2025 Study Summary 36: “FOR THE SALVATION OF ZION”

Doctrine and Covenants 94–97

“FOR THE SALVATION OF ZION”

Doctrine and Covenants 94. Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, August 2, 1833. Hyrum Smith, Reynolds Cahoon, and Jared Carter are appointed as a Church building committee.
1–9, The Lord gives a commandment relative to the erection of a house for the work of the Presidency;
10–12, A printing house is to be built;
13–17, Certain inheritances are assigned.

Doctrine and Covenants 95. Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, June 1, 1833. This revelation is a continuation of divine directions to build a house for worship and instruction, the house of the Lord (see section 88:119–36).
1–6, The Saints are chastened for their failure to build the house of the Lord;
7–10, The Lord desires to use His house to endow His people with power from on high;
11–17, The house is to be dedicated as a place of worship and for the school of the Apostles.

Doctrine and Covenants 96. Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, showing the order of the city or stake of Zion at Kirtland, Ohio, June 4, 1833, as an example to the Saints in Kirtland. The occasion was a conference of high priests, and the chief subject of consideration was the disposal of certain lands, known as the French farm, possessed by the Church near Kirtland. Since the conference could not agree who should take charge of the farm, all agreed to inquire of the Lord concerning the matter.
1, The Kirtland Stake of Zion is to be made strong;
2–5, The bishop is to divide the inheritances for the Saints;
6–9, John Johnson is to be a member of the united order.

Doctrine and Covenants 97. Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, August 2, 1833. This revelation deals particularly with the affairs of the Saints in Zion, Jackson County, Missouri, in response to the Prophet’s inquiry of the Lord for information. Members of the Church in Missouri were at this time subjected to severe persecution and, on July 23, 1833, had been forced to sign an agreement to leave Jackson County. 1–2, Many of the Saints in Zion (Jackson County, Missouri) are blessed for their faithfulness;
3–5, Parley P. Pratt is commended for his labors in the school in Zion;
6–9, Those who observe their covenants are accepted by the Lord;
10–17, A house is to be built in Zion in which the pure in heart will see God;
18–21, Zion is the pure in heart;
22–28, Zion will escape the Lord’s scourge if she is faithful.

How does a “House of the Lord” influence my living space?
Before the first Israelite temple was built, the entire encampment of Israel was a “city temple” (apparently it will be that way again when the Lord returns to Jerusalem (Doctrine and Covenants 124:33-36)) AIn pre-Temple times, in the desert, the whole encampment was considered to be in a state of sanctity, and hence anyone who was tameh (unclean) was forced to go outside the marked boundaries and was forbidden to return until he had completed the purification ritual. With the destruction of the Temple, such sanctions ceased to apply. Nevertheless, the maintenance of ritual impurity has remained an essential aspect of Jewish life. Thus, because all Jews are now assumed to be ritually impure, they are even today forbidden to enter the Temple area in Jerusalem.@ (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.) How grateful are we members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that true Temple worship has been restored and so accessible today?

What do religious Jews do to remind themselves of the temple sacrifices?
The call to go to the temple includes the phrase, AHe that hath clean hands and a pure heart.@ (Psalm 24-1-3) As mentioned in previous discussions, since the Jews do not have a temple presently, they have used the meal table as a substitute Aaltar.@ AWith the destruction of the Second Temple sacrifices were no longer made. It was then said: >Now that there is no altar, a man’s table . . . and prayer takes the place of the sacrifices.= AThe Talmud describes in detail the various modes of conduct to be observed at meals. For example, persons should engage in a discussion of Torah during the meal so that they will be >as though they had eaten at the table of God.= Furthermore, the table is regarded as a substitute for the altar in the Temple, and therefore, it must be treated with reverence. Before any meal, the hands must be washed pronouncing the appropriate blessing over the washing, after which bread is eaten. The meal is concluded with the Grace after Meals. A. . . (a) benediction (after meals), called Boneh Yerushalayim . . . asks God to have mercy on Israel and to restore the Temple and the Kingdom of David. It includes a plea that He may always sustain and support Israel.@ (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.) Imagine, a plea to rebuild the Temple, before and after every mealtime! It is appropriate to wash hands before every prayer at the beginning and ending of each meal. That is why kosher hotels have a basin and naturally flowing water at the entrances of each dining room. There are large cups in public restrooms and other public fountains (like the Western Wall) so a Jew can fill the cup and then let the water flow naturally over his hands before he prays. Forgotten among the Jews is the meaning of one clothing that wraps them in Temple culture. The tallit worn under their clothing and used as a marriage canopy as well as the shroud veil at the wedding moment can be viewed as an echo of ancient Temple worship.

