Doctrine and Covenants 56 — Overview
Date & Setting
Date: June 1831
Location: Kirtland, Ohio
The Lord gave this revelation in response to Ezra Thayre’s refusal to fulfill his missionary assignment (D&C 52), which disrupted the work and left his companion without direction. It also addressed broader issues arising as the Saints struggled with the demands of consecration, obedience, and material equality.
Historical Background
Ezra Thayre delayed his journey to Missouri due to unresolved financial concerns over a land deal. His indecision frustrated missionary plans and revealed tensions about property, consecration, and individual sacrifice. The Lord uses this opportunity to issue a firm but balanced message—not only to the disobedient, but to both the proud rich and the covetous poor, calling all Saints to humility, obedience, and readiness to sacrifice.
🔗 Revelations in Context – “Ezra Thayre and the Order of the Church”
Purpose of the Revelation
To revoke Ezra Thayre’s calling and reassign the mission to others.
To underscore the Lord’s commitment to move His work forward, even when individuals falter.
To address the spiritual dangers of pride, whether rooted in wealth or covetousness among the poor.
To reaffirm the conditions of Zion: only the humble, obedient, and consecrated can build it.
Significance
Highlights the Lord’s expectation that covenants and assignments be fulfilled with exactness.
Reveals that the Lord shows no partiality—the wealthy are warned against pride and hoarding, while the poor are warned against envy and resentment.
Emphasizes that Zion requires unity, sacrifice, and sincerity from all—regardless of station.
Models the principle of spiritual adaptability: the Lord removes or replaces servants when needed, but His work goes on.
Verses | Main Theme | Summary |
1–2 | The Lord Withdraws from the Disobedient | The Lord declares that He will not justify the rebellious, and that assignments will be revoked when faith is lacking. |
3–5 | Ezra Thayre’s Calling Revoked | Because of his failure to act, Ezra’s assignment is canceled, and Thomas Marsh is free to proceed without him. |
6–7 | Warning to the Proud and Careless | The Lord rebukes those who ignore counsel, act in pride, or neglect their covenants. |
8–11 | Blessings for the Humble and Obedient | The poor and meek who receive the gospel with gratitude are promised inheritance and joy. |
12–13 | Warning to the Wealthy Who Hoard | The rich who withhold and refuse to sacrifice are warned: they will be cut off unless they repent and share. |
14–17 | Warning to the Covetous Poor | The Lord also rebukes the poor who are not pure in heart, who envy the wealthy and covet rather than consecrate. Zion cannot be built by any who resist the Lord’s order. |
This revelation addresses a disruption in Church assignments due to Ezra Thayre’s unwillingness to fulfill his mission call. But it also broadens into a powerful doctrinal warning for all Saints—rich and poor alike—about the spiritual dangers of pride, covetousness, and refusal to sacrifice.
The Lord is clear: He will not delay His work due to the rebellion or hesitation of individuals. Assignments may be revoked, callings reassigned, and blessings withdrawn—but the work of Zion moves forward. Those who obey, regardless of social status or wealth, will be blessed. But those who hoard, envy, or ignore divine instruction will be warned and judged.
This revelation shows the Lord’s impartial justice: both the rich who refuse to give and the poor who covet and resent are warned. Zion can only be built by the humble, the obedient, and the pure in heart, regardless of material condition.