Doctrine and Covenants 103
Historical Context
In November 1833, the Saints in Jackson County, Missouri, were driven out of their homes. Most of the Saints escaped to nearby Clay County, where they labored to find adequate shelter and sustenance before winter came. Parley P. Pratt notes, “Hundreds of people were seen in every direction, some in tents and some in the open air around their fires, while the rain descended in torrents. Husbands were inquiring for their wives, wives for their husbands; parents for children, and children for parents. . . . The scene was indescribable, and, I am sure, would have melted the hearts of any people on the earth, except our blind oppressors, and a blind and ignorant community.” Lyman Wight recalls, “I saw one hundred and ninety women and children driven thirty miles across the prairie, with three decrepit men only in their company, in the month of Nov[ember], the ground thinly crusted with sleet, and I could easily follow on their trail by the blood that flowed from their lacerated feet . . . on the stubble of the burnt prairie.”
A conference was held among the Saints in Missouri, who decided to send Parley P. Pratt and Lyman Wight to Kirtland to inform Church leadership of the Saints’ situation. Joseph received Section 103 the same day that the two men reported on the crisis to the high council in Kirtland. During the high council meeting, Pratt and Wight asked “how and by what means Zion was to be redeemed from our enemies.” The minutes of the meeting reveal that “Bro. Joseph arose and said that he was going to Zion to assist in redeeming it.” Joseph called for volunteers to go with him, and around thirty to forty of those present offered to go. The council then nominated Joseph to serve as “the Commander in Chief of the Armies of Israel and the leader of those who volunteered to go and assist in the redemption of Zion.” It is not known if section 103 was given before, during, or after the high council meeting in which Joseph volunteered to travel to Zion.
Church leadership immediately began acting on the commandments given in section 103. Just two days after Joseph received them, he and Parley P. Pratt left home to begin recruiting volunteers to go to Missouri. In the following weeks, Orson Pratt, Orson Hyde, Hyrum Smith, and Frederick G. Williams all joined in the recruiting efforts. Parley later notes that “our mission resulted in the assembling of about two hundred men at Kirtland, with teams, baggage, provisions, arms, etc. for a march of one thousand miles, for the purpose of carrying some supplies to the afflicted and persecuted Saints in Missouri, and to reinforce and strengthen them, and, if possible, to influence the Governor of the State to call out sufficient additional force to cooperate in restoring them to their rights. This little army was led by President Joseph Smith in person.” In records from Joseph’s time, this group was referred to as the “Camp of Israel.” It was later known by the name “Zion’s Camp.”
See “Historical Introduction,” Revelation, 24 February 1834 [D&C 103].
Verse-by-Verse Commentary
D&C 103:1–4
1 Verily I say unto you, my friends, behold, I will give unto you a revelation and commandment, that you may know how to act in the discharge of your duties concerning the salvation and redemption of your brethren, who have been scattered on the land of Zion;
2 Being driven and smitten by the hands of mine enemies, on whom I will pour out my wrath without measure in mine own time.
3 For I have suffered them thus far, that they might fill up the measure of their iniquities, that their cup might be full;
4 And that those who call themselves after my name might be chastened for a little season with a sore and grievous chastisement, because they did not hearken altogether unto the precepts and commandments which I gave unto them.
The Lord provides two reasons why the Saints in Jackson County were allowed to be persecuted. First, the Lord allowed the wicked to “fill up the measure of their iniquities” (D&C 103:3). The Book of Mormon records a similar situation in which Alma and Amulek are forced to watch the cold-blooded murder of innocent men, women, and children at the hands of the wicked. When Amulek asks Alma to use the power of the priesthood to end the bloodshed, Alma replies that he was constrained from acting by the influence of the Spirit. He then teaches Amulek that the Lord “doth suffer that they may do this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them, according to the hardness of their hearts, that the judgments which he shall exercise upon them in his wrath may be just; and the blood of the innocent shall stand as a witness against them, yea, and cry mightily against them at the last day” (Alma 14:11).
Second, the Lord allowed the Saints to be persecuted to chasten them “because they did not hearken altogether unto the precepts and commandments which I gave unto them” (D&C 103:4). The Lord here simply emphasizes what was given in an earlier revelation: the Saints “polluted their inheritances” because of “jarrings, and contentions, and envying, and strifes, and lustful and covetous desires among them” (D&C 101:6). But although the Saints in Jackson County were guilty of transgression, they were not cast off. The Lord had more for them to do. The primary purpose of section 103 is to rally the rest of the Church to help the suffering Saints in Missouri.
D&C 103:5–10
5 But verily I say unto you, that I have decreed a decree which my people shall realize, inasmuch as they hearken from this very hour unto the counsel which I, the Lord their God, shall give unto them.
6 Behold they shall, for I have decreed it, begin to prevail against mine enemies from this very hour.
7 And by hearkening to observe all the words which I, the Lord their God, shall speak unto them, they shall never cease to prevail until the kingdoms of the world are subdued under my feet, and the earth is given unto the saints, to possess it forever and ever.
