D&C 85:7 “And it shall come to pass that I, the Lord God, will send one mighty and strong, holding the scepter of power in his hand, clothed with light for a covering, whose mouth shall utter words, eternal words; while his bowels shall be a fountain of truth, to set in order the house of God, and to arrange by lot the inheritances of the saints whose names are found, and the names of their fathers, and of their children, enrolled in the book of the law of God;”
Study Insights
D&C 85:7 – The Voice of Warning to Those Who Ignore the Order of God (November 1832)
Doctrine and Covenants 85:7 is a profound verse nestled within a short but powerful revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith on November 27, 1832, in Kirtland, Ohio. This verse is part of a larger instruction concerning the keeping of church records and the proper order within the House of God, but it takes a sharp and unforgettable turn into a solemn prophetic warning. It reminds us that God is not indifferent to disobedience, especially when it concerns His appointed order and commandments. The verse reads: “And it shall come to pass that I, the Lord God, will send one mighty and strong, holding the scepter of power in his hand, clothed with light for a covering, whose mouth shall utter words, eternal words; while his bowels shall be a fountain of truth, to set in order the house of God…”
The “One Mighty and Strong” Prophecy
This verse has stirred much reflection and study over the years due to its striking imagery and powerful promise. The “one mighty and strong” is depicted in poetic yet commanding terms—a figure ordained by God to bring divine order and justice. Clothed in celestial power and truth, this person is not merely a symbolic messenger but a real and decisive agent of divine correction. The scepter in hand signals rightful authority. The light for a covering suggests holiness and revelation. The fountain of truth evokes purity, wisdom, and unceasing divine guidance.
At the time, the Saints were attempting to build up the city of Zion in Missouri—a place where consecration, unity, and divine order were expected to flourish. Yet, as tensions escalated and some failed to live according to revealed instructions, concerns about disobedience and spiritual chaos became urgent. The Lord’s message in this verse was both a warning and a promise: if those appointed to carry out sacred responsibilities failed in their duties, the Lord would send someone with divine authority to replace them and restore righteousness.
A Timeless Reminder of Divine Accountability
Though originally tied to early Church administration in the 1830s, D&C 85:5 transcends its historical moment. It speaks to every era of the Church—and to every individual—about the importance of fidelity to God’s commandments and respect for His order. This verse teaches that the Lord governs His kingdom with justice, not chaos, and that He will always raise up servants to preserve His work.
There is also personal application here. Just as the Lord seeks to “set in order” His Church, He also seeks to set in order our lives. The imagery of one “clothed with light” and speaking “eternal words” invites us to seek divine guidance and truth in a world that often drifts from spiritual clarity. It encourages all who serve in God’s kingdom—whether by calling or covenant—to do so with integrity and devotion.
D&C 85:7 is not merely a prophecy—it is a call to action. It is a heavenly trumpet warning against complacency and disorder. And it is a glorious assurance that God’s house will never fall into ruin, for He will always send His chosen servants, mighty and strong, to lift it up.
