Doctrine and Covenants Section 42

Historical Background

The Saints in New York were promised that, if they would gather to Ohio, the Lord would give them His law. This law would establish the pattern they would be expected to live in anticipation of the coming of the Lord. Those who assembled to receive the law followed instructions from D&C 41 and “united in mighty prayer.” Their faith was rewarded with this revelation. Verses 1-77 were received on 9 February 1831. The remaining verses were received in two different groups, verses 74-77 and verses 78-93, on the 23rd of February 1831. The circumstances of the people involved must be kept in mind. They were poor people who had left their worldly possessions behind to follow the commandments of God given through the Prophet Joseph Smith. They had no idea how they would survive in their new location. Not only is their survival question answered, but the larger question of how the gospel would be preached in all the world is also addressed. The larger vision incorporated in the law is the idea that the members of the Church were preparing for the coming forth of the city New Jerusalem. Each law was created to help the members with that special purpose.

D&C 42:1-10 Go Forth
Several times in these verses the expression, “go forth,” appears. Who is supposed to go? What are they supposed to do? Why are they supposed to do it? How long are they supposed to do it? What does the city New Jerusalem have to do with this work? Cross-reference: Ether 13:2-11; Moses 7:62. (Remember, Joseph Smith had learned of the idea of a New Jerusalem from his translation of the Book of Mormon and from his work on the inspired revision of the King James Bible.)

D&C 42:11-17 The Order of the Church
What must happen before an elder, priest or teacher may assume responsibilities in the Church? What are they to teach? How are they to teach it? What role does the Comforter, or the Holy Ghost, have in establishing the Church? How are these important procedures followed in the Church today? What must happen before a person may exercise any authority?

D&C 42:18-29 The Commandments
In these verses, the Lord repeats many of the commandments He gave to Moses and the children of Israel. What additional council does he give concerning those who murder, lust after women, commit adultery, or speak falsely about their neighbors? Why do you suppose the Lord would repeat these commandments in our generation? How has living these commandments blessed your life?

D&C 42:30-36 The Law of Consecration
The Lord’s program for taking care of the poor is outlined in these verses. What are the Saints supposed to do with their belongings? What is the Bishop supposed to do when the members give him their property? What is supposed to happen with the portion of the property that is not essential to the families who consecrate their property to the Church? How are our current system of tithing and fast offerings like the original Law of Consecration?

D&C 42:37-55 Let All Things Be Done in Cleanliness
This portion of the law of the Lord has to do with taking care of the poor, avoiding pride, work, healing the sick, faith to be healed, honesty and integrity in business dealings, and how to use excess funds. As you read these verses, ask yourself, “How would following these commandments help me be clean? How would following these commandments prepare me to live with the Lord?”

D&C 42:56-62 Revelation upon Revelation
Joseph Smith is given instructions concerning “my scriptures” (the inspired revision of the King James Bible). What council does the Lord give Joseph concerning the revelations that have been received and additional revelation?

D&C 42:63-69 Blessings upon the Servants of the Lord
What power and authority are given to those who will serve as missionaries for the Church? What additional blessings await them if they will be faithful in following the commandments that the Lord has revealed in His law?

D&C 42:70-73 Support for Missionary Families
Many of the missionaries who were called were married men with families. What did the Lord say should be done for the families while the husbands and fathers were separated? How was the Bishop to be able to support himself?

D&C 42:74-93 Dealing with Difficult Problems
In these final verses the Lord explains how the Church should deal with problems within the Church among Church members. For example, verses 74-78 explain how to deal with adultery and fornication. Verse 79 explains what should happen when a member commits murder. Verses 80-83 give directions on how to deal with women who commit adultery. Additional verses deal with those who steal from Church members or do anything to offend other members. Why do you think these laws would be necessary among people who were preparing to live with the Lord in the New Jerusalem? How should members handle problems among themselves in this generation?