Analyzing Apocalyptic Literature through the Lens of Music: A Detailed Analysis of D&C 29 (Part 1)
- CFMCorner
- Apr 2
- 29 min read
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:
λογία (-logia) from λόγος (logos) — "word," "study," "discourse."
Thus, eschatology = "the study of last things."
Biblical Use of Eschatos in Eschatological Contexts:
2 Timothy 3:1 — "In the last days perilous times shall come."
Hebrews 1:2 — "Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son..."
James 5:3— "Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days."
1 Corinthians 15:52 — "At the last trump..."
John 6:39–40, 44, 54 — "I will raise him up at the last day."
Revelation
🔍 Word Study: Apocalypse —"Revelation"
Greek: ἀποκάλυψις (apokálypsis) — "unveiling," "disclosure," or "removal of a veil."
Hebrew: גָלָה (galah) — "to uncover," "to reveal," or "to make known."
These terms emphasize that Revelation is not invention, but a divine revealing of things already prepared but previously hidden.
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?
Most apocalyptic texts were composed during times of intense oppression or suffering, offering hope that God would soon intervene. These texts encoded divine messages in symbolic "code language", much like parables, so only the spiritually prepared could perceive the true message.
"To you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables..." — Luke 8:10
Symbolism as Covenant Code
Apocalyptic texts are filled with:
Numbers with symbolic meaning (e.g. 3, 7, 12, 40)
Temple imagery and priesthood references
Cosmic geography (heavens, earth, sea, abyss)
Visual metaphors (beasts, trumpets, thrones, fire, etc.)
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
Understanding Scriptural Symbolism
7 Key Points to Remember: (“Glory, and Power, Be unto … the Lamb for Ever”)
Do the Scriptures provide an interpretation?
Do the writings of the Prophets (past and present) help us interpret the symbolic imagery?
Use study aids that are available such as the Topical Guide, Dictionary, Maps, etc. (Concordances, Lexicons, Almanacs, Encyclopedias, Timelines... to help put things into linguistic, historic, and cultural perspective and context.)
Allow the nature of the symbol teach you.
Listen to the promptings of the Spirit.
Balance the interpretation of symbolism with other revelation and gospel knowledge. One of the most important tips, is to fit the interpretation of any symbol into the overall scheme of gospel knowledge. No matter how clever, or how logical, or how ingenious our interpretation of a particular symbol may be, if it contradicts what is revealed in other places, we can assume it is wrong. (This can also help you learn to detect misinterpretations and counterfeits “All Things Must Be Done in Order.”)
Opposition in all things: Symbols are not good or bad, they are inherently neutral. They represent a spectrum of ideas along a similar vein that can be used and interpreted in a number of different ways. Inherent within the symbol itself one can see the forces of dichotomy at work. Context is essential, this will helps one to clarify the way in which a symbol is being used within a particular situation.
PRDS (Paradise) Framework
To study Jewish apocalyptic and eschatological scripture, we need to look at it from a Jewish perspective.
2 Nephi 25:2 Yea, and my soul delighteth in the words of Isaiah, for I came out from Jerusalem, and mine eyes hath beheld the things of the Jews, and I know that the Jews do understand the things of the prophets, and there is none other people that understand the things which were spoken unto the Jews like unto them, save it be that they are taught after the manner of the things of the Jews....
8 ...they shall be of great worth unto them in the last days; for in that day shall they understand them; wherefore, for their good have I written them.
The Jewish interpretive model: PRDS (PaRDeS) can help us to better understand these texts.
Level | Hebrew | Meaning |
P | Peshat | Simple, literal meaning, historical narrative & context |
R | Remez | Allegorical, symbolic hints |
D | Derash | Moral or homiletic interpretation, Language Word Studies, Poetic Patterns |
S | Sod | Mystical or hidden (spiritual) meaning |
This model treats scripture as an orchard of spiritual discovery, inviting us to:
Ask questions
Look for patterns
Uncover deeper meanings
Think Jacob 5
See more: 🔗 The Rise of the Church of Christ – CFM Corner
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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
Hebrew: כָּנָף (kanaph) – "wing," "covering," or "canopy"; associated with divine protection and refuge (Exo 19:4, Exo 25:20)
Psalm 91:4: “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust.”
