Friday, June 17, 2022

Reynolds and Sjodahl: The "Great and Dreadful Day of the Lord" (cf. Malachi 4/3 Nephi 25/D&C 87) Started with the U.S. Civil War

  

A careful reading of the Revelation on wars (Doctrine and Covenants, Section 87) leads us to the conclusion that the "great and dreadful day of the Lord" actually dawned upon the world with that shot that was fired on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, January 9, 1861, and of which it is said: "It was heard around the world." The revelation predicts the Civil War (Ibid., 1), and further predicts that it is only the beginning of greater catastrophies that are yet to follow. "Then," it says, "war shall be poured out upon all nations." (v. 3) Section 87 also foretells of labor disputes and Indian uprisings, sword and bloodshed famine, plague, earthquakes, thunder and lightnings, until the consummation decreed shall have made an end of all nations-all human governments. "Wherefore," the Lord says, "stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come." That is, until all these things take place; "For, behold it cometh quickly, saith the Lord." (v. 8) (George Reynolds and Janne M. Sjodahl, Commentary on the Book of Mormon, 7 vols. [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1976], 7:206-7)

 

On the U.S. Civil War and D&C 87, see the relevant blog posts at:


Resources on Joseph Smith's Prophecies