Doctrine & Covenants Section 62
Overview
Date: August 13, 1831
Location: Banks of the Missouri River, near Chariton, Missouri
Recipient: Joseph Smith and a group of elders traveling from Independence to Kirtland
Verses: 9
Revelation Context:This revelation was given after a joyful reunion between Joseph Smith’s traveling party and a group of elders heading to Zion. The Lord acknowledges their faithful testimony and instructs them on how to proceed in their journey, emphasizing the importance of free will, spiritual guidance, and unity in bearing testimony.
Timeframe & Setting
The revelation occurs the day after D&C 61, as Joseph Smith and his group continue their return journey from Missouri to Ohio.
They encounter a second group of elders heading west toward Zion and share a joyful meeting.
This moment of fellowship comes after a stretch of tense and dangerous travel down the Missouri River.
Key Circumstances
This is a moment of transition and instruction—the Saints are scattered along the path between Kirtland and Independence, and direction is needed on how to coordinate travel and ministry.
The Lord uses this opportunity to commend their faithfulness and to clarify how they should proceed, especially emphasizing spiritual discretion in decision-making.
This section addresses how their testimonies are recorded in heaven, a powerful affirmation of divine acknowledgment.
Purpose of the Revelation
To commend the elders for their faithful testimonies, which are recorded and witnessed by angels.
To authorize flexibility in how they travel and minister—“altogether, or two by two”—highlighting the role of agency guided by the Spirit.
To promise preservation and joy for the faithful and reaffirm that the Lord is always with them.
To remind them of their mission's purpose: to bear glad tidings and to continue in unity.
Significance
Doctrinal Insight: Introduces a powerful doctrinal truth that our sincere testimonies are recorded in heaven (D&C 62:3), and that angels rejoice over such offerings.
Spiritual Application: Offers a divine model of leadership—one that honors agency, invites the Spirit, and emphasizes ministering with joy and unity.
Practical Instruction: Encourages Saints to follow the Spirit in travel and ministry, providing a precedent for decision-making in the early Church.
Covenantal Language: The Lord’s promise that “the kingdom is yours” (D&C 62:9) reassures the Saints of their inheritance and divine approval when faithful.
Verse-by Verse
D&C 62:1–3 — Testimonies Are Recorded in Heaven
Verses 1-3
1 Behold, and hearken, O ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, your advocate, who knoweth the weakness of man and how to succor them who are tempted.
2 And verily mine eyes are upon those who have not as yet gone up unto the land of Zion; wherefore your mission is not yet full.
3 Nevertheless, ye are blessed, for the testimony which ye have borne is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice over you, and your sins are forgiven you.
Summary:
The Lord, as Advocate, speaks directly to the elders, acknowledging their weakness and their testimony. Their efforts are recorded in heaven, pleasing the angels, and they are assured forgiveness.
Language & Cultural Insights:
Advocate: Greek: παράκλητος (paraklētos) – one who intercedes, comforts, and pleads another’s cause before a judge.
Succor: From Latin succurrere — “to run or move quickly to the rescue,” emphasizing Christ’s immediacy in assisting the afflicted and tempted. (Hebrews 2:18)
Testimony recorded in heaven: Echoes ideas from Malachi 3:16 and Revelation 20:12, where records are kept in the “book of remembrance.”
Reflection Questions:
How does it change your understanding to know your testimony is observed and recorded in heaven?
When have you experienced the Lord’s succor during a personal temptation or trial?
📚 References:
D&C 62:4–5 — Preach According to Judgment and the Spirit
D&C 62:6–7 — Gratitude and the Fulfillment of God’s Promise
Doctrine and Covenants 62:8–9Doctrine and Covenants 62:8–9