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Analyzing Apocalyptic Literature through the Lens of Music: A Detailed Analysis of D&C 29 (Part 1)




Unpacking Doctrine & Covenants 29 Layer by Layer:


A Deep Dive Roadmap


Doctrine and Covenants 29 is one of the most symbolically rich and doctrinally profound revelations of the early Restoration. To truly grasp its depth, we must move beyond a surface reading and carefully peel back its layers, one step at a time.


The Lord’s prophecies often unfold in ways that defy human assumptions. While many interpretations and theories circulate regarding how these events will come to pass, we must approach them with spiritual humility and thoughtful consideration. Remember: the Jews long anticipated the coming of the Messiah, yet many did not recognize Him because His coming did not align with their expectations. The Savior Himself warns, “I come as a thief in the night.” Unless we are spiritually attuned, we, too, risk overlooking the signs of His return.


Before we begin exploring the key segments of this revelation, let us first establish a clear interpretive framework—a spiritual roadmap that will help us navigate its symbols, warnings, promises, and eternal patterns with greater insight and faith.


Foundational Tools & Concepts


Key Terms


Eschatology

Eschatology is the branch of theology concerned with the "last things" or the end times — including doctrines surrounding death, judgment, resurrection, the Second Coming, the Millennium, and the final destiny of humanity.


Word Study

εσχατολογία (Eschatology):

  • ἐσχατος (eschatos) — "last," "final," "farthest," "ultimate"Describes a series of organized patterns that Appear in succession throughout the New Testament:

    • Mat 20:16 — "So the last shall be first, and the first last."

    • John 7:37 — "In the last day, that great day of the feast..."

  • λογία (-logia) from λόγος (logos) — "word," "study," "discourse."

Thus, eschatology = "the study of last things."


Biblical Use of Eschatos in Eschatological Contexts:

Revelation

Apocalyptic Literature

Unveiling Symbolic Truths

Apocalyptic literature is a prophetic genre that uses symbolic imagery, divine messengers, and visions to reveal God's plan during times of crisis, persecution, or cosmic transformation.


Examples of Jewish Apocalyptic Texts:

  • Daniel — beasts, thrones, judgment, and resurrection

  • Ezekiel — throne vision, dry bones, temple

  • Isaiah — upheaval and messianic reign

  • Zechariah — symbolic horses, angelic guides

  • 1 Enoch, 4 Ezra, 2 Baruch — heavenly visions and judgment

  • Dead Sea Scrolls (Qumran) — end-time war scrolls and priestly revelations


These writings are layered, veiled, and deeply rooted in covenant language. Frequently they include Garden of Eden Motifs, Temple Imagery, Throne Theophany, and so forth.


Jewish Apocalyptic and Eschatological Literature

In Jewish tradition, eschatology was often interwoven with apocalyptic literature, reflecting themes such as:

  • The coming of the Messiah

  • The resurrection of the dead

  • The Day of the Lord

  • Final judgment and reward

  • Restoration of Israel


Books like Daniel, Isaiah, Enoch, 2 Baruch, and the Dead Sea Scrolls all reflect these themes—sometimes symbolically, sometimes explicitly.


Christian Eschatology

In Christianity, eschatology centers on:

  • The Second Coming of Christ

  • The resurrection of the dead

  • The Millennium

  • Final judgment

  • The creation of a new heaven and new earth


In Latter-day Saint theology, this is further expanded by:

  • The gathering of Israel

  • The return of Zion

  • The descent of the City of Enoch

  • The judgment of the twelve tribes

  • The end of the telestial world and the ushering in of celestial glory

Why Was Apocalyptic Literature Written, and Who was its Audience?


Tools


Context

Understanding these symbols requires familiarity with the Law of Moses, Temple Ordinances, the Feasts of Israel, Covenant Patterns, Language, Culture, & History.


