Doctrine and CovenantsSection 1:1-10Exegetical Commentary, Margin Notes, and Highlight Recommendations
Background and Context
Doctrine and Covenants 1 was received on November 1, 1831, in Hiram, Ohio, as a preface to the Book of Commandments, which later became the Doctrine and Covenants. The revelation came during a conference where leaders of the Church were preparing to publish the revelations Joseph Smith had received. The Lord dictated this preface, making it the only section explicitly introduced as His own words.
This revelation sets forth the purpose of the Doctrine and Covenants and establishes its divine origin, calling the world to repentance in preparation for the Second Coming.
Doctrine and Covenants: 1-10 establishes:
- The Universality of God’s Call – His word is for all people.
- The Certainty of Divine Judgment – No one can escape the truth.
- The Authority of Prophets and Revelation – God speaks through His chosen servants.
- The Missionary Call – The gospel must be proclaimed worldwide.
- Final Judgment and Mercy – Those who heed the call will find salvation; those who reject it will face divine justice.
Key Thematic Highlights
- God’s Omniscience: Verses 2-3
- The Universality of the Gospel: Verses 1-4
- Divine Judgment & Justice: Verses 3, 8-10
- The Role of Prophets & Revelation: Verses 4-6
- The Last Days & Second Coming: Verses 7-10
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1 Hearken, O ye people of my church, saith the voice of him who dwells on high, and whose eyes are upon all men; yea, verily I say: Hearken ye people from afar; and ye that are upon the islands of the sea, listen together. 2 For verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men, and there is none to escape; and there is no eye that shall not see, neither ear that shall not hear, neither heart that shall not be penetrated.
God calls all people, not just Church members, to listen and obey. The gospel is for the entire world, fulfilling the command to preach to “every nation, kindred, tongue, and people (Revelation 14:6).
Analysis: The imperative “Hearken” (meaning “listen and obey) signals divine authority and urgency. “O ye people of my Church” addresses members specifically, while “people from afar” and “islands of the sea” suggest a universal call to all humanity. The phrase "him who dwells on high” portrays God as transcendent and omniscient. “Whose eyes are upon all men” introduces divine omniscience and judgment.
Theological Implications: God’s message is not only for Church members but for all nations. There is an inherent Missionary theme, emphasizing that the gospel must reach the whole world.
3 And the rebellious shall be pierced with much sorrow; for their iniquities shall be spoken upon the housetops, and their secret acts shall be revealed.
No secret sins remain hidden from God. This verse echoes Luke 12:3, emphasizing moral accountability before divine judgment.
Analyzing: “Rebellious” refers to those who reject divine truth. Pierced with much sorrow implies deep regret and suffering. Spoken upon the housetops recalls Luke 12:3, meaning that hidden sins will be exposed.
Theological Implications: God’s judgment is inescapable, and hypocrisy will be revealed. Moral accountability is a central theme.
4 And the voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chosen in these last days. 5 And they shall go forth and none shall stay them, for I the Lord have commanded them.
God’s messengers are unstoppable when He commands them. These verses establish prophetic authority and the urgency of spreading the gospel in the last days.
Analysis: “Voice of Warning” introduces the prophetic mission. “By the mouths of my disciples” signifies that God speaks through His Servants. "Last Days" emphasizes Eschatology (study of end times), linking to the Second Coming.
Theological implications: Prophetic leadership is ordained by God. The urgency of repentance before Christ’s return is key.
6 Behold, this is mine authority, and the authority of my servants, and my preface unto the book of my commandments, which I have given them to publish unto you, O inhabitants of the earth.
Divine Authority of Scripture. Doctrine and Covenants is not merely human wisdom; it is God’s revelation, carrying divine authority.
Analysis: God establishes that divine revelations are from Him - “Mine authority”. D&C 1 is God’s introduction to the commandments and revelations. The Book of Commandments is a reference to the Doctrine and Covenants.
Theological implication: Canonization of scripture is divinely sanctioned. Restoration of divine revelation commences the restoration, gathering of Israel, and the heralding of the Second Coming.
7 Wherefore, fear and tremble, O ye people, for what I the Lord have decreed in them shall be fulfilled.
Certainty of Prophecy: God's decrees are unchangeable. This verse emphasizes faith in divine promises and prophetic fulfillment.
Analysis: "Fear and Tremble" evokes reverence and accountability. "Shall be fulfilled" asserts the certainty of prophecy.
Theological Implications: God's word is unalterable and will come to pass.
8 And verily I say unto you, that they who go forth, bearing these tidings unto the inhabitants of the earth, to them is power given to seal both on earth and in heaven, the unbelieving and rebellious; 9 Yea, verily, to seal them up unto the day when the wrath of God shall be poured out upon the wicked without measure—10 Unto the day when the Lord shall come to recompense unto every man according to his work, and measure to every man according to the measure which he has measured to his fellow man.
Priesthood Authority extends beyond mortality. Sealing Power binds both blessings and judgments in eternity (Matthew 16:19).
Analysis: "Power given to seal" references divine priesthood authority - or the keys of the kingdom of God (Matthew 16:19). It is the binding authority to seal and minister in God's kingdom. Divine justice is emphasized with "the wrath of God." and "Recompence ... according to his work" aligns with divine retribution.
Theological Implications: Priesthood is the divine authority to enact God's judgments. Sealing power confirms eternal consequences. Final Judgment is impartial and the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:2) applies to divine justice.
Personal Reflection Questions
- How does this revelation deepen my understanding of God’s justice and mercy?
- In what ways am I responding to the voice of warning in my life?
- How can I strengthen my testimony of modern-day revelation?
Hopefully this will help you engage deeply with Doctrine and Covenants 1, making it more meaningful in your study.
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