D&C 57

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 57

Received on July 20, 1831, in Independence, Jackson County, Missouri. This landmark revelation designated the land of Zion—Independence, Missouri, was identified as the center place. The specific lot for the future temple was identified, and instructions were given for purchasing land and establishing a settlement.

Scripture

The Land of Zion Designated

Study note

Independence, Missouri, is declared the center place of Zion, and the temple lot is identified west of the courthouse.

1 Hearken, O ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God, who have assembled yourselves together, according to my commandments, in this land, which is the land of Missouri, which is the land which I have appointed and consecrated for the gathering of the saints.

2 Wherefore, this is the land of promise, and the place for the city of Zion.

3 And thus saith the Lord your God, if you will receive wisdom here is wisdom. Behold, the place which is now called Independence is the center place; and a spot for the temple is lying westward, upon a lot which is not far from the courthouse.

4 Wherefore, it is wisdom that the land should be purchased by the saints, and also every tract lying westward, even unto the line running directly between Jew and Gentile;

5 And also every tract bordering by the prairies, inasmuch as my disciples are enabled to buy lands. Behold, this is wisdom, that they may obtain it for an everlasting inheritance.

Instructions for Establishing Zion

Study note

Sidney Gilbert is to establish a store, W.W. Phelps is to operate a printing press, and Oliver Cowdery is to assist with publishing.

6 And let my servant Sidney Gilbert stand in the office to which I have appointed him, to receive moneys, to be an agent unto the church, to buy land in all the regions round about, inasmuch as can be done in righteousness, and as wisdom shall direct.

7 And let my servant Edward Partridge stand in the office to which I have appointed him, and divide unto the saints their inheritance, even as I have commanded; and also those whom he has appointed to assist him.

8 And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant Sidney Gilbert plant himself in this place, and establish a store, that he may sell goods without fraud, that he may obtain money to buy lands for the good of the saints, and that he may obtain whatsoever things the disciples may need to plant them in their inheritance.

9 And also let my servant Sidney Gilbert obtain a license—behold here is wisdom, and whoso readeth let him understand—that he may send goods also unto the people, even by whom he will as clerks employed in his service;

10 And thus provide for my saints, that my gospel may be preached unto those who sit in darkness and in the region and shadow of death.

11 And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant William W. Phelps be planted in this place, and be established as a printer unto the church.

12 And lo, if the world receive his writings—behold here is wisdom—let him obtain whatsoever he can obtain in righteousness, for the good of the saints.

Purchasing Land and Gathering by Covenant

Study note

The Saints are instructed to purchase land wisely and gather according to the Lord's counsel, not by force or haste.

13 And let my servant Oliver Cowdery assist him, even as I have commanded, in whatsoever place I shall appoint unto him, to copy, and to correct, and select, that all things may be right before me, as it shall be proved by the Spirit through him.

14 And thus let those of whom I have spoken be planted in the land of Zion, as speedily as can be, with their families, to do those things even as I have spoken.

15 And now concerning the gathering—Let the bishop and the agent make preparations for those families which have been commanded to come to this land, as soon as possible, and plant them in their inheritance.

16 And unto the residue of both elders and members further directions shall be given hereafter. Even so. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 57

The identification of Zion's center placeThe temple as the spiritual heart of ZionBuilding Zion through righteous settlement, not forcePractical planning: stores, printing, and land purchaseThe convergence of spiritual vision and temporal effortPatience in the gradual establishment of God's kingdom

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 57 1-3 Isaiah 2:2-3

Isaiah's prophecy that the mountain of the Lord's house would be established in the tops of the mountains and all nations would flow unto it is connected to the identification of Zion.

D&C 57 3-5 Revelation 21:2-3

John's vision of the New Jerusalem coming down from God mirrors the establishment of a holy city centered on the temple.

D&C 57 13-14 Jeremiah 32:6-15

Jeremiah purchased a field as a sign of hope for future restoration, just as the Saints were instructed to purchase land in Zion as an act of faith.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 57

The designation of Independence as Zion's center place electrified the early Saints, but the Lord's instruction to purchase land legally and gather patiently teaches an important principle: God's kingdom advances through righteous means, not through compulsion or shortcuts. Building Zion—whether a physical community or a spiritual condition—requires patience, planning, and obedience to law. The identification of a temple as the first priority reminds us that worship is the foundation of any godly community. Whatever we build for the Lord should start with making space for Him at the center.

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