verse 1 His first
prediction was that war would occur. The spirit of prophecy directed him to
declare that there definitely would be a war between the states. Of course,
this war did take place and is known to us as the Civil War—between 1861 and
1865. Take note of the fact that the word “wars” in verse 1 is plural. The
revelation predicts more than just the Civil War.
Joseph prophesied that South
Caroline would take the initiative. On April 12, 1861, the Confederate forces
laid siege to Fort Sumter. This fort, garrisoned by United States troops, was
located in the harbor off Charleston, South Carolina. Indeed, South Carolina
did take the initiative.
He further prophesied that this
war would bring death to many. As it turned out, the Civil War was one of the bloodiest
wars in history. The number killed or wounded varies considerable depending
upon the source you choose to believe. Most Civil War studies give casualty figures
in excess of 600,000. One indication of just how high the losses were is shown
by a comparison with casualties in other U.S. wars. The aggregate figure for
the Civil War is usually held to be about 618,000 (360,000 North, 258,000
South). The next highest casualty figure is for World War II, during which
318,000 died. World War II is followed by World War I with 115,000. Other
casualty figures include: The American Revolution—4,044; War of 1812—2,200; Mexican
War—13,270; Korean War—33,000; and Vietnam War—46,616.
verse 2 The prophecy on
war was not limited to the Civil War. It also included wars in other nations.
IN fact, the prophecy declared that “war will be poured out upon all nations.”
Since the Civil War, wars have occurred with greater frequency and warfare has
become more severe. It has been reported that there have been over 245 wars
between World War II and the year 1983.
verse 3 The Prophet
foretold the nature of the antagonists in this conflict. He specifically stated
that the North would fight the South, which is in fact what occurred. Joseph
also prophesied that the southern states would call upon Great Britain and
other nations for aid. Once war broke out, the South did send commissioners to
various European nations to seek diplomatic recognition and military aid.
verse 4 “slaves shall rise
up against their masters” Daniel H. Wells (Millennial Star 27:186-87)
stated: “Many of the slaves formerly belonging to the southern states have been
marshalled and disciplined for war by the North and arrayed in deadly combat
against their former masters. On July 10, 1863, a federal officer wrote: Forty
thousand strong are already in the service. They are destined to wield the
sword of just retribution, to teach their former masters which of them is the
superior race.”
verse 5 The “remnants” are
the Indians. Just when, and to what extent, the Indians will “vex the gentiles
with a sore vexation” remains to be seen in the future.
verse 6 This verse refers
to the final cleansing of the earth at the beginning of the Millennium.
verse 8 So what do we do? “stand
ye in holy places, and be not moved.” In other words, do the right thing and
remain calm. Many designate “holy places” as the stakes of Zion.
Critics of the Prophet Joseph have
maintained that this revelation was not published until after the Civil War. It
is true that the revelation was not published in the Doctrine and Covenants
until 1876. It was published, however, in the Pearl of Great Price in 1851.
Furthermore, the leaders of the Church were fully aware of Joseph’s prophecy as
early as the 1830s. Orson Pratt, for example, recalled: “When I was a boy, I
traveled extensively in the United States and the Canadas, preaching this
restored gospel. I had a manuscript copy of the revelation [Section 87] which I
carried in my pocket, and I was in the habit of reading it to the people among
whom I traveled and preached.” (JD 13:135) (Michael J. Preece, Learning
to Love the Doctrine and Covenants [Salt Lake City: MJP Publishing, Inc.,
1988], 201-3)
Further Reading:
