Scripture Study Doctrine and Covenants Section 1 - Part 1

Scripture Study

Doctrine and Covenants

Section 1 – Part 1

Section 1 of the Doctrine and Covenants was given as a revelation from the Lord through the Prophet Joseph Smith during a conference of the elders of the Church in Hiram, Ohio on November 1, 1831. Joseph Smith had received many revelations before this time and chronologically it occurred between Section 66 and Section 67. During this conference, it was discussed that the revelations should be compiled into book form. This section thus constitutes the Lord's preface to the doctrines, covenants and commandments given in this dispensation. In the November 1989 Ensign, President Spencer W. Kimball wrote that “The Doctrine and Covenants is the only book in the world that has a preface written by the Lord Himself.”

The first word of Section 1 is “Hearken”. According to the dictionary, harken is defined as “to give heed or attention to what is said; to listen.” At this point it is the Lord, as noted in verse 2, that is telling all men to listen. That all men should see and all men should hear. It is a warning to all people delivered by the voices of his chosen disciples during these last days. He has given us prophets that deliver not only the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants, but also General Conference twice a year and Church Magazines (Ensign, Liahona, New Era and Friend) to guide us through our lives.

In verses 5-7 of Section 1, the Lord tells us that he is sending forth these chosen ones and none shall be delayed. They will carry his authority and declares that His decree that they bring forth (the Doctrine and Covenants) shall be fulfilled. What an unearthly responsibility the Prophet must feel while leading the Church. The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “It is an awful responsibility to write in the name of the Lord.” (History of the Church, 1:226).

“Soon after President Spencer W Kimball had moved into the office of President of the Church, Elder Boyd K. Packer went to him to get his approval for an article he had been asked to write. He found President Kimball seated at his desk weeping. Concerned, he asked, “President Kimball, what is the matter?” 'I am such a little man for such a big responsibility!' was the quiet response.” (Lucile C. Tate, Boyd K. Packer: A Watchman on the Tower, 187.)

The Lord explains to us in verses 14-16 the need for his chosen disciples. We are to prepare for the time when “the arm of the Lord will be revealed.” People will not hear His voice, nor the voice of His servants, nor the words of His prophets and apostles because they have strayed from the ordinances and broken His covenants. They have not sought the Lord because “every man walketh in his own way” and can decide his own path. But the Lord, knowing that which will happen in the future, sent Joseph Smith, Jr and successive prophets to speak in these latter days and give us further commandments and that they should proclaim these to the world.