Doctrine & Covenants 62 — Study Guide

Summary:

The elders are directed to gather in Zion, worship together, and then go forth preaching—either together or in pairs—as they are guided. Faithfulness in proclaiming the gospel is emphasized.

Language & Cultural Insights:

• Assemble: — The concept of gathering is expressed in Greek by συνάγω (synágō), and in Hebrew by קָבַץ (qâbats) and קָהַל (qâhal). These terms are often associated with assemblies, congregations, or convocations, and are foundational to the scriptural idea of the "Church." The English word church derives from the Greek κυριακός (kyriakos), meaning “belonging to the Lord.” This connection points to the idea of the Church as a gathered body, consecrated to divine purpose.

Solemn assemblies in ancient Israel—including the Moedim (appointed feast days)—were covenantal gatherings established by divine command. The Sabbath was central among these, functioning not just as a day of rest, but as a ritual marker of divine kinship and collective identity. In Greek, Sunday is called Κυριακή (Kyriakē), literally “the Lord’s Day,” a linguistic and theological echo of these ancient gatherings. The key component of this Day is the Lord’s Supper, what is referred to as the sacrament or eucharist (sacrament from sacrifice, and eucharist “giving thanks”)

Notably, the name Joseph comes from the Hebrew root אָסַף (ʼāsap), related to יָסַף (yāsap)—to add or to gather. Thus, the prophetic mandate to “gather Israel” is embedded not only in divine instruction, but even in the names and words chosen to describe covenantal roles and missions.

• Glad tidings: Greek: εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion) — “good news,” the root of our word “gospel.”

  
  

• Two by two: Reflects the pattern Christ used for missionary work in Luke 10:1.

• As seemeth you good, it mattereth not unto me; only be faithful: This phrase echos a  Hebrew idiom הַטּוֹב בְּעֵינֵיכֶם (haṭṭov bʿeineichem), which literally means: “What is good in your eyes” or “That which seems good/right to you.”

• Congregations of the wicked: Indicates non-believing or hostile audiences—not necessarily moral depravity, although that is certainly present, but it also includes those who are without law and unreceptive to truth.

Reflection Questions:

• What does it look like in your life to preach the gospel “according to judgment and Spirit”?

• Are there opportunities around you to share your testimony that you haven’t yet acted on?

Cross-References:

• Mosiah 18:9

• Alma 29:1

📚 References:

• “Becoming a Missionary” – David A. Bednar (Oct. 2005)

Summary:

The gathering of these elders is a fulfillment of prophecy, with a reminder that God’s promises are sure. Even physical provisions (like transportation) are acceptable gifts—when received with gratitude.

Language & Cultural Insights:

• Cannot lie: See Titus 1:2, reinforcing divine reliability.

• I, the Lord, am willing, if any among you desire: This phrase is a gentle yet powerful invitation: the Lord expresses His willingness to bless us with increased light and knowledge—if we genuinely desire it and are willing to seek it out. He references three modes of transportation—horse, mule, and chariot—as symbols for the varied paths we may take in our spiritual journey.

  
  

  Each method represents a different pace and process, all of which are acceptable before the Lord. The focus is not on speed or status, but on intention and faithfulness. Salvation is not a race. Remember, Christ entered Jerusalem on a donkey—a humble, deliberate symbol of peace and submission, not haste or grandeur.

  
  

  Whatever vehicle carries us forward—whether swift as a horse, steady as a mule, or elevated like a chariot—the key is to receive the journey’s blessings with faith, gratitude, and devotion. In doing so, our path will be sufficient before the Lord.

  
  

• Chariots: A rare term in modern scripture, but one that echoes ancient imagery of divine or royal transportation, often tied to mission and mobility, particularly to the heavenly realm. (e.g., Elijah’s chariot of fire in 2 Kings 2:11, Ezekiel’s chariot vision ).

• Receive this blessing: Echos  Psalms 24:5

  
  

"He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation."

This verse follows a progression describing one who may ascend the “hill of the Lord” and stand in His holy place (Psalm 24:3–4). The one who is pure in hands and heart, who lifts not his soul unto vanity, “yisá berākhāh”—he shall receive (or bear) a blessing.

Temple Endowment Connection

In Hebrew temple culture, “bearing a blessing” (יִשָּׂא בְּרָכָה | yisá berakháh)  was both a literal priestly act and a symbolic gesture of receiving God’s favor in sacred space. This connects directly to the LDS concept of endowment, where the faithful ascend into God's presence through symbolic priestly service, covenantal living, and purification rituals.

• “If he receive it from the hand of the Lord”

  
  

  • Biblical Hand Gestures as Covenantal Acts

    Throughout the Bible, hand-to-hand actions served as solemn gestures tied to covenants, priestly blessing, and ritual purity. These gestures were more than symbolic—they acted as embodied tokens of divine relationship and responsibility.

    
    

  • Key Examples:

    • Laying on of hands (סָמַךְ samakh)→ Used in sacrificial rites, priestly ordination, and healing➤ Leviticus 1:4, Numbers 8:10, Acts 8:17

    • Lifting hands in blessing or prayer→ A priestly act of conferring divine favor or invoking God➤ Leviticus 9:22, Psalm 134:2, Luke 24:50

    • Hand clasps and oaths→ Symbolic of entering covenant or swearing solemn obligation➤ Genesis 14:22, Ezekiel 17:18

Reflection Questions:

• Do I acknowledge and express gratitude for everyday blessings as gifts from God?

• What blessings in my life testify that the Lord keeps His promises?

  
  

Cross-References:

• D&C 59:21

• 1 Thessalonians 5:18

• Alma 34:38

📚 References:

• “Gratitude” – Dieter F. Uchtdorf (Oct. 2014)

Summary

These verses close the revelation with a powerful affirmation of agency guided by the Spirit and a comforting promise of divine companionship. The Lord places trust in His servants, allowing them to act according to their judgment—as long as they remain aligned with the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

Language & Cultural Insights

• "According to judgment and the directions of the Spirit" – This phrase emphasizes the Lord’s pattern of inviting personal stewardship and spiritual discernment rather than micromanagement. In Hebrew, this principle aligns with בְּחִירָה חָפְשִׁית (bechirah chofshit) – free will / moral agency (source).

  
  

• The phrase “the kingdom is yours” implies inherited stewardship (see D&C 84:38) and echoes Luke 12:32: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

  
  

• "I am with the faithful always" reflects a covenantal phrase found throughout scripture (e.g., Immanuel — עִמָּנוּאֵל — “God with us”; see Matthew 1:23, Isaiah 7:14), emphasizing divine presence as a reward for faithfulness.

  
  

Reflection Questions

• What does it mean in your life to act “according to judgment and the directions of the Spirit”?

• In what ways do you feel the Lord’s presence when you exercise spiritual agency faithfully?

• How can you more intentionally receive the promise “the kingdom is yours” in your daily discipleship?

  
  

📚 References

• Matthew 28:20: “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”