In Judaism, the tallit (prayer shawl) has wings, representing spiritual refuge and covenant covering. (Psalms 36:7-11, Finding Refuge Under His Wings)
“Trump” – v.4
Hebrew “shofar” (שׁוֹפָר) – A ram's horn, used to:
Signal war or assembly (Num. 10:9)
Announce jubilee and freedom (Lev. 25:9)
Precede divine manifestation (Ex. 19:16, 19)
Call to repentance and warning (Joel 2:1)
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
Matthew 23:37 / 3 Nephi 10:4–6 – Christ as a hen gathering her children
Revelation 1:8 – "I am Alpha and Omega"
Isaiah 53:1 / Psalm 91:4 – Protective wings and divine covering
Exodus 19:16–19 – Trumpets at Sinai
John 10:27 – "My sheep hear my voice"
1 Thessalonians 4:16 – The trump of God and resurrection
📅 Conference & Commentary Resources
President Russell M. Nelson, “Let God Prevail” (Oct. 2020) – On the modern gathering of Israel
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Cost—and Blessings—of Discipleship” (April 2014) – Commentary on the hen metaphor and divine mercy
🧠 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
The Righteous Shall Stand – The Refining Fire of His Glory
“For the hour is nigh and the day soon at hand when the earth is ripe... I will reveal myself from heaven with power and great glory, with all the hosts thereof, and dwell in righteousness with men on earth a thousand years...” (D&C 29:9–11)
Overview & Commentary
These verses describe the momentous return of Jesus Christ in power, glory, and judgment. His arrival is likened to a refining fire—both devastating to the wicked and purifying to the righteous. The wicked are “burned as stubble” (Malachi 4:1), but the righteous are preserved and exalted, able to “stand” in His presence and dwell with Him during the Millennium.
This powerful contrast highlights one of the most enduring symbols of divine testing and triumph: The Refiner’s Fire.
Refiner’s Fire – Symbol of Purification
“He is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap.” –Malachi 3:2
The imagery of the refiner’s fire is essential to understanding the Lord’s work of sanctifying His people. It evokes a process of exposure to intense heat, whereby precious metals are purified—impurities are burned away, and only what is pure remains.
This fire is not meant to destroy the righteous—it is intended to refine them, to reveal their true worth, and to prepare them to stand in glory.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3)
This principle is powerfully illustrated in the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were cast into the fiery furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar for refusing to worship a golden image. The furnace was heated seven times hotter than normal, but instead of being consumed, the three young men were preserved, and a fourth figure appeared with them “like unto the Son of God.”
Key Symbolism:
The furnace = the trials of the last days
The fire = God's refining presence
The fourth figure = Christ with His people in the midst of tribulation
Their story teaches that the righteous can pass through the fire and not be harmed—because Christ walks with them. In the same way, the righteous in the last days will be preserved through the burning, through the shaking, and through the desolation, because they are “gathered under His wings” (D&C 29:2).
Key Hebrew & Greek Word Studies
Cross-References
Malachi 3:2–3 – Who shall stand when He appeareth? For He is like a refiner’s fire.
Malachi 4:1–2 – The day cometh that shall burn as an oven.
Daniel 3:23–25 – Christ walks with the faithful in the fire.
1 Peter 1:7 – “The trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold... tried with fire.”
Isaiah 43:2 – “When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned.”
D&C 133:41 – He shall sanctify by fire those who are prepared.
Temple & Priestly Connections
Fire was anciently required for sacrifice. The altar of burnt offering in the ancient tabernacle constantly burned as a symbol of sanctification.
The presence of God in the tabernacle and temple was often accompanied by fire and smoke.
In the last days, the Lord's fire purifies not just individuals—but the whole earth, preparing it to be the Millennial temple where He will dwell with His people.
Reflection Questions
How do I understand “fire” in my life—as destruction or purification?
What does the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego teach me about standing firm under pressure?
How can I be spiritually prepared to endure the “heat” of last days trials with peace and confidence?
In what ways has Christ already walked with me through my personal “furnaces,” and in what ways is He walking with me now?