Where did the term “Stakes” originate?
The areas of responsibility and assigned living were Astaked@ out, there were stakes, poles or standards that identified the living areas of each tribe. “The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron saying, “The Israelites shall camp each with his standard under the banners of their ancestral house.” (Numbers 2:2). In the ancient days, the inner two courtyards were draped or had curtains draped between the stakes or poles and cords so that the sacredness and dignity of the priestly area and the Lord=s habitation were maintained. ALook upon Zion, the city of our solemnities: thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that shall not be taken down; not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken.@ (Isaiah 33:20) In the latter-days, an organizational unit called AStakes of Zion@ may have the same purpose in reminding us to live in dignity and sacredness and commune with God as a community. AUntil the day cometh when there is found no more room for them; and then I have other places which I will appoint unto them, and they shall be called stakes, for the curtains or the strength of Zion.@ (Doctrine & Covenants 101:21) Remember, our stake centers are destined to be temples, “For it is ordained that in Zion, and in her stakes, and in Jerusalem, those places which I have appointed for refuge, shall be the places for your baptisms for your dead.@ (Doctrine and Covenants 124:33-36)

What is the reason the Lord emphasizes “school” and “learning?”
AA.J. Heschel (1907-1972) based his views on a Midrash (ancient commentary on the scriptures) stating that holiness is the only way to combat evil and that learning and obeying the precepts of Torah is the only way to gain holiness. The simplest advice in combating evil: >Turn from evil and do good= is from the Book of Psalms (34:15).@ (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.) “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (Psalm 1:1-3)

What are the results of learning and seeking understanding?
Learning is more than gaining knowledge. It is drawing on discernment, expanding of spiritual; edification; using the wisdom of intelligence, practicing prudence, cherishing the value of study, being open to education, gaining and developing wisdom, savoring the scriptures, opening ourselves to the omniscience of God, treasuring truth, and wrapping all those into understanding. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:1–3)

What do the scriptures teach about understanding?
In the English language here are different verses in our scriptures that will help us come to true learning or “understanding.” The more important dimension of learning goes beyond academics with words, Nephi stated it so well; “And now I, Nephi, cannot write all the things which were taught among my people; neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men.” (2 Nephi 33:1) A testimony is better shared when the “because” is revealed. How does my learning affect me? Understanding may affect: my discernment, my spiritual response; my ability to recognize edification; ,y overall education; my relationship to God, my awareness of the omniscience of; God, my sense of Wisdom, my intelligence; my knowledge; my ability to learn; ,my use of prudence; my ability to discover meanings from scriptures, my appreciation of the value of study; my recognition of the truth; improve my better use of understanding; improving my better use of wisdom.

What have the prophets shared about understanding?
Eighty-four verses consider the importance of “understanding.”

Old Testament:

