Doctrine and Covenants Section 105

Historical Background

The Lord, in Section 103, instructed the Saints in Ohio to gather together to form what would be called Zion’s Camp. With about 200 armed men, Joseph Smith came to Missouri, a march of about 1,000 miles. Their understanding was that the governor would allow the Mormons who had been forcibly removed from their property to return. This promise was made on the condition that the Saints could provide help for the local militia to provide security for the members when they returned to their homes. Six months later, the governor, Daniel Dunklin, refused to honor his promise. He believed that if the Saints were allowed to return to their lands that civil war would break out in Missouri. He would not allow the state militia to help the Saints. Since Zion’s Camp had come with the understanding that they would be working with the state militia, their hopes of being able to help the Saints in Missouri were destroyed. The only course of action available to them was to try to offer comfort and return to their homes in Ohio.

D&C 105:1-5 Building Zion

What reason did the Lord give for stopping the effort to help the Saints in Missouri return to their own lands? What laws do Saints have to be willing to live before they can be part of the Celestial Kingdom?

D&C 105:6-13 Wait for the Endowment

Why didn’t the Lord deliver the people of Missouri Himself? What preparations do the Saints have to make before the Lord will allow them to return to the land where Zion is to be built? How prepared are you for such an experience? What preparations do you need to make in your heart to live in the presence of God?

D&C 105:14-19 A Message to the Warriors

There were 200 men who abandoned their families and the farms to help Church members in Missouri reclaim their stolen property. What message did the Lord have for them? Why were they asked to travel so far without doing what the Lord asked them to do? Have you ever received a calling and been released shortly thereafter? Have you ever wondered why the Lord would place you in certain circumstances and not allow you to be successful? How does this revelation help you understand the mind of the Lord?

D&C 105:20-32 The Lord Will Give Counsel

What counsel did the Lord give to Joseph Smith and Zion’s Camp concerning his plans for the lands that had been stolen from the Saints in Missouri? How long were they supposed to wait until they tried to reclaim the land again?

D&C 105:33-41 Sue for Peace

What do you think the Lord meant when He said, “There has been a day of calling, but the time has come for a day of choosing?” How many people did the Lord say should be called to go to Jackson County, Missouri? (see D&C 103:30) How many actually made the journey? Many were called. Few responded. What did the Lord discover about those who responded? What do priesthood leaders learn about men and women who accept calls after they have served for a period of time? What promises does the Lord make to the Saints if they will use their power to restore peace to Missouri and to all the world?