Segment 3: D&C 29:12–13 – The Twelve Apostles and the Final Judgment
Sentinels of Time – The Divine Clock and the Council of Twelve
“...mine apostles, the Twelve which were with me in my ministry at Jerusalem, shall stand at my right hand at the day of my coming in a pillar of fire... to judge the whole house of Israel.” (D&C 29:12)
Clock Imagery and Symbolism
This passage invites us to envision the cosmos as a divine timepiece, steadily advancing toward the culmination of the Lord’s work—the Second Coming and final judgment. The Twelve Apostles, restored and exalted, stand as eternal witnesses and judges, like sentinels placed at each hour on a sacred, celestial clock.
Why Twelve?
The number twelve represents divine governance and wholeness:
12 Tribes of Israel
12 Apostles
12 Stones on the High Priest’s Breastplate
12 Gates of the Heavenly City (Revelation 21:12)
12 Hours of Day/Night
12 Months in a Year (Jewish Calendar)
12 Chromatic Pitches / 12 Divisions of Light (Color Wheel)
The Cosmic Clock – A Divine Chiasmus of Time
Consider the Twelve Apostles standing in a symbolic circle—like numbers on a clock. Within that Circle, these leaders govern the 12 houses, or Tribes of Israel. In this imagery, we see the concept of a wheel within a wheel (גַּלְגַּל galgal), like Ezekiel describes, a body of 24 Elders, like John describes, in their respective Thephonic Experiences. Each “hour” reflects a phase of prophetic time, a night and a day, divine pattern of organization that was established from the very beginning of Creation (Genesis 1:5).
Their robes and crowns symbolize priestly, kingly, and prophetic power, magnified in a pillar of fire—a divine vibrational axis resonating through space and time.
“...in a pillar of fire, being clothed with robes of righteousness, with crowns upon their heads, in glory even as I am.” (v. 12) (Matt. 19:28)
These apostles are not merely passive figures—they are transfigured beings, exalted agents of Christ, administering final judgment as promised in Matthew 19:28:
“Ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
Word Studies & Symbolic Phrases
Phrase | Language | Word | Meaning |
"Pillar of Fire" | Hebrew | Symbol of divine presence (Exodus 13:21) | |
"Robes of Righteousness" | Hebrew | Garments of purity, priesthood and royalty (Isaiah 61:10) | |
"Crowns" | Greek | Crown of victory and authority through righteousness | |
"Judge the house of Israel" | Greek | To separate, discern, and execute justice, judge, rule |
Cross-References
Revelation 4:4 – 24 elders clothed in white with crowns around the throne
Matthew 19:28 – Apostles promised thrones to judge the 12 tribes
D&C 132:19 – Exalted receive thrones, dominions, and principalities
Zechariah 14:5 – “...and all the saints with thee”
Patterns of Sound and the Pillars of Light
Can we see symbolic parallels between these principles of time, light, and tonal harmony?
The Circle of Fifths: A Map of Harmony
Symbolic Layer | Representation |
12 Keys | 12 Apostles, 12 Tribes, 12 Hours (24 with a day and a night), 12 Chromatic Pitches, 12 Months, 12 Divisions of Light |
Major Keys | Celestial Order – Joy, Power, Clarity |
Minor Keys | Various Degrees of glory depending on the keys they possess – outlines the Mortal Experience, along different stages of progression – more on this later. |
24 Total | 24 Elders – Divine Governance |
Each key within the circle modulates and resolves into another, working together in harmony, like the dispensations of time in a grand, divine musical progression.
Sound and Light: Complementary Languages that Testify of Jesus Christ and His Atonement.
And God Said (sound), let there be Light.
I AM the Light of the World.
Sound and color are both vibrational phenomena that operate according to the natural Laws of Physics. In a previous lesson, we explored how these laws can be applied to a musical parable that testifies of Jesus Christ and His Atonement (Learn of Me).
Worship as Resonance
“Lift up your voice” (Isaiah 58)
“Sing a new song” (Psalm 98)
“Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord” (Psalm 150)
Righteousness aligns us to the divine frequencies of God's voice—as we tune in to Hear Him, we feel the Master's touch, and become instruments in His hands.
Reflection Questions
What “hour” are we in spiritually? Am I aligned with God’s clock?
How can I stand as a sentinel of truth like the Twelve?
How does sacred music, color, and light help me attune to divine revelation?
What personal “trumpet call” is God sounding in my life?
How do I harmonize with heaven and tune my life to the will of Christ?