This is your wisdom and your understanding. (Deuteronomy. 4:6)
Neither is there any understanding in them, (Deuteronomy 32:28)
Give . . . thy servant an understanding heart,. (1 Kings. 3:9)
God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding, (1 Kings. 4:29)
Who had understanding in the visions of God, (2 Chronicles. 26:5)
To depart from evil is understanding, (Job 28:28)
Inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding, (Job 32:8)
Who hath given understanding to the heart, (Job 38:36.)
Be ye not … as the mule, which have no understanding, (Psalm 32:9)
Meditation of my heart shall be of understanding, (Psalm 49:3)
Good understanding have all they that do his commandments, (Psalm 111:10)
Thy words … giveth understanding,. (Psalm 119:130)
Lord . . . his understanding is infinite, (Psalm 147:5)
Apply thine heart to understanding, (Proverbs 2:2)
Out of his mouth cometh . . . understanding, (Proverbs 2:6)
Lean not unto thine own understanding,(Proverbs 3:5)
Happy is the man … that getteth understanding, (Proverbs 3:13)
By understanding hath he established the heavens, (Proverbs 3:19)
With all thy getting get understanding, (Proverbs 4:7)
Call understanding thy kinswoman, (Proverbs 7:4)
knowledge of the holy is understanding, (Proverbs 9:10)
In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found, (Proverbs 10:13)
Man of understanding hath wisdom, (Proverbs 10:23)
Good understanding giveth favour, (Proverbs 13:15.)
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding, (Proverbs 14:29)
Heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge, (Proverbs 15:14)
Man of understanding walketh uprightly, (Proverbs 15:21)
He that heareth reproof getteth understanding, (Proverbs 15:32.)
Understanding rather to be chosen than silver, (Proverbs 16:16.)
Understanding is a wellspring of life, (Proverbs 16:22)
Man of understanding is of an excellent spirit, (Proverbs 17:27)
Fool hath no delight in understanding, (Proverbs 18:2)
He that keepeth understanding shall find good, (Proverbs 19:8.)
There is no . . . understanding … against the Lord, (Proverbs 21:30)
Prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor, (Proverbs 28:16)
Upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, (Isaiah 11:2)
People of no understanding, (Isaiah 27:11)
Understanding of their prudent men shall be hid, (Isaiah 29:14)
Who … shewed to him the way of understanding, (Isaiah 40:14)
foolish people, and without understanding, (Jeremiah 5:21)
Stretched out the heaven by his understanding, (Jeremiah 51:15)
Daniel had understanding in all visions, (Daniel 1:17)
Some of them of understanding shall fall, (Daniel 11:35)

New Testament:

Love him . . . with all the understanding, (Mark 12:33)
Astonished at his understanding and answers, (Luke 2:47)
Then opened he their understanding, (Luke 24:45)
Without understanding, covenant breakers,. (Romans 1:31)
Understanding of their prudent men shall be hid, (1 Corinthians. 1:19)
I will pray with the understanding, (1 Corinthians 14:15)
I had rather speak five words with my understanding, (1 Corinthians 14:19.)
be not children in understanding, (1 Corinthians 14:20)
Eyes of your understanding being enlightened, (Ephesians 1:18)
Having the understanding darkened, (Ephesians 4:18)
Peace of God, which passeth all understanding, (Philippians 4:7)
His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, (Colossians 1:9)
Full assurance of understanding, (Colossians 2:2)
Lord give thee understanding in all things, (2 Timothy 2:7)

Book of Mormon

Plain unto the understanding, (1 Nephi 13:29)
Plain unto the understanding, (14:23)
New writing . . . which did give us understanding, (1 Nephi 16:29.)
Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, (2 Nephi 21:2)
Understanding of their prudent men shall be hid, (2 Nephi 27:26.)
God giveth light unto the understanding, (2 Nephi 31:3)
Finish out my record . . . according to . . . understanding which God has given me, (Words of Mormon 1:9)
Become men of understanding, (Mosiah 1:2)
Not applied your hearts to understanding, (Mosiah 12:27)
They were men of a sound understanding, (Alma 17:2)
Lord . . . his understanding is infinite, (Alma 26:35)
beginneth to enlighten my understanding, (Alma 32:28)
Moroni . . . was a man of a perfect understanding, (Alma 48:11.)
Great power, which looks small unto the understanding of men, (Ether 3:5)

Doctrine and Covenants:

Commandments . . . given . . . that they might come to understanding, (Doctrine and Covenants 1:24)
Expound all things . . . to their understanding, (Doctrine and Covenants 20:68)
He that hath no understanding, it remaineth in me, (Doctrine and Covenants 29:50)
Unfold the same to their understanding, (Doctrine and Covenants 32:4)
Their understanding reach to heaven, (Doctrine and Covenants 76:9)
Our understandings were enlightened, (Doctrine and Covenants 76:12)
Glory of the telestial, which surpasses all understanding, (Doctrine and Covenants 76:89)
Same light that quickeneth your understandings, (Doctrine and Covenants 88:11)
Be perfected in the understanding of their ministry, (Doctrine and Covenants 97:14)
Eyes of our understanding were opened, (Doctrine and Covenants 110:1)
Eyes of our understanding were opened, (Doctrine and Covenants 138:11)

Pearl of Great Price:

That you may have an understanding of these gods, (Abraham 1:14)
Began to have the scriptures laid open to our understandings, (Joseph Smith—History 1:74.)

“Real understanding will come to you as you realize the interdependence of study and prayer, as you maintain a commitment to serve while earning and learning, and as you trust in and rely on the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2017/01/with-all-thy-getting-get-understanding?lang=eng)

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