Doctrine & Covenants 51 — Study Guide

Summary:

• Stewardships are to be assigned equitably—not identically, but justly, based on family size, needs, and circumstances.

• The principle of “equality” here is contextual and compassionate, not mathematical.

• Land is given through a written deed—a legal stewardship document signed by the bishop.

• The steward retains his inheritance unless he is no longer worthy, at which point only deeded (not consecrated) portions remain his.

• The consecrated portion returns to the bishopric for the poor and needy—illustrating the communal

Language & Cultural Insights

“Portions” –

In Hebrew, this concept is often expressed with חֵלֶק (chelek), meaning "lot" or "inheritance portion" (see Joshua 18:10).

 “Inheritance in the Church” –

Echoes ancient Israelite land allotments tied to tribal identity and covenantal belonging.

 “Writing that shall secure” –

Indicates an early example of a legal stewardship deed—a contractual document acknowledging both temporal and spiritual trust.

Inheritance Documents in Ancient Israel

1. Written Legal Instruments: "Sefer" and "Kitvei" (Scrolls & Writings)

• The Hebrew term סֵפֶר (sefer) refers to a scroll or written legal document.

• The plural, כְּתוּבִים (kituvim), from the root  כָּתַב (kātab), simply means "writings" but can include legal records, such as:

  • Deeds of land transfer

  • Marriage contracts (like a ketubah)

  • Inheritance allocations

  • Levirate marriage contracts

• These were likely recorded at city gates or with elders, much like legal cases were heard there (see Ruth 4).

Example in Scripture:

·      “Then Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the Lord… in a book.” – Jeremiah 36:4This shows that prophets and scribes routinely recorded legal and prophetic declarations.

2. Property Allotments: The Tribal System

• The Book of Joshua (chapters 13–22) outlines how land was divided by lot (Heb: גּוֹרָל / goral) among the tribes.

• These portions were not only oral traditions but likely documented through temple or tribal recordkeeping.

• In Numbers 27:1–11, the daughters of Zelophehad request written rights to inheritance—and God commands Moses to write them into the law.

  
  

3. Ketivah (כתיבה): Written Deeds and Contracts

• The Mishnah (compiled later but based on oral law of Second Temple Judaism) references written contracts including wills and land transfers.

• A “ketivah” was a generic term for a written agreement—similar in some ways to a stewardship deed like that given in D&C 51:4.

  
  

Archaeological evidence from the Lachish Letters, Elephantine Papyri, and Qumran (Dead Sea Scrolls) supports the use of formal written contracts in Jewish communities dating back to the 7th–5th centuries BCE. (From Texts to Scribes: Evidence for Writing in Ancient Israel, The Lachish Letters: Documents from Lehi’s Day By Hugh Nibley

“According to the Laws and Covenants”

• Torah (תּוֹרָה) = “law,” instruction, covenantal guidance

• Berit (בְּרִית) = “covenant,” binding, sacred agreements between God and His people: used for legal and divine pacts. (Ex: Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 17), Sinai Covenant (Exodus 19–24), and Land Inheritance Laws (Numbers 27, 36))

• Mishpatim (מִשְׁפָּטִים) = judgments or case law

• Chukkim (חֻקִּים) – statutes, ordinances, divine decrees beyond human rationale

 “Transgress and not be accounted worthy” –

Worthiness was community-assessed, not self-assigned.

Greek equivalent of “steward” is οἰκονόμος (oikonomos), meaning “house manager” or “trustee,” as in 1 Corinthians 4:2: “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

Reflection Questions

• How does the Lord’s vision of equality differ from modern economic or political systems?

• What does it mean to receive a stewardship rather than personal ownership?

• How can we emulate this principle of need-based giving and responsibility today?

• In what ways does the restored gospel combine spiritual ideals with practical structures?

• How do sacred covenants influence the way we manage our homes, callings, or resources?

• The gospel is not only a spiritual philosophy—it is a covenantal order built on structure, accountability, and trust. Do I see my responsibilities—as a parent, leader, employee, or member—as sacred trusts from God? If so, how does that perspective deepen my discipleship?

Cross-References

• D&C 42:30–32 – The Lord commands the Saints to consecrate their properties for equitable distribution.

• Acts 4:32–35 – Early Christians held all things in common.

• Jacob 2:17–19 – Seek the kingdom of God and use riches to bless others.

• Mosiah 4:26 – Retain a remission of sins through caring for the needy.

Relevant Conference Talks and Resources

• “Enrichment L: The Law of Consecration and Stewardship – Doctrine and Covenants Student ManualThis resource delves into the principles of consecration and stewardship, explaining their significance in building Zion and living a life dedicated to God's service.

Summary:

• The Lord affirms that the consecration system must align not only with divine law but also with the civil laws (“laws of the land”).

