Doctrine and Covenants Section 87

Historical Background

This revelation is commonly called the “prophecy on war.” It was received on Christmas Day, 1832. These are the events that were leading to the American Civil War in 1832:

1. South Carolina concluded that the constitutional provisions of “states rights” gave them authority to nullify any federal regulations that were not in the interest of the citizens of the state.

2. Cotton planters and rice growers became increasingly sensitive to antislavery movements in the northern states.

3. On 24 November 1832, South Carolina adopted an Ordinance of Nullification stating that tariffs would no longer be collected in that state as of 1 February 1833.

In D&C 87:1, the Prophet Joseph calls the action of South Carolina a rebellion. However, he also clarifies that this rebellion will not only lead to a great war in the United States, it will be the beginning of war that will continue until the Second Coming of Christ. See D&C 130:12-13.

This revelation was not included in the canon of Latter-day Saint scripture until 1851, when it was included in the Pearl of Great Price. Later, in 1876, it was included as Section 87 of the Doctrine and Covenants. Brigham Young explained, “It [section 87] was not wisdom to publish it to the world, and it remained in the private escritoire. . . . There are other revelations besides this one, not yet published to the world. In the due time of the Lord, the Saints and the world will be privileged [to have] the revelations that are due to them” (Journal of Discourses, 8:58).

D&C 87:1-3 War Poured Out

According to these verses, what is the sequence of events that leads to war being “poured out upon all nations?” What evidence is there that there is war among all the nations of the earth today?

D&C 87:4-6 A Full End of All Nations

What is the ultimate effect of the war that began in South Carolina? Cross-reference: Revelation 19:11-16.

D&C 87:7-8 Stand Ye in Holy Places

In Daniel 11:31, reference is made to “the abomination that maketh desolate” (Daniel 11:31). This abomination is generally thought to be the placing of pagan gods in the temple at Jerusalem and the ending of the daily sacrifice among the Jews. This happened in 168 B.C., and Jesus prophesied that it would happen again. Cross-reference: Daniel 12:11; Matthew 24:14-15; Revelation 3:11-12; D&C 45:28-32. What are the holy places we can “stand” in? Why is it important that we are not moved from those places when we take a stand?