D&C 96

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 96

Received June 4, 1833, in Kirtland, Ohio. This revelation addressed the disposition of the temple lot in Kirtland and assigned specific stewardships over the land. John Johnson was given a particular stewardship, and the general arrangement of the properties surrounding the temple was outlined.

Scripture

Disposition of the Temple Lot

Study note

The First Presidency is given charge over the Kirtland temple lot. The arrangement of surrounding properties is to be determined by the Presidency and the United Order.

1 Behold, I say unto you, here is wisdom, whereby ye may know how to act concerning this matter, for it is expedient in me that this stake that I have set for the strength of Zion should be made strong.

2 Therefore, let my servant Newel K. Whitney take charge of the place which is named among you, upon which I design to build mine holy house.

3 And again, let it be divided into lots, according to wisdom, for the benefit of those who seek inheritances, as it shall be determined in council among you.

4 Therefore, take heed that ye see to this matter, and that portion that is necessary to benefit mine order, for the purpose of bringing forth my word to the children of men.

5 For behold, verily I say unto you, this is the most expedient in me, that my word should go forth unto the children of men, for the purpose of subduing the hearts of the children of men for your good. Even so. Amen.

John Johnson's Stewardship

Study note

John Johnson is appointed a stewardship over surrounding land. He is to be a member of the order and faithful in managing his assigned property for the benefit of the community.

6 And again, verily I say unto you, it is wisdom and expedient in me, that my servant John Johnson whose offering I have accepted, and whose prayers I have heard, unto whom I give a promise of eternal life inasmuch as he keepeth my commandments from henceforth—

7 For he is a descendant of Joseph and a partaker of the blessings of the promise made unto his fathers—

8 Verily I say unto you, it is expedient in me that he should become a member of the order, that he may assist in bringing forth my word unto the children of men.

9 Therefore ye shall ordain him unto this blessing, and he shall seek diligently to take away incumbrances that are upon the house named among you, that he may dwell therein. Even so. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 96

Sacred stewardship over temple landsFirst Presidency's authority over sacred propertiesIndividual stewardships within the communityOrganized management of the Lord's resourcesFaithfulness in temporal assignments

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 96 1-3 Ezekiel 48:8-12

The careful disposition of land around the temple echoes Ezekiel's detailed vision of the land allotments surrounding the future temple in Jerusalem, showing God's orderly approach to sacred geography.

D&C 96 6-9 Matthew 25:21

The assignment of stewardship with the expectation of faithful management reflects Christ's parable of the talents and the commendation given to faithful stewards.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 96

The careful attention God gives to the arrangement of land around His temple teaches us that the environment surrounding sacred things matters. How we manage the resources and stewardships around our spiritual lives—our homes, our communities, our relationships—affects our ability to worship and grow. Every stewardship, even one involving real estate, becomes sacred when it is given by the Lord and managed with faithfulness. The mundane becomes holy when dedicated to God's purposes.

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