This is especially true for D&C 29, which follows the apocalyptic tradition with:

  • A gathering of the elect

  • Plagues and judgments

  • Resurrection and millennial reign

  • Final separation of righteous and wicked

The Language of Symbolism

PRDS (Paradise) Framework

ku

Chapter Outline

Theme & Description

1- Verses 1-8: Gathering of the Elect 

2- Verses 9-11: The Second Coming and Millennium 

3- Verses 12-13: The Twelve Apostles as Judges 

4- Verses 14-21: Signs and Plagues Before the Coming 

5- Verses 22- 28: Resurrection and Final Judgment 

6- Verses 29-35: All Things Are Spiritual 

7- Verses 36-39: The Fall of Lucifer and the Necessity of Opposition

8- Verses 40-45: The Fall of Adam and the Probationary State 

9- Verses 46-50: Little Children and the Unaccountable Redeemed 

 

Diving In


Section 29 is essentially a modern-day apocalypse. It reflects the same symbols, warnings, and hope seen in the writing of Isaiah, Ezekiel, and John the Revelator, and others.


To fully understand these texts, we must:

  • Learn to recognize patterns and symbols within the text.

  • Understand the historical and prophetic context in which it was revealed.

  • Connect it to other apocalyptic writings (e.g., Revelation, Daniel).

  • Consider its relevance in the past, today, and how it will yet be fulfilled.


Now that we've prepared our interpretive tools and established key concepts, we’re ready to begin our deep dive into D&C 29—segment by segment. Let’s see if we can uncover some of what the Lord is unveiling.


Segment 1: Doctrine & Covenants 29:1–8 — The Gathering of the Elect

🔍 Summary & Commentary


In these opening verses, the Lord introduces Himself with titles of profound authority and comfort—Redeemer, the Great I AM, and Advocate—inviting trust in His divine role and reassuring His people of His presence and purpose. He compares His desire to gather His people to a hen gathering her chicks, a profoundly symbolic image conveying protection, covenant belonging, and tender intimacy.


This imagery echoes familiar scriptural parallels in Matthew 23:37 and 3 Nephi 10:4–6, but it also resonates with an intriguing tradition still observed today during Yom Kippur—"Day of Atonement." In Orthodox tradition, Jews worldwide offer a chicken, or its equivalent cost, as a charitable contribution in observance of the holiday.


Remarkably, this revelation was received on September 26, 1830, corresponding with Erev Yom Kippur. Could this timing be coincidental? Or was the Savior trying to teach us something, reminding us of this ancient parable, inviting us to see the broader covenantal story unfold in the modern day?


In this revelatory moment, the Lord forgives the sins of those present, commissions them to proclaim His gospel with joy, and promises power through united prayer. Most importantly, He calls them to participate in the gathering of His elect—a theme that echoes throughout the Doctrine and Covenants and is central to the mission of the Restoration.


🌈 Key Themes

  • Divine identity and mercy of Jesus Christ

  • Forgiveness and joyful calling to serve

  • The role of the elect and gathering of Israel

  • Unity in prayer and spiritual preparation


🌐 Word Studies & Language Insights


“Redeemer” – v.1

  • Hebrew: גֹּאֶל (go’el) – A kinsman-redeemer, one who buys back or delivers (e.g., Ruth 4:4–6; Job 19:25)

  • Signifies legal responsibility and familial loyalty—Christ redeems not only as a Savior but as a covenantal kin.


“I AM (That I AM)” – v.1

  • Hebrew: אֶהְיֵה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֵה (’Ehyeh ’Asher Ehyeh: Exodus 3:14)

  • Often translated “I Am That I Am,” a more precise rendering is: “I will be who I will be.”

  • Ehyeh expresses continuous presence, emphasizing God's dynamic, living, and ever-present identity.  He is not just the I AM in the abstract; He is continually with us, and He will be who we need him to be: at all times, in all places, and in all things. 

  • John 8:58: Jesus declares, “Before Abraham was, I AM”—linking Himself to YHWH (Yahweh)

    • In John 8:58, Jesus boldly declares, “Before Abraham was, I AM,” directly linking Himself to the divine name YHWH (Yahweh)—the sacred title revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14.


      In Jewish linguistic tradition, the Hebrew verb הָיָה (hâyâh), meaning “to be,” is rarely used in the first-person present tense (“I am”) or in the third-person causative form YHWH, meaning “He causes to exist” or “The Self-Existent One.” This intentional avoidance is intended to reflect a deep reverence for the divine name and its sacred use.


