Commentary for Doctrine and Covenants: Sections 6-9

 

Section 6

Background Information  

OC desired for a confirmation (witness) that translation he was involved in was true. Section 6 is the Lord's response. 

Section 

1 A great and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of men [Nephi and the Lord discuss the fulls scope of the great and marvelous work. This work includes the conversion of the Gentiles. redemption of the Lamanites, and gathering and restoring the House of Israel to the land of their inheritance]. 2 Behold, I am God; give heed unto my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword [why is God's word described as a two-edged sword?], to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore give heed unto my words. 3 Behold, the field is white already to harvest; therefore, whoso desireth to reap, let him thrust in his sickle with his might [the vineyard is the world. Those who labor (which is all LDS) are to do so with all their might; there is not shirking or slacking of one's duty to gather souls], and reap while the day lasts [eventually "night" will come wherein no labor can be performed], that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God. 4 Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God [those who seeks to save souls are called by God]. 5 Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you.

• Night Comes: The "day" is metaphor for calling others to repentance. This makes since. Laborers work in the "vineyard" during the day. They don't work at night. Likewise, the same is for us. Eventually there will be a time where the calling of repentance will have ceased. This happened to Mormon, who was unable to preach repentance to the Nephites because of their wickedness. The same will occur with us. 
• In fact, this is prophesied by Amos: "11 ¶ Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: 12 And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it."
• This verse is often contrued to refer to the Great Apostasy. However, read in context, we see that this interpreation is incorrect. For one, the famine described comes after the sun has "gone down at noon" and the sky is dark in the clear day. That didn't happen during the great apostasy. Interesting as well, is that the sun disappearing in the noon day is like there being night. Thus the metaphor of day and night is both figurative and literal. 
• But when this happens, those who have not repented will be lost from truth. They will wander, but unable to find it.
• Hence the reason why we, as labors in the vineyard, can't shirk or slacken in our duties. The souls of others depends on it. 
• Called of God: The work of God is to bring salvation to others. God calls us to this work. If we perform this work, we magnify our calling. As result, we then qualify for the fullness of the Melchizedek priesthood, as explain by Alma in Alma 13. After all, is it any surprise as to why Nephi in Helaman 10 receives the sealing power as he is doing missionary work? 

6 Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion; 7 Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich [we receive the mysteries of God by seeking for light and truth (wisdom) over the things of the world]. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich. 8 Verily, verily, I say unto you, even as you desire of me so it shall be unto you; and if you desire, you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation. 9 Say nothing but repentance unto this generation; keep my commandments, and assist to bring forth my work, according to my commandments, and you shall be blessed.

• Desire: God rewards us according to our desire and the rewards we receive a commensurate with our desires (compare John the Beloved's desire to remain and earth versus Peter's desire to "come speedily into the kingdom of God, or the 3 Nephites.) 

10 Behold thou hast a gift [what is this gift?], and blessed art thou because of thy gift [something about OC's gift is a blessing to him]. Remember it is sacred and cometh from above [the gift is also sacred]— 11 And if thou wilt inquire, thou shalt know mysteries which are great and marvelous; therefore thou shalt exercise thy gift, that thou mayest find out mysteries, that thou mayest bring many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, convince them of the error of their ways [the gift that OC allows him to inquire and learn the mysteries of God. OC is commanded to "exercise" this gift]. 12 Make not thy gift known unto any save it be those who are of thy faith [OC may only tell those who are of the faith about his gift]. Trifle not with sacred things [We trifle with sacred things when we make them common].

13 If thou wilt do good, yea, and hold out faithful to the end, thou shalt be saved in the kingdom of God, which is the greatest of all the gifts of God; for there is no gift greater than the gift of salvation. 14 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, blessed art thou for what thou hast done; for thou hast inquired of me, and behold, as often as thou hast inquired thou hast received instruction of my Spirit [the blessing OC receives from answering is instruction from the Spirit]. If it had not been so, thou wouldst not have come to the place where thou art at this time.

15 Behold, thou knowest that thou hast inquired of me and I did enlighten thy mind; and now I tell thee these things that thou mayest know that thou hast been enlightened by the Spirit of truth; 16 Yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that there is none else save God that knowest thy thoughts and the intents of thy heart. 17 I tell thee these things as a witness unto thee—that the words or the work which thou hast been writing are true. 18 Therefore be diligent; stand by my servant Joseph, faithfully, in whatsoever difficult circumstances he may be for the word’s sake.