• Each group or community has a right to its own appointed resources—internal stewardship is emphasized.

• The appointment of an agent introduces a practical layer of economic responsibility—food and clothing are prioritized.

  
  

Language & Cultural Insights

“Made sure” –

May echo the Hebrew legal idiom אָמֵן (amen), which can mean “confirmed, upheld, verified.” This is related to covenant oath-making.

“According to the laws of the land” –

Affirms the doctrine from D&C 58:21: the Saints are to honor, obey, and sustain local governments.

“Agent” –

In Greek, this aligns with διάκονος (diakonos)—a servant or administrator (used for Church leaders in Acts 6:3 and Romans 16:1).

Reflection Questions

• How do I view my civic responsibilities as part of my discipleship?

• Why does the Lord care so much about civil, economic, and legal details in His Church?

• In what ways can I serve as an “agent” to help distribute blessings in my ward or community?

Cross-References

• D&C 134:5 – Saints are bound to sustain civil governments.

• Mosiah 2:17 – Service to others = service to God.

• Acts 6:3 – Early Church appointed stewards (deacons) to handle temporal needs.

• Romans 16:1 – Phoebe is called a διάκονος, showing early Christian use of the term for practical Church service.

  
  

Relevant Conference Talks and Resources

• Love Your Enemies – Elder Dallin H. Oak (Oct 2020), Highlights the  need for greater civic responsibility, Knowing that we are all children of God gives us a vision of the worth of others and the ability to rise above prejudice.

• We Will Prove Them Herewith ” – Elder David A. Bednar (Oct 2020).  Emphasizes that  we are agents unto ourselves, and that “Now is the time to prepare and prove ourselves willing and able to do all things whatsoever the Lord our God shall command us.”

• “The Lord’s Way” – Elder Stanley G. Ellis (April 2017) The Lord’s way is that we hearken to our leaders’ teachings, understand correct principles, and govern ourselves.

Summary:

• Honesty and Equality: The Lord commands that all should deal honestly and “be alike,” receiving according to needs so that unity may be achieved.

  
  

• Boundary of Stewardship: What is appointed to one group should not be taken and given to another—highlighting the principle of spiritual boundaries and financial integrity.

  
  

• Inter-Church Transactions: If other congregations need support, agreements must be made and honored—there is a process of mutual accountability.

  
  

• Church Governance: Such decisions must pass through proper Church authority—the bishop or an appointed agent, affirmed by common consent (“voice of the Church”).

Language & Cultural Insights

“Be alike” –

Echoes the Hebrew ideal of צֶדֶק (tsedeq), meaning righteousness, fairness, or justice.

“One” –

Reflects the covenantal unity (ehad, אֶחָד) of Israel (cf. Deuteronomy 6:4) and the Savior’s prayer for His disciples in John 17:11, “that they may be one.”Greek: εἷς (heis) – “one in number or essence.”

“Voice of the Church” –

Reflects the early Church’s commitment to common consent, an echo of (קוֹל) qôl  קָהָל (qahal) or qārā' ʿăṣārâ— to call an assembly or congregation—in ancient Israel ( Joel 1:14, 2:15)

Reflection Questions

• What does it look like to truly “be alike” in a covenant community?

• Why is honesty so central to building unity among Saints?

• How does the principle of common consent help safeguard unity and fairness?

• What can I do to protect spiritual and temporal boundaries in service and leadership?

Cross-References

• Mosiah 18:27–29 – Members contribute according to ability; equality and fairness emphasized.

• 3 Nephi 26:19 – All things common among the people.

• Acts 4:32 – Early Christians had “all things common.”

• D&C 26:2 – Church decisions to be made “by common consent.”

Relevant Conference Talks and Resources

• “In Partnership with the Lord” – Elder Ulisses Soares (April 2022), while this talk primarily focuses on marriage relationships, it also highlights the importance of being united in accomplishing God’s work.

• “By Union of Feeling We Obtain Power” – Sharon Eubank (April 2022) As we seek union of feeling, we will call down the power of God to make our efforts whole.

Summary:

• The bishop is instructed to establish a storehouse—a sacred place for managing excess goods and money for the community.

• The bishop is also permitted to draw from the storehouse for the needs of himself and his family, recognizing the full-time nature of his service.

• This revelation affirms the divine privilege of being allowed to live under a higher law—organization according to God’s laws.

  
  

Language & Cultural Insights

“Storehouse” –

Hebrew: אוֹצָר (otzar), meaning a treasury, supply house, or sacred store (often associated with the Temple).

“Reserve” –

Implies a dignified, need-based allocation, not indulgence. This provision recognizes that those who labor full-time in God’s work are entitled to temporal support (cf. 1 Timothy 5:18).

“Organizing themselves according to my laws” –

Suggests a divinely structured society with both spiritual and economic order.Hebrew equivalent for “law” here: תּוֹרָה (torah) – instruction, covenantal guidance.