      In modern English, this name is often rendered as Jehovah, though this pronunciation is historically anachronistic. The letter J and its [dʒ] sound (as in "judge") did not exist in ancient times. The original Hebrew letter Yod produced a “y” sound, later transliterated into Greek as iota and into Latin as “I” (or “Jot,” pronounced “yot”). The familiar “Jehovah” pronunciation didn’t emerge until the 16th century A.D., making it a relatively late adaptation.


      This linguistic journey is more than a historical footnote—it reminds us of the sacredness and mystery surrounding God’s revealed name, and why Christ’s use of “I AM” was so shocking and unmistakably divine to His Jewish audience. 

  • Revelation 1:8 – “I am Alpha and Omega... which is, and which was, and which is to come.” 


“Gather as a hen” – v.2


“Trump” – v.4

  • Hebrew “shofar” (שׁוֹפָר) – A ram's horn, used to:

  • Greek: σάλπιγξ (salpigx) – a loud trumpet blast used for summoning, often symbolic of divine announcements, including the resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 1 Cor. 15:52)

  • Scriptural echoes: Exodus 19:16–19 (Mount Sinai, שׁוֹפָר shôwphâr); Revelation 8–11 (seven trumpets)

  • Notice how many times the Lord repeats this theme in just this and next week's lesson material.


    Key Verses in D&C 29–36:

Reference

Phrase

Theme & Symbolism

D&C 29:4

“with the sound of rejoicing, as with the voice of a trump”

The trump heralds gathering, joy, and the divine commission.

D&C 29:13

“a trump shall sound… even as upon Mount Sinai”

Echoes Exodus 19, covenantal imagery, divine theophany, resurrection motif.

D&C 30:9

“as with the voice of a trump”

The call to preach with boldness, like the shofar in Israel's assemblies.

D&C 33:2

“lift up your voices as with the sound of a trump”

Echoes Joel 2, calling to repentance and gathering.

D&C 33:6

“the field is white... last time I shall call laborers”

Eleventh-hour call; urgency marked by trumpet voice.

D&C 34:6

“lift up your voice… both long and loud”

Trump language—bold, prophetic witness of the Second Coming.

D&C 36:1

“preach my gospel as with the voice of a trump”

Evangelism empowered by the Holy Ghost, a New Testament trumpet echo.

“United in prayer” – v.6

  • This echoes Matthew 18:19–20: “Where two or three are gathered...”

  • Emphasizes the power of communal intercession and harmony of will with the Father.


“Elect” – v.7

  • Greek: ἐκλεκτοί (eklektoi) – “chosen, selected,” indicating those who hear, recognize, and follow the voice (φωνῆς, Phones) of the Shepherd (John 10:27)

  • Not elitism, but covenant identity grounded in agency and humility.


🖊️ Scriptural Cross-References


📅 Conference & Commentary Resources


🧠 Reflection & Application

  • What does it mean for Christ to gather you “as a hen gathers her chickens”?

  • Where in your life do you need that kind of divine covering or protection?

  • What does it mean to you that God defines Himself as “I AM”?

  • How does Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh shape your understanding of Christ’s eternal role?

  • What does it mean to you personally that Christ identifies as Goel, Redeemer, and the Great I AM?

  • Where in your life do you most need the assurance that "I AM is with you"?

  • How can we live in greater awareness that God is not only "being" but "becoming with us"?

  • How can you participate in the gathering of the elect today?

    • Is there someone in your life the Lord is preparing for you to reach?

  • What role does united prayer play in your spiritual preparation and community building?

  • How do you respond to the Lord’s voice—His "phone" call in your life?

    • Are there distractions preventing you from hearing Him more clearly?

  • What do you think the Lord is trying to teach us using a trumpet as a symbol (1 Corinthians 14:6-15)?

Segment 2: Doctrine & Covenants 29:9–11 – The Coming of Christ and the Millennial Reign

Segment 3: D&C 29:12–13 – The Twelve Apostles and the Final Judgment

Segment 4: D&C 29:14 – 21 – Signs and Plagues Before the Coming

Segment 5: D&C 22- 28 – Resurrection and Final Judgment 



 

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