19 Admonish him [JS] in his faults, and also receive admonition of him [Like OC was to JS, we are to admonish each other in our faults, that we make be corrected and more perfect]. Be patient; be sober; be temperate; have patience, faith, hope and charity. 20 Behold, thou art Oliver, and I have spoken unto thee because of thy desires; therefore treasure up these words in thy heart. Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love [serving God leads to joy because we feel His love]. 21 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the same that came unto mine own, and mine own received me not. I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.

22 Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you desire a further witness [that God is speaking to him], cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know concerning the truth of these things. 23 Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God? 24 And now, behold, you have received a witness; for if I have told you things which no man knoweth have you not received a witness? 25 And, behold, I grant unto you a gift, if you desire of me, to translate, even as my servant Joseph.

26 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that there are records which contain much of my gospel, which have been kept back because of the wickedness of the people; 27 And now I command you, that if you have good desires—a desire to lay up treasures for yourself in heaven—then shall you assist in bringing to light, with your gift, those parts of my scriptures which have been hidden because of iniquity. 28 And now, behold, I give unto you, and also unto my servant Joseph, the keys of this gift, which shall bring to light this ministry; and in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

• Promise to OC: The Lord promises to OC that if he has good desires that he will, like JS, bring forth other records, which records are are hidden "because of iniquity" through the gift he has been given (which I'll discuss in chapter 8). 
• Keys of this gift: Refers to actions one must take to access power from heaven. Here, the Lord has explained that the "action" to using his gift is to exercise good desires. 

29 Verily, verily, I say unto you, if they reject my words, and this part of my gospel and ministry, blessed are ye, for they can do no more unto you than unto me. 30 And even if they do unto you even as they have done unto me, blessed are ye, for you shall dwell with me in glory. 31 But if they reject not my words, which shall be established by the testimony which shall be given, blessed are they, and then shall ye have joy in the fruit of your labors.

32 Verily, verily, I say unto you, as I said unto my disciples, where two or three are gathered together in my name, as touching one thing, behold, there will I be in the midst of them—even so am I in the midst of you. 33 Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward. 34 Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail. 35 Behold, I do not condemn you; go your ways and sin no more; perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you. 36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not. 

• Questions: What does it mean to look unto the Lord in every thought? How can we do this? Is such a thing even possible? Moreover, the Lord explain (after the semicolon) that we need to look unto the Lord with doubt or fear. Why? Why does doubt and fear prevent us from looking to the Lord?  

37 Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen.

Section 7

Background Information 

From the scriptures, we learn of three records that will come froth in the last days. First, is the sealed portion, which contains a revelation of "all things from the foundation of the world unto the end thereof" (see 2 Nephi 27:10). Second, is the records of the lost 10 tribes of Israel. Third, a complete record of the writings of John the Apostle. D&C 7 begins John's record. D&C 93 contains more of John's record as well, although it's not clear if the John referred to in 93 is John the Baptist of John the Beloved. 

D&C 7 came about in answer to JS and OC's question regarding what happened to John the Beloved. According to the headnotes, this revelation "is a translated version of the record made on parchment by John and hidden up by himself." The exact date of this revelation is not certain, although both the Book of Commandments (prior to Doctrine and Covenants) and all editions of the Doctrine and Covenants place this revelation before the revelation received in section 8. 

Section

1 And the Lord said unto me: John, my beloved, what desirest thou? For if you [this you is pluarl, thus Christ is addressing all his apostles] shall ask what you [plural] will, it shall be granted unto you [plural -- Christ tells his apostles that they desire will be granted to them]. 2 And I [John speaking] said unto him [to the Lord]: Lord, give unto me power over death, that I may live and bring souls unto thee. 3 And the Lord said unto me: Verily, verily, I say unto thee, because thou desirest this thou shalt tarry until I come in my glory, and shalt prophesy before nations, kindreds, tongues and people. 4 And for this cause the Lord said unto Peter: If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? For he desired of me that he might bring souls unto me, but thou desiredst that thou mightest speedily come unto me in my kingdom.

