Doctrine & Covenants 69 — Preserving Revelation, Record, and Stewardship
Overview
Date of Revelation: November 11, 1831
Location: Hiram, Ohio
Recipient(s): John Whitmer (also mentions Oliver Cowdery)
Section Summary: This revelation assigns John Whitmer to accompany Oliver Cowdery to Missouri with sacred funds and the manuscript revelations destined for publication. The Lord instructs that sacred stewardships should not rest on one individual alone, but be shared by faithful companions. John Whitmer is also formally directed to continue his role as Church historian—traveling, recording, and preserving key events of the Church for current and future generations.
Timeframe & Setting
Received shortly after a special conference (Nov. 1–2, 1831) in which the decision was made to publish the Book of Commandments.
Section 133, the “Appendix,” had just been added on November 3.
This section is a practical directive about security, stewardship, and historical preservation during a formative moment for the Church.
Key Circumstances
Oliver Cowdery had been chosen to carry manuscripts and donated funds to Missouri.
The Lord reveals it is not wise for him to go alone.
John Whitmer is assigned to accompany him and gather records for the Church’s historical archive.
Purpose of the Revelation
To provide divine instruction for safeguarding both sacred funds and scripture manuscripts.
To formally designate John Whitmer’s dual role as companion and Church historian.
To establish a divine pattern of recordkeeping, companionship, and accountability.
Significance
Highlights the early Church’s emphasis on sacred records and eyewitness documentation.
Reinforces the covenantal principle of stewardship by companionship.
Sets a precedent for scriptural publication and historical preservation within Zion.
Underlines the prophetic vision for Zion as an administrative and spiritual center.
Doctrine & Covenants 69:1–2 — A Companion for Oliver
Verses 1-2
1 Hearken unto me, saith the Lord your God, for my servant Oliver Cowdery’s sake. It is not wisdom in me that he should be entrusted with the commandments and the moneys which he shall carry unto the land of Zion, except one go with him who will be true and faithful.
2 Wherefore, I, the Lord, will that my servant, John Whitmer, should go with my servant Oliver Cowdery;
Linguistic & Cultural Insights:
“Hearken” (שָׁמַע shamaʿ): To hear with intent to obey. This covenantal word frames divine instruction in both Old and New Testaments.
Traveling in pairs aligns with Christ’s instructions in Luke 10:1 and the principle in Ecclesiastes 4:9–10: “Two are better than one... for if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow.”
Reflection Question:
What principles of accountability and divine companionship do we learn from this command?
D&C 69:3–4 — Commission to Record Sacred History
D&C 69:5–6 — Stewardship Reports Sent to Zion
D&C 69:7–8 — A Traveling Historian for Future Generations