Section 113 is one of the distinctive sections in the Doctrine and Covenants that reads like a question-and-answer session with God. The beginning introduces us to a pattern with the revelatory formula, “Thus saith the Lord…” To better understand the context behind the questions, the Lord’s answers, and the original text in Isaiah, we invited two biblical scholars to join us on the podcast and answer a few of our own questions.
Hebrew Class Links:
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Textbook: BYU Store
Note:
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Email rebecca.miller2@byu.edu for more information!
Segment 1
Scriptures:
Joseph Smith–History 1:29-30 (Joseph’s prayer of understanding)
Joseph Smith–History 1:40 (Isaiah 11 was about to be fulfilled)
D&C 113
Isaiah 11:11-16 (An ensign for the nations)
Words of the General Authorities:
Our latitude and longitude can be determined in the original Hebrew with far greater accuracy than in the English version. There is a grand distinction between the actual meaning of the Prophets and the present translation. (Joseph Smith, "History, 1838–1856, volume D-1 [1 August 1842–1 July 1843]", p. 1523, The Joseph Smith Papers)
Translations:
Thus saith the Lord - (Revelatory formula)
Quotes:
Reading the Bible in translation is like kissing your new bride through a veil. (Haim Nachman Bialik)
If you pray for an angel to visit you, you know what he’ll do if he comes. He'll just quote the scriptures to you—so you’re wasting your time waiting for what we already have. (Hugh Nibley, Approaching Zion)
Segment 2
Scriptures:
D&C 113:1-2 (The stem of Jesse is Christ)
Isaiah 11:1-5 (Christ’s judgement)
Translations:
Spirit - Ruach = breath or spirit (Hebrew)
Segment 3
Scriptures:
D&C 113:3-4 (The rod is a servant of Christ)
D&C 124:1 (Weak things becoming strong)
Translations:
Rod - choter = branch or twig or shoot (Hebrew)
Trunk - geza = strong base trunk of a tree, stem (Hebrew)
Words of the General Authorities:
Joseph of the Old Testament prophesied of the Prophet Joseph Smith in these words:
Thus saith the Lord unto me: A choice seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and he shall be esteemed highly among the fruit of thy loins...and unto him will I give power to bring forth my word...for the thing, which the Lord shall bring forth by his hand, by the power of the Lord shall bring my people unto salvation...and out of weakness he shall be made strong (2 Ne. 3:7,11,15,13).
This last phrase must have comforted Joseph Smith, for although he was strong of body, mind, and character, he was weak by almost every other earthly measure. As I share with you stories and facts about the Prophet Joseph Smith, please keep in mind the phrase--"out of weakness he shall be made strong"--and consider three questions: How can weakness lead to strength? How was Joseph Smith made strong out of weakness? And, what does this mean for me? (Marcus B. Nash, “And Out of Weakness He Shall Be Made Strong”, BYU-I Devotionals delivered on November 12, 2013)
Segment 4
Scriptures:
D&C 113:5-6 (The root is someone with the keys of the kingdom)
D&C 115:3-6 (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a standard for the nations)
Translations:
Ensign - Flag or banner, any signal to assemble or give notice (Webster’s 1828 Dictionary)
Segment 5
Scriptures:
D&C 113:7-8 (The strength of Zion is the Priesthood)
Isaiah 52:1-2 (Awake and arise)
Romans 6:3-7 (Symbolism in baptism)
Words of the General Authorities:
God teaches with symbols; it is his favorite method of teaching. (Orson F. Whitney, “Latter-day Saint Ideals and Institutions”, MIA Conference June 12, 1927, also recorded in August 1927 Improvement Era)
Every woman and every man who makes covenants with God and keeps those covenants, and who participates worthily in priesthood ordinances, has direct access to the power of God. (Russell M. Nelson, “Spiritual Treasures”, October 2019 General Conference)
Translations:
Zion - siyyon = fortress or castle (Hebrew)
Repent - shuv = return, especially return to God (Hebrew)
Coat of Skin - katenot or = coat of skin or garment of light (Hebrew)
Books:
175 Temple Symbols and Their Meanings by Donald W. Parry
Segment 6
Scriptures:
D&C 113:9-10 (The bands are scattered Israel)
Words of the General Authorities:
My dear young brothers and sisters, these surely are the latter days, and the Lord is hastening His work to gather Israel. That gathering is the most important thing taking place on earth today. Nothing else compares in magnitude, nothing else compares in importance, nothing else compares in majesty. (Russell M. Nelson, “Hope of Israel”, Worldwide Youth Devotional, 3 June 2018)
Jesus Christ helps us mend, reconcile, make right our relationships, on both sides of the veil. Jesus can heal grief; He can enable forgiveness. He can free us and others from things we or they have said or done that otherwise bind us captive. (Gerrit W. Gong, “Eternity’s Great Gifts: Jesus Christ’s Atonement, Resurrection, Restoration”, April 2025 General Conference)
View transcript here.