Segment 4: D&C 29:14 – 21 – Signs and Plagues Before the Coming
Prelude to Glory – The Unraveling Before the Renewal
“Before this great day shall come, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall be turned into blood, and the stars shall fall from heaven…” — D&C 29:14
🔍 Summary & Commentary
This section marks a climactic turning point in D&C 29, revealing a rich tapestry of eschatological symbols: the darkened sun, blood-red moon, fallen stars, plagues, hail, and corruption. These are not arbitrary or purely destructive images—they serve as divine signals of an impending transformation. The world is being dismantled, restructured, and purified to prepare for the Lord’s return. These verses echo apocalyptic warnings from Joel, Isaiah, Revelation, and Matthew 24—pointing to cosmic imbalance, societal collapse, and spiritual reckoning.
But this unraveling also represents an invitation. The Creator is calling the world back to harmony—cleansing, retuning, and refining both individuals and nations, as the “symphony of the Second Coming” approaches its grand crescendo.
Layer 1: Sun, Moon, and Stars – Signs of Distress & Eternal Structure
In this apocalyptic imagery, the sun, moon, and stars symbolize cosmic order, balance, and a metaphor for the heavenly hierarchy. In this context, a description of cosmic upheaval and distress is described:
Element | D&C 76 Correlation | Symbolic Meaning |
Sun | Celestial Kingdom | Full light, glory of God, the presence of Christ. Those who have received the authority and ability to harness and use His power dwell here. |
Moon | Terrestrial Kingdom | Reflected light. The root Terra also refers to Earth. The earth represents a testing ground where good people can learn to reflect the light of Christ. |
Stars | Telestial Kingdom | Distant light, the prefix tele-, as in telescope, means far away. Those who reject the power of God and the fullness of His gospel distance themselves from the power of His light. |
These heavenly bodies are visible manifestations of the respective degrees of glory. As they darken, bleed, and fall, this represents a cosmic shift within the divine order, carrying with it natural consequences of the law, including judgment, transformation, destruction, and upheaval. It is only through the Atonement of Jesus Christ that divine harmony can once again be restored, and the cosmos can return to a state of balance. From this perspective:
The Sun can be likened to our Celestial Home, and our Heavenly Family.
The moon can be likened to Jesus Christ who reflected the light and will of the Father in coming to Earth, bleeding to answer for the demands of Justice to redeem Mankind from sin and death.
The stars can be likened to Adam, mankind, who fell, but who, through the grace of God and His Atonement can find their way home again.
Plague Word Studies & Symbolism
Many of the words and symbols in this section mirror patterns found in the Exodus story—a sacred journey the early Saints would soon echo in their own pilgrimage to Zion. These themes are not confined to history; they are essential lessons in every disciple’s path of refinement. Each of us is invited to cast off the idols and impurities that dull our spiritual hearing, that we might learn to walk more closely with the Lord in our own wilderness journeys. Symbolic correlations are outlined in a Passover Haggadah that I shared previously in our In Remembrance Lesson. (Sacred Times & Places)
Phrase | Hebrew / Greek Root | Meaning / Symbol |
“Darkened” (v.14) | Hebrew: חָשַׁךְ (chashak) | To obscure light; withdraw truth or presence |
“Blood” (v.14) | Symbol of life, covenant, judgment, sacrifice | |
“Fall from heaven” (v.14) | Collapse of order; judgment upon prideful powers | |
“Flies and maggots” (v.18) | Echo of Egyptian plagues | Symbolic of decay, corruption, unchecked sin |
“Vengeance” (v.17) | Greek: ἐκδίκησις (ekdikēsis) | Righteous justice—not revenge, but covenant accountability |
Layer 2: The Circle of Fifths – Musical Scales & Modes as a Reflective Mirror
In music theory, keys, modes, and scales express different emotional “glories” or qualities. Just as the sun, moon, and stars differ in light and intensity, music conveys different degrees of brightness and depth through the various diatonic scales and modes.
Just as there were 7 days of Creation (Genesis 1), there are 7 notes of the Musical scale, both cycles repeat at the octave.
This is not a coincidence, many ancient musicologists acknowledged these connections, although most people today have forgotten these roots and its history. Regardless, once we know its there, and we know what we are looking for, we can observe that these ancient concepts are deeply imbedded into the liturgical traditions of many religious branches (stemming from the ancient feast days observances, i.e. Moedim/"Modes"). These concepts are even apparent in the etymologies of the traditional names that musicians still use today to describe Harmonic Function. (Tonic "Living Water", Mediant "Mediator", Dominant "Lord").
