Doctrine and Covenants Section 2: Revelations Begin

Joseph Smith-History 1:16-17 The Long Night of Apostasy Ends

To appreciate the significance of D&C 2, there must be a doctrinal foundation laid. Have students read JS-H 1:16-17 and ask them why the Father and the Son appeared to Joseph Smith. Help them understand that there was no true church of Jesus Christ upon the earth when the Father and the Son appeared.

Joseph Smith-History 1:29-33 Moroni Appears to Joseph Smith

Review these verses with the students. Invite them to list the details Joseph Smith gave concerning the appearance of Moroni. What did he look like? What did he wear? What did he say about Joseph Smith? How has that prophecy come to pass?

Joseph Smith-History 1:34-39 Moroni Quotes the Old Testament

After Moroni told Joseph Smith concerning the record that was buried in a nearby location, he went on to quote passages of scripture from the Old Testament, “though with a little variation from the way it reads in our Bibles” (JS-H 1:36). One of the passages quoted by Moroni was from Malachi 4:5-6. This quotation was of such significance that it was included in the Doctrine and Covenants as the first revelation in that collection. Remember, D&C 1 is the Preface to the Doctrine and Covenants. D&C 2 is therefore the first revelation after the Preface.

D&C 2:1-3 The First Revelation Given to Establish the Kingdom of God upon the Earth.

Scripture Study

Have students read D&C 2 and encourage them to substitute nouns for pronouns and notice other subtleties that will be addressed in the exercise below.

1 BEHOLD, [This word, Behold, means essentially “pay attention”.] I [Who is speaking? Is it Moroni? He is quoting Malachi. Is it Malachi? A careful examination of Malachi 4 reveals that the words written by Malachi are attributed to “the LORD of hosts” (see Malachi 4:1). Remind students that when the word LORD is written in all capital letters it is a signal that the Hebrew word being translated was Jehovah. Cross-reference: JST Exodus 6:3; D&C 110:1-4.] will reveal unto you [In the context of Malachi 4, the word “you” represents “the sons of Jacob” (see Malachi 3:6) or “all Israel” (see Malachi 4:4).] the Priesthood [The authority given by God to act in his name. This authority was first given to Adam (see D&C 84:5-17).], by the hand of [through the ministry of] Elijah the prophet, [Elijah the prophet was taken into heaven without tasting death. See 2 Kings 2:9-11.] before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord [the Second Coming of the Lord in glory].
2 And he [Elijah the prophet] shall plant in the hearts of the children [the children of Israel] the promises [covenants] made to the fathers [the ancient patriarchs who held the priesthood], and the hearts of the children [the children of Israel] shall turn to their fathers [their ancestors who have not received the promises made to the ancient patriarchs].
3 If it were not so [If the hearts of the children of Israel are not turned to their ancestors and their ancestors do not receive the covenants made to the ancients], the whole earth would be utterly wasted [the purpose of the creation of the earth will fail] at his [the Lord’s] coming.

Summary

After reviewing D&C 2 in detail, ask students why they think this would be among the first revelations given to the Prophet Joseph Smith. Explain to them that the prophet Elijah did return to the earth. Have them read D&C 110:13-16. Remember, Joseph Smith had nothing when this revelation was received. He had no priesthood, no priesthood keys, no ordinances, no temples, nothing. He could not have understood the deep significance of this revelation when he was 17 years old. Ask students how certain verses of scripture have added in their significance as they have matured in their understanding of the gospel. How has the kingdom of God been blessed because of the increased understanding given to Joseph Smith concerning this first revelation he received from Moroni?