• Rewarded according to our desires: John and Peter were given different rewards because they desired different thing. 

5 I say unto thee, Peter, this was a good desire; but my beloved has desired that he might do more, or a greater work yet among men than what he has before done. 6 Yea, he has undertaken a greater work; therefore I will make him as flaming fire and a ministering angel; he shall minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation who dwell on the earth. 7 And I will make thee to minister for him and for thy brother James; and unto you three [Peter, James, and John] I will give this power and the keys of this ministry until I come.

• Peter's desire was good. But John's was greater -- because he desired to do more work for the salvation of souls. As result, John is made a ministering angel to those who are heirs of salvation. And he will minister to Peter and James. Similarly, each of our interactions (including revelations and blessings) with the Lord will be based around our desires. And because our desires may be different, so too will our interaction  

8 Verily I say unto you, ye shall both have according to your desires, for ye both joy in that which ye have desired.

Section 8

Background Information 

Soon after JS and OC began working together in translating the plates, OC desired to not only write, but also "became exceedingly anxious to have the power to translate bestowed upon him." It's likely that section 6 (which promised OC that he would translate) furthered his desire. Moreover, 

This revelation is the Lord's answer to OC desire. 

Section 8 is notable because here the Lord tell OC that he has two gifts: 1) the gift of the spirit of revelation and 2) the gift of Aaron, which is the gift mentioned in section 6. Here, the main focus will be on what the gift of Aaron means in light of the other manuscripts of this revelation. 

Section 

1 Oliver Cowdery, verily, verily, I say unto you, that assuredly as the Lord liveth, who is your God and your Redeemer, even so surely shall you receive a knowledge of whatsoever things you shall ask in faith, with an honest heart, believing that you shall receive a knowledge concerning the engravings of old records, which are ancient, which contain those parts of my scripture of which has been spoken by the manifestation of my Spirit.

• Conditions: OC is promised by the Lord that he will receive knowledge of whatsover things he asks if he 1) asks in faith; 2) with a honest heart; 3) believing that he will receive what he's asking for. 

2 Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. 3 Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground. 4 Therefore this is thy gift [spirit of revelation is one of OC's gifts]; apply unto it, and blessed art thou, for it shall deliver you out of the hands of your enemies, when, if it were not so, they would slay you and bring your soul to destruction. 5 Oh, remember these words, and keep my commandments. Remember, this is your gift.

• The first gift: The first gift is the spirt of revelation. Combining verses 2-3 of section 8 with verses 8 of section 9, we can determine the keys (how we use) the spirit of revelation. First (from section 9), we must "study it out" in our minds; Second, we then ask the Lord if it is right; Third (from section 8) if it be right the Lord will tell us to our mind and heart (both, not just heart, or emotion alone). If it be wrong, then we get a "stupor of thought" which means that we'll forget what we asked.  

6 Now this is not all thy gift; for you have another gift, which is the gift of Aaron; behold, it has told you many things; 7 Behold, there is no other power, save the power of God, that can cause this gift of Aaron to be with you. 8 Therefore, doubt not, for it is the gift of God; and you shall hold it in your hands, and do marvelous works; and no power shall be able to take it away out of your hands, for it is the work of God. 9 And, therefore, whatsoever you shall ask me to tell you by that means, that will I grant unto you, and you shall have knowledge concerning it.

• Second gift: What exactly is the gift of Aaron. For one, we know from section 6 that it is sacred, must not be shared with those outside the faith, and is a blessing to him. One answer to this question is to look at the original manuscripts to see if there is any discrepancy between the manuscripts and our current D&C edition. Surprisingly there are. However, instead of looking at each manuscript separately, I found someone who had complied all the manuscripts into one. They read

(6) … thou hast another gift which is the {gift of working with the ABC[sprout A/ rod BC] /  … behold, it has told you [many D] things. (7) Behold there is no other power save God, that can cause this [thing of nature A/ rod B/ rod of nature C/ gift of Aaron D] [to work in your hands for it is the work of God ABC/ to be with you D] (8) {… you shall hold it in your hands, and do marvelous works; and no power shall be able to take it away out of your hands, for it is the work of God. D}

•  Here, we see that in the four manuscripts the "phrase gift of Aaron" is translated either as "gift of working with a "sprout" or "rod. 
• The words "sprout" or "rod" likely refers to "divining rods" that were used by contemporaries of OC to find water or minerals. The rod was "from nature" and consisted of a stick of some sort. The picture below shows what OC's divining rod looked like. 