8 But inasmuch as they keep not my commandments, and hearken not to observe all my words, the kingdoms of the world shall prevail against them.
9 For they were set to be a light unto the world, and to be the saviors of men;
10 And inasmuch as they are not the saviors of men, they are as salt that has lost its savor, and is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men.
Even during this time of suffering, the Lord still extends His hand toward the Saints, if they will hearken “from this very hour unto the counsel” He gives to them (D&C 103:5). The Lord holds high expectations for the Saints and declares their purpose to be “a light unto the world, and to be the saviors of men” (D&C 103:9). Note that the Saints are given the title of “saviors” with a lowercase s; they are not on the same level as the Savior Jesus Christ. The title “saviors” is linked to the prophecy of Obadiah that “saviors shall come up on mount Zion” (Obadiah 1:20). This prophecy and the concept of the Saints becoming “saviors” would gain greater importance as the theology of the Restoration, specifically the role of temple ordinances, was revealed to Joseph Smith.
The tribulations of the Saints in Ohio and Missouri were soul rending, but they helped refine the Saints and bring them closer toward being a people who could truly act as “saviors on mount Zion” to the rest of the human race.
D&C 103:11–20
11 But verily I say unto you, I have decreed that your brethren which have been scattered shall return to the lands of their inheritances, and shall build up the waste places of Zion.
12 For after much tribulation, as I have said unto you in a former commandment, cometh the blessing.
13 Behold, this is the blessing which I have promised after your tribulations, and the tribulations of your brethren—your redemption, and the redemption of your brethren, even their restoration to the land of Zion, to be established, no more to be thrown down.
14 Nevertheless, if they pollute their inheritances they shall be thrown down; for I will not spare them if they pollute their inheritances.
15 Behold, I say unto you, the redemption of Zion must needs come by power;
16 Therefore, I will raise up unto my people a man, who shall lead them like as Moses led the children of Israel.
17 For ye are the children of Israel, and of the seed of Abraham, and ye must needs be led out of bondage by power, and with a stretched-out arm.
18 And as your fathers were led at the first, even so shall the redemption of Zion be.
19 Therefore, let not your hearts faint, for I say not unto you as I said unto your fathers: Mine angel shall go up before you, but not my presence.
20 But I say unto you: Mine angels shall go up before you, and also my presence, and in time ye shall possess the goodly land.
In verse 15 the Lord declares that “the redemption of Zion must needs come by power.” This prophecy will come to pass, though we do not know the timeframe. The Savior says specifically that He “will raise up unto my people a man, who shall lead them like as Moses led the children of Israel” (D&C 107:16). For the identity of this modern Moses, we need look no further than Doctrine and Covenants 107:91, in which the Lord declares that “the President of the office of the High Priesthood is [called] to preside over the whole church, and to be like Moses” (D&C 107:91). When the redemption of Zion is at last brought to pass, it will be under the direction of the President of the Church, whomever it will be in that day.
The Lord further identifies the Saints with the children of Israel and the seed of Abraham, telling them that they will be led “even as your fathers were led” (D&C 103:18). The day of the redemption of Zion will be a time of miracles. Just as the Israelites witnessed the parting of the Red Sea, followed a pillar of fire, and ate manna from heaven, so will their latter-day descendants see similar miracles. At the same time, when we compare the building of Zion to the exodus of the children of Israel from Egypt, we should also take into account the Lord’s emphasis on purity among His people. The Lord allowed the children of Israel to wander for forty years before they were ready to move into their promised land. We do not know how long the period of purification for the Latter-day Saints will be before we can finally build the Lord’s holy city.
D&C 103:21–28
21 Verily, verily I say unto you, that my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., is the man to whom I likened the servant to whom the Lord of the vineyard spake in the parable which I have given unto you.
22 Therefore let my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., say unto the strength of my house, my young men and the middle aged—Gather yourselves together unto the land of Zion, upon the land which I have bought with money that has been consecrated unto me.
23 And let all the churches send up wise men with their moneys, and purchase lands even as I have commanded them.
24 And inasmuch as mine enemies come against you to drive you from my goodly land, which I have consecrated to be the land of Zion, even from your own lands after these testimonies, which ye have brought before me against them, ye shall curse them;
25 And whomsoever ye curse, I will curse, and ye shall avenge me of mine enemies.
26 And my presence shall be with you even in avenging me of mine enemies, unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me.
27 Let no man be afraid to lay down his life for my sake; for whoso layeth down his life for my sake shall find it again.
