June 21 - D&C 56 was received

[Hemidakota]

June 21, 1831— Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith received D&C 56, a revelation concerning Thomas B. Marsh and Ezra Thayre. (History of the Church, 1:186 88)

Historical Setting: The Lord had previously commanded Thomas B. Marsh and Ezra Thayre to go to Missouri as missionary companions. (See D&C 52:22) However, in the Historical Setting for Section 56, we are alerted to a problem. Ezra Thayre was not prepared to fulfill his appointment. Without a companion Thomas B. Marsh wondered what he should do and sought advice from the Lord through the Prophet Joseph Smith.

As a result of Ezra Thayre's failure to be obedient the Lord revoked the former commandment. (See D&C 56:5) (Sacred Truths of the Doctrine and Covenants , vol. 1 by L. G. Otten, C. M. Caldwell)

Joseph Smith, Jun. - Soon after I received the foregoing [sec. 55], Elder Thomas B. Marsh came to inquire what he should do; as Elder Ezra Thayre, his yoke-fellow in the ministry, could not get ready to start on his mission as soon as he (Marsh) would; and I inquired of the Lord, and received the following: [sec. 56, follows.] (HC 1:186, June 1831, Kirtland, Ohio.)

Background Narration:

Richard D. Draper

Four revelations were received by Joseph Smith between the first and third weeks of June 1831. It was during this period that the Prophet and others were making preparations to fulfill the instructions given by the Lord to "let my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon take their journey as soon as preparations can be made to leave their homes, and journey to the land of Missouri. And inasmuch as they are faithful unto me, it shall be made known unto them what they shall do; and it shall also, inasmuch as they are faithful, be made known unto them the land of your inheritance" (D&C 52:3-5).

The idea thee the Lord would designate a land to be an inheritance for the Saints, as he had done anciently with Israel, caused great excitement among them. Of the four revelations to be studied here, three (D&C 53, 54, and 56) were either a direct or an indirect outgrowth of the instructions given in section 52. The other one became directly tied to it. Therefore, to understand the setting and expectations of the Saints is most helpful in interpreting the message of these sections. (To Do the Will of the Lord, Richard D. Draper)

Richard O. Cowan

The Lord had called Thomas B. Marsh to go with Ezra Thayre (D&C 52:22) and Newel Knight to go with Selah Griffin (52:32) as missionaries to Missouri. Meanwhile, because of the land disagreement in Thompson (see D&C 54), Thayre apparently had lost the spirit of his calling, and Knight had been told to go with his branch to Missouri. Therefore the Lord reassigned Marsh and Griffin to serve as missionary companions. (Doctrine and Covenants, Our Modern Scripture by Richard O. Cowan)

Section Header Notes: Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, June, 1831. Elder Ezra Thayre, who had been appointed to travel in the ministry with Elder Thomas B. Marsh, was unable to start on his mission when the latter was ready, and the Lord answered the Prophet's inquiry on the matter by giving this revelation—The Lord may and does revoke as well as command—Ezra Thayre rebuked for pride and selfishness—Selah J. Griffin appointed in his place to travel with Thomas B. Marsh—Offenders reproved, both rich and poor—Necessity of repentance as expressed by the broken heart and contrite spirit.

Versus amount: 20

Suggested link: D&C 55

Summary and Conclusion: These revelations serve to show that the Lord is conscious of the needs of his children. However, he has set criteria through which his blessings come. Sometimes it is the responsibility of individuals to bring his work to pass. When this is so, he expects obedience and devotion. When men are selfish or rebellious, they bring judgment upon themselves. However, if they work, "with an eye single to my glory, you shall have a remission of your sins and a reception of the Holy Spirit" (D&C 55:1). All is based on the condition of the heart; if it is pure, broken, and contrite, "they shall see the kingdom of God coming in power and great glory unto their deliverance; for the fatness of the earth shall be theirs" (D&C 56:18). (Studies in Scripture, Vol. 1: The Doctrine and Covenants by Robert L. Millet, Kent P. Jackson, p.223)

Edited June 21, 2010 by Hemidakota