Reflection Questions

• Early Saints vs. Today: The Bishop’s Storehouse

  In what ways did the bishop’s storehouse serve the early Saints’ temporal and spiritual needs under the Law of Consecration, and how does today’s Church welfare system reflect that same divine concern in a modern context?

• Divine Organization Across Time

  What did it mean for the early Saints to “organize according to God’s laws” in building a covenant community in Ohio, and how can modern Saints apply the spirit of that law to Church callings, family life, and temporal stewardship today?

• Consecration Then and Now

  How did the practice of consecrated giving—literally surrendering all property—shape the early Saints’ faith and community? In what ways do fast offerings, tithing, and service today bless both giver and receiver in a similar spirit?

Cross-References

• D&C 42:33–34 – The storehouse is to support the poor and needy.

• Malachi 3:10 – “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse...”

• Acts 2:44–45 – The Saints held their possessions in common and distributed as needed.

• 1 Timothy 5:17–18 – Elders who labor in the word are worthy of support.

Relevant Conference Talks and Resources

• “Bishops—Shepherds over the Lord’s Flock” – Elder Quentin L. Cook (Oct 2005) The bishop has a paramount role in serving as a shepherd to guide the rising generation to Jesus Christ.

• “Is Not This the Fast That I Have Chosen?” – President Henry B. Eyring (April 2015) Your fast offering will do more than help feed and clothe bodies. It will heal and change hearts.

• “Establishing Eternal Patterns” Elder Earl C. Tingey (Oct 2004) The Lord used the word pattern in a revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1831: “And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived; for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations” (D&C 52:14).

• At the time this revelation was given, the Church was barely one year old, and there were certain manifestations of false and deceiving spirits. Accordingly, the Lord gave clear instructions in this section that there is an established pattern that all procedures, ordinances, and activities should follow. This pattern would help the Saints do things the Lord’s way.

Summary

• The Lord designates Ohio as a temporary gathering place—a transitional step in the Saints' journey toward Zion.

• Although the Saints will eventually be called elsewhere, they are to settle and labor in faith, as if they will be there for years.

• Trusting in the Lord’s timing is part of the test of faith—and the promise is that this will ultimately be for their good.

  
  

Language & Cultural Insights

 “For a little season” –

A phrase frequently used in scripture to describe a temporary trial or period of transition (cf. D&C 121:7–8).

“Act... as for years” –

Reflects the principle of settling with purpose, even in temporary situations—like the Israelites in exile.Compare with Jeremiah 29:5–7: “Build ye houses, and dwell in them...”

 “Consecrate” –

Hebrew: קָדַשׁ (qadash), meaning to make holy or set apart

Reflection Questions

• How do I respond when the Lord asks me to settle into a situation that may be temporary?

• What blessings might come from acting with commitment and consecration even in seasons of uncertainty?

Cross-References

• D&C 124:49 – When Saints do all they can and are prevented, the Lord accepts the offering.

• Ether 2:6–7 – The Lord leads His people in stages toward the promised land.

Relevant Conference Talks and Resources

• “He Goes before Us” – President Henry B. Eyring (April 2020) The Lord is leading the Restoration of His gospel and His Church. He knows the future perfectly. He invites you to the work.

Summary:

• Bishop Edward Partridge’s actions in Thompson are to be a template for Church administration elsewhere.

• The Lord gives a universal promise: anyone who is faithful, just, and wise in stewardship will inherit eternal life.

• The section ends with Christ’s personal signature and Second Coming warning—a reminder of urgency and divine presence.

Language & Cultural Insights

• “Faithful, just, and wise” – These virtues align with the attributes of the wise servant in Luke 12:42.

• “Cometh quickly” – Greek: ταχύς (tachys), meaning “soon” or “suddenly.”

Reflection Questions

• How can Bishop Partridge’s example guide my own leadership or ministering efforts today?

• What does it mean for me to be found “faithful, just, and wise” in my stewardships—both sacred and secular?

• How do I live in joyful expectation of Christ’s coming “in an hour [I] think not”?

Cross-References

• D&C 6:34–37 – Fear not, even Christ is in our midst.

• Luke 16:10–12 – He who is faithful in little will be trusted with much.

• D&C 58:26–28 – The Lord desires a wise and faithful people who act of their own accord.

Relevant Conference Talks and Resources

• “The Joy of the Saints” – President Elder D. Todd Christofferson (Oct 2019) Joy comes from keeping Christ’s commandments, from overcoming sorrow and weakness through Him, and from serving as He served.

• “Stewardship—a Sacred Trust” – Elder Quentin L. Cook (Oct 2009) Becoming a wise and faithful steward”

• “Converted unto the Lord” – Elder David A. Bednar (Oct 2012) Becoming faithful in all things.