Doctrine and Covenants Section 65 — “Thy Kingdom Come”
Overview
Date of Revelation: October 1831
Location: Hiram, Ohio
Recipient: The Church (through Joseph Smith)
Verses: 6
Section Summary: This brief but profound revelation is styled as a prayer or doxology, echoing the language of the Lord’s Prayer from the Sermon on the Mount (see Matthew 6:9–13). It proclaims the coming of God’s kingdom on earth and the role of His servants in preparing the way for Christ’s return. The section speaks to the divine authority of priesthood keys, the gathering of Israel, and the end-time glory of Zion. It is often considered a poetic declaration of the Latter-day work and the triumph of God’s kingdom.
Timeframe & Setting
Section 65 was received not long after Joseph Smith returned from his visit to Missouri and began preparing to resume his work on the JST (Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible). The tone and structure of this revelation reflect a liturgical, temple-like cadence—a marked contrast to the disciplinary and instructional tone of Section 64. The Lord here shifts to the cosmic vision of Zion, declaring that the kingdom of God is coming and that His servants are to prepare its path.
Key Circumstances
Coming just weeks after stern counsel in Section 64, this revelation presents prophetic encouragement and heavenly vision.
The Saints were establishing new communities in Ohio and Missouri; questions about the nature and timing of the “kingdom” were spiritually urgent.
This section bridges temporal church administration with the eternal reality of Christ’s millennial reign.
Purpose of the Revelation
To affirm the coming of God’s kingdom, both spiritually (through priesthood authority) and physically (in preparation for the Second Coming).
To draw parallels between the earthly church and the heavenly kingdom.
To motivate the Saints to labor diligently as instruments in preparing the world for the return of the King.
Significance
This section places the efforts of the Saints in an eternal, prophetic context, reminding them (and us) that we labor in the shadow of God's overarching plan.
It invokes direct language from the Lord’s Prayer, highlighting how restoration scripture reflects and fulfills biblical prophecy.
Section 65 is often quoted in discussions about Zion, priesthood keys, gathering, and millennial preparation.
Verse-by-Verse Summary
Doctrine and Covenants 65:1–2 – “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord”
Verses 1-2
1 Hearken, and lo, a voice as of one sent down from on high, who is mighty and powerful, whose going forth is unto the ends of the earth—yea, whose voice is unto men—prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
2 The keys of the kingdom of God are committed unto man on the earth, and from thence shall the gospel roll forth unto the ends of the earth, as the stone which is cut out of the mountain without hands shall roll forth, until it has filled the whole earth.
Summary
This revelation draws heavily upon the prophetic imagery of John the Baptist and the messianic hope laid out in Isaiah. It reaffirms the Restoration of priesthood authority, identifying the Church of Jesus Christ as the kingdom cut “without hands” that is destined to fill the earth. Those who hold the keys of the kingdom are charged with preparing the world for the Lord’s return by making His paths straight—a call to personal repentance, institutional preparation, and global proclamation.
Language & Cultural Insights
“Prepare ye the way of the Lord” (cf. Isaiah 40:3, Matthew 3:3, Luke 3:4–6) — This phrase was the signature mission of John the Baptist, who served as the forerunner of Christ’s first coming. His role was to call Israel to repentance and prepare hearts to receive the Messiah. Today, the restored Church and its ordained leaders fulfill that same preparatory role for the Second Coming.
“Make his paths straight” — In the ancient world, this phrase was used when royal envoys would clear and level roads for a visiting king. Spiritually, it means removing obstacles of sin, pride, or unbelief from the Lord’s access to our hearts. In Greek, the word for “straight” is εὐθείας (eutheias), meaning right, upright, or direct, signifying moral clarity and doctrinal alignment.
“Keys of the kingdom” (cf. Matthew 16:19) — Symbolize the divine authority to govern the Lord’s Church on earth, including sealing power, revelation, and oversight. This authority, restored to Joseph Smith by Peter, James, and John (see D&C 27:13), empowers modern prophets and apostles to lead, guide, and prepare the Saints worldwide.
“Stone cut out of the mountain without hands” — From Daniel 2:44–45, this image signifies that the kingdom of God is of divine origin, not human. It cannot be stopped or overthrown and will fill the whole earth as the gospel spreads and Saints gather.
Intertextual Connections
John the Baptist’s role as a forerunner is mirrored in the modern mission of the Church. Just as he called the people to repentance and warned of the coming judgment, modern prophets call us to prepare for the return of the King.
The path-making metaphor is found throughout scripture: those who truly repent, serve, and declare truth are “making the way” straight for others to come unto Christ.
Cross-References
Isaiah 40:3 – “Prepare ye the way of the Lord.”
Matthew 3:3; Luke 3:4 – John’s mission as a forerunner.
Matthew 16:19 – Christ gives Peter the keys.
D&C 27:13 – Restoration of priesthood keys.
Daniel 2:44–45 – The stone filling the earth.
D&C 1:30 – The only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth.
Reflection Questions
What does it mean in my life to “make the Lord’s paths straight”?
How can I help others prepare for the Lord’s coming through my calling, testimony, or service?
What obstacles might I need to remove from my own heart to more fully receive the Lord?
Doctrine and Covenants 65:3–4 – Call to Action and the Coming Kingdom
Doctrine and Covenants 65:5–6 – The Kingdom Shall Go Forth