D&C 111

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 111

Received August 6, 1836, at Salem, Massachusetts, when Joseph Smith and several leaders traveled to Salem seeking financial resources and treasure to relieve the debts of the Church. The Lord redirects their focus, promising treasures of a different kind and declaring he has many people in this city.

Scripture

The Lord Knows Their Concerns

Study note

God acknowledges the financial needs but tells them he is not displeased. He has much people in this city and promises to give them favor and the city's wealth in due time.

1 I, the Lord your God, am not displeased with your coming this journey, notwithstanding your follies.

2 I have much treasure in this city for you, for the benefit of Zion, and many people in this city, whom I will gather out in due time for the benefit of Zion, through your instrumentality.

3 Therefore, it is expedient that you should form acquaintance with men in this city, as you shall be led, and as it shall be given you.

4 And it shall come to pass in due time that I will give this city into your hands, that you shall have power over it, insomuch that they shall not discover your secret parts; and its wealth pertaining to gold and silver shall be yours.

Greater Treasures Than Gold

Study note

The Lord redirects their attention from temporal treasure to spiritual priorities—investigating the history of the area, visiting the people, and trusting that debts will be resolved. The real treasures are souls, not silver.

5 Concern not yourselves about your debts, for I will give you power to pay them.

6 Concern not yourselves about Zion, for I will deal mercifully with her.

7 Tarry in this place, and in the regions round about;

8 And the place where it is my will that you should tarry, for the main, shall be signalized unto you by the peace and power of my Spirit, that shall flow unto you.

9 This place you may obtain by hire. And inquire diligently concerning the more ancient inhabitants and founders of this city;

10 For there are more treasures than one for you in this city.

11 Therefore, be ye as wise as serpents and yet without sin; and I will order all things for your good, as fast as ye are able to receive them. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 111

God redirects temporal pursuits to spiritual prioritiesThe Lord has many people yet to be gatheredTrue treasure is found in souls, not wealthDivine patience with human weakness

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 111 2 Acts 18:10

The Lord's declaration that he has much people in this city echoes his words to Paul in Corinth: 'I have much people in this city,' encouraging Paul to continue preaching despite opposition.

D&C 111 7-8 Matthew 6:19-21

The redirection from temporal to spiritual treasure connects to Jesus' teaching to lay up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 111

This revelation shows God's patience and grace even when we pursue the wrong things for partly right reasons. The leaders needed funds, but God had a higher purpose in mind—people to reach, not treasure to dig up. When our plans don't work out as expected, God may be redirecting us toward something more valuable. The greatest treasures in life are relationships and souls, not material wealth.

Go Deeper

Study the Doctrine and Covenants in Covenant Path

Read every section with study aids and daily reading plans — free in the app.

Download for iOS Download for Android