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
Verses 3–4
3 Yea, a voice crying—Prepare ye the way of the Lord, prepare ye the supper of the Lamb, make ready for the Bridegroom.
4 Pray unto the Lord, call upon his holy name, make known his wonderful works among the people.
Summary
These verses expand on the “voice” introduced in verse 1, drawing connections to:
John the Baptist, the voice crying in the wilderness.
The Bridegroom and the marriage supper of the Lamb, which point to temple imagery and the Second Coming.
The invitation to proclaim God’s works, praise His name, and prepare a covenant society.
Language & Cultural Insights
"A voice crying" recalls Isaiah 40:3 and is quoted in John 1:23 as John the Baptist’s mission—to prepare the way for Christ. In the Restoration, this role is extended through modern priesthood holders preparing the world for the Second Coming.
"Prepare ye the supper of the Lamb" refers to the symbolic marriage supper of Christ and His covenant people in Revelation 19:7–9.
"Make ready for the Bridegroom" points directly to the Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25:1–13, emphasizing the need for spiritual vigilance and preparation.
"Call upon His holy name" echoes the ancient covenantal phrase in Hebrew: קָרָא בְּשֵׁם יְהוָה (qara b’shem YHWH)—to call on the name of the Lord in reverent worship and covenant renewal. See this idea in context in Genesis 4:26.
John the Baptist & the Keys of the Kingdom
John the Baptist was the prophetic forerunner of Christ and the bearer of Aaronic Priesthood keys. He restored those keys to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, as recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 13.
His role was to:
Prepare the way (Luke 1:17 (BLB))
Call to repentance (Mark 1:4 (BLB))
Identify the Lamb of God (John 1:29 (BLB))
In the Restoration, those who hold the keys of the kingdom are commissioned to:
Perform saving ordinances (D&C 84:19–22)
Preach repentance and gather Israel
Fulfill the prophetic vision of D&C 110:11, wherein Moses commits the gathering keys.
Cross-References
John 1:23 (BLB) – “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness.”
Isaiah 40:3 (BLB) – “Prepare ye the way of the Lord…”
Matthew 25:1–13 (BLB) – Parable of the ten virgins.
Revelation 19:7–9 (BLB) – The marriage supper of the Lamb.
Genesis 4:26 (BLB) – “Then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.”
Doctrine and Covenants 13 – Keys of the Aaronic Priesthood restored.
D&C 84:19–22 – Priesthood ordinances and the power of godliness.
D&C 110:11 – Moses gives the keys of the gathering of Israel.
Reflection Questions
What does it mean in my life to prepare the way for the Lord?
How do I make room for the Bridegroom in my heart and home?
In what ways am I called to proclaim God's wonderful works among the people?
Doctrine and Covenants 65:5–6 – The Kingdom Shall Go Forth
Verses 5–6
5 Call upon the Lord, that his kingdom may go forth upon the earth, that the inhabitants thereof may receive it, and be prepared for the days to come, in the which the Son of Man shall come down in heaven, clothed in the brightness of his glory, to meet the kingdom of God which is set up on the earth.
6 Wherefore, may the kingdom of God go forth, that the kingdom of heaven may come, that thou, O God, mayest be glorified in heaven so on earth, that thine enemies may be subdued; for thine is the honor, power and glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Summary
These final verses express a prophetic hope and call to prayer: that the earthly kingdom of God (His Church and covenant people) will expand until it merges with the heavenly kingdom at Christ’s return. The Lord is glorified as His people prepare, proclaim, and purify in anticipation of this convergence.
This echoes the Lord’s Prayer:
"Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." – Matthew 6:10
Language & Cultural Insights
"Kingdom of God" vs. "Kingdom of Heaven": In Restoration scripture, the kingdom of God is often understood as the Church of Jesus Christ on earth, while the kingdom of heaven refers to the divine reign to be revealed in fullness at Christ’s coming. The merging of the two in verse 5 is a fulfillment of covenant destiny (see Daniel 2:44.
"Clothed in the brightness of his glory" evokes imagery from Matthew 24:30 and Revelation 1:7, where Christ returns with divine majesty and power.
"Call upon the Lord" – Echoes covenantal pleading and priestly intercession. As in Joel 2:32: “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered…”
"Subdue thine enemies" – This is not about worldly conquest, but about spiritual triumph (cf. Psalm 110:1). The Lord subdues opposition through truth, righteousness, and judgment.
Cross-References
Matthew 6:10 – “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.”
Daniel 2:44 – A kingdom that shall never be destroyed.
Matthew 24:30 – “Then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man…”
Revelation 1:7 – “Behold, he cometh with clouds…”
Joel 2:32 – “Call on the name of the LORD…”
Psalm 110:1 – “Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.”
Reflection Questions
What can I do to help the kingdom of God go forth?
How does my personal preparation hasten the coming of the kingdom of heaven?
How can I call upon the Lord more meaningfully in my daily efforts?