Each day of Creation holds symbolic significance, and its patterns are beautifully reflected in the framework of music. Below are some examples of correlations to consider:
Musical Parallels to Genesis
Day of Creation | Musical Function | Spiritual Symbolism |
Day 1 – Light | Divine origin; the "home key;" "Living Water" (restoring, medicinal, curative, John 4) | |
Day 2 – Waters divided | Supertonic: "Above the Tonic," and by extension, the 7th represents the Subtonic "below the tonic," called the "Leading Tone when it is diminished. Notice that the 2nd and 7th are on the same branch. Like a physical scale, anything you do to one side will directly affect the other side, this is called " intervallic inversion" in music theory and the menorah pattern can help us to better visualize how this concept works. Additionally, the second scale degree can become a Secondary Dominant when it transitions to a Major.) | Separation, "God Divided the Waters," Choice, Agency |
Day 3 – Earth appears | Dry land (Terra) | |
Day 4 – Sun, moon, stars | Sub-Dominant: the harmonic function of the Sub-Dominant is to Lead us to the Dominant) | These Celestial bodies were intended to give light to the earth, to teach us about signs, times, and seasons (מועדים /Moedim, aka modes, these tools provide us with a type of compass which offers direction and guidance). |
Day 5 – Life appears | Dominant: from the same Latin root as Dominus, “Lord” | Dominion, Lordship, Leadership, transformation |
Day 6 – Mankind | Submediant: relative minor to the Tonic and dependant on the Mediant. | Man was Formed on the 6th Day, created in God's image. This base is called the Aeolian Mode, from which the 3 minor scales are built: The three diatonic minor keys reflect the Three degrees of Glory:
As mankind ascends this spiritual ladder, they obtain additional "keys" that they can work with in their Compositions. One cannot ascend to a higher scale without becoming that scale. However, one can descend to any of the lower states, to use the chords and keys available in these stations. |
Day 7 – Sabbath & Fall | Diminished: used to modulate (to Transgress and/or Progress) from key to key. (Historically referred to as the Tritone and the Diabolica in Musica, "the Devil in Music." (In different scales and modes, the seventh takes on a different name, depending on its function. It is called the Leading Tone when it is diminished, and Sub-tonic when its not.) | Dissonance, instability; the need for resolution. On the Seventh Day, God rested from his labors, but this was also the day that Lucifer tempted Adam and Eve, and man fell, transgressing into a fallen state. However, God sanctified the 7th Day. Through the Plan of Salvation, a way for man to return to their Heavenly Home had already been prepared. |
Just as the heavens declare the glory of God (Psalm 19:1), music has the power to express the emotional and spiritual spectrum of His creations. It resonates with the soul in ways that transcend language or training. One does not need to be a musician to feel the truth and power conveyed through inspired music—the Spirit communicates through sound in a deeply intuitive, almost celestial language.
Temple Imagery and Musical Sanctity
In the temple, degrees of glory are architecturally represented: moving from Telestial (outer courts) through Terrestrial (holy place) into the Celestial Room.
Likewise, sacred music and its divine architecture can teach us similar principles. All things testify of Christ, and this parable can help us to better appreciate and understand these profound concepts.
Layer 3: The Abominable Church as the Whore of the Earth: A Symbolic Betrayal of Covenant Love
“And the great and abominable church, which is the whore of all the earth, shall be cast down by devouring fire...” (D&C 29:21)
This phrase echoes vivid language used throughout the scriptures, particularly in Revelation
17–18, Ezekiel 16 & 23, and Hosea. In each case, spiritual unfaithfulness is described in the language of adultery or prostitution, conveying not just moral corruption, but covenantal betrayal.
Israel as the Bride; God as the Faithful Husband
From the Sinai covenant onward, God portrays Israel as His bride:
“I will betroth thee unto me forever... in righteousness and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies” (Hosea 2:19)
But time and again, Israel strays, breaking her covenant vows. She worships other gods—foreign deities and idols, representing political alliances, corruption, materialism, vanity, and immorality.
“Thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot... and madest thyself images of men” (Ezekiel 16:15–17)
In covenant terms, idolatry = adultery. To worship other gods is to enter into relationship with another "husband," another provider—one who demands no loyalty, righteousness, or truth. This is the spiritual origin of the term “whoring” after other gods.”
Christ as the Goel – The Kinsman Redeemer
In ancient Israel, the Goel (גּוֹאֵל) was the kinsman redeemer:
He would redeem a family member who had been sold into slavery.
He would reclaim lost land, or marry a widowed relative to raise up seed in the family name (as in the case of Boaz and Ruth).
He would avenge blood, uphold family honor, and ensure the family legacy continued.
Christ is our ultimate Goel:
He redeems His fallen bride (Israel) from her bondage and spiritual adultery.
He pays the bride price (His blood) to reclaim her.
He offers marriage anew—a renewed covenant, through the Atonement.
“I have redeemed thee; thou art mine.” (Isaiah 43:1) “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it…” (Ephesians 5:25)
Deuteronomy’s Prophetic Warning & The Song of Witness
Before Israel even entered the Promised Land, God foretold her spiritual infidelity:
“For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves… and evil will befall you in the latter days…” (Deuteronomy 31:29)
To make the consequences unforgettable, God instructed Moses to teach Israel a song—a prophetic legal testimony that would stand against them in the last day:
“Now therefore write ye this song… that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel.” (Deuteronomy 31:19)
The Song of Moses (Deuteronomy 32) testifies:
God created and nourished Israel.
Israel became proud, fat, and corrupt.
She forsook the Rock and turned to strange gods.
Her betrayal would lead to judgment and scattering.
But God would remember the covenant and ultimately redeem her.
In last week's lesson, "All Things Must Be Done in Order," we learned about the nature of Satan, and how he is not a creator, he is a counterfeit. He takes principles of truth and twists and perverts them to serve his own ambitions. That is exactly what he did with this song and these principles. These concepts pertaining to the Kingdom of God and His Holy Priesthood were twisted and perverted into principles of astrology and priestcraft. Names of foreign deities, mythologies, and superstitions replaced the houses that once defined Israel and the Covenant, but sadly, due to time, details regarding this history will have to wait for a future lesson.
D&C 29 in Context: The Bride’s Final Judgment
By the time we reach D&C 29:21, the abominable church—the ultimate spiritual whore—is cast down by fire. This reflects:
The fate of Babylon in Revelation 18, who is judged for her immorality and seduction of the nations.
The burning of the harlot’s garments, which contrasts with the bride of Christ, who is clothed in fine linen, clean and white (Revelation 19:7–8).
Covenant Contrast:
The Faithful Bride | The Harlot |
Clothed in righteousness (Rev. 19:8) | Clothed in purple, scarlet, and gold (Rev. 17:4) |
Washed in the blood of the Lamb | Drunk with the blood of the saints |
Enters the New Jerusalem | Cast down into fire and desolation |
Redeemed by the Goel | Abandoned, judged, and devoured by her own lovers |
Musical & Visual Integration: The Song as a Witness
These symbols integrate flawlessly into the themes of music and harmony we've explored, like pieces of masterful puzzle:
Israel’s infidelity distorts the divine symphony—the major keys fall into dissonance, the celestial sun darkens, the minor and diminished tones dominate the spiritual atmosphere.
The song of Moses becomes a legal refrain—like a theme in a musical score that reminds the audience of earlier promises broken and sting of betrayal.
The bride had been given robes of light, a divine name, and a place at the table, but she chose foreign lovers and strange idols. (Consider the story of Vashti and Esther that we learned about in our lesson,"Seek for the Things of a Better World."
“They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God... I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be...” (Deuteronomy 32:21–22)
📖 Cross-References
Scripture | Theme |
Reflection: Which Bride Am I Becoming?
Do I live in covenant loyalty with Christ, my Redeemer?
Are there “foreign gods” and "idols" in my life—things of no substance that demand my loyalty but offer nothing of lasting value in return?
What “song” am I singing—one of harmony, love, and faithfulness? Or one of discord and self-service?
Do I let Christ be my Goel—the one who paid the price and offers redemption even when I stray?
Do I afford others the same opportunity when they have wronged me, do I allow the Lord to lift that the burden from me so I can heal and move forward in my progression?
How do you experience “light” and “glory”? How can seeing these patterns through music help to expand that light?
