth hang above their heads & if they persist in the hardness of ther hearts the time cometh that it must fall upon them
• The accepting of the Book of Mormon would allow the Lord to remove lying, deceiving, priestcraft, envying, strifes, idolatries, sorceries, and all manner of iniquities. This is the power of the Book of Mormon.  
• Notably this earliest extant manuscript adds that those who harden their hearts against the Book of Mormon, will be delivered unto Satan. One explanation for this is because there is no other option. If a person rejects light, then he has accepted darkness. And darkness is the dominion of Satan. 

20 Behold, I tell you these things [referring to the end times], even as I also told the people of the destruction of Jerusalem [see Matthew 24]; and my word shall be verified at this time as it hath hitherto been verified. 21 And now I command you, my servant Joseph, to repent and walk more uprightly before me, and to yield to the persuasions of men no more [JS' weakness was to trust in the arm of flesh]; 22 And that you be firm in keeping the commandments wherewith I have commanded you; and if you do this, behold I grant unto you eternal life, even if you should be slain [JS receives a promise upon which he can exercise faith. If JS keep the commandments the Lord has told him, he will have eternal life].

23 And now, again, I speak unto you, my servant Joseph, concerning the man that desires the witness [Martin Harris] 24 Behold, I say unto him, he exalts himself and does not humble himself sufficiently before me [Martin Harris' pride stood in the way of him seeing the Gold Plates]; but if he will bow down before me, and humble himself in mighty prayer and faith, in the sincerity of his heart, then will I grant unto him a view of the things which he desires to see 25 And then he shall say unto the people of this generation: Behold, I have seen the things which the Lord hath shown unto Joseph Smith, Jun., and I know of a surety that they are true, for I have seen them, for they have been shown unto me by the power of God and not of man.

• Verses 23-24: Just as Martin Harris' pride stood in the way of receiving what he desired, so too does our pride stand in the way of receiving answers to our prayers or having greater interactions with heaven. 

26 And I the Lord command him, my servant Martin Harris, that he shall say no more unto them concerning these things, except he shall say: I have seen them, and they have been shown unto me by the power of God; and these are the words which he shall say. 27 But if he deny this he will break the covenant which he has before covenanted with me, and behold, he is condemned. 28 And now, except he humble himself and acknowledge unto me the things that he has done which are wrong, and covenant with me that he will keep my commandments, and exercise faith in me, behold, I say unto him, he shall have no such views, for I will grant unto him no views of the things of which I have spoken. 29 And if this be the case, I command you, my servant Joseph, that you shall say unto him, that he shall do no more, nor trouble me any more concerning this matter. 

• The Lord commands that Martin Harris' is to repent by doing four things: 1) Humble himself; 2) acknowledge to the Lord all the things he has done that were wrong; 3) covenant with the Lord that he will keep His commandments; and 4) exercise faith in the Lord. 

30 And if this be the case, behold, I say unto thee Joseph, when thou hast translated a few more pages thou shalt stop for a season, even until I command thee again; then thou mayest translate again. 31 And except thou do this, behold, thou shalt have no more gift, and I will take away the things which I have entrusted with thee.

32 And now, because I foresee the lying in wait to destroy thee, yea, I foresee that if my servant Martin Harris humbleth not himself and receive a witness from my hand, that he will fall into transgression; 33 And there are many that lie in wait to destroy thee from off the face of the earth; and for this cause, that thy days may be prolonged, I have given unto thee these commandments. 34 Yea, for this cause I have said: Stop, and stand still until I command thee, and I will provide means whereby thou mayest accomplish the thing which I have commanded thee. 35 And if thou art faithful in keeping my commandments, thou shalt be lifted up at the last day. Amen.