Revelation of God

The story of the Children of Israel is filled with symbolism. Moses delivered the Children of Israel from Egypt and brought them to the Promised Land, literally showing that Jesus liberates those who believe in him from the captivity of sin allowing those who believe in him, his children, to reach the Promised Land or heaven. Along the way, Moses received the law of God in Mount Sinai, they traveled in the wilderness for 40 days, and then Joshua, which means Jehovah saves and the Hebrew equivalent of the Greek name Jesus, brought them across the Jordan River and into the Promised Land, just as Jesus helps us cross into heaven.

This theme is also present in the New Testament, except, prophets aren’t symbolizing Jesus, but rather He was on the Earth. But it is important to note, that fifty days after the resurrection of Christ, the Pentecost occurred just as it was represented by Moses, after he lead the Children of Israel from Egypt for fifty days.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has much of the same symbolism. After the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ, a temple was built, the modern equivalent of a mountain, and there the Lord gave his law. After this, the early saints were driven from Kirkland, Ohio then to Nauvoo and finally on to Salt Lake City. They were lead by Brigham Young who some call the American Moses.

I bring up this symbolism because section 42 of the Doctrine and Covenants is sometimes called the Law. Just as Moses received the Law on Mount Sinai, just as the Pentecost in the New Testament, section 42 of the Doctrine and Covenants was given to the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This revelation is significant because it establishes rules and commandments that Latter-Day Saints are to live by. Such as verse 22 which says, “Thou shalt love thy wife with all they heart, and cleave unto her and none else” or verse 30 that says, “thou wilt remember the poor.”

The Lord had promised this revelation earlier in section 39 of the Doctrine and Covenants. In verse 32 He says, “Wherefore, for this cause I gave unto the commandment that ye should go to the Ohio; and there I will give unto you my law; and there you shall be endowed with power from on high.” We declare that God reveals commandments and counsel concerning man through a living prophet. Section 42is the supreme example.