D&C 71

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 71

Received December 1, 1831, in Hiram, Ohio. Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon were commanded to cease their work on the Bible translation temporarily and go forth to preach. Ezra Booth and others had been publishing hostile newspaper articles against the Church, and the Lord directed them to confound these enemies through public preaching and debate.

Scripture

Commission to Preach and Confound Enemies

Study note

Joseph and Sidney are called to proclaim the gospel and confound their opponents. They are promised power to overcome those who oppose the truth.

1 Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon, that the time has verily come that it is necessary and expedient in me that you should open your mouths in proclaiming my gospel, the things of the kingdom, expounding the mysteries thereof out of the scriptures, according to that portion of Spirit and power which shall be given unto you, even as I will.

2 Verily I say unto you, proclaim unto the world in the regions round about, and in the church also, for the space of a season, even until it shall be made known unto you.

3 Verily this is a mission for a season, which I give unto you.

4 Wherefore, labor ye in my vineyard. Call upon the inhabitants of the earth, and bear record, and prepare the way for the commandments and revelations which are to come.

Promise of Divine Support

Study note

The Lord promises that no weapon formed against them shall prosper. Those who raise their voice against the Lord's anointed shall be confounded in His own due time.

5 Now, behold this is wisdom; whoso readeth, let him understand and receive also;

6 For unto him that receiveth it shall be given more abundantly, even power.

7 Wherefore, confound your enemies; call upon them to meet you both in public and in private; and inasmuch as ye are faithful their shame shall be made manifest.

8 Wherefore, let them bring forth their strong reasons against the Lord.

9 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you—there is no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper;

10 And if any man lift his voice against you he shall be confounded in mine own due time.

11 Wherefore, keep my commandments; they are true and faithful. Even so. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 71

Defending the faith through preachingGod's protection against enemies of truthResponding to criticism with testimonyTemporary reassignment of dutiesNo weapon formed against the righteous prospers

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 71 7-8 Isaiah 54:17

The promise that no weapon formed against the Saints shall prosper echoes Isaiah's declaration of divine protection for the Lord's servants.

D&C 71 9-11 Matthew 10:19-20

The promise that they would be given what to say mirrors Christ's assurance to His apostles that the Spirit would speak through them when brought before opponents.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 71

When we face criticism or attacks on our faith, the Lord's counsel is not to retreat but to respond with courage and testimony. Rather than matching hostility with hostility, we are called to confound opposition through the power of truth and the Spirit. In our modern world of social media attacks and public criticism, this revelation reminds us that God will vindicate those who faithfully defend His work. Our best response to opposition is not silence but faithful, Spirit-guided declaration of the truth.

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