• 

  Picture of a Divining Rod 

• Apparently, although the diving rod was used by others to find water, the Lord tells OC that this rod was a gift from God. As we read in section verse 9 of section 8, OC could receive answers from the Lord by using the divining rod, much like JS received answers through the seer stones or the urim and thummim. OC is instructed to not "doubt" and that through it OC could do "marvelous works" and the rod is a "work of God." Likely OC received answers by asking to Rod "yes' or "no" questions. 
• Although this may seem strange and shocking, we should bear in mind that the Lord works with us according to our understanding. New England during the early 1800s was stepped in mysticism. OC grew up in that environment and adopted these habits and customs. The Lord used OC's belief system to communicate to him. 
• What this illustrates is that nothing is outside the hands of God in reaching out to His children. And when it comes to seeking after Him, we should not place God in a "box" of how we think he'll communicate with us. God can use any means to teach us. The more we are open to that, the more channels we permit Him to use to communicate to us. And sadly, the inverse is also true.

10 Remember that without faith you can do nothing; therefore ask in faith. Trifle not with these things [both his gifts]; do not ask for that which you ought not. 11 Ask that you may know the mysteries of God, and that you may translate and receive knowledge from all those ancient records which have been hid up [give instruction to pray about the knowledge contained on the other records], that are sacred; and according to your faith shall it be done unto you. 12 Behold, it is I that have spoken it; and I am the same that spake unto you from the beginning. Amen.

Section 9

Background Information 

In April 1829, JS permitted OC to translate the Book of Mormon. However, when OC engaged in translating the them he had unsuccessful. Section 9 is the Lord's response to why OC failed. Notably to this revelation is that if OC had proceeded correctly in the translating process, he would have been able to translate. But because he proceeded incorrectly, the Lord removed the ability -- and conditioned that he would have the opportunity another time. Sadly, OC never received that opportunity, likely due to his disobedience. 

OC's disobedience is a reminder for us all: although God could destine us for great things, if we are not obedient, we may forfeit the blessing and privilege. After being excommunicated, OC returned to the church. But he never translated the other records. 

In any case, although this revelation is directed at OC, the Lord's instruction to him are relevant for us, as His instruction explain how one can use the spirit of revelation to receive answers. Unlike JS, who had the seer stone, it appears that OC's process for translation may have been different. Where JS received the dictation through the seer stone or urium and thummim, OC received it by studying it out and asking. 

Section 

1 Behold, I say unto you, my son, that because you did not translate according to that which you desired of me, and did commence again to write for my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun., even so I would that ye should continue until you have finished this record, which I have entrusted unto him. 2 And then, behold, other records have I, that I will give unto you power that you may assist to translate [although OC lost the ability to translate the Book of Mormon, he is promised that he will be given other records].

3 Be patient, my son, for it is wisdom in me [when we are asked to be patient, it's often because the Lord is seeking to teach us something], and it is not expedient that you should translate at this present time. 4 Behold, the work which you are called to do is to write for my servant Joseph [OC "calling" is to be a scribe for JS]. 5 And, behold, it is because that you did not continue as you commenced, when you began to translate, that I have taken away this privilege from you.

6 Do not murmur, my son, for it is wisdom in me that I have dealt with you after this manner. 7 Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me. 8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right. 9 But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me.

10 Now, if you had known this you could have translated; nevertheless, it is not expedient that you should translate now. 11 Behold, it was expedient when you commenced [the Lord approved of OC's intial attempt to translate]; but you feared [fear hinders the Spirit], and the time is past, and it is not expedient now; 12 For, do you not behold that I have given unto my servant Joseph sufficient strength, whereby it is made up? And neither of you have I condemned. 13 Do this thing which I have commanded you, and you shall prosper. Be faithful, and yield to no temptation. 14 Stand fast in the work wherewith I have called you, and a hair of your head shall not be lost, and you shall be lifted up at the last day. Amen.