Doctrine and Covenants Section 99

Historical Background

If the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants were placed sequentially, Section 99 would be between Sections 83 and 84. The date was incorrectly established as August 1833 rather than the correct date of August 1832. John Murdock had been part of the Campbellite movement in the Kirtland area and was baptized by Parley P. Pratt in November 1830. His wife, Julia, died in April 1831, leaving him to care for three children. He spent a year (June 1831-June 1832) serving the Church in various capacities in Missouri. Of this particular section of the Doctrine and Covenants, John wrote: “I then continued with the church preaching to them and strengthening them and regaining my health till the month of August [1832] when I received the Revelation [Section 99], at which time I immediately commenced to arrange my business and provide for my children and sent them up to the Bishop in Zion, which I did by the hand of Brother Caleb Baldwin in September [1832] I have him 10 dollars a head for carrying up my three eldest children” (John Murdock Journal, Church Archives).’

John remarried. He went through the Missouri persecutions. He served as the bishop of Nauvoo from 1842 to 1844. He crossed the plains with an early pioneer company and served as a bishop in Salt Lake City. In his later years he was ordained a patriarch and lived in Lehi, Utah. Shortly before he died, he moved to Beaver, Utah, where he passed away on 23 December 1871.

D&C 99:1-5 My Servant John

What promises were made to John Murdock when the Lord called him to serve this mission to the “eastern countries” [the Eastern United States]? Cross-reference: D&C 84:35-38.

D&C 99:6-8 “After a few years”

What counsel did the Lord give John concerning his three children whose mother had passed away? What blessing was promised to him if he remained faithful? What promises has the Lord made you if you remain faithful, even in times of difficulty? Cross-reference: D&C 76:51-70.