D&C 25

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 25

Received in July 1830 at Harmony, Pennsylvania, for Emma Hale Smith, Joseph's wife. Emma is called 'an elect lady' and given specific responsibilities including compiling a selection of sacred hymns for the Church.

Scripture

Emma Called as an Elect Lady

Study note

Emma is told her sins are forgiven, she is called an elect lady, and she is to be a comfort and support to Joseph in his afflictions.

1 Hearken unto the voice of the Lord your God, while I speak unto you, Emma Smith, my daughter; for verily I say unto you, all those who receive my gospel are sons and daughters in my kingdom.

2 A revelation I give unto you concerning my will; and if thou art faithful and walk in the paths of virtue before me, I will preserve thy life, and thou shalt receive an inheritance in Zion.

3 Behold, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou art an elect lady, whom I have called.

4 Murmur not because of the things which thou hast not seen, for they are withheld from thee and from the world, which is wisdom in me in a time to come.

5 And the office of thy calling shall be for a comfort unto my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun., thy husband, in his afflictions, with consoling words, in the spirit of meekness.

6 And thou shalt go with him at the time of his going, and be unto him for a scribe, while there is no one to be a scribe for him, that I may send my servant, Oliver Cowdery, whithersoever I will.

The Calling to Compile Hymns

Study note

Emma is instructed to make a selection of sacred hymns for the Church. The Lord declares that the song of the righteous is a prayer unto him.

7 And thou shalt be ordained under his hand to expound scriptures, and to exhort the church, according as it shall be given thee by my Spirit.

8 For he shall lay his hands upon thee, and thou shalt receive the Holy Ghost, and thy time shall be given to writing, and to learning much.

9 And thou needest not fear, for thy husband shall support thee in the church; for unto them is his calling, that all things might be revealed unto them, whatsoever I will, according to their faith.

10 And verily I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better.

11 And it shall be given thee, also, to make a selection of sacred hymns, as it shall be given thee, which is pleasing unto me, to be had in my church.

12 For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.

Counsel for Faithfulness

Study note

Emma is counseled to delight in her husband's calling, lay aside worldly things, seek for a better world, and keep the covenants she has made.

13 Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made.

14 Continue in the spirit of meekness, and beware of pride. Let thy soul delight in thy husband, and the glory which shall come upon him.

15 Keep my commandments continually, and a crown of righteousness thou shalt receive. And except thou do this, where I am you cannot come.

16 And verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my voice unto all. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 25

The song of the righteous is a prayerWomen's calling and spiritual leadershipCompiling sacred hymnsSupporting a spouse in spiritual ministryLaying aside the things of this world

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 25 12 Colossians 3:16

The instruction about singing hymns connects to Paul's counsel to teach and admonish one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.

D&C 25 1 2 John 1:1

Emma's title 'elect lady' connects to the elder John's greeting to the elect lady and her children, suggesting a title of spiritual distinction.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 25

Emma's revelation teaches that every family member has a divine calling of their own. The declaration that 'the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me' elevates music and worship as genuine forms of communication with God. When we sing hymns with sincerity, we are literally praying.

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