Class Member Study Guide: Lesson 17
Doctrine and Covenants 59:13-14, 21
Doctrine and Covenants 119
Doctrine and Covenants 120
Isaiah 58:6-12
Malachi 3:8-12
3 Nephi 24: 8-12
Mathew 6:16-18
3 Nephi 13:16-18
Scripture Chain Fasting: Tithing
Genesis 14: 18-20
Leviticus 27:30
Malachi 3:8-12
Doctrine & Covenants 64:23
Doctrine & Covenants 119
Scripture Chain: Fasting
Isaiah 58: 5-11
Doctrine and Covenants 59: 13-16
Historical Background Section 59
Additional Background in Joseph Smith Papers
Polly Knight, mother of Newel Knight, was a member of the Colesville Branch and was determined to go to the land of Zion with other members of the branch.
Polly Knight, mother of Newel Knight, was a member of the Colesville Branch and was determined to go to the land of Zion with other members of the branch.
“Polly
Knight’s health had been failing for some time, according to a
statement made by her son, Newel. She was very ill during her journey
from Kirtland to Missouri. ‘Yet,’ says her son, ‘she would not consent
to stop traveling; her only, or her greatest desire was to set her feet
upon the land of Zion, and to have her body interred in that land. I
went on shore and bought lumber to make a coffin in case she should die
before we arrived at our place of destination—so fast did she fail. But
the Lord gave her the desire of her heart, and she lived to stand upon
that land.’ (Scraps of Biography, p. 70.)” (In History of the Church, 1:199n.)
The Prophet Joseph Smith
recorded: “On the 7th, I attended the funeral of Sister Polly Knight,
the wife of Joseph Knight, Sen. This was the first death in the Church
in this land, and I can say, a worthy member sleeps in Jesus till the resurrection.
“I also received the following: [D&C 59].” (History of the Church, 1:199.)
Background to Section 119
Additional Background in Joseph Smith Paper
The Prophet Joseph Smith received the revelation on tithing on 8 July 1838 at Far West, Missouri. The revelation came in response to the following question: “O Lord! Show unto thy servant how much thou requirest of the properties of thy people for a tithing.” (History of the Church, 3:44.)
The Prophet Joseph Smith received the revelation on tithing on 8 July 1838 at Far West, Missouri. The revelation came in response to the following question: “O Lord! Show unto thy servant how much thou requirest of the properties of thy people for a tithing.” (History of the Church, 3:44.)
President
Joseph Fielding Smith explained: “The Lord had given to the Church the
law of consecration and had called upon the members, principally the
official members, to enter into a covenant that could not be broken and
to be everlasting in which they were to consecrate their properties and
receive stewardships, for this is the law of the celestial kingdom. Many
of those who entered into this solemn covenant broke it and by so doing
brought upon their heads, and the heads of their brethren and sisters,
dire punishment and persecution. This celestial law of necessity was
thereupon withdrawn for the time, or until the time of the redemption of
Zion. While suffering intensely because of their debts and lack of
means to meet their obligations Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery,
November 29, 1834, in solemn prayer promised the Lord that they would
give one tenth of all that the Lord should give unto them, as an
offering to be bestowed upon the poor; they also prayed that their
children, and the children’s children after them should obey this law.
(D.H.C., 2:174–5.) Now, however, it became necessary for the law to be
given to the whole Church so the Prophet prayed for instruction. The
answer they received [came] in the revelation [D&C 119].” (Church History and Modern Revelation, 2:90–91.)
Although tithing had been mentioned in earlier revelations, this revelation established a new and exacting law to replace the law of consecration, which had been revoked by the Lord. “The law of tithing, as understood today, had not been given to the Church previous to this revelation. The term ‘tithing’ in the prayer … and in previous revelations (64:23; 85:3; 97:11), had meant to them not just one-tenth, but all ‘free-will offerings,’ or ‘contributions’ to the Church funds.” (Headnote to D&C)
Although tithing had been mentioned in earlier revelations, this revelation established a new and exacting law to replace the law of consecration, which had been revoked by the Lord. “The law of tithing, as understood today, had not been given to the Church previous to this revelation. The term ‘tithing’ in the prayer … and in previous revelations (64:23; 85:3; 97:11), had meant to them not just one-tenth, but all ‘free-will offerings,’ or ‘contributions’ to the Church funds.” (Headnote to D&C)
Background to Section 120
Additional Background in Joseph Smith Papers
When the Lord established the law of tithing in this dispensation (see D&C 119), he explained whose responsibility it was to handle the tithes of the Church. On 8 July 1838 the Prophet Joseph Smith received the revelation “making known the disposition of the properties tithed as named in the preceding revelation” (History of the Church, 3:44).
Thus
the stage was set for the frightful conflict and terrible loss of life
and property that followed. The Saints would have to pass through still
more of the “refiner’s fire” before they could find peace.
| Time Line Date | Significant Event |
|---|---|
| Summer 1836 | Saints began settling Far West |
| 26 Dec. 1836 | Caldwell County was created |
| Nov. 1837 | Joseph Smith briefly visited Far West |
| 14 Mar. 1838 | Prophet arrived to settle in Far West |
| May 1838 | Adam-ondi-Ahman was founded |
| June 1838 | Town of DeWitt was settled |
| 19 June 1838 | Sidney Rigdon gave his “Salt Sermon” |
| 4 July 1838 | Sidney Rigdon gave his Independence Day speech |
| 8 July 1838 | Four new Apostles were called, and the law of tithing was revealed |