28 And whoso is not willing to lay down his life for my sake is not my disciple.
The Lord identifies Joseph Smith as the servant referred to in the parable of the redemption of Zion (see D&C 101:55). Though the Lord told the Saints that the redemption of Zion would come “by power” (D&C 103:15), this phrase does not refer to violence on the part of the Saints. A quick review of the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants will show that the Saints were continually instructed to purchase the lands in Zion (D&C 103:23) and obtain the land through peaceful and legal means (see D&C 42:5; 45:65–66; 48:4–5; 57:4–6; 58:49–42; 63:27–30; 101:70–71; 105:28–30).
None of the men who chose to travel with Zion’s Camp was asked to fire a shot in anger. The most significant conflict the expedition experienced came when they arrived at Fishing River, just ten miles away from the beleaguered Missouri Saints. As the members of Zion’s Camp pitched their tents, five men rode into the camp. The visitors waved their weapons and announced that more than three hundred men were coming to destroy the Saints. Alarmed by this visit, Joseph posted guards around the area, and one member of the camp begged the Prophet to attack the mob first. Instead, Joseph told the group to “stand still and see the salvation of God.”
Shortly after Joseph’s declaration, dark clouds gathered overhead. Nathan Baldwin, a member of the camp, recalls, “A small black cloud appeared in the west and increased in size until shortly the whole blue arch was draped in black, presenting a vengeful appearance, while the rain descended in torrents, the winds bellowed[,] and such vivid flashes of lightning and such peals of thunder are seldom seen and heard.”
A rainstorm of overwhelming fury burst upon the camp, driving the members of Zion’s Camp from their tents in search of better shelter. Many of the camp members huddled in a small church nearby. As they huddled inside the building, Joseph Smith entered, shaking the water from his hat and clothes. He looked around and exclaimed with exuberance, “Boys, there is some meaning to this—God is in this storm!” As the storm continued to rage, the men remained huddled in the church, singing hymns throughout the night. Nathan Baldwin later wrote, “The Lord had previously said He would fight the battles of His saints, and it seemed as though the mandate had gone forth from His presence, to ply the artillery of Heaven in defense of His servants.”
When they emerged in the morning, camp members found that their belongings were scattered, but nothing was damaged beyond repair. In addition, the river separating them from their enemies had risen dramatically overnight, cutting them off from a possible attack. In a later history, Joseph Smith recalls that their enemies “declared that if that was the way God fought for the Mormons, they might as well go about their business.”
D&C 103:29–40
29 It is my will that my servant Sidney Rigdon shall lift up his voice in the congregations in the eastern countries, in preparing the churches to keep the commandments which I have given unto them concerning the restoration and redemption of Zion.
30 It is my will that my servant Parley P. Pratt and my servant Lyman Wight should not return to the land of their brethren, until they have obtained companies to go up unto the land of Zion, by tens, or by twenties, or by fifties, or by an hundred, until they have obtained to the number of five hundred of the strength of my house.
31 Behold this is my will; ask and ye shall receive; but men do not always do my will.
32 Therefore, if you cannot obtain five hundred, seek diligently that peradventure you may obtain three hundred.
33 And if ye cannot obtain three hundred, seek diligently that peradventure ye may obtain one hundred.
34 But verily I say unto you, a commandment I give unto you, that ye shall not go up unto the land of Zion until you have obtained a hundred of the strength of my house, to go up with you unto the land of Zion.
35 Therefore, as I said unto you, ask and ye shall receive; pray earnestly that peradventure my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., may go with you, and preside in the midst of my people, and organize my kingdom upon the consecrated land, and establish the children of Zion upon the laws and commandments which have been and which shall be given unto you.
36 All victory and glory is brought to pass unto you through your diligence, faithfulness, and prayers of faith.
37 Let my servant Parley P. Pratt journey with my servant Joseph Smith, Jun.
38 Let my servant Lyman Wight journey with my servant Sidney Rigdon.
39 Let my servant Hyrum Smith journey with my servant Frederick G. Williams.
40 Let my servant Orson Hyde journey with my servant Orson Pratt, whithersoever my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., shall counsel them, in obtaining the fulfilment of these commandments which I have given unto you, and leave the residue in my hands. Even so. Amen.
Though the Lord in verse 30 instructed Church leaders that they could recruit as many as 500 men for the expedition to Zion, in the end Zion’s Camp numbered about 205 men and approximately 25 women and children. On May 3, 1834, Joseph Smith led the main party from Kirtland. A smaller group left the Michigan Territory on May 5 under the leadership of Lyman Wight and Hyrum Smith.
Joseph Smith had faith in the Lord and the charge given to him to lead the camp, but he also worried over the size of their group. A month into the expedition he wrote to his wife, Emma, “All the Camp is in as good a situation as could be expected; but our numbers and means are altogether too small for the accomplishment of such a great enterprise.” Still, Joseph had hope for a miracle to redeem Zion. “We believe the hand of the Lord is in it,” he wrote to Emma. “Now is the time for the Church abroad to come to Zion. It is our prayer day and night that God will open the heart of the Churches to pour in men and means to assist us, for the redemption and upbuilding of Zion.”
Footnotes