Have you ever felt a shift in your spiritual “key”? How would you categorize it? How have you sensed dissonance before a resolution?
How might musical practice—tuning, harmonizing, education, resolution—mirror your personal journey to a Celestial state?
What “foreign idols” in your life might be dulling your spiritual light or distorting your harmony?
In what ways does D&C 29:14 suggest that God speaks to us through both light and sound?
How does understanding cosmic and musical order help you better appreciate God’s role as the Great Composer of your soul’s symphony?
Segment 5: D&C 22- 28 – Resurrection and Final Judgment
Theme: The Great Inversion – Death, Resurrection, and Cosmic Renewal
“The end shall come, and the heaven and the earth shall be consumed and pass away, and there shall be a new heaven and a new earth.” (v.23)
🔍 Overview & Commentary
These verses describe what happens after the Millennium: the second resurrection, the final judgment, and the end of the telestial world. It is a sweeping transition from mortality to immortality, from corruption to perfection.
The theme of inversion and renewal shines through:
The earth passes away, but is reborn in glory.
The dead are raised, both just and unjust, to stand before the judgment bar of God.
The wicked are cast out, and the righteous are gathered eternally.
The “first shall be last, and the last shall be first” (v.30) speaks to a cosmic reordering: God’s justice corrects the injustices of mortality, bringing divine symmetry to the chaos of fallen creation.
⏳ Word Studies & Symbolic Phrases
Phrase | Word & Language | Meaning |
“Consumed and pass away” | Hebrew: כָּלָה (kalah) | To bring to an end, complete, or destroy with finality (see Isa. 51:6) |
Greek: παρέρχομαι (parerchomai) | To go beyond, disappear, pass into new form (Revelation 21:1) | |
“New heaven and new earth” | Hebrew: חָדָשׁ (chadash) | New in kind; renewed or restored (Isa. 65:17) |
“Michael shall sound his trump” | Hebrew: מִיכָאֵל (Mîkhā’ēl) | |
“The graves shall be opened” | Hebrew: קֶבֶר (qeber) | Tomb or burial place; metaphor for separation |
🌍 Covenantal & Temple Connections
Just as the tabernacle veil was torn at Christ’s death, the end of the world is the tearing of the veil that separates heaven and earth.
Michael (Adam) is portrayed as a high priest figure initiating resurrection—a cosmic Day of Atonement.
“A new heaven and a new earth” recalls the seventh day of creation, a completed and sanctified world made ready for God’s eternal presence (compare D&C 88:25–26; Revelation 21:1–5).
🎵 Musical Symbolism: Resolution and Home Key
In music, the home key is where all dissonance eventually resolves. All musical phrases, modulations, and tension will return to the tonic—the foundational note. So too, in this eschatological vision:
The chaos of mortal life finds resolution in resurrection.
The disharmony of sin gives way to the full, perfect cadence of eternal joy.
This is the final “modulation”—the keys modulate into celestial glory—when all creation is tuned to the presence of God.
🎼 Souls can choose to return to their source, just as our hero returns to his place of origin and a musical composition returns to its tonic.
Apocalyptic Pattern: Reversal and Renewal
The old passes away (D&C 29:24–25), all is restored—“not one hair, neither mote shall be lost” (v.25).
Dual Resurrections (Doctrine & Covenants 76; Revelation 20)
First Resurrection | Second Resurrection |
Morning of the First | After the Millennium |
Righteous & Just | Unrepentant |
Celestial/Terrestrial inheritances | Telestial & Outer Darkness (Perdition) |
📖 Cross-References
Scripture | Theme |
Resurrection, judgment, and the new heaven and earth | |
The resurrection of the body | |
Order of resurrection: just before unjust | |
“The elements shall melt with fervent heat” | |
“Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth” | |
“Many that sleep... shall awake” – both righteous & wicked | |
Detailed resurrection doctrine in the Book of Mormon | |
Resurrection of life vs. damnation | |
Resurrection begins with Christ – all shall rise | |
Spirit and body reunited perfectly, never to die again | |
Order of resurrection by glory and readiness |
💬 Reflection Questions
How does the promise of resurrection reshape the way you view loss, suffering, and death?
What areas of your life are currently in need of a divine reset?
What spiritual “modulations” is the Lord conducting in your life to help you on your path of progression?
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